Shauna,
I apologize for the long delay on this. I have been thinking about what to write for a couple of weeks now, and I have been bouncing around a variety of different ideas. Representative Moore and I have quite a few differences: our approach to campaign finance, policy orientation and priorities, the importance we place on voter accessibility and direct accountability, and our grounding in the district we want to represent.
I think perhaps one of the biggest differences though is our understanding of what a representative is supposed to be, and how that informs the work we would be doing. After six years, I think we have a fair idea of what this job is to our current representative: a bureaucratic role that requires an almost obsequious deference to party leadership and the current executive branch. There is no meaningful push back to protect the rights of Americans, there is no courage to challenge policies that harm regular people, when that challenge would cause friction between him and the party itself. It is a role that puts party before people, where falling in line is not only rewarded, but a requirement.
I see my responsibilities through a different light. The House and Senate are the only public servants in our federal government directly invested with the will of the American people. The presidency is selected by non-elected individuals (the Electoral College), the judicial branch is appointed, and every federal worker was hired with indirect authority, authority which stems from the powers afforded to Congress by our Constitution. The role of a Representative is to represent the needs and interests of their constituents, the individuals and families which make up the communities of each district. This requires a very clear understanding of where their loyalties are supposed to lie: first, with their oath to the Constitution; second, to the state they represent; and third, to the people of the district they serve. There is no room for corporate interests or party politics, especially when they create tension between a representative's sworn duty to serve the people of their district.
From a practical perspective, this means a good representative will find themselves at odds with the executive and judicial branches, and also likely with their political party. This is part of the job. I understand that my priority is not to vote on party lines or protect someone just because they have the right letter after their name on the ballot. I am there to serve my country and my community.
I am happy to answer any specific question you might have, and I appreciate your patience with me as my response has been delayed.
Best,
Peter