Japheth Campbell is a 2018 Libertarian candidate seeking election to the U.S. Senate from Missouri.
What is your political philosophy?
I am personally a moral conservative and politically a libertarian, one who believes in following the Founders' intent of maximum liberty for every individual. I am economically a free-market capitalist who opposes corporatism.
The Tenth Amendment states that all powers beyond those listed in the Constitution for the federal government belong to the states and ultimately to the people.
I chose to run for office because I believe the Senate has overstepped the responsibilities granted it by the Constitution by forcefully taking and mishandling power belonging to the people.
As Senator, I will focus on acting within my constitutional responsibilities under the framework of limiting government and maximizing liberty. I will fight to return the people’s power back to the people.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
- Fair Representation
- Balanced Budget
- Tax Reform
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
- Individual Liberty and Self-Ownership
- Freedom of Association
- Freedom of Religion
- The War on Drugs
- Criminal and Civil Laws
- Protection of Privacy
- Right to Self-Defense
- Right to Private Property
- Free Trade
- Government Debt
- Taxation
- Immigration
- Foreign Aid
- Military Policy
- Presidential War Powers
- Election Laws
- Right to Life
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?
I grew up under the presidency of Ronald Reagan. His words and speeches greatly influenced me and helped shape my political ideology. More recently I have admired and followed examples of former Congressman Ron Paul along with current Congressman Justin Amash and Congressman Thomas Massie.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else that you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
I recommend Called to Freedom by Elise Daniel, The Original Constitution by Robert G. Natelson, War is a Racket by Major General Smedley Butler, The Creature from Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin, and any articles or podcasts from the Libertarian Christian Institute.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
It is most important that an elected official be honest and keep promises.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I believe my character, honesty, and strong work ethic will make me a successful officeholder. I am a very empathetic individual and desire to enable good for all individuals regardless of background or status.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
An elected official must represent the constituents, first and foremost those responsible for electing the official, but beyond that, the official must creatively represent everyone without wavering on the campaign platform. True leadership does require at times making tough decisions based on core values.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I would like to leave a legacy of a nation operating under individual liberty as envisioned by the Founding Fathers. I would like to have made an impact on more people embracing the message of liberty and voluntaryism.
What's the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
The Challenger disaster in 1986. I had just turned 10 years old one month before.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
Newspaper carrier. I held the job throughout high school.
What happened on your most awkward date?
Perhaps the most awkward date was a banquet in college where the dinner made me extremely ill. I disappeared part of the night while my date and other couples hung out at a miniature golf course. I was embarrassed, and we didn't speak a word as I drove on our two-hour trip back to campus.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Christmas. The atmosphere is magical. Love for others seems the strongest at this time and it is always a special moment with family. I greatly enjoy finding gifts for people and watching them open those gifts.
What is your favorite book? Why?
God Works the Night Shift by Ron Mehl. My mother gave me the book and it greatly impacted my outlook on life. It is a reminder that God is at work in my life.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Batman
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My bed frame. It belonged to my grandparents throughout their lives. I inherited it once they passed.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
Let It Be by The Beatles
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
I struggle with being an introvert and having self-confidence.
What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?
The Senate holds a special role in our political system. It is to be made up of the nation's true statesmen and stateswomen who can overcome partisanship to find common ground. Walter F. Mondale called the Senate “the nation’s mediator.”
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?
Previous political and government experience can be beneficial for senators, but more business or community experience can also be beneficial. A blend of experiences gives the Senate better opportunities for creative outcomes.
What do you think of the filibuster?
The filibuster has become a tool to keep ideas from being heard and allows a small number of senators to basically hold the legislative process for ransom. It needs to be modified or partially eliminated to allow all ideas and viewpoints to be heard while promoting the consideration of solutions toward creating bipartisan legislation.
What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees?
Have their lives and actions aligned with the Constitution? If so, is there reason to believe they will faithfully uphold the Constitution in their appointed office?
What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?
The economy will be the greatest challenge for the United States as the national debt spirals out of control and inflation will lead to the collapse of the dollar over the next decade.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other senators?
Yes, only by building relationships and coming together as a unified Senate can we effectively move forward.
Are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
- Appropriations
- Budget
- Finance
- Foreign Relations
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Ethics
- Intelligence
- Joint Economic Committee
- Joint Committee on Taxation
Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
Rand Paul
Is there anything you would like to add?
I will focus on issues which I believe help empower the people over government. A few of these issues are promoting fair representation in Congress through multi-member districts and ranked choice voting, a balanced budget, and the removal of the incorrect classification for industrialized hemp which would encourage widespread growth and reduced costs.