Daniel Gade (R)

Background

Daniel Gade, capturing more than 67 percent of the vote, defeated Alissa Baldwin and Thomas Speciale in the June 23 Republican primary for the U.S. Senate in Virginia. A resident of Alexandria, Gade from 1992- 2017 had a lengthy career in the United States Army, earning his bachelor's degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1997. Retiring as lieutenant colonel, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts. His unit deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Gade in 2004 led his 150 soldiers on many combat missions and was wounded by enemy fire twice. His second combat wounding caused his entire right leg to be amputated, and he spent the next year in the hospital, enduring more than 40 surgeries. While serving in the armed forces he earned his master's degree and Ph. D. in public administration and policy from the University of Georgia. He served in President George W. Bush’s administration, working on veteran issues and military healthcare, and has since served on several national- level policy councils, including the National Council on Disability and the VA Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation. He taught political science, economics, and leadership courses at West Point from 2011 until his retirement, and is now a professor at American University in Washington, DC.

Legislative priorities LIMITED GOVERNMENT

We must return to a fiscally responsible government that promotes individual freedom. Powers not given to the federal government explicitly in the Constitution are reserved to the people or to the States. Government overreach should be called what it is: tyranny. It’s past time to rein in government overreach and return to Constitutional government.

PROMOTE FREE MARKET SYSTEMS

Markets that are free of government interference or crony capitalism are engines of economic growth and prosperity for all. Low individual and business taxes, decreased regulation, and free and unfettered trade is the key to further improvement in the standard of living for all Americans.

MAINTAIN A STRONG NATIONAL DEFENSE

e power to declare war resides in Congress, not the Executive. Since the end of World War II, Congress has shirked this responsibility. I believe that we should commit troops only a) in defense of a vital national interest b) when there is a defined end state and c) when military force is the only remaining option. Military families shouldn’t be the only ones having dinner table conversations before their loved ones go to war. I am opposed to the open-ended commitment of troops around the world.

PROTECT INDIVIDUAL LIBERTIES AND CIVIL RIGHTS

Our civil rights include the right to live in accordance with our religious principles, the right to unrestricted free speech and exchange of ideas, and the right to protect ourselves by keeping and bearing arms. is is the only way to ensure equal protection and justice for all, regardless of race, class, or creed.