Matthew Corey

Matthew Corey was born in Hartford, Connecticut. He earned a high school diploma from Manchester High School in 1982. Corey served in the U.S. Navy from 1982 to 1987. Following his military service, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service and then as a truck driver for the Teamsters (Roadway Corporation). Corey started a high-rise window cleaning company, Advanced Services International, in 1990. He then opened McKinnon's Irish Pub in 2002. As of 2024, Corey was affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Screen Actors Guild.[1][2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a Navy veteran and a small business owner. I’m a lifelong resident of Connecticut and I currently own the One Wood Pub in East Hartford

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?

I will put Connecticut First. Senator Murphy has put his personal ambitions, delusional agenda & partisan platform ahead of addressing the actual needs of CT’s citizensI will make life in CT more affordable. We must reduce the cost of energy in CT by expanding supplies & removing barriers to energy production. We must reduce price inflation by sound budgeting. And we must provide more good paying jobs by expanding apprenticeships in our skilled tradesWe must make America safe & strong. I wholeheartedly Back the Blue & support stronger measures against violent crime, car theft & drug dealers.

I support REAL border reform like HR2 which means building the wall, ending sanctuary cities, deporting criminals & reinstating the Remain in Mexico policy for asylum seekers

I believe in Peace through Strength overseas. We must stop coddling terrorist regimes like Iran & stand strongly behind our allies

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Promoting the ability of entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and making America thrive. Our nation requires all of us to reach for new opportunities. This is why I strongly support expanding apprenticeships to expand our labor force & oppose placing higher taxes & energy costs on our stressed small business owners

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

Ronald Reagan, because of his ability to inspire Americans & people around the world

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

Any documentary about the Reagan Administration

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

Commitment to the community they are elected to serve & adherence to their oath to protect preserve & defend our Constitution

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

I try to listen to the people who aren’t being listened to now. I also think I’m pretty tenacious and don’t give up easily

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

The core responsibilities are to pass a budget for the nation, approve or decline presidential appointments, enact laws that protect our citizens & our economy & represent our constituents

These are all things I find the incumbent does poorly

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

Restoring a sense of pride & purpose to ordinary Americans. Together we can overcome our challenges from China, terrorism, the deficit & an open border. This will not happen so long as politicians in Washington continue to denigrate & marginalize so many of our citizens who seek only a better life for themselves & their neighbors

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I would favor them

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

The traditions established by the men & women who previously served. Public servants who often took stands that were out of fashion but necessary to advance our nation. And the fact that we have relied on this body to act in a bipartisan manner

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

No. There’s too many career politicians in office now. We need more citizens from all walks of life to serve

What do you think of the filibuster?

It is necessary to prevent a narrow majority from advancing potentially harmful legislation

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

I have great respect for Tom Cotton. I like John Fetterman’s independence. I would like to emulate the appeal of Scott Brown. And I’d like to be as effective in delivering for my constituents as “Senator Pothole” Al D’Amato

But I hope to be as respected as the late Joe Lieberman

Will they consider the impact on public safety of their decisions?

Will they abstain from legislating from the bench

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

I want to work with every Senator. I think as a Republican from New England and someone from a blue collar background I have an unique opportunity to build new & productive alliances

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

Yes

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

To ensure executive branch agencies are doing what they are obligated to do

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

CT Republican Party

CT Fraternal Order of Police

What committees interest you?

Armed Services, Energy, Health & Labor

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

It would be a nice thing to start doing

Campaign website

Corey’s campaign website stated the following:

MATT COREY= Putting Connecticut First!

Practical answers for today's challenges

Build a strong economy!

Control taxes & spending -reduce our deficit

Take on China & support our manufacturers

Support CT’s private insurance industry

Expand apprenticeship programs to expand job opportunities

Make our lives affordable!

Extend the Trump tax cuts!

Stop taxing tip income!

Stop taxing Social Security payments

Energy independence to lower gasoline, electric & heating costs

Secure our border!

Finish the wall!

Reinstate “Remain in Mexico” for asylum seekers!

Deport illegal aliens who commit crimes!

End sanctuary cities & states!

Peace through strength!

Support Israel from its enemies!

Stop coddling Iran and its terrorist proxies Hamas, Hezbollah & the Houthis!

Rebuild our military for 21st Century challenges

Make our communities safer!

Back the Blue- unequivocal support for law enforcement!

Tougher penalties for fentanyl and designer drug trafficking!

Put our communities first

Rebuild our deteriorating roads, bridges, trains and sewer systems!

