Philpot For Congress Circa 2010
This was the official website for Utah Republican politician Morgan Philpot in his bid to become the 2010 Republican nominee for Utah's 2nd congressional district. He advanced out of the Republican convention without a primary. He was defeated by the incumbent, Democrat Jim Matheson, by a margin of 5%.
Content is from the site's 2010 archived pages, as well as from other sources.
It is time for a national reboot. Whether you love or hate your current congressman, one fact is clear: America has never been in a more precarious position, and it is our current Congress that got us there - one short-sighted decision at a time.
In this time of crisis for America, we need to expect MORE from those we elect. We need MORE fiscal restraint, and less stimulus spending. We need MORE freedom, and less trampling on our rights. We need MORE advocates for small businesses and families, and less goverment interference in our daily lives. We need MORE nurturing of high tech development focused on the future, like data science and DevOps services - employment oriented start ups as well as MORE support for existing businesses that provide jobs for our citizens.
This year only one candidate in Utah's 2nd Congressional District has a proven record of doing MORE for Utahns: Morgan Philpot. As Utah's next congressman from the 2nd District, Morgan will fight to:
- Get MORE Utahns Back to Work
Put *More* Americans Back to Work
In February 2009, President Obama signed into law a $787 billion "stimulus" bill—which Democrat Jim Matheson voted for—making the projection that this bill would keep unemployment under 8.5%. When the law was signed, unemployment stood at 7.7%. By the end of the year, it had spiked to 10%, and today it sits at 9.5%.
These numbers underline a basic and irrefutable fact: government cannot create jobs.
So what should our course be to get job growth re-started? There are two drivers for the kind of entrepreneurial investment that will create jobs: incentives and certainty.SHORT TERM
- Make Tax Cuts of 2001 & 2003 Permanent. These cuts are scheduled to expire at the end of this year. If they do, it will amount to a tax increase of $3.8 trillion over 10 years, the largest tax increase in the history of the country. The increase on capital gains will be particularly damaging, as jobs require investment capital.
- Stop the "Cap and Tax" Energy Bill. Like every other machine, the American job-creating machine runs on energy. Sharply raising the price of all forms of energy, as this bill does, will destroy jobs in unpredictable ways but all across the economy.
MEDIUM TERM
- Reduce the Corporate Income Tax to 20%. The United States taxes corporations at some of the highest rates in the world. These high tax rates distort economic activity and cost Americans jobs as companies are forced to either channel investment abroad instead of here in America or to hold off making domestic investments in general.
- Ratify Free Trade Agreements. The United States has negotiated free trade agreements with Colombia, South Korea, and Panama that languish unratified. These agreements are with countries that already have access to our markets. The agreements would give our exporters access to theirs, with the resulting increase in domestic production that creates jobs.
LONG TERMReduce the Involvement of Government in the Details of Business. The modern American economy is sometimes described as “crony capitalism.? I think that description goes too far, but it is certainly true that government tax and regulatory policy encourage “rent seeking,? the use of governmental power to assure private economic gain. Historically, periods of deregulation and tax cutting have ushered in strong economic growth. They will again.
- RESTORE MORE FISCAL COMMON SENSE
Restore *MORE* Access to Our Public Lands
Because the federal government controls so much of Utah’s lands generally and especially in some of the rural counties (in excess of 90% in some cases) federal laws, regulations, court decisions and especially the way that federal bureaucrats implement them directly affects jobs, local business activity, county budgets, water availability, noxious weed and insect control, and others.
In recent decades, however, the way federal lands increasingly are being managed is a growing and serious problem. The trend has been moving away from multiple use management and towards practices land designations, which lock up lands and resources and try to limit or prohibit historic access and uses.
This trend must be reversed.SHORT TERM
- Oil Leases: We need to work immediately to restore the recently cancelled energy leases in Utah. These 77 leases represented both important job opportunities for Utahns as well as important funds for Utah’s public schools.
- Increase Access: School trust lands should be open for development and I support the State’s lawsuit on eminent domain powers as a means to keep access to those lands open.
MEDIUM TERM
- Road Rights: Establish once and for all the validity of county RS 2477 road rights of way.
- PILT: Pursue permanent full funding of PILT and reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools Act, making sure that Utah is included in the distribution of these funds from timber sales.
LONG TERM
- Proper Balance: Pursue a legal and legislative strategy designed to achieve parity (as required by the Constitution) between public lands states and the rest of the Union. As long as one-third of the land mass of the nation is owned by the federal government, and most of that land is predominantly located in just a few of the states, there will never be parity.
