Former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino is hoping to defeat incumbent Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) this November.
The Severna Park Republican has an uphill battle in front of him with Cardin's seat marked safely Democratic by Real Clear Politics and Roll Call. Bongino, who was a virtual unknown until he won his in April, took a few moments to answer Patch's questions about where he stands on the issues.
Health Care
Bongino said he is firmly against President Barack Obama's health care legislation and will work with Republicans to repeal it.
"Anyone who tells you that Republicans don't have a plan for health care reform is patently, flat out lying to you," Bongino said. "On our plan, you could cancel your insurance company and take that premium support elsewhere to an insurance company that will adequately serve your needs."
This is an option that he claimed wouldn't be available under the current legislation.
"We have risk pooling plans, health status insurance plans, tort reform plans and plans for buying health insurance across state lines," Bongino said.
Achievement Gap
One issue Bongino focuses on in his campaign ads is the importance of education.
"Maryland is supposedly number one in public schools, Bongino said. "I say supposedly because when you parse the data more you find out that we are actually close to the bottom in disparity."
He advocates for parent choice—which is more commonly known as school choice or school vouchers. It's a controversial idea that would allow public school parents to receive state and/or federal tax dollars allocated for their school in a check known as a voucher to help cover the cost of private-school tuition.
"There are struggling families around Baltimore City and Annapolis who don't have that option," Bongino said. "If their public school can't educate that child, they have no choice in the matter. I find that to be patently unfair."
Experience
If Bongino defeats Cardin in November, it will be the first time he's ever served in an elected office. When asked about whether he has the experience necessary to effectively govern, Bongino said, "What has political experience done for you? Taught you how to sell out?"
He's proud of the fact that he hasn't made a career in politics. Instead he touts his educational experience, his small businesses and his role as a husband and father. Bongino said if his experience isn't enough to win him the Senate seat, then "that's not a club I want to be a part of. I think it's time to get back to the citizen legislator.
"Ben Cardin has been in office 45 years. I challenge folks out there to tell me one serious piece of legislative action that has made a difference in their life."
Congressional Redistricting
Bongino recognized that both parties gerrymander districts to a degree, but he thinks the situation in Maryland goes beyond the pale.
"Do you believe that communities should have a voice or not? It's a very simple question, and it's not a partisan question either," Bongino said.
He supports the efforts of his congressional counterparts to bring Maryland's newly redrawn U.S. House districts to a voter referendum.
Key Takeaway
Bongino said that if voters only remember one thing about him, he wants it to be: "I'm one of them."
He said growing up poor gave him invaluable insight.
"I made my own way," Bongino said. "I can't necessarily say that for the other guy in the race."
Ron
Most people agree the health care situation is in need of fixing. Even Bongino addresses that in this article. Given that the problem is the insurance companies, why is it that the president gave them more power over our health needs? I know there are rules put in place that they'll have to abide, but let's face it - the POTUS just gave the health care insurance business a huge increase in customers. I beg to differ in your assessment that Republicans have been on a campaign to make Obama a one term president and that this has put everything on hold for 4 years. The first two and a half years of his term he got a tremendous amount of legislation passed because he had control of both houses. It wasn't until Republicans took control of the House of Representatives that the brakes went on. The reason for that is obvious: the president is spending our country into bankruptcy. For a non-partisan Registered Independent you clearly have partisan views. I would like to know what, in your opinion, it would take to "bring our nation back from the brink"?
BTW, it's not just the millionaires leaving Maryland…it's retirees, businesses, and anyone who is tired of paying outrageous amounts in taxes and fees.
And I guess in your world when the DEMS controlled the Senate and House (since 2007) and rammed through their laundry list of liberal/progressive ideas...it was the Republicans yet again who didn't work with the Democrats. I guess it was the Repubs that killed Keystone, haven't passed a budget in over 1100 days and have spent more in 3.5 years than Bush did in 8. Yea it all the Republicans fault. Good that you are a registered Independent, you have no idea about anything!
Tom is really Ben Cardin in disguise! I love Independents that have no issue what Democrats do and yet view the opposition party (yes they oppose those in power) like the plague.
Most Americans who voted for Obama, paid NO attention to just how he was going to change this country, and boy is he ever and not for the good of it. Congress is becoming obsolete, he goes around them if they don't do what he wants. The health care law is not about health or care, it is ONLY about government control over Americans. I encourage you to seek the truth, you need better news source and there are many. The mainstream media is merely an extension of the current adminstration. Instructions are given on a daily basis as to what to say on the news. Just listen, they speak the exact same words. I am astounded as to how many stupid people live in this country, especially the youth.
Best we read and attend Candidate forums, listen to what each Candidate says and what he/she proposes to do, if elected and vote accordingly, regardless of party affiliation.Vote for the person you feel "best qualified", but,by all means, please vote, otherwise you accept what you get political wise and you really have no say.
That my friends is what career politicians do. Sell their souls.
If Mr. Bongino is for working with others outside of his party to keep America great for everyone, then he could be the right person for the job and I would vote for him. If he is just another single minded, my plans are the only plans type of person, then he would be more of what we already have in politics and we don't need that.