Stop special interest bailouts & “nation building”![9]

—Matthew Corey’s campaign website (2024)[10]

Matthew Corey did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Corey’s campaign website stated the following:

Economy

The $20 trillion in debt that we face is stifling job growth. The failure and lack of courage in Washington to pass a balanced budget is hindering our ability to grow the economy. This is similar to what we are facing here in Connecticut. We need to encourage research and development. With the right tax policy we can bring technology companies to invest in this country and state. We need job growth in new technologies. We have to create a pathway for the next generation to bring new innovation to help America be the leader in the 21st Century. Our current representatives only talk about obstruction. The harmful regulations that cost businesses millions of dollars that could be used for job growth and research of the new technologies of tomorrow. The last ten years here in the State of Connecticut we have lost over 100,000 manufacturing jobs. We need to invest in small business in low income communities to increase job opportunities for all. The apprentice programs the President is advocating for will help get the workforce educated for the jobs of the future. With all the government contracts Connecticut receives, major corporations along with private sector investment in these communities can help lower the high rate of unemployment. This investment can educate and prepare people for the labor market.

Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid

We have 59 million Americans receiving benefits from Social Security, which includes retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. This benefit is not an entitlement. The people, who are not entitled to it, are the politicians who borrow from it. There is $2.8 trillion in Treasury bonds backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. That is us folks. We need to get the 94 million plus people that are out of work, back in the work force who are not yet of retirement age. We also need to raise the contribution cap. We need to give social security to those who need it most. It was a safeguard to prevent seniors from living in poverty. We need tax free retirement savings accounts. This will encourage people to save more. We also need to look at increasing the retirement age. This can be done if we have serious people in Washington making the tough decisions. More powers should be given to the states on Medicaid spending. States should be held more accountable for coming up with cost saving measures for the younger people receiving assistance such as a voucher system to help them get private insurance. We need the public and private sector working together to solve these problems.

Health Care

We all agree health care cost is on the rise. We should allow the purchase of health insurance across state lines. We also need tort reform. Doctors are under tremendous strain and rising costs of performing their job. There should be no discrimination on purchasing health care with preexisting conditions which the states should subsidize through cost effective Medicaid programs. The health care exchanges are in place. Let the free market compete in these exchanges so the American people can get the best rates. We also need to create large pools so individuals can get the best rates available. This should include creating policies to cater to individual needs to get more people to sign up.

Facts

100,000 manufacturing jobs lost in the State of CT since year 2000

Construction industry lost 20,000 jobs since 2008

Insurance industry related jobs have been reduced from over 60,000 to just under 37,000 since the 1990’s

Each generation has an obligation to pave the way with opportunities for the next, instead we have burdened them with a selfish debt on the State and Federal level

Defense

Defense is vital to our nation’s security and our state’s economy. We only have one representative on the House Armed Services Committee. We can’t afford to lose Federal contracts. Connecticut’s economy depends on preserving these defense contracts. ISIS must be destroyed wherever it festers. We need strong leadership in Washington with a clear mission to destroy this evil. If we elect to do nothing we will witness evil and genocide continue to destroy human life. Radical Islam will influence the youth in the region taking generations to eradicate. We need to lead a coalition of forces from the region to destroy this evil. North Korea and Iran must not be allowed ballistic missiles or nuclear weapons. We must put more pressure on China with trade policies to influence them that a nuclear Asian peninsula is not in their best interest.

Education

Give parents the choice to enroll their children in the public schools, charter schools, or private schools they feel could help their child’s future to compete in a world market. Provide a tax credit for families who home school their children. Eliminate the Federal Department of Education and return power to the states and local government. Send block grants back to the states. Let teachers and parents have more input in the education process of their children. The civil rights battle of today is in the cities. Children can’t attend schools that have vacant seats because of quotas. We need strong legislative leadership to address this injustice.

Jobs

We need confidence in the business sector so we can continue job growth. We need to decrease federal spending on wasteful projects and increase private sector investment through tax reform. Federal mandates and burdensome regulations are destroying job growth. We need to revisit duplicate regulations that are preventing companies from investing in our most deprived communities. We need a sound energy policy so companies can compete in a global economy. We need fossil fuels along with green energy to fuel our economy. We need to invest in the next generation who will have the answers through research and development to lead this nation in becoming a clean energy independent country. We need corporate tax reform to bring back the trillions of dollars overseas back to the United States. We need to stop crony capitalism. We need to end the import export bank which uses tax payer money to fund some largest corporate welfare.

Veterans

We owe our freedoms to those who serve. They must never be forgotten. The seen and unseen scars must be of top priority. The backlog of disability claims must be addressed immediately. We cannot send our men and women into harm’s way and forget them when they return. Washington needs to keep their promises to our veterans. I propose we eliminate every veterans hospital that is failing our veterans and put them into the hospitals that work for everyone. The VA has a budget of $160 billion. Some of this money is not spent in the interests of our veterans. The VA must be held accountable for failing to serve our veterans with the dignity they deserve. We also need to extend the GI Bill for life for those who have served with honor.