- CREATE MORE Access to Federal Lands in Utah
Restore Fiscal Common Sense: One Budget at a Time
The time to reboot America is now! This November 86 percent of Washington, D.C. is up for re-election. Americans and Utahns have the power to reclaim our nation in ONE day with the power of their vote.
Today, federal spending is at 24 percent of GDP—there is no budget; and Democrats in Congress have plans to boost spending higher still. This spending binge threatens our national recovery and national security and is an affront to the self-reliant individuals of today.
What, then is to be done?
SHORT TERM: Stop spending
- Adopt a Budget: For the first time since 1974 when Congress passed the Congressional Budget Act, Congress will not pass a budget. This is unacceptable when our country is on the verge of bankruptcy. Incumbent, Jim Matheson has been one of the enablers of this destructive behavior.
- Apply Unspent Stimulus Money to the Deficit: Congress should never have passed the $800B stimulus package in 2009. Approximately $290 Billion of the stimulus money has not been spent.
- De-fund ObamaCare: It will be very difficult to repeal it, even with Republican majorities in both the House and Senate next year. If we are not successful in squashing it, we can refuse to fund it.
MEDIUM TERM: Get spending and spenders under control
- Earmark Reform: Earmarks themselves account for only a minute percentage of all spending, but they contribute to the "culture of spending" that pervades Washington and thwart the kind of transparency in government the people have a right to expect. I will support an immediate two-year moratorium on earmarks, while reforms are considered, and I pledge to seek targeted spending only when the proposal is clearly marked out in the legislation and subject to an up-or-down vote.
- Budget Cycle Reform: Congress is so busy spending money that it rarely has a chance to evaluate programs to see if they are working and cost-effective. One solution is the adoption of a two-year budget, with the off year dedicated to oversight of existing spending.
LONG TERM: Do the fiscally responsible thing
- Entitlement Reform. It is evident that the unfunded liabilities of Medicare and Social Security will require destructive levels of spending that will bankrupt states that unlike the federal government, do not possess the ability to print money to cover their share. In time, these two programs will consume the entire federal budget, leaving nothing for defense or any other government activity.
- Constitutional Spending Limit: Congress needs the forced discipline of an amendment to the Constitution limiting the percentage of GDP that Congress can spend to 16 percent (with emergency exceptions requiring a two-thirds vote of both houses). No more shopping sprees at the expense of our children's future.
About Morgan
Morgan is pleased to call Utah home. He and his wife Natalie, a native of Sandy, Utah, graduated from the University of Utah and lived in the heart of Salt Lake county for several years. While there, Morgan was able to represent his neighbors in Utah House district 45. He now lives in the Utah County portion of Congressional district 2.
Picking Strawberries
Growing up, Morgan was active in Scouting and rose to the rank of Eagle. He was involved in high school sports and school government. As a young boy, Morgan was raised primarily by his mother who spent several years parenting seven children on her own. Starting with his first "real"? job picking strawberries at age 9, he quickly learned independence and self reliance. He knows the value of balancing a budget and of making decisions based on how much money you actually have, not how much you wish you had.
College
While attending the University of Utah, he earned degrees in Anthropology and Environmental Studies. During that time, he and his wife were able to serve internships in Washington D.C. for the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the Supreme Court respectively.
Legislative Service
After graduating from college, Morgan took a job as the new account sales manager for a Salt Lake fabrication company. Two years later, Morgan ran in a hotly contested race for State Representative of Utah House District 45 (Sandy, Salt Lake County, Midvale) with the motto "Freedom, Family, Future"?. He put together a strong, effective grassroots campaign and in 2000, at the age of 28, he became one of the youngest state legislators in the Utah House.
As a State Representative, Morgan didn't hesitate to take strong stands on tough issues. He consistently led the fight against wasteful government spending, championed life, second amendment rights and free market principles. He sought creative and innovative ways to improve public education and was the lead sponsor of the Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship, a bill that created an educational voucher program. This law has opened new avenues to a better education for Utah's families with special-needs children and now serves over 500 individuals. While in the legislature, Morgan was granted the "Friend of the Taxpayer"? award by the Utah Taxpayer's Association and the "Guardian of Small Business" award by the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Morgan was also one of the founding members of the House Conservative Caucus.
Leaving the Legislature
In 2004, Morgan chose to leave the legislature and attend the Ave Maria School of Law, a school dedicated to life, the rule of law, and the U.S. Constitution. While there, he was privileged to learn from such influential minds as Judge Robert Bork and Charles Rice.
