Mark Neese
Republican | Texas
Candidate Profile
Conservative (Conditional)
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Mark Neese
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist.13
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Ouachita Baptist University, BA, 1989
Dallas Baptist University, MA, 1994
Dallas Baptist University, Doctoral Student
WORK & MILITARY
US Army, 2nd Lieutenant, 1989
AFFILIATIONS
Montague County Child Welfare Board, Board Member, Head Start ESC Region 9
Bowie Community Member, First Baptist Bowie, Children's Minister
Bowie Elementary School, Counselor
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Jonathan Stickland (2014)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
My faith in God guides me as a husband and father. Because of this, I understand Psalm 139:13-14 describes how human life is created in the womb. I believe protection begins at conception because all life is sacred. My wife was adopted by loving parents and though we may never know her biological mother and father, I am extremely grateful to them for giving her (and therefore my son) life. I can imagine no circumstances where I could believe she, our son, or anyone else should be aborted unless an extreme situation where the mother's life is threatened. Encouraging and assisting every woman who chooses to have her child is also important. I believe this will encourage more women to never consider abortion.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
I believe it is important for our government to discuss the increased cost of the program and guard the funding for the maximum use by citizens. Citizens need to be able to count on their future and the future of others. Do not sacrifice the future of others by only addressing current needs. A future focused approach should be discussed to ensure appropriate benefits for current and future generations.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
When balancing our spending at our home, we make decisions based upon what is essential. I believe government spending should do the same and start by managing our debt and reducing the deficit. This would require a reduction in many areas with government overreach. I would support reducing programs which may be enabling Americans to stay in poverty and focus on areas which assist people out of poverty.
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
At this time, the only circumstance I would offer paying off student loans is in the case of the loans belonging to someone who is killed or is the spouse or child of someone killed in military service or in their role as a first responder.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
This phrase does not appear in our constitution and has been used to target those with religious beliefs. I interpret this as the idea our government is not to establish a government run religion and should not infringe upon the belief system of those who practice their beliefs.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
I would promote healthcare by: Not allowing complete control of the government. Our government is not operating in a fiscally efficient manner now and adding another program would promote waste and abuse. Supporting processes which assists those with preexisting conditions and helps young adults to remain covered longer under their parents plans. I believe options of choice should be available for those seeking healthcare and it should never be mandated by the government. Seeking ways for our government to assist but not enable is essential to be sure all citizens receive adequate care.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
Pray and practice peace while preparing for war. I believe every person is someone for whom Christ died and we need to be very aware of eradicating this threat in any way possible before claiming lives. My training as an Infantry Officer caused me to deeply study the Bible concerning murder verses killing and how any taking of a life must be specific and justified. Some may feel it is never justified, however, I believe just as they built protection for their families in Nehemiah Chapter 4; we must be prepared to secure our homes and country as well as prepare to fight to protect our boarders and citizens.
IMMIGRATION
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
Employers should be required to use E-verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
My mother became a citizen when I was two years old so this question has significant meaning to me. She is from Canada and married my father while he served in the US Air Force. I believe it is imperative to either enforce current immigration laws or make new ones. The current crisis at our Southern boarder needs to be addressed as quickly and humanely as possible. Anyone entering the United States should be vetted appropriately. Crossing our boarders illegally prolongs the process for those attempting to come to our country legally. I promote the process which allows equitable opportunity for those seeking to come to the United States who seek work, citizenship, or refugee status.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I claim Joshua 24:15 as my life verse. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” I have experienced the changed life Jesus Christ brings to those who believe in His name. I value: LIFE- By Conception (God made all of us in His Image) LIBERTY by Election (Christians are called to be world changers) Pursuit of HAPPINESS by Direction (Directing others to a Loving God.) The guidance of Godly mentors inspired me to embrace my role as a husband and father and create a website and Facebook page called What if Dad to encourage men in their role to be THE father to everyone they encounter.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
Please see Whatifdad.com, the website created to assist fathers in being the spiritual leader for their children. Please see videos of the Children's Message I share most Sunday Mornings at First Baptist Bowie, TX. Previous attendance at the March For Life in Dallas, Texas.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
Never
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I believe service is essential in anyone running for this position and I look forward to serving in this capacity. Please let me know how your answers agree with mine, or give me insight into how yours are different. I believe listening to others assists in my understanding in the needs of this district and I encourage you to share your thoughts and insights into what would help this district improve.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I believe restrictions on gun ownership penalize those who follow the law. Responsible gun owners assist in public safety as shown in the latest Church shooting near Fort Worth. Individual liberty assists in the elimination of those who would do harm. I believe education in safety and security in schools and public has shown incidents of gun violence being avoided. Increased focus on mental illness is also needed to assist those who would do harm before they access a plan.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
I support BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanction) against Israel if they refuse to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
1. Defund Planned Parenthood and Overturn Roe-V-Wade 2. Defund Sanctuary Cities and support current laws or change them while increasing military Support 3. Increase spending to support our Veterans as well as provide the Best physical and mental care possible.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I see racism as a stumbling block for the United States, but not necessarily a specific threat to domestic security. Matthew 22:37 describes the basic tenants of the Christian faith. Loving God with our heart, soul. and mind and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus shares how there is no room for racism in the believers life. It is our responsibility to love those around us as well as to protect those around us. The Church should set the example of how racism is eliminated by the love of Jesus.
