Who Is Luke Messer?

The name of my chosen federal-level legislator

The name of my chosen federal-level legislator is Luke Messer, the House Representative from Indiana’s 6th District.

Messer’s Background

Messer is a male American who belongs to the Presbyterian Church. His political party is Republican and he does not share my preferred party preference. He has been in office since January 3, 2013 and will vacate in January 2019.

Legislation Sponsored by Messer

The most recent pieces of legislation sponsored by Messer are the Effectuating the Compact for a Balanced Budget bill and the Eastern Legacy Extension Act.

Effectuating the Compact for a Balanced Budget

The Effectuating the Compact for a Balanced Budget is a bill that aims at directing the Congress to call a convention meant for proposing Article V of the U.S. Constitution to be amended as the Compact for a Balanced Budget requires. The bill proposes that the amendments will be effective after more than three-fourths who belong to the Compact group apply for a convention to propose amendments that are to be done under the Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

Eastern Legacy Extension Act

The Eastern Legacy Extension Act is a bill that amends the National Trails System Act to expand the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail with a distance of 4,900 miles starting from Pittsburgh, Ohio River, Pennsylvania, to the Columbia River mouth in Oregon.

Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF)

Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) is my chosen interest group and it is an entity that takes part in engaging Americans in educational and electoral activity such as conducting voter education, legislative advocacy, and organizing events to promote Planned Parenthood Mission. Additionally, PPAF advocates for affordable and high-quality health care for everybody including men, women, and children. This organization also provides sex education to Americans so as to help them to make informed decisions when it comes to their health.

Differences in Legislative Priorities

The legislative priorities of my chosen legislator do not agree with the goals and interests of PPAF whose main focus is on the health of Americans. Based on the recent bills that Messer sponsored, it is apparent that healthcare is not a priority to him. This is because he is concerned with the expansion of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and advocating for a faster adoption of the Compact for Balanced Budget. However, I will give him some credit because by focusing on the American budget, Messer, hopes that more money will be able to circulate in the federal government because debt will be dealt with.

Endorsement of Luke Messer

The Planned Parenthood Action Fund has not endorsed Luke Messer. Messer has been a strong activist against abortion by opposing laws that fund and ensure abortion. The PPAF played a small role in getting Messer elected because both of them advocate for high standards of health. Although Messer has not shown a direct link with the PPAF, his manifesto was majorly focused on the improvement of healthcare. Moreover, he is dedicated to enlightening his electorate about making informed health decisions and therefore this organization played a significant role in advancing his vision about Indiana.

Factors Contributing to Messer’s Election

I think that Messer was able to win the 2012 elections because first, he is a Republican. Indiana is a Republican zone and therefore by Messer belonging to that party it was easier for him to win. Another contributing factor towards Messer’s win in 2013 is the electorate considering him a safe vote compared to his competitor, Bookout who was a Democrat. About 42% of Indiana population belongs to Republicans while only 37% are Democrats. Indiana is dominated by Whites who are approximately 5,548,064 while Blacks are 555,465. This explains why it is a Republican region. Also, Messer’s support was boosted by his immense in primaries whereby he won by a 71% margin. The election turnout was 57% and Messer won by 59% with 54% being male and 46% women. Messer was not an incumbent in these elections.

Reason for Not Voting for Messer

If I was given a chance, I would not vote to keep Messer in office because first of all, I am a Democrat. One major reason for voting him out would be that his priorities and mine are not closely linked. I think that healthcare is of more importance than issues such as the National Historic Trail. My voting would be highly influenced by my preferred party because I believe that parties dictate how leaders deliver. I do not subscribe to the manifesto, believes, and values of Republicans and therefore cannot support their candidates. My cultural and family background would play a big role when I am voting because I feel that Democrats resonate more with African Americans. I believe in Democrats more than Republicans who are mostly selfish and focused on sidelining the minority groups in America. President Barrack Obama made me love Democrats because he was rational, composed and focused when working for our nation. He did not rush to do things because of tempers but would take time. Therefore, I would rather vote in a Democrat who will be more inclusive and rational.

References

https://messer.house.gov/

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/hr3045/summary

https://votesmart.org/interest-group/1578/planned-parenthood-action-fund#.XBK6NVUzbIU