My political approach can be summed up in the phrase “working together with others to solve problems.” This is quite similar to what I did for many years as a doctor, both as a surgeon and as a non- operative physician. Many of the steps are the same–gathering the facts, considering possible solutions, then discussing the options and unintended consequences of each option and then reaching an agreement for a plan of action. The difference is that in medicine the patient has the final say. In politics we need to strive for compromise to reach the best possible solution and make progress. The system breaks down when one party or the other comes to the table with ideological pre-conceived notions without a desire to hear all options and carry out reasonable discussions before making a decision. I make decisions after careful consideration of all points of view.

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