Primary countdown: Jonathan Paton, Congressional District 1

The primary election is Aug. 28 and early balloting is underway. Between now and Aug. 20, InMaricopa.com will publish two to three Q & As at a time done with candidates in primary races.

Today: Jonathan Paton, Republican candidate for Congressional District 1. He is running against Patrick Gatti and Gaither Martin. Click here to see Martin and Paton participating in a July 21 candidates’ forum.

Name: Jonathan Paton
Age: 41
Occupation: Self employed, public relations
Residence: Marana
Family: Engaged
Education: B.A. in German and Russian, University of Arizona
Hobbies: Cooking, reading
Favorite quote: “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” – Mark Twain
Heart’s desire: To marry the love of my life on May 25.
Political experience: State representative, 2005-2008); state senator, 2009-2010

Why are you running?

There are men and women in uniform whom I served with that never came home. I often wonder: Why is it that I made it back, and many of those I served with never did? How can I live up to the sacrifice of those who gave it all for our country?

We face enormous challenges that will require courage and tough choices. Many men and women have died defending the Constitution and fighting for this country and I feel like I can pay my debt of gratitude to them by continuing to serve.

What is your biggest election challenge?

District 1 is one of the largest districts in the entire country – it is about the size of Pennsylvania with many diverse groups. Given that, it is critical for any Congressman to frequently travel the district and meet with voters as every area has its own unique needs and issues. I have been campaigning hard throughout the district, meeting with voters and community leaders so I can effectively represent them in Congress when I am elected.

Why should Maricopans vote for you?

I took an oath as a soldier and a legislator to defend the Constitution of the United States. As your Congressman, I will renew that oath and stop the daily attacks on our rights and freedoms by the Washington liberals and special interests. I will be a strong, conservative voice you can count on. I will fight for you every day.

Who are you voting for president?

Mitt Romney

What is the greatest challenge facing the country? What would you do about it?

The economic crisis must be addressed in full. The previous Congress and the Obama administration dithered on job creation instead of focusing on policies to help alleviate the recession and bring economic growth and jobs back to America. The Democrats in Washington spent two years trying to pass cap and trade, union card check, and ObamaCare. President Obama also blocked the Keystone XL Pipeline – that’s about as anti-jobs as it gets. Now that the House of Representatives is controlled by Republicans, more than 15 jobs bills have been passed that the establishment Democrats have blocked in the Senate for political reasons.

We must focus on restoring job growth by creating stability and confidence in the government and the markets. Stopping Obama’s planned tax hikes, reducing over-regulation and repealing and replacing ObamaCare would go a long way to jump-start this process. Additionally, District 1 would be well served by a representative who can get the federal government out of the way when it comes to Arizona wanting to use its own public lands and natural resources to create jobs.

What are your plans for immigration reform?

I am proud to be the author of the nation’s first state-based human smuggling law, as well as voting for and helping to pass SB 1070, Arizona’s immigration law. We must secure the border and stop the vicious drug cartels from making further inroads into Arizona. We need a major influx of national guardsmen on our border, completion of the double layer fence, more technology and more checkpoints. I believe that border security is national security and we must proceed with urgency.