Ruth McClung

Who are you (brief bio)?
I have lived in the west my whole life. I moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 2000 to attend college. After finishing my first year at Pima, I was able to get a job at a local engineering company as an intern. I currently work at the same company as a guidance, navigation, and control engineer. I received my BS in Physics from the University of Arizona in May 2004.

In June of 2005, I married Michael McClung.

I am an amateur painter, and I write children’s science books which I would like to publish sometime in the future.  I enjoy spending time outdoors doing things like rock climbing and playing tennis.

I am a Christian. My faith guides my life.

What is one thing people don’t know about you?
Ever since my husband bought me an orchid as a gift, I have grown them as a hobby.

Why are you the best candidate for the position?
Our country needs Representatives with scientific backgrounds to understand  technical issues – securing our border, energy, the environment, defense, and national security.  As a physicist I have the knowledge and expertise to fight against political pseudo-science in legislation which costs our country dearly. Congress also needs people like me who have worked in the defense industry, so common sense technology and solutions can be found for our military.

I believe it is crucial our politicians incorporate the best ideas and solutions into all legislation.  My career as an engineer has taught me to listen and learn, assimilate ideas, and recognize those that won’t work, so real solutions can be found instead of inventing new problems.

What’s your favorite food?
Chocolate

Why are you running for office?
I have been running since May, 2009, because I cannot stand on the sidelines when politicians in Washington (like my opponent) are grabbing control of our personal freedoms, wrecking our economy, recklessly spending our money, and destroying America’s greatness. We need to return to limited government, personal responsibility and integrity, a strong work ethic, and opportunity for all. The American dream is to be self reliant and work to achieve the life that you want, not to live off the government as a parasite.

Who is the first person you will call if victorious?
Since I will probably be in Pima County election night surrounded by my family and volunteers – I will call my 5 other county chairmen to thank them for the grass roots victory they helped win.

If you could invite 3 people (dead or alive and assuming they all speak English) to join you for dinner who would they be?
Louis Pasteur – one of my favorite scientists growing up.
Abraham Lincoln – one of my favorite politicians.
Arthur Ashe – one of my favorite athletes.

What have you learned on the campaign trail?
People are the greatest asset to our country and of course to a campaign.  I will win because of grass roots!

What is the oldest thing in your closet and why haven’t you thrown it away?
I still have my favorite stuffed animal from when I was a baby.  It is a little brown cat.

What are the three most pressing issues facing your constituents, and how do you address those issues?
1. Stop out-of-control government spending.  I will fight for a balanced budget by prioritizing government expenditures and curtailing the excessive and wasteful spending that have become the norm in Washington.

2. Work to create jobs and a prosperous economy. I will support legislation to help small businesses. This includes reducing bureaucracy and creating incentives for people to invest in small businesses by reducing the capital gains tax and corporate tax rates.  I will also support simplification of the current tax system; this system currently favors big business and the very wealthy who can afford to hire teams of attorneys and accountants to look for loopholes in the tax laws. I will support lower taxes, in other words, let people keep more of their hard earned money.

3. Illegal Immigration, Border and National Security. America welcomes legal immigration, but to keep our sovereignty and protect the people of the United States, Congress has the responsibility to secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws. It is unsustainable and dangerous to have open borders and allow just anyone to enter. As a nation, we cannot afford the costs that come from illegal immigration.  We need to develop a secure and effective guest worker program that allows people who are a benefit to our society to be here legally. Secure borders are an integral part of national security – we need to know who is entering our nation.

How did you get involved in politics?
I have been interested in politics since I was a teenager, when in Idaho, my father served as a Republican County Chairman. I helped out in campaigns, volunteered in the Republican headquarters, helped in special county events, and was acquainted with many of the politicians.

What separates you from your opponent(s)?
As a Representative I will work for more local control of money and resources.  I want localities to tailor make solutions that better fit their needs, instead of mandating a one size fits all approach from Washington.  My Democratic opponent believes more power should be centralized in Washington, DC, and more money should go there, so they can decide where and how it is best used.

My opponent has a liberal ideology, trusting the government instead of the people; I have a conservative ideology, and trust people to make their own decisions.

As a physicist, my education and work background provide the knowledge to attack important issues in national security, energy, and the environment.  I solve difficult problems daily, some of which can mean life or death if not done correctly.   My opponent’s is a career politician.

What is the best advice you ever received?
“Character is what you do when no one is looking.”  I received this advice when working at the Republican headquarters in Idaho during Bob Dole’s presidential campaign.  It has personal meaning to me as one seeking political office, and also as a person trying to do the right thing.  I think of it when I make decisions in my campaign – when doing the right thing costs me politically.  Our nation’s leaders, from the top down, need good character more than any other quality.