Greg Merk
Republican | Florida
Candidate Profile
Conservative (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Greg Merk
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 1
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Marion Military Institute, Marion, AL, AA, 1985
SUNY Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, BS, 1989
Georgetown University, Washington DC, MSF, 2021
WORK & MILITARY
US NAVY, LCDR O-4, 10.5
US AIR FORCE, Major, 10.5
AFFILIATIONS
Faith Baptist Church, Missionary Committee, Trinitas Christian School
Baseball Coach, East Hill Christian School, Varsity Baseball Coach
Ted Cruz 2016, Regional Campaign Manager
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
Previous Races
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Jon Gregory Litton (2021)
Ted Cruz (2016)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
Ballotpedia 2020 Survey.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I believe God created man in His image, and life begins at conception.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
Society has been canceling God for decades, and these laws are further proof. They diminish the Creator's preeminence as the giver and taker of life while posing a threat to life and liberty. As healthcare moves toward a socialized system (with Medicare already on track to insolvency), it is not difficult to imagine a day when medical bureaucrats have the authority to deny life-saving procedures based solely on budget constraints.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I do not believe there are any reasonable circumstances to allow it. The arguments that push abortion rights are mostly strawmen (i.e., ectopic pregnancies) and ignore the reality that abortion is almost exclusively for convenience. Life begins at conception, and little argument remains from that point of reference.
ECONOMY
Redistribution of income is needed to lessen the gap between the wealthy and working classes.
Strongly Disagree
Redistribution of wealth is an attack on liberty and free-market capitalism. It is both a national and global agenda designed to control the masses. (Controlling the wealth is key to controlling the masses.)
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Strongly Agree
Tax revenues are not sufficient to cover current spending levels and as long as this continues the debt will rise. And with rising interest rates, just servicing the increasing debt will become impossible. This could lead to a collapse of the USD and a default on the debt which would be devastating for the American way of life.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
I favor a flat tax for every American, regardless of income level.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
This is fundamental to the US Constitution. Religion is under attack, especially/specifically Christianity. Cultural Marxism has infiltrated every area of society and seeks to transform America from one nation under God to one nation without God.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
What should be the relationship between the church and the state?
The church must be protected from the federal government. That IS what the 1st Amendment sought to achieve, not the other way around. The Founders wanted to escape a society where the state ruled over the church. The intention written into the US Constitution was 2-fold - prohibit the formation of a national religion while not prohibiting individual free exercise thereof. We were to worship freely without the oppression/control of the federal government.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
NONE!
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)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
C, however, not an endorsement for Medicare/Medicaid. The government ruins every market it touches, and Medicare is no exception. Price controls, predetermined payouts, regulations et al., have pushed healthcare costs higher for decades and brought havoc to our healthcare system. Reforms are needed as Medicare will be bankrupt in 10 years. And when that happens, single-payer socialized medicine for all will be their default option, and Americans will be saddled with another government-run system that fails to deliver.
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.
C. Foreign policy should be measured against what is in America's best economic and national security interests and ALL foreign policy decisions must be pro-America and America-first.
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Strongly Disagree
If there was a choice stronger than "strongly disagree" I would choose that. Antti-Semitism is worldwide and the lies about Israel even ring out from some in our own Congress. BDS is a blatant Anti-Semitic attack rooted in lies and hatred. The Palestinian leadership is not interested in peaceful coexistence but in the total destruction of Israel.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
China's ambitions must be taken seriously. America's reliance on Chinese goods poses a national security risk and US economic and trade policy must address the seriousness of this issue.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Having toured throughout the Middle East, I understand that economic prosperity supersedes Islamic fundamentalist terrorism for many in that region. Kuwaitis enjoy enormous wealth through oil revenue sharing. As a result, the country is very safe. The countries exporting the most terrorism are among the richest in natural resources. US policy should focus on encouraging the homegrown economic development of those resources in a way that benefits their citizenry. In the meantime, we must continue to build the strongest military and intelligence apparatus in the world
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
From the wall to the stay in Mexico policy. Our southern border is an unmitigated disaster that poses a national and economic security threat. Not only do we not know who is coming across the border, but the millions crossing are putting enormous pressure on healthcare, education, and social programs. Illegal immigration costs taxpayers tens of billions every year and needs to be stopped
State and federal funds shall be denied to any public or private entity, such as a sanctuary city, that is not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
Furthermore, only US citizens or those here legally should be eligible for federal subsistence.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
At a minimum...No criminal history; can pass a basic US civics and English skills exam; possess verifiable funds available equal to 1-year of income under US Poverty Guidelines. Preference should be given to those with needed skills.
