Rickey Minton

Rickey Minton was born in Dunlap, Tennessee. Minton earned a bachelor's degree from Tennessee Tech University in 1982 and a graduate degree from Liberty University in 2016. His career experience includes working as a farmer and businessman. Minton has been affiliated with the Farm Bureau, American Nursery and Landscape Association, Billy Graham Association, Mountain Faith Mission of Haiti, and Southern Baptist Association.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a business owner, farmer, conservative American that would like to lead our country out of the disarray that our liberal leaders have created in the last few years.

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?

Return our country to the middle ground that common sense citizens want for their families. Create an environment of financial responsibility, common sense immigration laws, realistic tax laws, and limited government control. Bring back our moral, family values to our culture.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Financial responsibility. Securing our borders for the safety of our citizens. Maintaining the second amendment rights with common sense laws. Affordable healthcare. Create new energy initiatives. Balancing the budget and reducing the national debt.

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

My dad. He was a hard worker,respected by all, fair as a father. Dedicated to his family.

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

Bible

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

Hard work. Good morals and ethics. Honesty. Integrity. Business experience.

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

Education. Business experience. Understand the importance of hard work.

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

Represent the constituents. Focus on financial responsibility of the country. Be available to the citizens in the district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

For my grandkids to respect me.

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

Many are memorable, but 911 sticks out. I was on a tractor when my dad found me to tell me what had happened.

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

Dishwasher in a restaurant. One summer in high school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Bible. It is the foundation of my faith and the map of my life.

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

To balance family and work.

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

Abundant representation of our country.

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

No. Business experience and education is a positive.

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

Reduce the federal debt. Border control. Finding new energy sources. Affordable healthcare. Creating a quality environment for our veterans.

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

No. Should be 4. Cost of campaign is to exorbitant for 2 years.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Absolutely need term limits of no more than 8 years for all offices local and federal.

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

Jesus Christ

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?

Many stories of how our existing leadership is unavailable to the citizens of the district. Many of the county executives have never met the existing congressman.

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

Compromise is the foundation of conflict resolution. Policymaking must represent the entire citizenry. Not just the radical right and left.

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?

I would work to find new sources of revenue for our district. And fairly distribute the funds that are in place.

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

To maintain the ethics of the office. To investigate the many examples of compromise that exist within the congress.

What committees interest you?

Finance. Agriculture. Ethics.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Leadership should be completely transparent with financials. All citizens should have access to the process of distribution of finances. Common sense has to be returned to our government.