About the Candidate
Name: Mike Koolidge
DOB: Feb. 4, 1975
Occupation: Syndicated radio talk show host, former U.S. Army Officer
Political Experience: Republican Precinct Committeeman, Flagg Township 6 since 2012
Website: www.koolidge.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/koolidge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikekoolidge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koolidge/
Candidate Statement
Inflation, the border, gas prices, crime, inflation, parents' rights in schools, war, inflation, life. Did I mention inflation?
We have these massive issues facing our country right now and the Democrats currently in office in DC are doing the exact opposite of what needs to be done.
Inflation can be combatted by smart fiscal and monetary policy and yes, a reduction in government spending, the border CAN be secured, crime CAN be reduced, and global war is not inevitable.
The American people clearly are ready to move beyond toxic division and wokeism and more towards unity, security, and a thriving economy. The Democrats like Lauren Underwood currently in Washington simply shrug their shoulders at our nation’s problems, saying false things like “inflation is transitory” and “actually, crime is down,” and they barely even mention the crisis at the border. We need change and we need it now, and I want to be a part of that change, with you, as the new 14th district U.S. Representative in Congress.
My name is Mike Koolidge, and I am a strong and unapologetic America First conservative republican. I am the only veteran running in this race having served 6 years on active duty as an Army officer. I was a syndicated conservative radio host and small business owner for 14 straight years here in Illinois. My wife Joan and I are very active in our Presbyterian Church in DeKalb, as God is the most important thing in our lives. And, yes. We are proudly pro-life and pro-2nd Amendment.
I am the front-runner in this Republican primary for a reason – we are positive, we are passionate, and our message is popular and in tune with where our country is right now. I am the only Republican candidate who has what it takes to defeat Lauren Underwood in the fall and flip the 14th from Blue to Red, and we will.
Again my name is Mike Koolidge, and I ask for your vote in the Republican Primary on June 28th. Full Speed Ahead!
Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
We have massive issues facing our country right now and the politicians currently in office are doing the exact opposite of what needs to be done. Inflation CAN be combatted by smart policy, the border CAN be secured, crime CAN be reduced, and global war is NOT inevitable. The American people clearly are ready to move beyond toxic division and wokeism and more towards unity, security, and a thriving economy.
The Democrats currently in Washington simply shrug their shoulders at our nation’s problems, saying false things like “inflation is transitory” and “actually, crime is down,” and they barely even mention the crisis at the border. We need change and we need it now, and I want to be a part of that change as the new 14th district U.S. Representative in Congress.
What does this office do well, and what needs fixing?
The U.S. House of Representatives acts as the most direct form of democracy at the federal level in our brilliantly designed constitutional republic. The fact that U.S. representatives are elected every two years means that members of Congress must be in tune with where his or her constituents are, constantly, and must always meet them there. But that’s not happening in the 14th district. The design of “The People’s House” is perfect. The incumbent, Lauren Underwood, is clearly not in touch with her constituents and where our country is headed, and the fix, by design, is a simple one: she needs to be voted out this November.
What is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
Inflation, by far. Out of control government spending and a central bank which has over-printed money for the past two years has painted us into a corner. There is a way out, however, and that’s national self-reliance: food and energy independence, re-starting the Keystone pipeline, and getting rid of programs which only suffocate small businesses and the American workforce. We will foster economic growth by eliminating burdensome regulations, cutting taxes, and reducing spending significantly.
Inflation is admittedly complicated but it’s certainly not inevitable, and new ideas and approaches need to be implemented immediately. Secondly, as the only veteran in the race who knows what it's like to wear the uniform in a combat zone, we need to make sure we’re not creeping slowly into another global war.
What specific steps would you take to ensure your office is accessible and responsive to your constituents?
I would commit to actually *reading* each spending bill before voting on it. The days of Pelosi's "pass the bill so we can find out what's in it" will be over. I also commit to being available and accessible before any major bill hits the floor of the House, so I can hear from working taxpayers, and Illinois farmers, and from parents, laborers, and senior citizens in the 14th district. Timely reaction to constituent concerns as well as actually *listening* to what’s on their mind is the essence of your job.
And there’s definitely not a whole lot of listening going on by the incumbent of the 14th district, Lauren Underwood. She and the rest of the Democrats in D.C. are whistling past the graveyard, either ignoring or shrugging their collective shoulders at America's problems. I commit to being the most accessible and responsive congressman possible because, again, that’s literally a congressman’s entire role – to act as an agent and representative to all 700,000+ of his or her constituents. I have great optimism about our country's future, but we first need to course-correct this November. I am confident we will, starting in the 14th district!
