Stevie Rivenbark

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1. Introducing and supporting pro-life federal legislation 2. Healthcare reform with market-based solutions to drive down costs, improve transparency, and repeal Obama Care. 3. Support legislation that reflects the 2nd Amendment right to carry and bear arms.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare reform, pro-life legislation, and national security are top public policy interests.

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

Nikki Haley and Condoleezza Rice are personal heroes. As conservative women, they have paved the way for more women to work in government and international security.

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

Dinesh D'Souza, Bill O'Reilly, Edmund Burke, and Glenn Beck are authors and philosophers I tend to agree most with.

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

Integrity and selflessness are paramount traits of a successful public servant.

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

My father had nothing more than an eighth grade education. When he and my mother decided to have a child, they had to use resources like WIC and welfare for a short time. They eventually opened their own successful business, raised two children, and provided foster care for 6 years while I was growing up. Working for my parents at a young age and seeing their commitment to helping others, I learned the value of a dollar, the importance of hard work, and helping others in their time of need. After suffering from a near-fatal car accident, I struggled to survive and had to choose between terminating my pregnancy to pursue my own medical treatment but I chose life--and I am now the mother of two wonderful children. My life is a testament of the American dream: turning tragedy into triumph through hard work and perseverance. We need more elected officials who know the meaning of struggle and genuinely want to help keep America the greatest country in the world rather than pursuing self-interests.

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

Congress members are responsible for serving their constituents and developing legislation that best reflects the values and beliefs of voters from their district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A legacy of integrity and commitment to improving the lives of people, especially those in North Carolina's ninth district.

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

The impeachment of President Bill Clinton is the earliest major political event I remember.

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

My first job was working for my parents in the office of their chimney business.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Christmas. It's a time to be with family and celebrate the birth of Christ.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits.