Russ Harper
Republican | Virginia
Candidate Profile*
Insufficient Information
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Russ Harper
Party
Republican
Election Year
2021
Election
General
Race
House of Delegates, Dist. 94
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Regent University, Virginia Beach, Bachelors, 2014
Regent University, Virginia Beach, Masters, 2016
WORK & MILITARY
US Army, SGT, 13
CRH Colorscapes LLC, Owner, 8
Hope Church, Pastor, 4
AFFILIATIONS
Share Heart in Africa, President, Newport News Republican Party
Member, NRA, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE*
*Additional information was received after the evaluation was assigned and was not considered in the Panel Evaluations, therefore it is for additional educational purposes only.
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
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I believe that no life is an accident. Though some situations are tragic I still have friends who were products of those terrible circumstances and yet they are thriving and helping others simply because their mother chose life. I believe we can effectively overturn roe v wade even if we never legislatively overturn it. Seeking to end it is not a hill I want to die on. I would rather use our resources to help those seeking abortion choose life. We can reinstate the law that women must see and hear the baby before making the decision abort. 80% of women who were given that opportunity chose life. I believe that we can fund crisis pregnancy centers the same way governments fund Planned Parenthood. We can remove red tape and the large expense of adoption. These simple things will allow more women a real opportunity to keep their children. Most women go to abortion clinics because they do not see any other option. I simply want to promote and fund those pro life options and save lives.
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.
Agree
Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Agree
Socialism provides a robust foundation for a stable economy.
Strongly Disagree
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
Under our current situation it will be hard to do since our government has been paying people to stay at home. Many don't want to return to work even when incentives are being given and higher pay yet the market is still short workers. In a normal society we can bring down unemployment simply by creating private sector jobs and incentivizing and supporting small businesses which are the backbone of our work force. We can also ensure our state stays a right to work state and keeps unions out. Unions become monopolies and drive away competition thus eventually causing prices to rise for good and services.
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
Government should cut taxes, lower interest rates and reduce regulations on businesses, especially small business.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or business owners because of their deeply held religious beliefs.
Strongly Agree
Governments should not penalize those who define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Agree
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
I am not a policy guy nor do I pretend to know the answer to this complicated issue. As a small business owner I understand that when you create competition it drives prices down and causes businesses to get better or lose business. I believe in the world of healthcare we should promote and allow more competition, set regulations on prices for services and give people more choices in their healthcare. It seems to be a mop Olu st the moment and that is never good for the consumer.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
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
I support sanctuary cities.
Strongly Disagree
EDUCATION
Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Agree
Any teaching to children on sex education in public schools must include all contraceptive methods, and should not show preference to abstinence.
Disagree
People should be allowed to use public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms based on "gender identity."
Strongly Disagree
Free speech is under attack on public university and college campuses.
Agree
Parents should be the primary authority in decisions affecting their minor children.
Strongly Agree
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
We have to remember that the founding fathers were here in this new land to escape the tyranny they were under and promote religious liberty. They carefully defined, separated and limited the powers to keep government overreach from happening. They desired a country that was built by the people and for the people. They went through great lengths to ensure that each person would be guaranteed life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that was free from tyranny.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian. I believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God.I believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who rescued me from my sin. I believe that all lives matter because we were all created in the image of God. I believe that faith is an important value to have as an American. I believe that our country was founded upon Godly principles and many of our laws have reflected these principles for over 200 years. My faith is what drives me, keeps me, consoles me and guides me.
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?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I am a pastor, father of five, Army veteran and small business owner. I am a conservative because I believe in the inalienable rights give to us by God our creator. I believe that our constitution is still the best document and chance at living free that we have. I believe in small government, protection of our borders, the right to life, low taxes, free speech, protection of the 2nd amendment just to name a few. My conservative values are reflected in how I live my life, parent my children, run my business and lead my congregation.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
This office is about caring for the people of my district and Virginians as a whole. I am a father of 5 daughters, military veteran, local Pastor and small business owner. I am now and have been deeply invested in my community. I raised my children here, planted a church here and started a small business here. This is my home. I am one of the everyday people who understands the needs of his community because I live and work here everyday. I will fight for you because I am one of you.
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
Russfordelegate@gmail.com 757-232-5908
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am a simple man who is just trying to make a difference. I am not a politician nor do I really want to become one. I am a father, pastor, veteran, business owner and citizen. I love my state and district and I simply am trying to bring about much needed change. I live work and play right here in my own city. I started a business here, raised my children here, and planted a church here. I understand my city and its people because I am one of them. Working hard everyday for my family and my business and my workers. One man seeking to ensure my children grow up in freedom and prosperity.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
Islamic law (Sharia) should take precedence over national and state laws where there are Islamic majority communities in the U. S.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support the death penalty.
Agree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
Disagree
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