VALUES
Sexual orientation and gender identity should be protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
When the truth is supplanted by imagination, chaos ensues. The sogi debate is causing division and confusion in our schools, the workplace, athletic arenas, et al. The movement is not about peaceful coexistence but forced compliance and is a threat to children and the traditional family. Gender is a matter of biological science and legislation that does not affirm this should be rejected.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
CRT masquerades as if rooted in history but it is just another Marxist movement designed to divide, transform and engage in widespread redistribution of wealth. I categorically reject it entirely. I also believe the Federal Department of Education should be eliminated.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I (and mankind) was born in sin, and sin requires atonement. I believe the death of Jesus Christ and His shed blood provided that atonement, payment in full (John 3:16). I believe Christ was God in the flesh, born of a virgin, lived without sin (making Him the only and perfect sacrifice), died on the cross at Calvary, rose again on the 3rd day, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He has gifted us according to His measure and calls us to live in a manner that honors and glorifies Christ. My politics are rooted in a Biblical worldview.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
Laws not requiring photo ID have nothing to do with ensuring equal opportunity to vote. Instead, they open the door to voter fraud.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Mandatory photo identification to vote. Stick requirements for absentee voting. No months-long, extended voting timelines. At most, voting should open up the weekend prior to election day and run to Tuesday.
EQUALITY
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
This is absurd on every level.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Certainly not. The progressive lie is that America is systemically racist, which I categorically reject. It exists in some individuals and is not bound to any single ethnic group. Nevertheless, it does not pose a threat to domestic security but, again, is a false narrative designed to divide, transform and redistribute wealth.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Strongly Agree
Our energy independence is synonymous with our national security. America should never be held hostage by energy-rich countries that hate us, especially given that we possess a massive abundance of these resources. We must support energy independence, and that means drilling and fracking oil and natural gas.
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
A. Too many US regulations are job-killing economic disasters. Regulations should support public safety while supporting free-market growth. Regulations can and must do both.
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?
Very Conservative
I have summarized my views on a t-shirt - Christian, American, Heterosexual, Pro-life, Staunch 2A, Right-wing, Conservative Republican.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdwnJeLL7Rc https://www.facebook.com/votemerk/videos/689365189155227 https://www.facebook.com/gregory.merk/videos/537171414281446
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
Economic Plan - return the federal budget to the pre-covid level, then cut 1% per year for the next 10 years. Make Trump tax cuts permanent. Cut onerous regulations. Fight against the lie of manmade climate change (the greatest threat to free markets and the US economy). Secure the border. Rebuild our military. Support energy independence. And eliminate the Department of Education.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Agree
Our police officers and first responders put their lives on the line every day, much like those of us who served in the US military. The politically motivated attacks and prosecutions of police officers sow distrust, endangering the police officer(s) and the communities they protect.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
This supports numerous previous comments. This is not about public safety but the redistribution of wealth. And it will only hurt public safety efforts. More Marxism in America.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The 2nd Amendment is America's last line of defense against tyranny. Every evil tyrant of the 20th century understood prerequisite to their revolution was disarming the people. We can not allow that to happen here. If you are a convicted felon or sex offender, you have forfeited numerous rights, including the 2A. For law-abiding Americans, the 2nd Amendment is critical to our right of self-protection and our defense against tyranny.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
People kill, not gun manufacturers. This movement is part of the attack on the 2nd Amendment. When all-out abolishment of the 2A fails, perhaps they can put gun manufacturers out of business.
