Russell "Russ" Brooksbank
Libertarian | Indiana
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Russell "Russ" Brooksbank
Party
Libertarian
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 9
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Withrow High School, Cincinnati, Diploma, 1989
WORK & MILITARY
U.S. Army Reserve, Specialist, 6.5
Bristol Group, Batch Plant Operator, 1.5
Advance Ready Mix, Diesel Mechanic, 14
Chaz Concrete LLC, Dispatcher, 3
AFFILIATIONS
Libertarian Party of Clark County, Chairman, Teamster Local 89
Chief Steward, Northside Christian Church, Member
Liberty Loves Food Pantry, Founder, Pro-Life Libertarian Caucus
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Clarksville Town Council, 2019, 2023
US House of Representatives, 2016
State House of Representatives Dist 71, 2014, 2020
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (1)
Abolish Abortion Political Action Committee (AAPAC)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
The role of government is to secure our rights. Nobody has a right to kill a child because they are inconvenient. Nobody should be forced to pay taxes in order to support abortion.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Strongly Agree
If we are going to allow it then it needs to be as safe for the mother as we can make it. They should be monitored and all adverse reactions and outcomes should be reported in order to ensure safety.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
The only two situations where I believe an elective abortion should be allowed are: 1) If the mother is going to die without it and 2) In cases of rape. I agree though with the doctors who say that it is never necessary to kill the child to save the mother. Effort should be made to save both even if that means an early delivery of the child. In cases of rape I am torn. One violation of the non aggression principle doesn't warrant another. I still can't force a woman to carry her rapists child.
Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?
No, the federal government does not have a role. The SCOTUS has, rightfully, determined that it is an issue for the states. I would, however, propose and vote for a Personhood Amendment to the constitution defining legal personhood as starting at conception. This would end the legal argument in my opinion. I don't think this will end abortion though. People do illegal things all the time. Where I believe we will make the most progress is, as Dr Ron Paul says, with a change of attitudes. It's not a legal issue. It's a heart issue. We need to create a society where pregnant women are loved, supported, and celebrated. We need to create a society where rape victims are supported instead of shamed. We need to love and support one another. This is not the role of government. This is OUR responsibility.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
It means, as Jesus said, render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's. This country is not, and should not be, a theocracy. We should be free to worship whomever we please.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Individuals and business owners have the freedom of association.
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
D most closely resembles my view. Our founders warned us about getting caught up in Europe's wars. They also warned us against entangling alliances. We cannot, and should not, be the policemen of the world. We should bring all our troops home and worry about defending our borders.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
I agree that China is a country we have to be concerned about. I also believe that a military solution is not the answer. If we minded our own business and traded with China peacefully then we would eventually win them over. Nobody wants to go to war with a country they are doing business with.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
It's important in that they are an ally in the region, but we should not be sending any aid to them, or any other country.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
I think it would have to do with the poor treatment of veterans. Why sign up if they won't keep the promise to take care of you if something happens?
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Government or school: none Employer: whenever they want
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
D matches my view. I want government out of the marketplace and my healthcare.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
I would eliminate all taxes. There are ways to finance government services that don't require forcibly taxing the citizens.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
If you took out the loan then you need to pay it back.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
The only criteria that should be used is: Does this secure the rights of the citizens? If it doesn't do that then the government shouldn't invest in it.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Neutral
The southern border would be a great place to station all the troops when we close all the bases in foreign countries.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Anyone who is peaceful.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
Anything we can do to get kids out of public schools is fine by me.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Agree
Nobody knows your children better than you. Nobody knows the educational needs of your community better than you. The federal government needs to get out of education and let the local communities handle it. Not a single education metric has improved since the creation of the Department of Education. Time to close it down.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Agree
I would do that by eliminating the taxes paid by people for those departments. Then the community would be free to invest in whatever programs worked for them.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
None. The second amendment says "shall not be infringed"
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
We don't need to change the seat number every time we get a decision we disagree with.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Moderate
Socially liberal and fiscally conservative
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The ONLY purpose of government is to secure our rights.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No
VALUES
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Neutral
Government should be out of the marriage business all together. Let each individual define what marriage is for them.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Agree
Children should be protected from abuse. This includes the abuse endured by children who do not fit into society's little mold. I agree that grooming children is wrong. Children should be free to explore who they are and come to their own conclusions without the added influence of society. I'm not in favor of any gender affirming surgery for children. Children cannot consent. Those decisions should be made when they are adults.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Taxpayer funds should only be used to secure our rights.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I consider myself a Christian. My values are simple. I try to live the golden rule and the great commission.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
Election integrity demands that people prove who they are when casting a vote.
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College is an essential stopgap against tyranny, and ensures that each state is represented in the process Those who oppose it don't really understand it in my opinion.
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Disagree
Institutions aren't racist. People are.
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Disagree
I understand the fear. I get it. There are people in this world though who suffer from body and gender dysphoria. I believe they should be able to use whatever facility they identify with.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Strongly Disagree
I believe it is a cyclical occurrence and man has very little to do with it.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Nuclear
