Libertarian congressional candidate Jeremy Todd made an Oct. 29 appearance before the Kenton County Rotary Club in Villa Hills as as he prepares for the upcoming election.
During his remarks, he outlined his plans to reduce federal spending, limit government surveillance and address the influence of money in politics. Todd also pledged to hold himself financially accountable for his campaign promises through a proposed contract with voters.
Todd is running for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District seat against Republican Ed Gallrein, Democrat Melissa Strange and independent write-in candidate Peter Harmon Williams in the Nov. 3 general election. Gallrein and Strange previously spoke to the Rotarians.
Todd said his decision to enter the race came after volunteering for Republican incumbent Thomas Massie’s unsuccessful primary campaign. He criticized the outside spending and negative advertisements that characterized the race.
“I can’t look my son in the face 10 years from now and say we did nothing,” Todd said.
Todd identified affordability, foreign intervention, money in politics and privacy rights as central issues of his campaign.
He argued that reducing federal spending, particularly on overseas military operations, would help address inflation and the national debt. He also criticized the influence of wealthy political donors and called for stronger Fourth Amendment protections against government surveillance.
“The solution is people like you, groups like Rotary, communities that can come together and solve problems that impact them,” Todd said.
Todd also outlined an eight-point contract he said he would sign if elected. The agreement would prohibit him from voting for legislation that increases federal spending, funds foreign countries or advances warrantless surveillance, among other restrictions. He proposed establishing a trust overseen by Gallrein and Strange that would receive financial penalties, potentially including his congressional salary and retirement savings, if he violated the agreement.
During questions, Rotarian Greg Corwin asked what legislation Todd would prioritize introducing if elected.
Todd proposed expanding access to health savings accounts, allowing Americans to contribute to them without purchasing qualifying high-deductible health insurance plans.
“I think the best way that we can get healthcare expenses down is to go back to something that’s a lot closer to a cash-based system,” Todd said.
Another Rotarian, Chris Walsh, questioned whether Todd’s spending restrictions, through his proposed contract, would prevent him from supporting legislation containing provisions he otherwise favored.
“Do you think you’re being a little naive?” Walsh asked, noting that congressional spending bills often combine numerous priorities.
Todd acknowledged the challenge but said he would push for individual appropriations bills rather than large spending packages.
“If I have to be one who stands and goes no, like this is not where we are, then I’m the one willing to do that,” Todd said.
Other questions addressed congressional term limits, education and abortion. Todd supported congressional term limits, eliminating the federal Department of Education and restricting federal funding for abortions, while distinguishing elective abortions from procedures necessary to preserve life.
Todd closed by encouraging voters to research candidates rather than voting solely along party lines.
“We have a responsibility to know who we’re voting for,” Todd said.
