Smith aims to translate business success to DC

Cheyenne – Rock Springs native Darin Smith says he’s a common-sense conservative with a strategy to win in the 2016 race for Wyoming’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“People tend to elect people who are like them, and I believe I am that person,” Smith comments.

By way of background

Smith went to college at the University of Wyoming, where he also wrestled. Later, he graduated from UW’s College of Law, at which point he moved to Cheyenne and built a successful investment practice.

“From 2005 to the present I have worked for a non-profit organization in their humanitarian wing,” he says. “We drill about 1,000 water wells each year for people without fresh water. We send doctors on about 1,000 medical missions each year, and I oversee a team of professionals that helps accomplish that.”

Decrease in government

At the top of his list of priorities, Smith says, “The proper role of government is limited. People who live and work in agriculture don’t need the government breathing down their necks. They don’t need government help. They need the government to get out of the way so they can execute their game plan.”

Smith notes that the overreach of the government from the Department of the Interior, EPA and others is unconscionable and unconstitutional.

“People in the ag community have been persecuted by un-elected government bureaucrats trying to impose laws,” he comments. “We’ve got to pull back the federal overreach.”

Plans

With a priority to pull back federal overreach, Smith says he’ll start with Congress and move to the EPA and Department of the Interior.

“We need to find simple solutions to complex problems,” he comments. “First, we need to do away with federal pension plans for congressional members, so they’re focused on social security.”

Additionally, Smith comments that he will prioritize deficit spending, and believes that removal of federal pensions will help alleviate some of the strain in deficit spending.

“Also, every time Congress does not pass a balanced budget, the members of Congress should lose 10 percent of their pay,” he continues. “We’ve got to bring accountability to Washington.”

Smith also advocates for at-will employment of government workers and restoration of the balance of power in Washington, D.C.

Other concerns

In addition to his plans to increase accountability and decrease spending, Smith says he is opposed to trade agreements and believes in fair market trade, noting that markets get messy when bureaucrats get involved.

“I do believe in trade agreements and tariffs when we have a big bully on the street who undermines everyone and manipulates their currency,” he comments. “I’m referring to China, and I think we need to protect Wyoming ag.”

Smith also cites the need to address the problem of radical Islam across the world. While he notes that less than 10 percent of the religion is radical, they are turning the world upside down, and a reform is necessary.

Smith also sees that public lands should be transferred to state hands.

“I believe that will solve a lot of Wyoming’s challenges as it relates to the federal government,” he comments. “I believe we can do this is a sensible and reasonable way that will protect our rights and guarantee the pristine areas of Wyoming that are currently regulated by the federal government stay present.”

Reasons for election

Smith says that he’s an ideal candidate to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, since he is the “only person with real-world experience outside of government” in the race.

“We need to send winners back to Washington, not political can kickers,” Smith comments, noting that experience in the bureaucracy is not necessary to be successful.

He also adds that other states have opted to elect businessmen and women, rather than politicians, citing Ted Cruz, Ben Sass and Mike Lee as examples.

“They were winners in the real world first,” he explains. “The people in their states threw out the political class and elected them. I feel I’m the same brand.”

“Washington is going broke, and we need to fix it with real Wyoming values,” Smith continues. “Our kids need a future, and they won’t have that if we keep doing what we’ve been doing in Washington, D.C.”

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to saige@wylr.net.