Candidate name: Lee Murphy

Party: Republican

Age: 71

Hometown: Penns Grove, New Jersey

Political experience: What uniquely qualifies me for political office is my connection to the people I would represent in Washington. I’m not a career politician. I’m a Delawarean. And the people of Delaware are my friends, family and neighbors — I know the struggles they’re facing better than any career politician in Washington.

Professional experience: I’m a former educator, coach and train conductor, and a current father and grandfather. I think I can relate to a vast majority of the people of this state and can voice our concerns related to education, energy, good jobs and a great community.

What uniquely qualifies you for this office?

To be a representative of the people of Delaware, my most valuable qualification is being a Delawarean and knowing the people of my state. How else could I be qualified to be their voice? I’m a former educator, coach and train conductor, and a current father and grandfather. I think I can relate to a vast majority of the people of this state and can voice our concerns related to education, energy, good jobs and a great community.

What are the top three issues for this office in your view?

If elected, my top priority would be reducing inflation and reckless spending — this is the only way to alleviate the pressure we’re all feeling with high prices. Another one of my top priorities would be bringing good-paying jobs back to Delaware — we have so many natural resources that could be capitalized on. Lastly, I think we need to address quality education choices in our state for all people. As a former educator, I would be excited to see solutions in that realm.

What would be your top priority if elected?

High prices of groceries, gas and other goods are crippling Delaware families. Bringing prices down through energy independence and voting against reckless spending are my top priorities to effectuate real change for Delaware.

Should Congress have term limits?

 We’ve all seen it — politicians get elected and become beholden to special interests rather than the people they represent, and this has happened in our state, too. LBR’s 100% voting record with Nancy Pelosi indicates that she’s been solely beholden to the party rather than the people. If implementing congressional term limits would help combat this problem, I would be happy to support such legislation. Congress needs to be accountable to their constituents.

How much influence should parents have in the classroom versus the federal government?

State governments, local communities and parents are best positioned to implement effective education policy. Every community and every child is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach by the federal government is bound to create more problems than it would solve.