Name *
Antonio Pitocco
Age *
26
County of Residence *
Anne Arundel County
Office Sought and District *
U.S. House of Representatives, District 3
Political Party *
Republican
Education *
Bachelors in Communications and Marketing from Salisbury University
Career/Occupation *
Real Estate Agent
Political Experience *
None
Website *
Social Media Accounts *
Twitter: https://twitter.com/antoniopitocco1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoniopitocco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntonioPitoccoForCongress/
Why are you running for office? *
Because for far too long, a select group of powerful and corrupt individuals in Washington have had the privilege of ruling over our lives and for far too long the American people have deserved better. The old way of doing things, with career politicians or even legacy politicians, is doing nothing for our country other than delivering the ultimate disservice. We have an opportunity to really make some change in 2022 and actually unify the country. I want this campaign to be a campaign for ALL Marylanders to get behind -- whether they are Republican, Democrat, or Independent -- I want to take their voice to Washington and deliver a better future for the State of Maryland and everyone that lives here.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
James Madison. Madison made a major contribution to the ratification of the Constitution by writing, with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, the Federalist Papers. In later years, he was referred to as the “Father of the Constitution" but argued that the document was not “the off-spring of a single brain,” but “the work of many heads and many hands.” He was a voice of unity in a time when our country was fractured and I hope to emulate that once in Congress.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
When I was younger, I read Animal Farm and it painted the picture of what communism could lead to. This solidified my belief in individual liberties and by extension my commitment to preserving the Constitution, which safeguards our liberties and promotes a level of statesmanship.
What will be your top priority if elected? *
My top priority would be rooting out corruption. One example of this is the omnibus bills passed in Congress -- bloated bills with ambiguous titles designed to confuse or mislead citizens, high potential for “pork” projects being combined with budget and policy measures, leading to increased spending, and above all, they are lengthy, which discourages the American people and often our elected officials from reading it. Aside from that, I would like to actively work to see a categorical and generational shift in Congress. Absolute power corrupts absolutely and when someone gains power, it becomes increasingly harder for them to give it up. We need change in Congress, not only with legislation and governance, but with our Members of Congress. We need to wipe the slate clean and send people to Washington that will offer a fresh perspective, new ideas, and a new approach to actually governing for the people.
What are the three biggest issues facing your district? *
Right now, the three biggest issues facing the Third Congressional District are inflation, the education crisis, and crime rates that are rising exponentially.
What are the three biggest issues facing our country? *
The three biggest issues facing our country right now are the skyrocketing inflation, government overreach, and increasing tensions with our foreign adversaries.
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
I am pro-life, with compassion in cases that involve rape, incest, and/or where the life of the mother is at risk. Any law passed addressing abortion, must consider ALL potential extenuating circumstances but should ultimately be left up to the individual states to decide. In regards to assisted suicide, if someone with a terminal illness wishes to no longer suffer and be kept alive in excruciating pain or in an artificial capacity, they should have the freedom to make that decision on their own, as a last resort. All stipulations regarding this would have to be considered.
What is your position on taxes, spending, and the federal deficit? *
A top priority of mine once in Congress, would be to work to balance our budget. With $30 trillion dollars in debt (and counting) we have to stop ALL of the reckless spending we are seeing come out of Washington. We simply can no longer afford it and we have to take this challenge head on and correct the mistakes our government has committed for far too long. When it comes to taxes, the American people work hard for their money, and therefore they should be able to keep more of it. Our elected officials often resort to raising taxes to solve our problems, furthering the financial burden millions of Americans struggle with every day. Instead of raising taxes, it’s time to start reforming the government that imposes those taxes in an effort for it to work better for the people and not the politicians.
What is your position on gun rights? *
The Second Amendment is abundantly clear when it says "shall not be infringed" and I will never support legislation that seeks to undermine any persons right to own a gun. Contrary to some belief, the Second Amendment wasn't written so that people could go hunting, it was written so the American People can protect themselves when necessary. Whether it be the rise of a tyrannical government or for their own personal protection at home or in public, each and every single American, eligible to own a firearm, should never have that right infringed upon.
What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *
Numerous states have already legalized marijuana and have seen an increase in revenue and jobs. The medical use of marijuana can be a great alternative to the numerous opioids that are prescribed for pain management and other ailments -- the same opioids that are actively plaguing the State of Maryland and much of the United States on a daily basis. I fully support the legalization of medical marijuana.
What is your position on trade? *
We must start engaging in trade deals that are not only fair for the United States but also work to promote American businesses. The trade deals we engage in must also be fair to all countries involved and we can do this by engaging free trade with limited tariffs.
What is your position on foreign policy and military issues? *
When it comes to foreign policy, we should always be approaching it from a standpoint that we protect the interest of the American people. We must continue to invest in our armed forces to make sure we have the strongest, most advanced, and technologically sound military to protect our citizens, property, and sovereignty, in hopes that we never have to use it. Congress must be the final arbiter when it comes to assessing the sacrifice and cost of declaring war.
Would you support the passage of the Human Life Amendment? *
Yes
Would you support the passage of the Balanced Budget Amendment? *
Yes
Do you support D.C. Statehood? *
No
Do you support retrocession of the District of Columbia into Maryland? *
No
Was Joe Biden legitimately elected President of the United States in the November 2020 Election? *
Yes
Do you pledge to accept the results of your election? *
Yes