On the Issues

The Derby Energy Plan calls for an Apollo-project style investment in 21st century renewable energy to end our dependence on foreign oil. It consists of both short term opportunities to provide immediate relief for Nevada families, as well as long term solutions that embrace limited new drilling while directing significant new resources to the development of renewable energy.

The Derby Energy Plan includes:

Our nation's economy has faltered thanks to the weak dollar, an endless war that has sapped billions of dollars from our shores, and reckless fiscal policies that have resulted in a borrow-and-spend government. Americans are paying record prices at the pump while seeing the rising costs of living, disappearing jobs, falling home prices and skyrocketing foreclosures. We need real leadership to end this economic crisis. We must:

I support a responsible exit strategy to bring an end to the War in Iraq.  I am encouraged by the success of the Surge and the efforts of America's troops.  The Iraqi people are making progress in stabilizing their own nation and taking control of their own future.   We must bring our troops home in a phased withdrawal that allows us to maintain security while leaving a stabilized Iraq.  This will allow a transfer of tr

Every American has a right to quality, affordable, portable healthcare.  We need real solutions to ensure that every American is covered - starting with our children.  Unlike my opponent Congressman Dean Heller, I would have voted for the bill to expand the Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) which would have immediately provided healthcare for 70,000 children in our state through the Nevada Checkup program.  This is one vital step towards closing the gaps in our health care system.  In the long term, we need fundamental healthcare reform in America.

As I lifelong educator, I have been one of our state's biggest advocates for education.  I served on 3 college faculties before being elected to the Nevada Board of Regents where I spent 18 years working to improve the quality of Nevada's higher education system. I want to continue working to improve Nevada's schools as well as working to reform the loan process for college students.  I believe we must invest in education while holding our schools accountable. 

The first thing we must do is to secure our borders.  That means expanding our Border Patrol and providing them the best technology to do their job.  We also must enforce penalties on employers who willfully hire illegal immigrants.  I oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants.  There is no reason why we can't rely on legal immigration to meet America's labor needs.  I will take the steps needed to make comprehensive immigration reform a reality.