U.S. House District 3 Mike Bendenbaugh

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

1. What makes you the best candidate in a crowded field running for this office?

I stand resolute as the sole candidate unwavering in my commitment to safeguarding personal sovereignty, steadfast against the pressure to bend beneath the weight of political agendas or conform to the dictates of any establishment seeking to shield its "brand." In a landscape dominated by partisan divides and the relentless pursuit of power, I remain anchored in the belief that the foundation of a democratic republic rests upon the bedrock principle of honoring the diverse perspectives and life experiences of every individual within our community.

As a constitutional conservative, I pledge to uphold the sanctity of our constitutional order, ensuring that the rule of law serves as the unyielding cornerstone upon which our society is built. It is imperative that we foster an environment in which all citizens can thrive, where quality of life and freedom of expression are not mere platitudes but tangible realities for all who call South Carolina home.

In a world where compromise often feels like a betrayal of one's principles, I stand firm in my conviction that true progress is achieved not through capitulation, but through the diligent pursuit of common ground. By bridging the ideological chasms that threaten to divide us, we can forge a path forward that honors the inherent dignity of every individual while advancing the collective good of our community. In short, I consider all the citizens of the 3rd district my constituents, not just those who agree with, or voted for, me.

My commitment to preserving personal sovereignty extends beyond mere rhetoric—it is a guiding principle that informs every decision I make and every action I take on behalf of the people of the 3rd district. I refuse to sacrifice the autonomy of the individual at the altar of political expediency, for I recognize that our strength as a society lies in our willingness to embrace the rich tapestry of perspectives that make us who we are.

As your representative, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of all citizens are heard and respected, regardless of their political affiliation or ideological persuasion. I will champion policies that promote merit-based inclusivity and equality of opportunity, striving to create a community where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute to the greater good. But make no mistake—my commitment to constitutional conservatism is unwavering. I will not compromise on the principles that have guided our nation for centuries, nor will I shy away from defending the rule of law in the face of adversity. It is through this steadfast adherence to our founding principles that we can build a brighter future for South Carolina and its relationship with the federal government in Washington—one in which liberty, justice, and opportunity are the birthright of every citizen.

2. How would you evaluate the job Jeff Duncan did in this position? In the initial stages of Jeff Duncan's tenure as our district's Representative, he demonstrated a commendable dedication to his convictions and effectively advocated for his conservative principles in Washington. However, over time, the allure of power and influence inherent in his position led him down a regrettable path, where he became compromised by moral weaknesses. This highlights the pressing need for term limits and smaller districts, which would enable representatives to better resist the temptations that inevitably arise due to human nature's susceptibility to such influences.

Despite these shortcomings, I acknowledge Representative Duncan's unwavering commitment to addressing issues related to energy dependency. Nevertheless, I believe there was room for improvement, particularly in his willingness to explore alternative fuel sources versus his reliance on financial support from the nuclear power industry and big oil. The undue influence exerted by these entities underscores the challenges of maintaining an unbiased position when confronted with substantial financial backing from vested interests in policy making.

In essence, while recognizing Representative Duncan's initial contributions and his efforts in addressing certain issues, such as energy dependency, it is evident that his tenure also underscores the need for systemic reforms to mitigate against the pitfalls of financial empowerment and political power. This reinforces my belief in the necessity of enforcing term limits to ensure accountability and to safeguard the integrity of developing the best policy through the mechanism of our democratic institutions.

3. Is there anything you will do differently that you consider a more effective path to serving the Third District?

Yes, I intend to adopt a transformative approach to serving the Third District, guided by the principles outlined in my "95 Theses for a Free Republic." This strategy is designed to fundamentally alter the relationship between the federal government and local constituencies, fostering a new type of representative—one who does not view the position as merely a career move or a stepping stone to greater personal and political power, but as a true reflection of the community’s aspirations.

