Kim's 10 Simple Promises and Common Sense Solutions for 2010
Spending: I will oppose Washington’s reckless spending.

The federal government continues spending money it doesn’t have. Unless we stop the bailouts, excessive stimulus and wasteful spending we will leave future generations with crushing debt and a country worse off than that of their parents and grandparents. I will support measures like a federal balanced budget amendment, the line-item veto and a bipartisan commission similar to the Base Restructuring and Closure Commission (“BRAC”) to recommend for up or down vote plans to streamline our bloated federal government.

Arkansas Values: I will support the traditional values that have made our country great.

Some folks believe traditional values like faith, family and freedom have seen their day. But I believe these values are timeless. In fact, at a time of great economic challenge and peril home and abroad, these values are a rock of certainty for our country. As U.S. Senator, I will strongly defend traditional values, like the right to life and traditional marriage, and protect our rural heritage and second amendment rights.

Taxes and Economic Growth: I will support tax cuts that reward work, savings and investment and grow our economy.

In these tough economic times, job growth has to be priority one. If we want more, better paying jobs in Arkansas, we need to elect people who have actually built businesses and created jobs. As someone who has grown companies and employed thousands of Arkansans over the years, I know what it takes. Sending more people to Washington who have worked in politics and government all their life isn’t the answer. Tax increases from Washington won’t grow jobs; they’ll kill them. We need a fairer, simpler tax code that does not punish work, savings and investment with high income and capital gains taxes.

Health Care: I will work for market based healthcare solutions that provide better care and lower costs through choice and competition.

Every American should have access to affordable health care, but putting politicians and bureaucrats in charge through a government takeover of healthcare will only make things worse. We need reforms that increase consumer choice, improve quality, expand access, and protect doctors against costly junk lawsuits without exploding the deficit, passing huge tax increases or a government takeover of health care. We need market-based solutions, such as allowing people to buy health insurance across state lines that promote competition, increasing choices and lowering costs.

National Security and Veterans: I will support a strong national defense and homeland security.

I have the up most respect and admiration for our brave men and women in uniform. My son was an F-15 Fighter pilot, a Desert Strom veteran, and is now a Major in active Air Force Reserve. My grandson just graduated from the Air Force Academy. America owes no apologies for supporting freedom and democracy. I will work to strengthen our national security both at home and abroad. I will fight to ensure that our military remains the best in the world and that our veterans receive all the benefits they have earned.

Judicial Nominations: I will support judges who strictly interpret our Constitution and don’t legislate from the bench.

One of the most important jobs of any U.S. Senator is their vote on judicial nominations. I will support conservative judges like Roberts, Alito, Scalia and Thomas. I will oppose judges like Sonia Sotomayor who inject personal experiences and biases into what should be the objective interpretation and application of the law. If President Obama fills the courts with judges who share Sotomayor’s liberal views on issues like the Second Amendment, eminent domain takings and the so-called constitutional right to privacy that led to Roe v. Wade, our country will be worse for it.

Education: I will support high standards, reform and innovation in our schools.

As a former public school teacher, students, parents and teachers will have no stronger friend in the United States Senate than Kim Hendren. We need accountability, high academic standards and quality instructors to help teach our children. As Senator, I will work to ensure that the funding we give to our schools actually reaches classrooms and promotes smaller class sizes.

Immigration: I will support strong borders and respect for the rule of law.

While legal immigration has been a source of strength and prosperity, illegal immigration threatens the foundation of our system. I oppose taxpayer benefits for illegal immigrants and the McCain-Kennedy bill. I believe we must fix our immigration system by first securing the border and fixing the visa and entry process.

Energy: I will oppose new energy taxes and support energy independence.

As Chairman of the state Senate Energy Committee, I know the challenges and opportunities we have when it comes to energy in this country. I oppose a national energy tax on American consumers, farmers and business owners. At a time when our economy is struggling, a cap-and-trade scheme would further strain family budgets and destroy jobs. Creating jobs in the energy sector and becoming more energy efficient requires entrepreneurial innovation, not big government mandates. Instead of higher energy bills and job losses, the American people deserve a comprehensive, job-creating energy policy that promotes energy efficiency, alternative energy production and the development of our own natural resources.

Agriculture: I will be a strong voice for Arkansas agriculture in Washington.

As a farmer and rancher, I know that agriculture is critical to Arkansas. Arkansans can count on me to make their interests and concerns a top priority in Washington. Farmers are small businessmen and women and share many of the same concerns as other entrepreneurs, including excessive government regulation, taxation and private property rights.