Ex-lawmakers push 2016 voters to ask three questions

Former Reps. Brian Baird (D-Wash.) and Bob Inglis (R-S.C.) are forming a new, bipartisan group to promote better citizenship.

The organization, 3 American Questions, is mobilizing voters to reach out to their elected officials and press them on what actions they’ll take and what the American public can do on three specific issues.

The organization is focused on reducing debt, addressing climate change, and restoring accountability and trust in our government officials.

{mosads}And the former lawmakers are pushing voters to directly ask all candidates they meet about their stand on those issues.

Baird said they are trying to “build a national movement of people that hold candidates accountable to provide real and practical answers to these fundamental questions.”

“The genius is in the questions and the way that Brian decided to phrase them; what will you do and what will you ask the American people to do?” Inglis said. 

The former lawmakers were both known for working across the aisle in Congress.

Inglis backed climate change legislation, before losing a GOP primary challenge from Trey Gowdy.

Baird said the three issues they are focused on are at a tipping point and should be a priority. 

“It’s not just that we’re asking these leaders to do something. People must rise to the responsibility of full citizenship and realize that they must act,” Inglis said. 

The two said that the debt, climate change and accountability in government are the biggest challenges facing the next generation.

“I am trying to convert and communicate a common element in these things that is ‘what is the future going to be like for our children and our country?’” Baird said.

Inglis added that those issues won’t be fixed unless the American public buys in.

The organization is directing citizens to hold up their hands in a gesture similar to the “OK” sign with three fingers to show candidates they want answers on those three issues.

Baird expects lawmakers will soon begin taking notice.

“Even if people feel like they are not getting a good response, they are still having an impact because by asking questions … it sends them off thinking,” Inglis said.