LLH: If elected, what is your immediate priority as the rep for FL13?
LO: Our first big target is tax reform. We have specifically targeted income tax reduction and code simplification. It is not only the best way to give immediate relief to working class families and jump start the small business and start up sectors, it affords us the opportunity to deal a substantial blow to the income tax itself. I also believe that social issues will be of very high importance over the next two years, with the rapid expansion of marijuana legalization and the overturning of laws banning (same sex) marriage, we will be looking for ways to decrease the drug war and increase equal protections under the law.
LLH: Are the social issues where you see the biggest opportunity to siphon conservative voters from the incumbent?
LO: Fiscal issues will be the best place to do that. The incumbent is a Republican who campaigned as a fiscal conservative and has done anything but deliver on that. Social issues will certainly help to secure the progressives and Democrats we need to continue close the gap
LLH: FL13 has been solidly red for a long time, yet went for Obama in the 2012 presidential election. Do you think that apparent trend of centrism gives you a better chance at picking up votes?
LO: In short, yes. This is a fully purple district, though I would also suggest that (former) Congressman Young was well loved by both sides and that really is what has kept the seat red. David Jolly is certainly no Bill Young.
Read the full interview here.