Montana Public Radio is gathering information on all statewide primary candidates to publish as a resource for our audience. We asked all the statewide candidates to respond to the following questions via email, limiting their answers to 300 words per question. These are their unedited responses.
U.S. House candidate Corey Stapleton:
What is your full name as it will appear on ballots?
Corey Stapleton
Where do you live?
Billings and Helena
What is your age?
52
What is your education background?
B.S. Engineering, United States Naval Academy; M.A. Political Science, Temple University; M.S. Financial Services, The American College
What is your current occupation?
Montana Secretary of State
Why are you running for this particular public office?
I have a desire to serve and lead in the United States Congress the way I have served in uniform, as a state senator, and as Montana Secretary of State.
What makes you qualified to hold this position?
I have been a leader in both the private and public sectors, have a vast educational background, served in the U.S. military, and currently hold statewide office. As Secretary of State I have consolidated the Helena offices from four locations to one (in the Capitol) and saved millions of dollars. We have increased the security of Elections, streamlined and modernized Business Services, and have given money to the Governor to help him balance the state's budget. I have a financial background which will critical for the next Congress convening in January 2021.
What are three policy issues that distinguish you from your opponent(s)?
I generally believe in free trade (not protectionism), believe in strong national defense, and support the death penalty.
What are the greatest issues facing Montana that have gone unsolved by elected officials and how would you address them?
Hi-speed internet consistency: I support designating internet as 'critical infrastructure' at a federal level; Increasing unemployment: The government, in some cases, has created incentive for some employees not to go back to work--because they get paid more staying unemployed. Each state (including Montana) needs to be allowed to manage their own employment situations and get the federal government out of micromanaging. Unchecked spending: A weakness of biennial legislative sessions is that a crisis like Coronavirus coupled with $1.25 billion federal infusion into Montana gives too much spending control to the executive branches. The legislature ought to be called into session for the benefit of all Montanans, and our federal delegation should have to report to the legislature the nature of this national debt/spending.