Andrew Beck

Andrew Beck was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Beck earned a high school diploma from Washington High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Stout in 1990, and a graduate degree from Cardinal Stritch University in 2001. His career experience includes working as a sales manager and MRI technologist.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running for Wisconsin's 5th US Congressional District to bring integrity and passion to the House of Representitives. Congress is a disfuntional institution, unable to pass laws to help all Americans or keep our government running smoothly. I want to bring my non-politician values to Congress and work for the people of the 5th district, Wisconsin and the United States.

I have Midwest hardworking work ethics and am well educated. I was born and grew up in Milwaukee and attended Milwaukee Public Schools. I have a Certificate in Radiologic Technology and an MBA.

I have lived in Wisconsin for most of my life and in the 5th District for the last 20 years. I know what the people in the district want and will take those ideas to Washington to make Wisconsin and America a better place to live.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Democracy - Protecting our democracy is the single most important issue we need to address today. Without having the truly democratic country that we currently enjoy, with all of our freedoms, the other issues that we are facing will not be attainable.Healthcare - We all deserve to have the best health care that the United States can provide at a practical price and with easy access. One of the areas I want to spotlight is that of mental health. Many of our societal woes are caused by some mental health issue, and proper treatment of these problems can help reduce many other crimes and tragedies that we face in our country. In addition, a Woman's right to decide her own healthcare choices is paramount.The Environment and Global Warming - We need to continue to work on policies that will reduce the effects of global warming. This needs to be in regard to reducing greenhouse gases, supporting the different agencies needed to counteract the effects of global warming and understand the dynamics of global warming on the world stage.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The policies that I would like to affect while in Congress would be equality amongst all those in the United States, LGBTQ+, minorities, women, and immigrants, so that we can all be equal in the eyes of the government and laws. I am also passionate about the environment and global warming as I see this as a truly tragic event that is on our doorstep that we need to address now. Lastly, I look forward to working in Congress to help make mental health a focus and access available to treatment for all who need it. We need to reduce the stereotype for mental health treatment and problems so more Americans can get the treatment that they deserve.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity is the most important principle that politicians in Washington need to have. Lack of integrity has thrown the Congress, the House and the Senate, into a downward spiral. We need to start reversing this trajectory and bring in more individuals with high morals and integrity.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I think I am empathetic, persistent, and thoughtful, which should be good qualities for a member working in the House. Looking to hear all sides of a point of view, and understanding how it's going to affect people and the nation, while looking to find all the facts about a certain situation. I think these would be good qualities entering the House.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility for people elected to public office is to work for the people and make the people's lives better in our country. They will need to work to keep and expand our freedoms, make the economy thrive for all, and create an environment where everyone can live in peace and comfort. We need to look out for the people rather than for special interests and corporations so the we can get the most out of life that they deserve.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy that I would like to leave with in life is that I made people close to me and around me better people through my actions and deeds. This would be true for being a representative in the House, having done the most and the best I could do to bring about positive change to my district and to the country.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

My first historical event that I remember was in 1967 during the riots in Milwaukee. As a four-year-old, I sat in my home during curfew and watched as National Guard troops drove their vehicles down my street into the riot affected areas of the city. These were events that I later found to be crucial within America’s history.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was as a busboy when I was 16 years old and expanded into other positions within the restaurant as I worked there for about 3 or 4 years. I had met many good people while working there and some are still friends today. It was hard work, but it was enjoyable and some decent money for a 16-year-old.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the struggles I have in life is trying to understand how certain people act the way they do. Between mass shootings, violence within our streets, with corruption, and mean-spirited politics to repression of people, I just can't understand how they, these people, can do what they do.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House is unique because it is comprised of many more individuals that represent much more of the United States than the Senate does. Having more representatives evenly distributed throughout the country allows more people's thoughts to be heard and desires to be met. This I think makes the House a true representation of the American public.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

There are pluses and minuses to being a new, green candidate going into politics. The process of the election is difficult to consider having not been an elected official before. However, I think the ideas someone who has not been an elected official can bring to the office can be very fresh. From a campaign process, it's probably better if you have been an elected official in the past, but for the individual working within the elected office, I think individual’s ideas and passion are the key to success.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The two areas I think that will be most challenging over the next 10 years will be that of keeping democracy alive in the United States and for combating global warming. There is a true fear of our democratic way of life being stifled if the democracy loving politicians are not elected to office this coming November. Many of our freedoms that we enjoy today I think will be curtailed and we will not be living in the same United States that we have flourished in for the last 20 – 30 years.

