John Cox
Candidate for the Office of President of the United States
Party: Republican
Website: www.cox2008.com
Email: john@cox2008.com
John Cox is the average American entrepreneur and family man. It is clear to him, like it is to many of us today, that the United States is at a very important crossroads. That our next president has to be a catalyst for major change in Washington, not just another insider who's going to maintain the status quo: no more Senators, no more governors, no more congressmen and no more former president's wives. On the topic of his rivals he states: “I truly do not believe the other potential candidates, all insiders and professional politicians, can speak to the American people, gain their trust and move this country forward.”
An Illinois native, Mr. Cox was born in the south side of Chicago in 1952. He was raised in a middle-American family by his mother, Priscilla, a school teacher, and his stepfather, Thomas Cox, a lifelong postal employee. After graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Accounting and Political Science he attended ITT/Chicago Kent College of Law. Upon his graduation in 1980 he worked at a local law firm before venturing out to begin his own practice, beginning a long career of business leadership for the young entrepreneur. Mr. Cox is the Chairman of the Midwest Coalition for Tax Reform and Economic Growth and serves as the co-chairman of the Illinois Branch for the Coalition for the Modernization and Protection of America's Social Security System. He is also on the board for USO and the Fireworks for Kids Foundation. He recently authored a new book cleverly titled: Politic$ Inc.. (but with a campaign poster like this, I wouldn't expect anything less)
If asked to describe John Cox's narrative in one sentence: John Cox, a poor mans Mitt Romney without the creepy Mormon factor. After speaking with one of his campaign workers and studying his stances, I feel if he had the spending capabilities of Romney he could be right up there with him. John Cox is not your standard wacko New Hampshire presidential candidate.
Issues:
His stances on the issues go stride for stride with traditional Republican/Conservative values, with a few exceptions which lean in a somewhat Libertarian direction. As one would expect his terrorism/Iraq war stance is fight them over there instead of over here. If elected he would adopt Ronald Reagan's "Peace Through Strength philosophy and communicate a policy of democracy and economic opportunity throughout the world”. He also mentions the necessity of balancing protecting national interests and protecting civil liberties.
His views on Second Amendment Rights, abortion, end of life decisions, religion, marriage, Social Security, health care, education, energy and the environment toe the party line to a T. He does however hold some very noteworthy views on tax policy, government spending, agriculture and trade. If given the chance he would institute the “Fair Tax” and eliminate the IRS and “all federal income taxes, payroll taxes, the death tax, corporate taxes, capital gains taxes, gift taxes, and estate taxes.” These taxes would be replaced with a national retail sales tax. He says if he couldn't do all that he would at least veto any tax increases. He is largely in favor of Line Item veto and Balanced Budget Amendment and said on his website: “I will eliminate the Commerce and Education Departments.”
I found his views on agriculture and trade to be very interesting. He is in favor of phasing out farm subsidies. He believes they just favor large corporate farms and wants to help the family farm maintain a spot in our domestic economy. Interesting he calls his trade stance “Free but Fair Trade,” but it really appears more like just free trade to me. Its doesn't sound much like Bernie Sanders free but fair trade policy. He mentions ideas like opening new markets to American industries, and repeatedly states that creating a level playing field will enable Americans to compete with anyone in the world.
I polled three members of the Saint Michael's College Political Science Department and none had heard of him. When we discussed his stance on the issues it pointed out to be common for a second tier candidate to stick with the party on most issues except for a few which they have expertise on or on which they feel particularly strong. Jeff Ayres found it interesting how someone like John Cox appeared to be the most mainstream of any of the minor candidates discussed with him by students. Upon more conversation about John Cox it was agreed that he was more of a second tier candidate than a far out fringe candidate. He very proudly boasts this with his inclusion in one MSNBC debate.
For More on John Cox's 2008 Campaign
Main Campaign Office:
PO Box 5353; Buffalo Grove, IL 60089-5353
Main Campaign Office Phone: (877) 234-3800
New Hampshire Office:
788 Elm St. 2nd Floor, Manchester, NH 03101