This
election
is unlike any other in our nation’s history. Like many other voters, I
have struggled to determine the right course of action in this
general election.
In
Cleveland, I urged voters,
“please, don’t stay home in November. Stand, and speak, and vote your
conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket whom you
trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution.”
After many months of careful consideration, of prayer
and searching my own conscience, I have decided that on Election Day, I
will
vote for the Republican nominee, Donald Trump.
I’ve
made
this decision for two reasons. First, last year, I promised to support
the Republican nominee. And I intend to keep my word.
Second, even though I have had areas of significant disagreement with our
nominee, by any measure Hillary Clinton is wholly unacceptable — that’s why I have always been #NeverHillary.
Six key
policy differences inform my decision. First, and most important, the
Supreme
Court. For anyone concerned about the Bill of Rights — free speech,
religious liberty, the Second Amendment — the Court hangs in the
balance. I have spent my professional career fighting before the Court
to defend the Constitution. We are only one justice away from losing our
most
basic rights, and the next president will appoint as many as four new
justices. We know, without a doubt, that every Clinton appointee would
be a
left-wing ideologue. Trump, in contrast, has promised to appoint
justices “in the mold of Scalia.”
For some time, I have
been seeking greater specificity on this issue, and today the Trump
campaign provided that, releasing a very strong list of potential
Supreme Court nominees — including Sen. Mike Lee, who would make an
extraordinary justice — and making an explicit commitment to nominate
only from that list. This commitment matters, and it provides a serious
reason for voters to choose to support Trump.
Second,
Obamacare.
The failed healthcare law is hurting millions of Americans. If
Republicans hold Congress, leadership has committed to passing
legislation
repealing Obamacare. Clinton, we know beyond a shadow of doubt, would
veto that legislation. Trump has said he would sign it.
Third,
energy. Clinton would continue the Obama administration’s war on coal
and relentless efforts to crush the oil and gas industry. Trump has said
he will reduce regulations and allow the blossoming American energy
renaissance to create millions of new high-paying jobs.
Fourth, immigration. Clinton would continue and even expand
President Obama’s lawless executive amnesty. Trump has promised that he
would
revoke those illegal executive orders.
Fifth,
national
security. Clinton would continue the Obama administration’s willful
blindness to radical Islamic terrorism. She would continue importing
Middle
Eastern refugees whom the FBI cannot vet to make sure they are not
terrorists. Trump has promised to stop the deluge of unvetted refugees.
Sixth,
Internet freedom. Clinton supports Obama’s plan to hand
over control of the Internet to an international community of
stakeholders, including Russia, China, and Iran. Just this week, Trump
came out strongly
against that plan, and in support of free speech online.
These are six vital issues where the candidates’ positions present a clear choice for the American people.
If Clinton wins, we know — with 100% certainty — that she would deliver on her
left-wing promises, with devastating results for our country.
My conscience tells me I must do whatever I can to stop that.
We also have seen, over the past few weeks and months, a Trump
campaign focusing more and more on freedom — including emphasizing
school choice and the power of economic growth to lift African-Americans
and Hispanics to prosperity.
Finally, after eight years of a lawless Obama administration, targeting and persecuting those
disfavored by the administration, fidelity to the rule of law has never been more important.
The Supreme Court will be critical in
preserving the rule of law. And, if the next administration fails to
honor
the Constitution and Bill of Rights, then I hope that Republicans and
Democrats will stand united in protecting our fundamental liberties.
Our country is in crisis. Hillary Clinton is manifestly unfit to be
president, and her policies would harm millions of Americans. And Donald Trump is the only thing standing in her way.
A year ago, I pledged to endorse the Republican nominee, and I am honoring that
commitment. And if you don’t want to see a Hillary Clinton presidency, I encourage you to vote for him.
