Lorie R. Friend
Party: Republican
Age: 56
Residence: Oakland (Garrett County)
Education: Allegany College of Maryland (A.A.)
Current/Most Recent Position: Pre-/post-surgical nurse
Past Elected Office/Campaign Experience: Candidate for Republican nomination, U.S. senator from Maryland (2022)
Campaign Website: FriendintheSenate.com
Social media links (Facebook, X, etc.):
https://www.facebook.com/lorie.friend.7
@LorieFriendGOP
What experience (work, political or other) has best prepared you to be a U.S. senator?
I am a nurse with over 25 years of experience, and I ran for the U.S. Senate in the 2022 election. Despite coming in second, I am proud of my strong showing. As a nurse, I understand the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and continuously learning new medical information and procedures. I am skilled at listening attentively and deciphering the true meaning behind people’s words. I am able to maintain composure and make difficult decisions, even in high-pressure situations. Additionally, I have developed effective negotiation skills within complex institutional settings. These qualities uniquely prepare me to represent all Marylanders faithfully and successfully in the United States Senate.
What is the most important issue currently confronting our nation as a whole, and what specific plans do you have to address it legislatively if elected?
As your next US senator, I believe that one of the most important issues facing America as a whole is immigration reform. It is crucial to address the challenges related to the open border and ensure the security of our southern border. I am committed to enforcing the current laws and implementing effective measures to close and protect our borders.
What is one major issue the current Senate has handled poorly, and what would you have done differently?
I would say the border, but I just answered that, so let me pick another topic.It is evident that our government spending has reached unsustainable levels, accumulating trillions of dollars in debt. This issue demands immediate attention and action. As a responsible and accountable government, we must address this problem and bring our spending under control. It is crucial to conduct a thorough review of our budget and identify areas where we can make necessary cuts and reduce wasteful expenditures. By implementing smart and strategic fiscal policies, we can prioritize essential programs and services, while finding ways to eliminate unnecessary spending.
What is the state of Maryland’s current greatest need in terms of assistance from the federal government, and what are your plans for obtaining increased aid in that area?
One of Maryland’s most pressing needs for assistance from the federal government is the prompt release of the trillion-dollar infrastructure bill. The funds allocated in this bill are crucial for the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which recently collapsed. Additionally, there is a need for funding to hire the necessary companies to reopen the port of Baltimore. As one of the nation’s largest trade ports, it is essential to restore its functionality swiftly to prevent further damage to the economy. To expedite the recovery process, I proposed Operation Anthem five days after the collapse of the bridge. It involves mobilizing the expertise of the Navy CBs (Construction Battalions), who possess the technical skills required for such a disaster. Their quick response and recovery capabilities can greatly contribute to addressing the situation effectively.