As for global warming, this is a problem we need to tackle for the next 10 years and beyond, so we can have a consistent climate environment for us to grow our crops in, for us to live in, and to reduce any traumatic weather events.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Two years is a very short period of time to be in an elected office. The campaign cycle seems to be never-ending, and as soon as you start making some progress within the office, you're back on the campaign trail trying to get re-elected to that office. I think an extended period, other than two years, possibly three or four years, might be best for work to get done within the House.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I think reasonable term limits for elected official are needed to keep fresh ideas coming into the government and decreasing "group thought" as the elected officials continue to hold the same office year, after year, after year.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I believe compromise and working across the aisle is sorely needed in the House today. Fewer and fewer bills are getting across the President's desk as there is infighting within the parties or there is very little bipartisan work that is going into the bills that are being introduced. If there was more compromise on both sides of the aisle, much more could get done in Congress while each side can try to get their ideals passed through these bills.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Spending bills and taxation are two key areas within the House that are important to make the United States fiscally responsible and retain its global strength. I will find it a solemn duty to perform within the House in response to spending bills and taxation bills, reducing or the elimination budget deficits.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The House should use its investigative powers to investigate corruption, wrongdoing, or issues that affect the U.S. government or its peoples. These investigative powers should not be used for political purposes looking to investigate individuals from the other party on purely partisan issues.

What committees interest you?

I believe I can bring my passion and expertise to the following committee assignments. Natural Resources, Homeland Security and Science, Space, and Technology.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability is very important to maintain the freedoms that we all enjoy. Transparency needs to be from all the bills that pass through Congress so we understand where the money that is being allocated on different programs actually goes and how that is being used. There are plenty of funds that I think the average American doesn't fully understand are available to them, that there is access to these funds. And then there are other bills that are loaded with earmarks that do not pertain to the main focus of that bill. The government needs to be accountable for all the funds that are proposed in spending bills.

We also need to look at financial transparency in regards to election financing. All the dark money and other groups using funds to buy their candidate’s way into office is not good for American democracy. Candidates who have difficulty accessing campaign funds have a very hard time trying to get elected to office while other candidates have a large influx of monies from dark funds that nobody can trace back to individual donors.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running for Wisconsin's 5th US Congressional District to bring integrity and passion to the House of Representitives. Congress is a disfuntional institution, unable to pass laws to help all Americans or keep our government running smoothly. I want to bring my non-politician values to Congress and work for the people of the 5th district, Wisconsin and the United States.

I have Midwest hardworking work ethics and am well educated. I was born and grew up in Milwaukee and attended Milwaukee Public Schools. I have a Certificate in Radiologic Technology and an MBA.

I have lived in Wisconsin for most of my life and in the 5th District for the last 20 years. I know what the people in the district want and will take those ideas to Washington to make Wisconsin and America a better place to live.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Democracy - Protecting our democracy is the single most important issue we need to address today. Without having the truly democratic country that we currently enjoy, with all of our freedoms, the other issues that we are facing will not be attainable.Healthcare - We all deserve to have the best health care that the United States can provide at a practical price and with easy access. One of the areas I want to spotlight is that of mental health. Many of our societal woes are caused by some mental health issue, and proper treatment of these problems can help reduce many other crimes and tragedies that we face in our country.The Environment and Global Warming - We need to continue to work on policies that will reduce the effects of global warming. This needs to be in regard to reducing greenhouse gases, supporting the different agencies needed to counteract the effects of global warming and understand the dynamics of global warming on the world stage.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The policies that I would like to affect while in Congress would be equality amongst all those in the United States, LGBTQ+, minorities, women, and immigrants, so that we can all be equal in the eyes of the government and laws. I am also passionate about the environment and global warming as I see this as a truly tragic event that is on our doorstep that we need to address now. Lastly, I look forward to working in Congress to help make mental health a focus and access available to treatment for all who need it. We need to reduce the stereotype for mental health treatment and problems so more Americans can get the treatment that they deserve.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity is the most important principle that politicians in Washington need to have. Lack of integrity has thrown the Congress, the House and the Senate, into a downward spiral. We need to start reversing this trajectory and bring in more individuals with high morals and integrity.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I think I am empathetic, persistent, and thoughtful, which should be good qualities for a member working in the House. Looking to hear all sides of a point of view, and understanding how it's going to affect people and the nation, while looking to find all the facts about a certain situation. I think these would be good qualities entering the House.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility for people elected to public office is to work for the people and make the people's lives better in our country. They will need to work to keep and expand our freedoms, make the economy thrive for all, and create an environment where everyone can live in peace and comfort. We need to look out for the people rather than for special interests and corporations so the we can get the most out of life that they deserve.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy that I would like to leave with in life is that I made people close to me and around me better people through my actions and deeds. This would be true for being a representative in the House, having done the most and the best I could do to bring about positive change to my district and to the country.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