Upon completion of law school Morgan clerked for Utah's Attorney General Mark Shurtleff. Morgan served as the in-house legal counsel for a Utah business for two years and is now a consultant with a private company in Sandy.
In addition to his legislative service Morgan has also volunteered his time to Scouting, Church, and Utah politics. He has served as a State delegate, County delegate, State Central Committee member, Executive Committee member and most recently as the Vice-chair of the Utah Republican Party.
Morgan has enjoyed sharing his love of ancient history with his children through rock-hounding, camping and hiking in many areas of rural Utah. His family also enjoys gardening and reading together. Morgan currently lives in American Fork with his wife and five children.
Morgan believes that his real life struggles and experiences uniquely qualify him to serve the families of Utah as the next Congressman from the Second District.
Why UT2 Matters to America
“This year the nation’s eyes will be focused on Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, because the outcome of that election will have a powerful impact
on the direction of our country."?
Mark Shurtleff, Utah Attorney General
Flip 41
Forty-one votes. That is the magic number of swing votes that has enabled the Democrats in Washington DC to push through Obamacare, multiple stimulus bills and a reckless financial reform bill (to name a few). This November, a change in just 41 seats in Congress will help reverse the tide of wasteful spending and one-size-fits-all federal “solutions"? and help put America’s budget and economy back on solid ground.
One of those critical swing seats is Utah’s 2nd Congressional District race, a seat currently held by one of those enabling gang of 41 Democrats.
Utah’s ability to affect the political landscape in Washington DC rests with one race in Utah: Utah’s 2nd Congressional District seat. A GOP victory in Utah will help ensure that Republicans retake the House in January 2011, thus ending the monopoly of power held by Pelosi, Reid and Obama.
A vote for Morgan Philpot on November 2 is a vote for a change from the status quo and a vote for putting America back on a fiscally and economically sound track.
What You Can Do
We are asking each of you for just three things: 1) Cast your vote for Morgan Philpot on November 2nd, 2) Become a Philpot Phan and join the ranks of a growing number of committed volunteers, and 3) Make a donation to Morgan’s campaign.
Together we can take back the House.
Policy Statements
Limited, Constitutional Government:
"We have a government that is designed with specific checks and balances on federal and state authority. It is time to renew our commitment to these most fundamental tenets."
Creating Real Job Growth:
"Government doesn’t 'create’ jobs. Now that it is clear that the 'stimulus’ spending strategy has failed to spur real economic recovery, it is time to take responsible steps toward economic recovery. First, we need to make the tough choices necessary to begin to significantly reduce the federal budget. Second, we need to increase incentives for Americans to invest in new businesses (i.e., keeping capital gains tax low, eliminating the 1099 tax form requirement of Obamacare, and reducing the corporate income tax rate). Finally we must eliminate unnecessary and overly burdensome regulations on businesses."
Deficit Spending:
"The spending levels of Congress and the President are at historic levels. This lack of leadership and fiscal discipline represent one of the greatest obstacles to recovery and opportunity. We can no longer put off the tough choices that need to be made today. Americans everywhere are reprioritizing their spending and eliminating spending. It is time to do the same in Washington."
Immigration:
There are some immediate steps we must take to get our illegal immigration issue under control. First, we have to secure our borders. Second, we need to remove incentives. And finally, we have to take amnesty off the table.
Once those are in place, we can then work to address the cumbersome immigration system.
Marriage & Family:
“The family is the first essential cell of of human society."? ~ Pope John XXIII
Marriage is more than just a contract between two individuals. It is an institution that precedes government.It is the first and most fundamental governing unit in society. Children are best raised in a strong and healthy family unit.
Marriage is not the business of the federal government, it is the primary responsibility of the state to set laws surrounding marriage and other societal norms. I do not support recent moves by the courts in overturning the sovereignty of the people where they seek to protect traditional marriage.
The inevitable outcome of the path we are now on is a debate that ends with a federal amendment on marriage. Federal usurpation of authority in this realm would be a blow to State and individual sovereignty. Let’s keep marriage where it belongs.
Protecting Life:
"I believe in the sanctity of human life and that abortion should only be considered in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is in serious jeopardy."
Gun Ownership:
"One of the most basic of human rights is the right to protect oneself, which is why I support and will fight to protect our 2nd amendment right to bear arms."
10th Amendment:
"I am a firm supporter of state sovereignty. The 10th Amendment is a key check on the over-reach of federal power."
