COLUMBUS, Neb. - Four years ago, Todd Watson ran an independent campaign for Senate that echoed many of the similar sentiments that Donald Trump spoke about on the campaign trail.
Although Watson lost handily, he is running again, speaking on issues such as trade, that the GOP platform has now adopted since President Trump took office.
"I've come back to the party, I really want to continue the mission of pushing forward the constitution," says Watson.
The candidate, who prides himself as a strict constitutionalist, spoke at the weekly Columbus Rotary Club meeting on Tuesday, saying that his opponent, incumbent Senator Deb Fischer (R), is not conservative enough.
Watson is also running on the Trump banner of shaking up Washington, mainly by tearing it down.
He mentioned that he wants to eliminate the Department of Education and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau completely, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, claiming the constitution does not give the feds power to create an agency such as the EPA.
"I don't think, according to the 10th amendment, the federal government was given that power," says Watson.
Watson also mentioned that the constitution does not say anything about a Senate Majority Leader and that the body should eliminate that position, although he conceded that it would take time.
While not saying he was for a wall, Watson said that America can take lessons from the barrier that Israel constructed on parts of its border to protect against terrorism.
"I think Israel has some good ideas on border security, I'd like to talk to them, but we have to get something done, against nothing," says Watson.
Both Fischer and Watson have yet to officially file for US Senate, while two Democrats and one Independent are already set to be on the ballot.
GOP Senate Candidate Challenging Fischer Says She Not Conservative Enough
