CHARLIE UNDERSTANDS THE CHALLENGES WE ARE FACING…

AND IS PREPARED TO STAND AND FIGHT FOR US WHEN HE GETS TO WASHINGTON!

Enhance Energy Independence

Bolstering America's energy independence is the single most important way to protect our economic vitality and national security. America must insulate families and businesses from the shifting world political tides that often restrict the supply of foreign fuels and drive up their costs.  In Congress, Charlie will push for a more active role in encouraging the discovery of new energy sources and energy technologies here in the United States.  By increasing the supply and diversity of fuels and adopting technologies that allow us to use our fuels more efficiently, we can reduce our reliance on uncertain energy sources, boost the productivity of our industries and strengthen our ability to withstand global uncertainties.  As Maine’s Congressman, Charlie will work to ensure that the know-how of American entrepreneurs can be applied to develop the broadest range of energy options and help focus the power of competition and innovation on our nation's energy security.

Less Government Spending

Congress seems to have lost contact with the interests of the American people when it comes to spending your hard-earned tax dollars. The limitless needs of special interests have led to ever- expanding demands for more government expenditures.  Too often your tax dollars are poured into ill-conceived projects with no measurable results. This is leading to an increasing national debt and growing budget deficits. If government insists on taking a share of American's earnings it should ensure these dollars are put to good use.  As your Congressman, Charlie will push for more accountable, common-sense approaches to public expenditure and that government spending is limited to meeting our most pressing needs.

Tax Relief for All Mainers

Federal taxes can be a double-whammy for Maine families and businesses.  First, Government takes an unhealthy bite out of American pay checks.  Then it burdens taxpayers with ever more complicated tax rules and time-consuming forms.  Charlie has always fought for lower taxes and responsible limited government.  Keeping taxes low -- with common-sense spending -- and simplifying the tax code will bring welcome relief to all Mainers and free Maine businesses to spend more time and money growing the economy and enhancing our competitive position.

Supporting Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

Charlie's tenure as the Regional Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration only strengthened his view that entrepreneurs and small businesses play an especially crucial role in the Maine economy.  More than ever before, Maine's economic future will depend on innovative, small firms that develop and use new technologies and business models to serve markets both here and abroad.

While government doesn't create these firms, it can do much more to provide an environment that supports entrepreneurs.  Charlie will fight to reduce the unfair burden federal regulations often impose on small businesses, and will work to ensure that, when purchasing goods and services, the federal government takes full advantage of the innovation, energy and efficiency that small businesses can offer.

The War on Terror and Maintaining a Strong National Defense

As an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve currently serving on active duty in Iraq, Charlie Summers is committed to defending our freedom and fighting the war on terror.  He knows first-hand that America must fully support service members and their families not only while they are on active duty but, just as important, we must be there for them and their families when they come home. As a member of Congress, Charlie will work tirelessly for our veterans and will fight to make certain that the number one issue for veteran’s, VA health care, is fully funded.  Also, Charlie will make it a top priority to serve on the House Armed Services Committee to protect defense jobs in our

Bath and Kittery shipyards and to make certain that America’s military has the resources necessary to defend our great Nation.

Access to Quality, Affordable Health Care

The skyrocketing cost of health care is the number one concern of America's families and small businesses.  In the absence of Congressional leadership a growing number of states are adopting new approaches to providing affordable, quality health care.  Too many of the current plans focus on extending coverage without addressing costs. Strategies that rely more on consumer choice to drive down costs and drive up quality appear to have the best chance of meeting the health care needs of most Americans. Charlie will encourage Congress to take the best of the experiments now proliferating across America to build a national health care policy that will make affordable, quality care available to all Mainers.

Education

American schools are beginning to see the gains from the accountability and competition encouraged by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Our children can only benefit by demanding that schools show that they are improving educational outcomes. Still, the pace of reform is far too slow, especially for families and communities of modest means. Maine has been a national leader in school choice for years. Charlie will bring the Maine experience with competition with him to Congress and push for national education policy that brings the benefits of accountable education to children across the nation.

Second Amendment

Charlie fully and unequivocally supports our Constitutional right to “keep and bear arms.”  As a member of the Maine State Senate he always voted to protect this fundamental right of all Americans and, as a member of Congress, he will do the same.