Kasie Whitener

Where Whitener stands

What is Congress' role as a check and balance to other branches of government?

Congress should write clear, reasonable laws so that they are not misinterpreted by the Executive branch or difficult to interpret in the judiciary. Congress should exercise its oversight of the Executive branch through the budget and confirmation processes. Congress should exercise its check on the judiciary through a non-political review of judicial appointments. Congressional oversight is an under-used and highly-politicized power.

What measures do you support to address national security?

I support investing in military readiness but not preemptive wars. I believe the best way to secure our country is through free trade. I support border security and a reasonable, compassionate immigration policy. We need better immigration laws. I support a free market for education, but believe our issuance of visas should follow sound economic logic, not individual schools' revenue needs.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The biggest challenge to our great nation is corruption in our government, steered by the unchecked influence of the Republican and Democrat parties. These two political parties continue to amass wealth and power, and construct the political environment to ensure their own survival and prosperity. Ours is no longer a representative government. The government has been fully sold to corporate interests, lobbies, and cronies. As a nation, we must decide we’ve had enough, and take back control of the mechanisms of government. We cannot succeed without engaged citizens.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits have been ruled unconstitutional. Their suggested use is born of a valid, and almost universal concern over the longevity of some incumbents. The state of South Carolina elected Strom Thurmond for eight consecutive terms. Senator Lindsey Graham has been elected four consecutive times, so I, too, am familiar with the frustration. In our state, there is a compulsion to maintain a single Senator and earn seniority in the party and in Congress.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Politics is about achieving mutually-beneficial outcomes. It is through relationships, negotiation, and compromise that such achievements are made. I do not believe political skills are learned only through a job in government or politics. While understanding the operations of the legislature is advantageous, a Senator serves six years which is more than enough time to learn the ropes, forge relationships, and be an effective legislator.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, I believe compromise is both necessary and desirable. The trap of zero-sum politics sows division and serves the Republicans and Democrats by enabling them to raise more money through their performances for the media. It’s not governance, it’s theater. We need serious work done by serious people. Turn off the cameras and get to work. Elected officials should stop thinking about donors and start thinking about citizens.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

The biggest crisis of our lifetime is the ever-growing national debt. We, as voters, have failed to hold our elected officials accountable for their reckless spending. Spending bills should be considered as individual units of legislation, not omnibus pork barrel-rich shove-throughs. Congress should take its budget oversight role seriously and bring us back to balance, reduce spending to fight the debt, and answer for the pork and pet projects they use as bargaining chips.

How will you ensure that the voting rights of all citizens are protected?

Congressional oversight of elections, review of elections at the state and federal level, and serious inquiry into accusations of fraud. Moreover, putting an end to the parties' stranglehold over elections from ballot access to fundraising. The parties have become powerful corporations that use elections to raise revenue and amass power. As such, they manipulate the voting process from media coverage to voter ID, disenfranchising millions of Americans. Citizens watchdog organizations, like the LWV, should be empowered to call attention to irregularities and gain attention and support from lawmakers to investigate those accusations.

What do you think of the filibuster?

I have no problem with the filibuster. I am opposed to omnibus bills which are introduced without enough time for thorough review. This causes votes to be rushed and bills containing pork barrel items that are not relevant to the work of the bill. If the filibuster can buy time to evaluate a bill or stop passage of a destructive bill, then I’m for it.

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I admire Dr. Rand Paul from Kentucky and the work he does on oversight through the Homeland Security and Government Affairs committee. I also like that he continues to be a budget hawk. I am looking forward to joining him as the hardest vote to earn in the Senate.

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

Education, experience, understanding of the post, and recognition of the scope of work. It is critical to understand each nominee’s interpretation of the text of the US Constitution. I would question them on their previous case rulings, as well as historical cases and precedents. I believe vetting judicial nominees to be one of the highest honors, and most critical responsibilities, of the US Senate. There should not be any political machinations or automatic approvals.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

I believe the Senate to be a place of professionalism and dignity. One that should be above partisan bickering and the shifting political winds. I will forge strong relationships with my colleagues, regardless of party. I will establish rapport, identify common interests, and respect one another’s commitment to serving our country. Without membership in a major party, I will not have the traditional internal caucuses. Instead, I can work with members of both parties and tackle issues that are important to South Carolina. I am interested in collaboration and team work.

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

The Senate’s investigative powers are implied, but not explicitly stated in the Constitution. It is incumbent upon the Senate to exercise oversight through its investigations. For example, the failure of the Department of Homeland Security to fulfill a mandate from its inception that it create a procedure to track entry and exit at our borders. The Senate should investigate why that mandate has not been fulfilled. Once agency deficiencies are investigated, the Senate committee report should suggest changes to processes and departments that are dysfunctional.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?

Education, experience, understanding of the post, recognition of the scope of work expected, and ability to articulate all of those things in a hearing. These appointees are entrusted to direct the activities of federal organizations. Through Senate review, the American people are putting their trust in Cabinet officers. It is absolutely vital that they be chosen objectively, fairly on their merits, and without political bias.

What committees interest you?

The Appropriations committee, Homeland Security and Government Affairs committee, Rules and Administration committee, and Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee are areas where I will best represent South Carolina in pursuit of critical reforms. My education and experience are suited to operational oversight work.