My first historical event that I remember was in 1967 during the race riots in Milwaukee. As a four-year-old, I sat in my home during curfew and watched as National Guard troops drove their vehicles down my street into the riot affected areas of the city. These were events that I later found to be crucial within America’s history.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was as a busboy when I was 16 years old and expanded into other positions within the restaurant as I worked there for about 3 or 4 years. I had met many good people while working there and some are still friends today. It was hard work, but it was enjoyable and some decent money for a 16-year-old.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the struggles I have in life is trying to understand how certain people act the way they do. Between mass shootings, violence within our streets, with corruption, and mean-spirited politics to repression of people, I just can't understand how they, these people, can do what they do.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House is unique because it is comprised of many more individuals that represent much more of the United States than the Senate does. Having more representatives evenly distributed throughout the country allows more people's thoughts to be heard and desires to be met. This I think makes the House a true representation of the American public.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

There are pluses and minuses to being a new, green candidate going into politics. The process of the election is difficult to consider having not been an elected official before. However, I think the ideas someone who has not been an elected official can bring to the office can be very fresh. From a campaign process, it's probably better if you have been an elected official in the past, but for the individual working within the elected office, I think individual’s ideas and passion are the key to success.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The two areas I think that will be most challenging over the next 10 years will be that of keeping democracy alive in the United States and for combating global warming. There is a true fear of our democratic way of life being stifled if the democracy loving politicians are not elected to office this coming November. Many of our freedoms that we enjoy today I think will be curtailed and we will not be living in the same United States that we have flourished in for the last 20 – 30 years.

As for global warming, this is a problem we need to tackle for the next 10 years and beyond, so we can have a consistent climate environment for us to grow our crops in, for us to live in, and to reduce any traumatic weather events.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Two years is a very short period of time to be in an elected office. The campaign cycle seems to be never-ending, and as soon as you start making some progress within the office, you're back on the campaign trail trying to get re-elected to that office. I think an extended period, other than two years, possibly three or four years, might be best for work to get done within the House.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I think reasonable term limits for elected official are needed to keep fresh ideas coming into the government and decreasing "group thought" as the elected officials continue to hold the same office year, after year, after year.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I believe compromise and working across the aisle is sorely needed in the House today. Fewer and fewer bills are getting across the President's desk as there is infighting within the parties or there is very little bipartisan work that is going into the bills that are being introduced. If there was more compromise on both sides of the aisle, much more could get done in Congress while each side can try to get their ideals passed through these bills.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Spending bills and taxation are two key areas within the House that are important to make the United States fiscally responsible and retain its global strength. I will find it a solemn duty to perform within the House in response to spending bills and taxation bills, reducing or the elimination budget deficits.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The House should use its investigative powers to investigate corruption, wrongdoing, or issues that affect the U.S. government or its peoples. These investigative powers should not be used for political purposes looking to investigate individuals from the other party on purely partisan issues.

What committees interest you?

I believe I can bring my passion and expertise to the following committee assignments. Natural Resources, Homeland Security and Science, Space, and Technology.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability is very important to maintain the freedoms that we all enjoy. Transparency needs to be from all the bills that pass through Congress so we understand where the money that is being allocated on different programs actually goes and how that is being used. There are plenty of funds that I think the average American doesn't fully understand are available to them, that there is access to these funds. And then there are other bills that are loaded with earmarks that do not pertain to the main focus of that bill. The government needs to be accountable for all the funds that are proposed in spending bills.

We also need to look at financial transparency in regards to election financing. All the dark money and other groups using funds to buy their candidate’s way into office is not good for American democracy. Candidates who have difficulty accessing campaign funds have a very hard time trying to get elected to office while other candidates have a large influx of monies from dark funds that nobody can trace back to individual donors.