Health-Care Reform

Heck has worked as a doctor since 1992, which he says gives him a "unique perspective" when talking about health-care reform efforts. He argues that the former health-care structure worked for 85 percent of Americans; therefore, the Democratic Congress shouldn't have changed things.

By repeating Republican talking points, Heck argues that the real number of uninsured Americans stand at 11.7 million, or 4 percent of the population. "Instead of creating a new bureaucracy, why not allow them to buy in to the Medicaid program?" asked Heck on his campaign web site.

Heck wants to alter the reform efforts, arguing for tort reform and stopping the employer-based insurance model, switching instead to a more individually-based structure.

"Move to an individual-based market with each person able to buy the policy they want from whom they want and from wherever they want: allow free-market principles to work," said Heck. "This would provide individuals with a policy that is truly theirs regardless of job status or where they live - it is truly portable."

Taxes

Prior to announcing his run for governor, Heck chose not to sign the Americans for Tax Reform pledge, which says he will not vote for legislation that increases taxes. At the time, Heck said that leaders need to make decisions based on the information available, and he didn't want to hamstring his options. However, prior to stepping away from the gubernatorial race, Heck signed the pledge.

A small-business owner, Heck says that the long-term capital-gains tax and the estate tax should be repealed. He also supports extending President George W. Bush's 2001 and 2003 tax cuts.

"The permanent extension of these tax cuts for American families is the foundation for a real recovery in southern Nevada," said Heck.

Illegal Immigration

Heck supports the controversial Arizona immigration statute that requires police officers to ask about a person's immigration status when making "lawful contact."

"It was unfortunate that Arizona had to go to those lengths, but it was bold of them to do it," said Heck. "A large portion of the Latino community in southern Nevada is against illegal immigration. They feel that they're being lumped in with a group and being maligned, stereotypically."

Heck also agrees with efforts to get rid of automatic citizenship for those born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants.

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