Christopher Claytor

Christopher Claytor was born in Chillicothe, Ohio. Claytor earned a bachelor's degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1991. He served in the U.S. Army from 1991 to 2001. Claytor's career experience includes working in IT management.[1]

Christopher Claytor did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Christopher Claytor did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased October 16, 2018

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a running as the nominee of the Libertarian Party. I, as my fellow Libertarians, stand for smaller government, individual rights, and individual responsibility. The individual is the smallest minority that needs to have their rights protected FROM the federal government.

I am a Liberation as I do not want to be in the two main parties as they do not represent my values. I cannot agree with the "ever-increasing deficit spending government" of the Republican Party. I don't want to be in the "I know what is best for you," 'Daddy' Republican Party. I cannot support the "I'll raise your taxes as I much as I want, till I have enough, and you have none" Democratic Party. I don't want to be in the "Don't' worry, I'll take care of all your needs," 'Mommy' Democratic Party. I am my own Individual, and I want to live my life as I see fit.

I will fight, to ensure you enjoy the stated freedoms in the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights, just as I did when I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

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?

Cut SpendingCut TaxesRestore our Freedoms guarenteed by the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

We are now 26.77 TRILLION dollars in debt! We must cut spending and pay off our debts or this experiment in democracy we call the United States of American will fail.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Thomas Jefferson. The ultimate libertarian!

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The U.S. Constitution!

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

Integrity and Transparency

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

Leadership, Integrity, Transparency

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

Represent the members of the district. Support and defend the U.S. Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. Ensure this form of government can continue such that future generation enjoy the freedoms and rights as guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Led the effort to restore Individual rights to all Americans and return the government to solvency.

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

I remember profoundly the 1986 Bombing of Libya. I was 16 years old and planning to go to the attend the US Military Academy at West Point. I could not wait to 'defend' my country against terrorists!

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

As a teenager I worked for minimum wage at fast-food restaurants.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Christian Bible. It contains many lessons on all aspects of life that we can learn from. Many examples from history of what NOT to do.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I once read, "You should always be yourself unless you can be Batman, then you should be Batman"

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Trees by Rush

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

Frustration that, although most Americans agree with libertarian ides, they refuse to vote Libertarian!

What process do you favor for redistricting?

As intended, based on the Census, and simple geographic boundaries.

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

As a member of Congress in the U.S. House, we represent all the people that live in our district! A great honor, and responsibility.

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

I think it is a detriment to have previous experience. The founding fathers intended the position to be a one-time activity. Individuals wee to sacrifice their normal lives for ONE, 2 year term to serve your district then go home. Career Politicians and concentration of power in the hands a few people / families leads to corruption.

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

We are 26.77 TRILLION dollars in debt! And it keeps increasing. I fear the day when our lenders call the notes due! We must start working now to cut spending and off this debt!

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Appropriations

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

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

In theory, I feel it limits the "free speech" of the people. However, having career politicians has proven to created bloated budgets and our huge deficit. So we may need to have them for a few decades as a short term fix to our current problems.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Yes. I can't wait for the day there are significant numbers of Libertarians in Congress!

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

No, its been a long time since we had any representatives that was truly trying their best to represent the people of their district. They all seem to be out for their own interests.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

All individuals and their stories are important!

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Reduce regulation.

Reduce entitlements.

Reduce spending.[3][4]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

The national debt is my biggest concern. It is now $21.5 Trillion and > 100% of our GDP. We must reduce it!Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[4]

[the profile publisher] also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Christopher Claytor answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?

Thomas Jefferson[4]

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else that best describes your political philosophy?

The God of the Machine – Isabel Paterson[4]

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

Truthful, Transparent, Principled[4]

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

Truthful, Transparent, Principled[4]

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

Uphold the US Constitution[4]

What legacy would you like to leave?

Reduced the debt burden of our future generations[4]

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

Bombing of Libya by Ronald Reagan's administration in 1986.[4]

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

Fast food restaurant cashier and food preparation.[4]

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Easter.[4]

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible.[4]

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Tom Sawyer by Rush.[4]

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

Yes. As a member of the military, I saw first hand the "fraud, waste, and abuse" of assets by the US Government and I now want to address this.[4]

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

Reducing the entitlement mindset of an ever increasing amount of the US population.[4]

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

Yes[4]

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term Limits would limit one's free speech. But, they may be necessary to get career politicians out of office. Career politicians is not what our founders intended.[4]