Tommy for Idaho — Focused on the Issues

Limited Government

As a doctor and builder, Tommy knows regulations hurt our economy. That's why he will fight to rein in the EPA, stop Obamacare and eliminate burdensome regulations. For eight years, Barack Obama forced us to operate under a regulatory environment that goes against the very heart of our free-market economy. He failed to understand that the proper role of government is to be limited and local. Obamacare has been a disaster. The Obama administration stifled growth, and they discouraged innovation. They regulated businesses out of business. It's been an attack on the spirit of entrepreneurship. As your governor, Tommy will fight to limit government, get rid of excessive and overreaching regulations and reform our tax code to spur job creation.

Position Statement: "It's Time for a Fresh Approach & New Ideas in the Governor's Office"

Protect Life

As a father and a doctor, Tommy believes that life is a gift from God. Tommy will always defend the sanctity of life. As our governor, we can count on him to always be a strong voice for the unborn.

Defend the 2nd Amendment

Some of Tommy's fondest memories of growing up are of hunting with his father. As a lifelong hunter and gun owner, he will defend and protect our Second Amendment rights. He will oppose any legislation that weakens the constitutional right to bear arms by responsible, law abiding citizens.

Defend Farmers and Ranchers

Tommy knows Idaho's farmers and ranchers are key to our economy. That's why he will always fight to keep government out of our agricultural industry. Tommy will listen to our local farmers and ranchers because they know best how to manage their lands. They don't just help Idaho's economy, they feed our nation and the world. Tommy will fight the Washington bureaucrats who want to control our water, or regulate things like dust, and who must be stopped dead in their tracks.

Tommy understands farmers, ranchers and dairymen because like us — he's also an entrepreneur who started and built several businesses, signed numerous bank loans and the front of thousands of paychecks. Tommy will listen and fight for Idaho's ag businessmen and women, plain and simple.
— Matt Beck, Farm and Ranch Coalition

Tommy knows hard work and he knows business — and he's pledged to remove the burdensome regulations facing agriculture and fight to protect Idaho's water for farmers, ranchers and dairymen and make sure Idaho maintains sovereignty over its water. Idaho agriculture will benefit greatly from having his fresh approach, new ideas and real-world experience in the Governor's office.
— Stephanie Mickelsen, President of Bonneville County Republican Women

Position Statement: "Fighting for Idaho's Original Entrepreneurs — Farmers, Ranchers & Dairymen"

Workforce Development

Tommy knows preparing Idahoans for success is a top priority. As our governor, he will take a new approach by creating partnerships between local businesses and our schools to ensure that our graduates are prepared for good-paying jobs in our workforce.

Protect the Sanctity of Marriage

Tommy believes that marriage should be the union of a man and a woman. As our governor, he will support policies that promote and safeguard the traditional institution of marriage.

Ensure Access to Public Lands

Idahoans — not the federal government — know best how to manage our public lands and find solutions that maintain access. By sharing the recreation and enjoyment of our public lands with our children, they will learn to appreciate and protect the beauty of Idaho. Our public lands belong to all Idahoans, and Tommy will fight to ensure our access and that they remain public.

Self Insurance of State Employees

One part of Tommy's plan to cut $100 million in wasteful government spending is for the state to self insure the public employee health insurance plan. This reform does not change plans or benefits to state employees nor does it raise the cost of the employee premiums. The elimination of wasteful spending will not come at the expense of state employees or their benefits. The majority of states and large businesses self insure. 29 states are fully self-funded, including Utah, Wyoming and Montana. Idaho and North Dakota are the only two states that don't have some sort of self-funding option.

Position Statement: "Finding 3% Wasteful Spending Can be Done in Any Budget — Especially Idaho's State Budget"

Idaho National Laboratory

INL is a critical piece of our Idaho economy. Having witnessed firsthand the cutting edge technology, research and work done at the lab, it is second to none in the world. Tommy will make it a top priority as Governor to work with INL and all key stakeholders to continue to expand its mission and protect Idaho's best interests. Additionally, the potential is unlimited between the lab and now three Idaho institutions of higher learning nearby to continue to connect Idaho kids to Idaho jobs. Tommy will work closely and respectfully with the Attorney General, who is a dual signer and responsible for ensuring the agreement is being followed, along with working closely with INL, DOE and our congressional delegation to improve, update and protect Idaho's position on the agreement and to continue to expand the mission.