Today, our national political parties are heavily focused on a set of high-profile issues: inflation, immigration, and security concerns both domestic and international. While these issues are undoubtedly critical and demand attention, they overshadow an array of equally significant local problems that remain unaddressed. This neglect has widened the rift between the citizens and the government that their forefathers established.

Key among these neglected issues is the excessive overreach of the International Building Code Council, which often imposes restrictive and sometimes unnecessary regulations. Another pressing concern is the struggle faced by dedicated individuals who become physicians to serve their communities but find themselves constrained by overwhelming economic pressures from the pharmaceutical industry, corporatized hospital systems, and a liability insurance model that seems to benefit the finances of lawyers more than the patients themselves.

Moreover, our educational system is facing challenges that threaten the foundation of community and learning. Failing schools and the erosion of local control over educational content and methods are issues that cannot be ignored. The community must reclaim its right to decide how its students are taught, ensuring that education not only meets universal standards but also reflects local values and needs.

By addressing these critical yet often-ignored challenges, I aim to bridge the gap between the government and its citizens, ensuring that our district is represented by someone genuinely invested in the well-being and prosperity of our community. This focus will not only address immediate and pressing challenges but also pave the way for a governance model that is more responsive, inclusive, and attuned to the unique needs of the Third District.

4. What are the three most pressing issues for this district and how would you address each?

In addition to the issues previously discussed, our district faces three critical challenges: the erosion of local governance, an overreliance on federal funding, and a lack of educational autonomy. These concerns stem from an ongoing centralization of power, which contradicts the foundational principles of our federalized system designed to empower communities to manage their own affairs, particularly in crucial areas such as education, law enforcement, and emergency services.

1. Erosion of Local Governance and

2. Over Reliance of Federal Funding:The increasing centralization in our government has diminished the ability of local entities to govern effectively, as they are constrained by federal oversight and dependence on federal subsidies. To counteract this, I propose a systematic reduction in federal intervention in local affairs. This strategy includes transferring more decision-making power and resources back to state and local governments. Such a shift will restore the sovereignty of our communities, enabling them to operate based on their unique needs and circumstances. Inorder to achieve this, we must address the root of the problem: source of funding. We must develop a reconfiguration of the tax structure to shift the fiscal burden from the federal level to state and local levels. This does not mean higher taxes. This means shifting the bulk of taxes paid to local and state entities ( to our county seats and Columbia) instead of to the bureaucratic monster that Washington has become. This adjustment would foster community-focused fiscal management, where funding is generated and spent closer to its impact zone, thus enhancing accountability and reducing inefficiencies. Ultimately, this requires a commitment from our citizens to support long-term, sustainable governance practices that preserve local control.

3. Lack of Educational Autonomy:

Our current educational system is overly influenced by federal mandates, which often do not reflect the specific values or needs of our local communities. To address this, I propose to significantly enhance the authority of state and local governments over educational policies, including content and funding. Redirecting education-related tax revenues and decision-making powers from the federal to local levels will allow for an education system that truly mirrors and supports the priorities of our communities. Additionally, decentralizing these decisions will help ensure that educators receive fair compensation, recognizing their vital role in our society. This shift is essential, as local funding freed from federal constraints will better support our educators and facilitate more tailored educational initiatives.

By addressing these issues with targeted reforms, we can revive the original intent of our federalized system, empowering our district to manage its affairs more autonomously and effectively. This will not only enhance the functionality of our local governance but also ensure that our community’s values and needs are directly reflected in the way we govern and educate.

5. What are the three most pressing issues facing the U.S. House of Representatives moving into 2025?

1) The corruption of how politicians benefit from public service.

