Candidate West

Forklift design engineer Bruce West, 42, of Cypress is running in the 2 November election as the Libertarian Party nominee in the eighth congressional district of Texas.

West and Democrat Kent Hargett, 53, challenge seven-term incumbent Kevin Brady, 55, the senior House Republican on the joint economic committee and a member of the powerful House ways and means committee.

West's campaign website characterises his first-time candidacy as "the only small government choice for Texas District 8". In November 2009, he listened to the debates about health care reform and concluded that the incumbent and others "have no idea on how to solve problems".

He says, "As an engineer, I solve problems for a living. . . . We need leaders that address problems to find solutions instead of applying solutions or agendas to fit the problem."

West says that the characteristics of self-determination and desire for self-destiny drove him to the Libertarian Party. In Congress, he would "promote the same actions and achievements for others in our society".

From forklift industry experiences, "I have seen how the laws and policies of Congress affect our industry and others - usually with a net negative impact", West says. "After years of seeing the consequences of the growing government and their regulations, I decided that I was going to speak out on the issues and hopefully bring about smaller government (and) a more business-friendly tax code."

West believes the forklift and materials handling businesses can play a role in making America more competitive "by improving the efficiency and reducing the costs of moving material in US factories, warehouses, distribution centres and other businesses".

West served with the US Army in military intelligence and code interceptor positions. While working and raising a family, he studied for many years at night to obtain a degree in mechanical engineering technology. He moved through positions including quality assurance inspector in an aluminum wheel factory.

For nine years, he worked for Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Inc, learning that firm's production system and lean manufacturing processes. He was a quality technician and moved up to design engineer while completing his studies.

In 2007, he joined Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc in Houston, Texas as a design engineer and has carefully separated his campaign and work efforts. "I have spent many vacation days on the campaign trail," he says. "It has been tough to find time campaigning while staying employed, but I still have to pay the mortgage."

The eighth district extends from the Louisiana border in east Texas to the suburbs north of Houston.