Ted Vogt

Ted Vogt

Vogt, Ted (Republican)

Phone: (520) 269-2463

Email: vogt4arizona@gmail.com

Website: www.vogt4arizona.com

10031 E. Falcon Point Dr., Tucson, AZ 85730

Name pronunciation: vote.

Age: 37 (2/20/73, Council Bluffs, IA).

Arizona since: 2007.

Occupation: Student, UofA Law School, 2007-10; intelligence officer, U.S. Air Force, 2000-06; executive assistant, former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, 1999-00, 1996-98; account executive, Leo Burnett Co., Inc., 1998-99.

Marital: Single.

Education: J.D., UofA, 2010; B.A., history, Yale University, 1995.

Political experience: Chair, LD-30 GOP, 1st vice-chair, LD 30 GOP; precinct committeeman.

Legislative experience: House, 2010 (appointed 3/17/10 to replace Frank Antenori).

Memberships have included: Veterans of Foreign Wars, NRA.

Interests: Improv comedy, jazz, UofA football and basketball.

Issues:

Political influence: Donald Rumsfeld. While serving as his executive assistant, Mr. Rumsfeld – through word and deed – encouraged me to find ways to serve the greater good through public service. My experience with Mr. Rumsfeld led me to join the U.S. Air Force, and after six years on active duty, serving in Afghanistan and throughout the greater Middle East, I knew that public service was my calling.

Budget recommendations: To responsibly increase revenue, we need to be adding new taxpayers to the tax rolls, not increasing taxes on Arizonans during this tough economic climate. Currently, our burdensome regulatory and tax regime is driving businesses and jobs out of Arizona. Likewise, it makes Arizona unattractive to other companies looking to relocate their operations. Common sense regulatory and tax reform – especially the phasing out of the business personal property tax – will make Arizona a more attractive and competitive place for companies to do business. Other concerns: Economic growth and border security.

Fiscal philosophy: Simple. I believe that individuals know how to spend their money far better than politicians in Phoenix or Washington, D.C. If you have greater control over your money and your lives, you will make better decisions for your future and that of your family than government can. More importantly, it’s your money, not the government’s. You earned it. You should keep more of it.

Background & experience: I have been fortunate to have been afforded many incredible opportunities over the years. Upon graduating from Yale in 1995, I gained valuable business experience in the private sector as an investment banker and, later, as an advertising executive at one of the largest advertising agencies in the world – Leo Burnett. In 2000, I joined the U. S. Air Force. My six years on active duty as an intelligence officer further bolstered both my leadership and analytical skills. I left active duty in 2006 and moved home to Tucson. This past May, I graduated from law school at the University of Arizona. My three years there gave me a deep understanding and appreciation for the law and our Constitution. Collectively, these experiences have broadened my understanding of the many issues facing our state and our country, and have uniquely prepared me to continue serving the people of Arizona successfully in the Legislature.

Proposition 100 sales tax: I oppose the temporary tax increase. At a time when Arizona’s families and businesses are struggling to keep their heads above water, increasing taxes is the wrong approach. Arizona’s economy has shed 300,000 jobs since 2007. The additional tax burden in this difficult economic environment could very well force more businesses and jobs out of the state. Instead, we should be reducing burdensome taxes and regulations to make Arizona a more attractive place for businesses to relocate to and set up shop. Only by bringing more jobs to Arizona and adding taxpayers back to the tax rolls can we increase revenues responsibly.

Pro-life/pro-choice: Pro-life.

Campaign Finance: private.