Meet the Candidates: Phil Gingrey

Rep. Phil Gingrey seeks re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives District 11. He'll face off against Michael Opitz and William Llop for the Republican nomination in the July 31 primary. The winner of the primary will run against the only Democratic candidate for the seat, Patrick Thompson. Patch asked Gingrey questions about the District 11 race via email.

What do you think are the most important issues facing District 11 in the coming years?

Jobs and the economy, and the federal budget, and out-of-control government spending are really one big issue, which together represent the biggest issue for the 11th District. In order to create jobs, stimulate the economy, and reign in spending, I will continue working to repeal Obamacare, drastically reduce federal spending, cap federal spending at no more than 18% of GDP, and enact a federal balanced budget amendment. We must also prevent the massive looming tax increase slated for January 1, 2013 and do away with onerous regulations that hinder the ability of our nation’s job creators — small businesses — to expand their payrolls and add employees. I will continue pushing my colleagues in the Senate to act on the more-than 30 bills passed by the House of Representatives that would benefit small businesses by reducing bureaucratic red tape and facilitating job growth. 

What are your thoughts on District 11’s transportation issues? 

A safe and effective transportation infrastructure is vital to attracting new companies, for business expansion, and increasing economic development. Georgia is the third fastest growing state in the nation, our per capital transportation spending is 2nd to last in the nation, and the gas tax is a declining source of transportation revenue for the state. The federal government must provide states with greater flexibility to determine their own transportation needs in the form of block grants. We also must reform the currently-unsustainable Highway Trust Fund. Without action, the current program sets the stage for a future bailout. 

I’m a strong supporter of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, which will boost commerce, jobs opportunities, and travel throughout Georgia. To remain competitive and attract new businesses, ensuring our roads and bridges can accommodate the increase in traffic is vital to the 11th District.

How do you plan to help improve District 11’s economic situation? 

I’ve fought for the highly-skilled manufacturing jobs tied to the production of critical national security platforms like the F-22 and Joint Strike Fighter in Marietta. I will continue pushing for projects like the Keystone XL Pipeline and the deepening of the Savannah Port to put manufacturers back to work immediately. Collectively, these infrastructure projects ultimately represent hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions in investment. I have been outspoken in my support for both.

The expansion of the Savannah harbor is the most important economic development issue in Georgia. The potential deepening has attracted companies like Caterpillar, Kia Motors, JCB, and John Deere to open new operations or expand existing facilities.

Finally, I will continue to support reducing regulations for job creators, lowering the corporate tax rate, mitigating union influence, and altering economic policies. These steps will put the 11th District and Americans back to work and companies back in business.  

What’s something you’ve accomplished in your last term that you’re most proud of?

I understand and have a passion for the conservative principles held by the citizens of the 11th District. To that end, National Journal named me the Most Conservative Member of Congress this year. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I have been able to have a direct hand in developing an all-of-the-above energy strategy to achieve energy independence. Being a member of this committee, which has jurisdiction over health care, a physician, and the Chairman of the GOP Doctor’s Caucus, also has allowed me to be on the front lines of the effort to repeal and replace the President’s health care law, which is all the more important in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Obamacare.  

I have consistently worked for and voted to drastically reduce federal spending and advance a balanced budget amendment, efforts which are critical to getting our nation’s fiscal house in order.  I will continue representing and working to advance the conservative values that are held dear by the constituents of the 11th District. 

What sets you apart from your competitors?

I have a proven, conservative track record and have represented the conservative values of my constituents for 10 years. Having lived in Marietta for decades, I understand the issues unique to 11th District voters. Being a physician for more than 30 years taught me the importance of listening to a patient before diagnosing the problem. That skill has served me well during my time in Congress.  

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