Candidate survey: Carl Mumpower

Political party: Republican
Residence: Asheville
Occupation: Psychologist
Political experience: Seven years on Asheville City Council, two years as vice mayor
Endorsements: “Various.”

Carl Mumpower

1) How much money have you raised for your campaign? Who are your top three donors, and how much has each contributed?

Total: $87,000 (all individual contributions)
Top three: Bob and Joanne Mair $2,300, Lloyd and Kim Morris $2,300, Neil Farnam $2,000.

2) Speaking politically, what most distinguishes you from your opponents in this election?

“My opponent consistently supports earmarks, votes politically and is ingratiated to party, PAC and special-interest contributors. I am careful with other people’s money, consistent and accept only individual contributions. I value the common good over special interests and place principles before party, power or popularity—always.”

3) What do you consider to be your most controversial policy position, and why?

“My willingness to hold the president and Congress accountable for their failure to uphold the Constitution and protect our borders. The oath of office for our leaders is more than a hollow ceremony—it is a sacred commitment that they have broken in this and other areas.”

4) What is your position on the recent $700 billion public bailout of the financial industry?

“I am consistently against this and other federal efforts to throw money at our financial difficulties. These bailouts are an attempt to fix symptoms vs. the system. Solutions begin with controlling the appetites of government and special interests that are running America as a rigged lottery.”

5) What specific measures do you advocate in regard to illegal immigration?

“This is the greatest lawbreaking conspiracy in America’s history—supported by both political parties, churches, the business community, social-service agencies and others benefiting from an imported and exploitable labor pool. Solutions will be found in enforcing existing laws and fining those who fuel the flood with jobs.”

6) What are the specifics of your position on abortion?

“I believe life begins at conception and hold strongly to a pro-life position. I do not believe that the federal government should be involved in this issue.”

7) Which of your opponents’ policies do you agree with the most, and why?

“In that he persistently votes on the basis of party and political interests vs. principle, I share very little policy agreement with my opponent. We do appear to share a common concern for the sanctity of new life, the Second Amendment and the harms of illegal immigration.”

8) What are your specific recommendations for how the U.S. should or shouldn’t proceed in Afghanistan and Iraq?

“We went to Iraq arrogantly—after five years of service and sacrifice, we should not leave with an equally arrogant indifference to the outcome. I support fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan until we suppress the harms to a degree allowing self-governance or until we are asked to leave.”

9) With the economy in turmoil, what are your specific prescriptions for getting it back on track?

“Reduce government spending, regulation to keep fairness and transparency in our financial system, tax reform, enforcement of our trade agreements, cessation of the Fed’s inflationary monetary policies, greater caution with foreign entanglements, and an end to corporate and special-interest welfare programs that rob the treasury.”

10) What would be your top three legislative priorities?

“1) Fight government waste and excess—including earmarks, special-interest indulgences and socialistic policies that are burdening younger generations with excessive debt. 2) Resist unnecessary foreign entanglements. 3) Work to sustain liberty, opportunity and responsibility as the most authentic equation for a future of hope.”