The Relevant Elephant recently interviewed Chris Sander, candidate for US Congress from Missouri's Third District. Here are his thoughts on conservatism, Missouri's
Third District, and his qualifications.

The Relevant Elephant: What does it mean to be a conservative?

Chris Sander: To be a conservative, it means that you hold to core principals and beliefs that are the basis of our constitution.  Such things as:

- Small, efficient government that doesn’t hinder or obstruct individual freedoms and
   liberties.
- Low taxation on both individuals and businesses
- A strong national defense
- Belief in God and upholding His statutes
- Belief and trust in the individual.  That they know best how to run their own lives.
- Knowing that a small government is the best government


TRE: Who has been most influential in shaping your political views? Why?

CS: I have always been a Republican because I’ve always believed in the principal of self-reliance. However, the most influential person would have to be Ronald Reagan. I remember his speeches and how positive he was.  He never ignored that we had problems, but he knew that the solutions could be found in the American people, not the government. He was principled and he never abandoned those principals even when others thought he should. And he knew that government was a hindrance to individual freedom and achievement.


TRE: Why should a young voter in Missouri’s Third District vote for someone with conservative ideals? Specifically, why should they vote for you?

CS: A young voter should vote for someone with conservative ideals because a conservative is a person who understands that government is never the answer, but usually the problem. A conservative believes in the individual to make the right choices for him or herself. A conservative recognizes that an individual, unfettered by government, will accomplish more in their lifetime, then if they were restricted by governmental oversight and regulation.

I want everyone to vote for me, because I offer the principled leadership that is lacking in Washington. I stand true to the conservative principles and I believe in the greatness of this country and its citizens. I’m just average Joe who’s tired of not having representation. I’m tired of the empty promises and the lack of courage on the part of our elected officials. 

I got involved because I could no longer sit back and watch these elitists in Washington take this country in the wrong direction. Call me naïve, but I still believe in “We the People”.


TRE: What are your qualifications for being a US Congressman? And is your lack of political experience an asset or a challenge?

CS: I have owned my own business for 17 years now, and I know firsthand how government can ruin or destroy something. Although I’ve never run for public office, I feel this is an advantage for me. I’m not influenced by the special interests that follow other candidates. I’m here to represent the people and be held accountable by the people.


TRE: In your opinion, what conservative policy is most important to the voters of the Third District? Why?

CS: I believe that the conservative policies which are most important to the voters of the Third District are smaller government, lower taxes and lower energy costs.

I believe this because people are fed up with the lack of progress in Washington.  The current Congressional approval rating is at 12%. These people are supposed to be making our lives better, but instead they sit around and cast blame at each other. They should be bringing relief to the people. They need to cut income, payroll and capital gains taxes right now. They need to reduce or eliminate our dependence on foreign oil and they need to protect and secure our borders.

What I want people to know is that government is not the solution, we the people, are the solution.  Every night families sit around the kitchen table and talk about possible solutions to these problems, because it affects them everyday. The solution lies with the people. The government is just the vehicle to make it happen.  

Visit Sander's website to see where he stands on the issues and then rate him on his relevance to conservatism on our Election 2008 page.