Candidate Survey: Susannah Kipke for Anne Arundel County Republican Central Committee, District 3
TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey
Name*
Susannah Kipke
Age*
36
County*
Anne Arundel County
District, if Applicable
Councilmanic 3
Education*
College, but no grad school
Career/Occupation*
Major gifts fundraiser
Political Experience*
Have worked, both paid and volunteer, on campaigns since 2010 (actually since childhood but 2010 was my first paid campaign) including managing campaign efforts for a national nonprofit. Have never held office before.
Website*
None
Social Media Accounts*
None
Why are you running for office?*
Because I'm very concerned about how left-leaning Anne Arundel county has become, even just since I moved here almost ten years ago
Who do you consider your political role model, and why?*
Maggie Thatcher because she helped save Western Civilization. She talked not just about the policies in front of her, but about the principles of freedom, and of civilization. She spoke clearly and calmly, she held her ground, but she wasn't a bully. It's easy to have the right ideals, and it's easy to not back down, but it's hard to get your policies and ideals to resonate with people, and harder still not to lose your temper with people who disagree. Moreover, in addition to being a towering political figure, she was a mother, and as a mother myself I admire that she was able to both raise a family and involve herself on the world stage.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why?*
The Discovery of Freedom by Rose Wilder Lane. Lane was one of the mothers of Libertarianism, along with Ayn Rand. The Discovery of Freedom makes a clear and compelling case for the American founders' vision of liberty and a free country, and I wish more people had read this.
What do you see as the role of the Central Committee?*
To help organize and support election activities, to make appointments for vacancies in the legislative delegation, and to engage and vote on matters related to the state party, including selecting a chairman and board members.
What are the three biggest issues facing your county party?*
The leftward slide of the voters, infighting, and trouble finding election judges
What are the three biggest issues facing your state party?*
The troubles associated with being massively outnumbered in the state by the Democrats, the difficulty recruiting volunteers and election judges, and the worries that many still have about election integrity
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide)*
We're Catholic, and I am pro-life from pregnancy to natural death
What is your position on taxes, spending, and the federal deficit?*
I'm opposed to many if not most of the taxes that exist at the moment, and think that Government spending needs to be massively reined in. Every government entity that collects taxes should at the very least be constrained in their spending by the amount they bring in with taxes, although I'd prefer they rein it even further in and reduce taxes.
What is your position on gun rights?*
I'm very pro-Second Amendment. I think Maryland's gun laws are far too restrictive, and not at all what the founders envision when they wrote the bill of rights.
Do you believe that Maryland primary elections should be open to independent voters?
No
Do you believe that the state party and the county parties should be allowed to endorse in primary elections?*
Yes
Do you believe that Maryland Republican Party auxiliary organizations should have a vote on the Maryland Republican Party executive committee?*
No
Would you support limiting the terms of Maryland Republican Party officers to eight consecutive years in the same office?*
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