Issues
Strong Economy
The career politicians in Washington have abused the sacred trust we have placed in them. Being a wise steward of our tax dollars must be a top priority for those entrusted to serve in congress. Too many politicians including some Republicans have forgotten that they work on our behalf, not the other way around. When elected I will work to return every dollar possible to the Taxpayer, where it belongs.
- No Bailouts, No Exceptions
- Stop Spending Money we don’t have
- Simplify our tax code
Strong Families
America has become the most prosperous nation on earth because of our commitment to raising strong individuals with in strong families. We must stay committed to the Christian Values our country was founded upon if we intend to continue to lead the world in this century.
- Pro Life, from conception to natural death
- Support Traditional Marriage
- Strong Advocate of School Choice
Strong Military
We live in perilous times. We cannot afford to have weak leaders, unsure of how to deal with serious threats from enemies that seek nothing less than our destruction. We must continue to stand with our friends in Israel and Eastern Europe who are on the front lines against nations who wish harm to us.
- Increase funding for Military and missile defense
- Give troops the tools they need to win
- Lead our allies again, against the enemies of freedom
Energy and the Environment
We need to be utilizing all of the resources that are available in our Country. These coal, natural gas and oil sources can be harvested in clean environmentally safe ways. Working toward energy independence would help stabilize prices and help our economy grow. We can not let environmental policies control and damage our economy anymore.
- Oppose cap and trade
- Support the domestic and costal shelf drilling of oil
- Look for viable energy alternatives that are economically and environmentally sound without subsidies
2nd Amendment
The Second Amendment guarantees the right of individuals to keep and bear arms. I will fight any legislation that would infringe on these rights.
Click here to see some of Eric’s answers to questions from voters around the 4th district
Perspective
Eric graduated from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a degree in Civil engineering. He is a Registered Professional Engineer with extensive experience in road and infrastructure design, construction management and technical outreach and marketing. This background gives him the experience, skills, and strength to lead in Washington, and proudly represent his fellow Hoosiers from Indiana’s 4th Congressional District.
Accountability
Eric believes that the most effective government is one that is in touch with the needs of the people. He has and will meet with anyone with questions or ideas on how to improve Indiana’s 4th Congressional District. He can be reached through the contact form on this website, or at eric@ericwathen.com or you can call him personally at 317.997.5859
Leadership
Eric has thrived in positions of leadership. Since becoming a Hendricks County Commissioner, Eric has taken a leadership roles in the following projects in Hendricks County:
- Spearheading the countywide task force to find ways in which to responsibly finance the completion of the Ronald Reagan Parkway
- Membership on the Area Plan Commission
- Working with the Hendricks County Economic Development Partnership to ensure that we attract quality, high paying businesses to Hendricks County
Cooperation
Collaboration and cooperation are essential tools any representative must have to successfully represent Hoosiers. Eric has been regularly meeting and working with officials throughout the State of Indiana on a variety of projects. He strongly believes that in order to improve Indiana’s 4th Congressional District, for all of it residents, there needs to be more cooperation and communication between all units of government, from Monticello, Indiana and Mitchell, Indiana all the way to Washington D.C.
Family
Eric and his wife, Ann, have four sons live in Brownsburg; they are members of Connection Pointe Christian Church in Brownsburg.
Eric’s Background
- Eric Wathen was born on February 8th, 1975
- He is a 6th generation hoosier and 4th generation Hendricks County resident
- He grew up outside of Lizton, Indiana where he worked on his Grandfather’s farm, about 700 acres of corn and soy beans
- As a teenager, attended Tri-West High School and played football
- De-Tassled seed corn and baled hay in the summers
- Graduated from Tri-West Hendricks High School in 1993
- After High School, he attended Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology where he played football his freshman year, volunteered at the campus radio station and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity
- Graduated from Rose-Hulman in 1997 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering
- Moved to Chicago after graduating Rose-Hulman and worked as an inspector on highway resurfacing projects
- Moved back to Indiana in the fall of 1997 and started working for DLZ, an engineering consulting company, where he designed roads and worked as a project field engineer on several construction projects
- Married High School sweetheart, Ann Scott, in 1999
- Ran for Hendricks County Council at Large in 2000
- Has 4 boys, Zane (8), Drew (6), Tyler (4) and Luke (1)
- In 2003 began working as a Technical Sales Engineer for Rinker Materials
- Was elected to the Hendricks County Commissioner in 2007
- Was re-elected as Commissioner in 2008