Immigration

For years Congress has failed to address the problem of our broken immigration system. Now, with the continuing threat from terrorism from abroad, the danger of illegal drugs, as well as the sheer and unsustainable cost of illegal immigration, we must solve this dilemma.

Our elected representatives in Washington, including my opponent, have failed us. Chris Murphy, who wants nothing more than to grow the Federal government, says the problem of illegal immigration is just too big to solve – so we just let everybody and anybody in. And the problem only gets worse year after year.

We are, or should be, a nation of laws. Illegal immigration is an insult to our values, to our citizens, to the concept of the rule of law, and to the thousands of foreign nationals who adhere to the rules and regulations, and enter our nation legally to visit, to work or become legal citizens.

Above all, we need to fully enforce our existing laws, and especially secure our southern border, along with the other various entry points into our nation, against further illegal entry. That means building the wall at our southern border. And it means we need to listen to our troops on the ground, our ICE and Border Patrol agents, and consider and implement their recommendations as we fight this battle.

This first step needs to be effective, and visible and consistent, both to stop the illegal flow immediately and so those who try to enter repeatedly understand the effort is futile. Additionally, sanctions against those who traffic in illegal immigration may need to be enhanced as a further strong deterrent.

Any law without effective enforcement is no law at all. Natural born Americans are expected to adhere to laws. There is no reason illegal immigrants should be exempt from out laws. This means the practice of Sanctuary Cities must end. We must the abuse of Visa overstays. We must make employers accountable when they hire illegal immigrants.

At the same time, we need speed and streamline the review of immigration applications from people who want to immigrate legally. Justice delayed is justice denied, and an inexcusably long review just encourages people to skirt the rules.

We need to clear the legal immigration pipeline, and consider and perhaps increase the number of those permitted to emigrate legally. Legal immigration is a benefit to our nation, as it is to every nation, and it should be permitted and encouraged within the limits each nation determines is best.

Lastly, we need to finally address the issue of the estimated millions of immigrants who are here illegally. A blanket amnesty for all illegal immigrants is unfair to American citizens and to those immigrants who adhered to our legal immigration process.

Amnesty will just encourage future immigrants to break our laws and then wait for the next blanket amnesty.

One solution is a self-identification process for the illegal immigrants who are already here, and who want to step out of the shadows, become real citizens, and remain here and contribute openly and fully to the welfare of their families and our nation.

One approach is to require registration with the Immigration and Naturalization Service along with the payment of a fine. Initially, this fine could be deferred, suspended or even waived to spur compliance. But the lawbreakers must pay some sort of a penalty for their lawlessness.

Those who self-identify would be eligible to work legally and pay taxes. However, they must comply with the entire citizenship process, and would start at the back of the line. Applicants who break our laws or depart from the legal immigration process would be subject to deportation.

The fine could increase annually, and after a certain period of time, perhaps five years, those who are here illegally and choose not to participate in the legal process would be subject to deportation.[9]

—Matthew Corey’s campaign website (2018)[11]

The following issues were listed on Corey's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

Economy: The debt burden that we face stifles job growth. Government stimulus does not contribute to economic growth, it redistributes wealth and drains the economy of a much needed investment capital. Large government expenditures drain the private sector of investments in the purchase of goods and services. The failure and lack of courage in Washington to pass a balanced budget is hindering job growth. By borrowing this capital, taxes are raised or redistributed, draining the economy of a much needed investment in our country.

Jobs: We have 27 million Americans either unemployed or underemployed. High taxes, high energy costs, and over regulation are stifling job growth. The Affordable Care Act is creating economic uncertainty, keeping businesses from hiring, and reducing the 40 hour work week to less than 30. We need to get rid of the 30 hour work week mandate on small and large businesses that the Affordable Care Act imposes. This is turning full time jobs into part time.

Energy: Our national security begins by becoming energy independent. We need to put an end to burdensome regulations that have a minimum impact on the environment. Our country needs renewable energy, but it must include clean coal, clean oil, and natural gas. Striving for renewable energy should not be at the cost of American jobs.

Veterans: We must never forget the sacrifices our veterans made to ensure our freedom. Our top priority should be to address the seen and unseen scars of our veterans. We need to ensure they receive the care and benefits they have earned. We need to clean up the backlog of veterans claims so they can live the American dream they bravely fought for.

