Old Line Elephant Maryland Conservative Blog

Old Line Elephant Interview: Dave Wallace (R-MD)

Dave Wallace is a businessman, lifelong Maryland resident, a Republican, and Congressional candidate. He founded Chesapeake Kitchens in 1981 and has been running the business since. He's currently running for Congress in a district represented by Republican Roscoe Bartlett, which may change based on redistricting. Based on his answers to my questions, I assure you he will run regardless of whether or not he is in Bartlett's district.

Matthew R. Newman: As a new candidate who may not be fully known to my readers, can you tell me a little bit about your background and what makes you uniquely qualified to be elected to Congress?
Dave Wallace: I’m a business owner. I’ve been a business owner for thirty years. In the best and worst economic times I’ve made a payroll. I’ve kept people employed and created more jobs in a state that’s bleeding jobs by the day. I think it’s time we sent someone to Washington who understands how to create jobs – not kill them.
As a Tea Party leader, starting in February 2009, I have organized and lead demonstrations of thousands of people who share our values, who see the intrusion of government and know it will only serve to destroy our economy. People like us have always deserved a voice in Washington and now we’re going to have one.

MRN: What made you decide to run for Congress?
DW: I thought about this decision a lot, and it did not come lightly. But first and foremost I care about people, and people are suffering. The unemployment rate, inflation, and the cost of the gasoline are all skyrocketing. I’ve been creating jobs and balancing budgets for thirty years and I believe that’s what Washington needs right now.

MRN: What do you feel are the three most important issues facing the American people today?
DW: The biggest issue for all Americans is making ends meet and providing for their families. Unfortunately today, hardworking people are struggling just to do that. People can’t provide for their families if our state is hemorrhaging jobs. Small businesses can’t hire, even if they have jobs available, because they’re afraid Obama care will run their expenses up. And men and women can’t get to work if they can’t afford to fill their cars and trucks up with gas. We have to create a pro business environment, defund ObamaCare, and become energy independent.

MRN: It appears that you are currently running for Maryland's 6th Congressional District based on the current map, which is currently represented by Republican Roscoe Bartlett. What grade would you give the incumbent and why?
DW: This race isn’t about Roscoe, and truthfully it’s not even about me. It’s about the jobs the people of the 6th district desperately need and who has the experience and the know how to create them. It’s about which candidate has the most energy and vigor to fight for the people of the 6th district in Washington.

MRN: What is your opinion on the recently passed debt ceiling compromise?
DW: The compromise prolonged an ineffective and harmful status quo. I’m not going to Washington to get my picture in the paper; I’m going to Washington to stand up for my friends, family, and community and because of that I plan to cast principled votes. I would have voted against the compromise. I pledged to support Cut, Cap and Balance and as a fiscal conservative I would have stood my ground and not given in to a compromise pushed on us by liberals – a compromise which only continues deficit spending.

MRN: If elected, what would be the first piece of legislation you would propose?
DW: An immediate defunding of ObamaCare; an unconstitutional mandate which forces a citizen to purchase a product. Small businesses are afraid to hire new employees because of the restrictive regulations and heavy financial burden passed in ObamaCare. Anything that destroys jobs must go – and that’s first on the chopping block.

MRN: Maryland politicians do not always like to discuss social issues, but they are still important to many citizens. What is your view on abortion?
DW: I am Pro-Life. Period.

MRN: If elected, what Caucuses would you consider joining?
DW: The Tea Party caucus is the first caucus I’d join.

MRN: What is your opinion on the redistricting process here in Maryland and do you think that we will see fair districts?
DW: No, we will not see fair districts. Liberal democrats will create the most gerrymandered districts possible for the sole purpose of advancing their far left agenda which will destroy the voice of reasonable people in Maryland. But I believe the people of this state will only tolerate so much intrusion on their constitutional rights – We will fight back and together we will win.

MRN: Presidential candidate and Texas Governor Rick Perry recently compared Social Security to a ponzi scheme. What is your opinion of Social Security and what serious reforms do you feel are necessary to keep it solvent?
DW: Social Security has absolutely turned into a ponzi scheme, because the government keeps stealing from it. If it were treated like the safety net it was designed to be, I highly doubt anyone would have any criticisms.

MRN: As next year is a Presidential election year, what potential 2012 candidate are you leaning towards supporting at the moment?
DW: At the moment I’m supporting anyone who isn’t Barack Obama. I’m focused on the voters of the 6th district and what I can do to create jobs in Maryland, but I’m confident that anyone of the Republican candidates can restore our economy.

MRN: In closing, what is one thing you want to ensure potential voters know about your candidacy?
DW: I want voters to know that I’m running for office because I care about people and as I said people are suffering. I’m going to Washington to do something we haven’t seen in the past twenty years. I’m going to create to jobs so people can get back on their feet. Plain and simple. If there is anything I do for you and your family, call me so we can have a conversation about it. 410-984-2194.

I thank Mr. Wallace for his time and his candor. If you'd like to know more, feel free to call him as he suggests or check out his website here. I look forward to seeing his plans are when districts are finally determined because I think he could be an interesting candidate in 2012. He definitely has a story he's ready to tell voters.