Fiscal Responsibility:
"Fiscal discipline or holding the line on spending just don’t cut it anymore. We need to adopt mechanisms that actually reduce total spending."
Term Limits:
I have been asked several times if I support a term limits amendment, and, while I believe the better option is for the American people to take a more active role in who they elect and retain in Washington D.C., I will absolutely vote for a term-limit amendment if it comes before me in Congress.
The term-limit amendment is an effort by many Americans to show a vote of no confidence in Congress, and the American people deserve to have their voice heard on this issue whether I believe it will work or not.
It is true that a term-limit amendment would prevent all Americans from electing the people they want to elect, which is why I prefer that we do what Thomas Jefferson said instead and exercise eternal vigilance to preserve our freedoms.
I have faith in the American people, and that is another reason why I'm willing to let the amendment go forward for a vote. They will do the right thing on this issue and put it to rest.
PRESS
Palin endorses Philpot for Utah's 2nd District
By admin, on Oct 29, 2010
Morgan Philpot's campaign officially is dancing with the stars.
The Republican candidate challenging Democratic incumbent Jim Matheson for Utah's 2nd Congressional District picked up his biggest endorsement to date Monday — from the ubiquitous Sarah Palin of political, reality television and pundit fame.
The former Alaska governor and vice presidential nominee — not to mention tea party idol — dropped Philpot's name onto her Facebook fan page with an endorsement and a link to Philpot's website. That alone generated a spike of hits on the Philpot campaign site, according to campaign manager Lyall Swim.
Swim said the Palin nod had been in the works "for a few months" and gathered steam in recent days when a Utah Policy Poll showed Matheson's support below 50 percent. He also said conservative commentator Dick Morris served as a facilitator between Palin's people and the Philpot camp.
The poll shows Matheson, seeking a sixth House term, up 46 percent to Philpot's 30 percent with 20 percent undecided. According to the survey, whenever an incumbent drops below 50 percent, a challenger can take that as a good sign.
And so, too, apparently, can Palin.
"Sarah Palin has typically not been the first endorsement for a candidate, but she has quite a track record of identifying candidates who are moving up and doing well and then helping them across the finish line," Swim said. "It shows we have momentum and that Jim Matheson is a candidate in free-fall."
There was no immediate comment from the Matheson campaign.
The Utah Policy Center/Western Wats poll shows Philpot has a lot of ground to make up, and Swim did say the campaign still needed to raise money.
"That's our task now," Swim said. "To convert that into raising dollars."
The Philpot campaign has been outraised and outspent by Matheson handily. According to the Federal Election Commission, as of June 30, Matheson had more than $1.35 million in receipts to $112,323 for Philpot.
Palin's Facebook endorsement urged voters in 2nd District to support Philpot as "a reliable, conservative leader for Utah."
"We can count on Morgan to make the right choices to bring our country back," the endorsement read.
Swim said the endorsement makes Philpot an official tea party candidate, and he argued that would generate more enthusiasm to unseat Utah's lone Democrat in Congress.
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Herbert, Philpot go head-to-head
by Tribune Political Reporters
April 21, 2012 2:20 pm
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert was forced to a second ballot Saturday against challenger Morgan Philpot.
Herbert received 57 percent of the vote on the first ballot while Philpot received 23 percent of the vote. Four other candidates were dropped off the second-round ballot. If one candidate receives 60 percent of the vote, he will win the party's nomination outright.
In his speech before the second round of voting, Philpot urged delegates to send the race to a primary.
"Let's air this to the public," Philpot said. "We cannot continue to be conned by promises of politicians who do not deliver when they have the chance."
During his speech, Herbert touted his accomplishments since he became governor in 2009, when then-Gov. Jon Huntsman became the U.S. Ambassador to China.
"You've heard a lot of talk about leadership, might I humbly suggest that true leadership is about much more than inflammatory rhetoric or shallow soundbites," Herbert said.
The governor argued that he has reduced taxes, slashed regulations and, as a result, the Utah economy has added jobs at twice the national rate.
"California and virtually every other state … wishes they were doing as well as Utah," Herbert said.
His Republican opponents criticized him for not showing adequate leadership and failing to stand up to the federal government.
Herbert was endorsed in the second round of voting by David Kirkham, a co-founder of Utah's tea party and manufacturer of custom sports cars, who finished third in the first round of voting with 9 percent of the vote.
The party's nominee will face Peter Cooke, a retired two-star general and businessman, who received the Democratic nomination at the party's convention Saturday morning.
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