Today, Kirk Lippold, a Carson City resident and former U.S. Naval warship Commander, announced his candidacy for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District seat. You can read the full announcement here. Shortly after announcing his candidacy, he spoke with Nevada News & Views, giving us a better idea of who the man is behind the uniform. – Ed.
What do you bring to the election table that other candidates won’t?
After serving in the U.S. Navy for 26 years, I can bring new leadership, a new vision, and a sense of integrity that are needed in Washington, DC.
The other candidates, Sharron Angle and Brian Krolicki [who has not yet announced his candidacy] are career politicians. They run for office after office, year after year, and it’s time for professional politicians to take a break and let new leaders rise.
How will you fight for Nevada in Washington?
I will create conditions that will eliminate intrusive government programs and restructure the tax code to put more money into Nevadans pockets to spend, to keep our economy going. When you reduce the amount of spending, when you restructure the tax code, you build the ability for people to be able to have the lifestyle they enjoy, to raise family in. You give them a standard of living that is livable that now we are struggling to survive.
What will be your first order of business should you be elected?
I want to tackle overspending and the deficite. This problem is having a major impact on the U.S. economy and Nevadans. The size of this deficit has created a severe security issue. It impacts our ability to be a leader in the free world economically, diplomatically, and and militarily. We must tackle the problem, as difficult as it will be, as difficult as entrenched politicians find it. We all must suffer through the cuts to be made.
Reflecting upon your military career, have we lost our sense of honor as Americans?
No, I don’t think we have lost it, but unfortunately, many people who serve in positions of authority, be they professors or elected officials, do not behave in a manner that people want to emulate. I have always held myself to higher standard because of serving in the Navy. I was an ambassador of the United States wherever I went; I represented my country 24/7/365. We must serve our country and be proud.
Leadership starts at the top. Everyone in a position of authority should be setting high standards.
What should voters know about you?
I’m not a career politician. I’m getting into politics to once again serve Nevada and the nation. When I return to Washington, I want to fix government and then come home. I do not want to become an entrenched, career polititian.
The unique experiences throughout my life and career have brought me to this moment—to serve again and in this capacity. I am honored and proud to declare my candidacy and look forward to voters getting to know me and then supporting me.