Immigration: Immigration must begin with securing our borders. Failed policies coming out of Washington are creating the humanitarian crisis we see today. We are a nation that must enforce our laws. Streamlining our immigration process in a fair and just way for those who enter this country legally will benefit this nation. Our goal is to not break families apart, but to allow migrant to high-tech workers the ability to grow and prosper while abiding by the laws of this nation. We cannot be defined as a country without borders.[9]

—Matthew Corey's campaign website, http://www.coreyforcongress.org/issues

Corey's campaign website listed the following issues:[12]

Economy: "Government stimulus does not contribute to economic growth, it redistributes wealth and drains the economy of a much needed investment capital. Large government expenditures drain the private sector of investments in the purchase of goods and services. By borrowing this capital, taxes are raised or redistributed, draining the economy of a much needed investment in our country."

Jobs: "We have 27 million Americans either unemployed or underemployed. High taxes, high energy costs, and over regulation are stifling job growth. The Affordable Care Act is creating economic uncertainty, keeping businesses from hiring, and reducing the 40 hour work week to less than 30. Our economy is moving in the wrong direction. We need pro-growth solutions that encourage manufacturers to stay in this country."

Energy: "Our national security begins by becoming energy independent. We need to put an end to burdensome regulations that have a minimum impact on the environment. Our country needs renewable energy, but it must include clean coal, clean oil, and natural gas. Striving for renewable energy shouldn’t be at the cost of American jobs."

Veterans: "We must never forget the sacrifices our veterans made to ensure our freedom. Our top priority should be to address the seen and unseen scars of our veterans. I would advocate calling in our military reserves to assist in their treatment, or give vouchers to our veterans so they can receive the proper care they need in the private sector. Washington needs to keep their promises by fulfilling their obligations. We cannot send our men and women into harms way and not give them the support they deserve."

Immigration: "We are a nation of compassionate people. Our our goal is not to break families apart, but we need to have a clear mission and abide by the laws of this nation. We need a clear mission on the border for the protection of our men and women in uniform who are defending our borders by enforcing the laws we already have. We need to secure our borders and cannot be defined as a nation without borders."[9]

—Matthew Corey's campaign website, http://www.coreyforcongress2014.com/issues

Corey stated the following about his political philosophy in a biographical submission to [the profile publisher]:[13]

Economy

"The debt burden that we face stifles job growth. The failed stimulus and the failure of both parties to agree on a balanced budget is giving business the false sense of security to invest or hire new employees. The harmful regulations that business face cost companies millions of dollars that could be used for job growth instead goes to expanding the federal agencies. The last ten years here in the State of Ct we have lost a 100,000 manufacturing jobs. We need a new approach in Washington. We need to encourage Companies to grow and invest in America."

Social Security Medicare Medicaid

"We have close to $50 trillion in long term unfunded obligations threatening to bankrupt younger generations. There is a plan on the floor of the congress that preserves the promises made to our seniors on Medicare. Also gives people that are approaching and people that are worried about those benefits being there, some hope. Let the American people decide if it’s good medicine. We all agree something has to be done now on our terms instead of forced cuts in the future that will hurt everyone."

Healthcare

"We all agree health care cost is on the rise. I support purchasing insurance across state lines. I also believe in you should be able to keep the same benefits when switching policies. There should be no discrimination on purchasing healthcare with preexisting conditions. States should help subsidize health care to those who can’t afford it. Repeal the National Healthcare and end its unconstitutional mandate that all Americans must carry only government-approved health insurance or answer to the IRS."

Defense

"Defense is vital to our nation’s security and our States economy. Budget cuts that are looming the congress failed to pass a budget since April 29, 2009. We need to defend our borders not spend billions to defend other countries borders. We need to stop building bases overseas and rebuild our bases at home for our national defense. We need to stop nation building that’s increasing our debt. Ensure our veterans receive the care, and benefits they have earned and deserve. I will defend Second Amendment rights of all Americans. I will protect law abiding gun owners."

Education

"Give parents the choice to enroll there children in public schools, charter schools or private schools that feel could help their child’s future to compete in a world market. Tax credit for families who home school there children. Eliminate the Federal Dept. of Education and return power to the states and local government. Send block grants back to the States. Teachers and parents should have more say in the education process of their children."

Jobs

"The lack of confidence in the business sector and uncertainty is the reason this economy is stagnant. As federal spending increases the private sector is unlikely to invest in this type of environment. We need to cut the budget deficit repeal laws that put harmful regulations on businesses. We need a sound energy policy so companies can compete on a global economy. Business can’t control higher taxes, regulations or energy costs. What they can control is labor cost. The government is forcing business to do the opposite of what the American worker wants. The government is stifling innovation and entrepreneurs from growing because they can’t get the investment money they need. We are in a global market many of the products we buy come from overseas. We need to bring are exports up as much as we import. We can achieve these goals with sound policies coming out of Washington."

Veterans

"We owe our freedoms to those who serve. They must never be forgotten. The seen and unseen scares must be of top priority. The back log of disability claims must be addressed immediately. We cannot send our men in women into harm’s way and forget them when they return. Washington needs to keep their promises to our veterans."

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