Mary Ruth, a conservative liberty-minded Republican, believes in individual liberties, limited government, and free enterprise. Issues
Guns
“The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired...” Article 1, Section 24, Washington State Constitution
Gun control is NOT in the Second Amendment. If we lose our right to bear arms, we lose every
thing. The people of the 16th district understand this. They also don't want their gun rights impaired and, as evidenced in the 2013 legislative session, loudly voiced their opinion regarding universal background checks - they don't want them! In Olympia, I will stand firm on the Washington State and US Constitutions - both of which are very clear on the right to bear arms. Taxes
“One thing is clear: The Founding Fathers never intended a nation where citizens would pay nearly half of
everything they earn to the government.” Ron Paul
This applies to state taxes as well! Those wanting to increase taxes will tell you, "but it's only 0.01 (or 0.03, or 0.05) of a percent!" Unfortunately, you add up all those incremental taxes and, pretty soon, they turn out to be much more than just .01 of a percent! In Washington we have to be smarter and more responsible in how we handle other peoples' (your) money. Just because we can raise taxes, doesn't mean we should raise taxes! I will not vote for any tax increases or any new taxes. I have put it writing. I signed the "Taypayer Protection Pledge." www.atr.org
Religious Liberty/Rights of Conscience
"Courage, then, my countrymen, our contest is not only whether we ourselves should be free, but whether there shall be left to mankind an asylum on earth for civil and religious liberty." Samuel Adams
No one should have to choose between their livelihood and their conscience. To have to make such a choice would be the definition of tyranny. Life
"America stands for liberty, for the pursuit of happiness and for the unalienable right for life. This right to life cannot be granted or denied by government because it does not come from government, it comes from the creator of life." Bush
I believe in the right to life for all people, from conception to natural death. I have been endorsed by Human Life PAC. Jobs
In Washington we need less, not more, regulation! We need to get government out of the way of small businesses so we can get Washingtonians working again. In Olympia we need to find, and continue working to eliminate, unnecessary regulations (and taxes) so we can improve the business climate in our state. For more details, go to www.votemaryruth.com