U.S. House Candidate Evan Feinberg Challenges Tim Murphy

A graduate will face 10-year incumbent U.S. House Rep. Tim Murphy in a Pennsylvania primary on April 24.

And although it's his first campaign, Evan Feinberg is not new to politics. Feinberg, 28, of Upper St. Clair Township, moved to Washington, D.C., after college to work with The Heritage Foundation, a conservative policy research group. Feinberg served as Sen. Tom Coburn's (R-OK) legislative assistant for Health Policy and, in 2010, took the position of top policy aide in Sen. Rand Paul's (R-KY) office.

Feinberg will challenge Murphy this April to represent the Republican Party in November's general election for the U.S. House of Representatives' 18th District of Pennsylvania, which includes all of .

The winner of April's primary will be the Republicans' nominee on November's ballot. The lone Democrat competing for that Congressional seat is Washington County Commissioner . UPDATE: with Maggi.

Feinberg took time recently to answer questions important to voters.

Patch: What makes you more qualified than 10-year incumbent Rep. Tim Murphy?

Evan Feinberg: My entire career has been spent fighting for conservative principles. I gained valuable experience working as a policy researcher at The Heritage Foundation and then as a senior aide to U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, and most recently, with U.S. Sen. Rand Paul. I would be privileged to use those policy skills and institutional knowledge to serve the people of western Pennsylvania in Congress. The No. 1 qualification for U.S. Congress is an individual's ability to preserve, protect and defend the U.S. Constitution. Unfortunately, the incumbent has put his own political self-interests before the country. My most important qualification is a focus on the next generation instead of the next election.

Patch: You're a very young candidate. What do you tell those people who aren't sure about your experience?

EF: Washington, D.C., is full of people who have been there for decades and have run our country into the ground. Most people I talk to are excited that someone from a new generation is entering politics—a generation that will be saddled with massive debt. My young son, Luke, owes $50,000 in government debt by no fault of his own. The time is now for my generation to step up and lead. Besides, I have done more to further conservative principles during my career than Tim Murphy ever has or ever will. 

Patch: What are your thoughts on saving the  and the targeted realignment and personnel layoffs at the neighboring 171st Refueling Wing?

EF: We can and should save the 911th by convincing the Department of Defense of the value of the Air Wing to our national security. The 911th isn't a jobs program, and its entire purpose is directly tied to its role in keeping us safe. It's important, however, to realize why this base is being closed. It's not a BRAC (Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission) closing. It's being closed because Tim Murphy and other politicians have been unwilling to set any budget priorities, instead voting to authorize President (Barack) Obama $2.4 trillion more debt while giving him unilateral authority to slash $500 billion in defense spending. The 911th is in jeopardy because our fiscal house is in complete disarray. Yet, politicians point the finger for this problem at everyone but themselves. I would promote specific spending cuts and reforms across the government that would eliminate the need to close the 911th. In fact, I've published a comprehensive budget on my website to get our fiscal house in order. It is available at evanfeinberg.com. 

Patch: What changes would you like to see if you take office?

EF: We need to limit government, free our economy and restore honest government. I have outlined my specific ideas in a 23-page budget and economic plan I titled, "Turning the Lights Back On: Restoring the Shining City." I want to see a return to constitutionally limited government. I want to see a laser-like focus on our national debt—which means real spending reductions and entitlement reforms. I want to see a pro-growth tax code—ideally, a flat tax—that would encourage economic freedom and economic growth. Finally, I want to see term limits instituted to turn politicians' focus away from re-election and toward the best interests of the country. 

Patch: What are your thoughts on job creation? ?

EF: To create jobs we need to free the economy. Our country has experienced wealth and prosperity like no country ever has. Our country is great because it was based on a phenomenal idea—that individuals could govern themselves. The American experiment of limited government has led to unprecedented economic growth. We're wealthy not because of our natural resources but because we are better than anyone has ever been at getting those resources out of the ground and using them to innovate and create wealth. Marcellus Shale drilling is a great example—innovative techniques coupled with western PA's vast resources mean our region is poised to become one of the most prosperous regions in the world, as long as the government doesn't tax and regulate the industry to death.

Patch: Have you received any big endorsements? If so, from whom?

EF: I have been endorsed by:

• U.S. Sen. Rand Paul 
• U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn
• FreedomWorks (a national conservative organization)
• Republican Liberty Caucus
• PA State Sen. John Eichelberger
• PA State Sen. Mike Folmer
• Citizens United
• Associated Builders and Contractors 

I also have received the personal support of many of the leaders of local grassroots organizations and tea party groups. The groundswell of support for my campaign has been so encouraging. And it stands in stark contrast to the limited establishment support my opponent has garnered. Not one of his Congressional colleagues has publicly endorsed his candidacy.

To learn more about Feinberg, revisit a .

This article originally appeared on the .

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