2) The corruptive influence of the “permanent war” machine

3) The lack of fiscal discipline

These are addressed in my 95 Theses for a Free Republic which an excerpt is below (Thesis # in Parentheses)

A candidate for political office can only accept funds from individual citizens qualified to vote for them.(22)

A candidate for political office should be limited to how many years they can serve to ensure the public benefit is not compromised by the power accumulated for their self-benefit.(23)

The source of income by political candidates or office holders must be fully disclosed.(24)

Elected members of Congress must not partake in a retirement plan. They should receive Social Security like the rest of us.(25)

End the practice of dividing the Congressional chambers along party lines and have all state delegations sitting together in both Legislative houses.(26)

If the Senate maintains a filibuster rule, then the actual filibuster must take place and must adhere to the subject of legislation under debate.(27)

End the practice of omnibus bills: any bill must pertain to one subject only, and that subject shall be expressed in the title.(28)

For the Senate and House to return to their original role of checks and balances with each other check each other, it must have different constituencies.(30)

Amend the 17th amendment so the Senate can return to its original constitutional role as representing state governments.(31)

The districts of members of the House of Representatives should be reduced in size to reflect a closer connectivity with the people of the district.(32)

No elected official can leave elected office and work in any “position of influence” (Board of Trustees or be employed as a lobbyist) with a 501c4 for a period equal to his/her time in office.(33)

Donations to lobbying organizations must be made public by anyone seeking public office.(34)

Services to the citizenry’s well being should be the primary responsibility of the State. (36)

President cannot send military troops into harm’s way inside the domain of a foreign nation without a formal declaration of war by the House of Representatives.(60)

The USA is to honor all obligations that have been signed, but to seek in all future relations a status of neutrality.(61)

Initiate plans to phase out the presence of a standing army in foreign lands.(63)

Military training at 18 years of age for qualified men and women (64)

State/home guard active service for minimum 2 years and never to be utilized outside the State of residency unless order of the Governor or, constitutional declaration of war.(64)

Our nation’s foreign policy initiatives must never be determined by profit-driven corporations.(65)

Create a time-definable plan to pay off the majority % of the debt of the Federal Government with a short term increased progressive income tax on upper incomes IF Federal spending cuts do not meet established goals.(74)

Any increased tax must be utilized to lower the debt to the goals established within a time frame most conducive to striking an acceptable balance between growth and debt reduction.(75)

Amend the 16th amendment to create a federal income tax only to fund the investment necessitated by a formal declaration of war by the House of Representatives.(76)

Any Federal income tax created for a specific war debt expires once those war debts are paid.(77)

The tax burden on citizens to finance social services legislated by their elected representatives should come primarily from state governments.(78)

6. What is your philosophy of working with other elected representatives, some of whom may have different viewpoints?

My philosophy of working with other elected representatives, even those with differing viewpoints, is rooted in the belief that collaboration and finding common ground are essential for effective governance. At its core, this approach involves focusing on our shared experiences and mutual goals rather than our differences, acknowledging that all representatives, regardless of party affiliation or ideology, are committed to the welfare of their constituents.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that all elected officials have been chosen to serve the public, and this common duty forms the basis of our shared mission. By emphasizing our mutual commitment to service, we can foster a spirit of cooperation. For instance, issues such as improving infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and ensuring quality education are universal concerns that affect all districts, providing a solid foundation for bipartisan efforts.

Additionally, focusing on shared experiences rather than differences allows for a more empathetic and effective dialogue. Understanding the unique challenges and successes of other districts enriches our own perspectives, enabling us to adopt more comprehensive and inclusive solutions. It also builds respect and trust among colleagues, which are crucial for navigating the complexities of legislative processes.

Moreover, the act of finding common ground does not mean compromising one's values but rather involves identifying areas where goals align and efforts can be synergistically applied. This approach requires open communication, active listening, and sometimes creative problem-solving, but the outcomes are often more durable and widely supported policies that benefit a broader spectrum of the populace.

In summary, my philosophy emphasizes collaboration, respect for shared responsibilities, and a focus on universal challenges. By engaging with fellow representatives in this spirit, we can transcend partisan divides and work collectively towards the common good, ensuring that our governance is as effective as possible.