Eric Holcomb in 2016 IN Senate race

On Civil Rights: Supportive of the LGBT community: zero discrimination

Holcomb said he doesn't support efforts to shut down the government, believes securing the border should be a priority, and has a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination. But he declined to take a position on whether civil rights protections for LGBT people should extend to public accommodations. "Anyone that's worked for me or with me will say I can work with people who come from very diverse perspectives. I've always tried to approach these hard issues that need to be solved with consensus," he said.

On Immigration: I won't be xenophobic on immigration policy

"We want to make sure people understand two of these candidates want to shut down the government; one of them has said he won't do that," Holcomb said. "Two of these candidates are not supportive of the LGBT community; one of them is. Two of these candidates are very xenophobic on immigration policy; one of them isn't."

The campaigns of Stutzman and Young, who both voted last month against the federal budget-and-debt deal that averted a possible government shutdown, said they were unfazed by the new super PAC.

Holcomb said he doesn't support efforts to shut down the government, believes securing the border should be a priority, and has a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.

On Abortion: Planned Parenthood videos were despicable, but no shutdown

But Holcomb stops short of taking the route of futility. "The one thing different about me from them is I'm not in Congress," Holcomb said of his two primary opponents. "They have to make their own decisions, but I hope we don't shut the government down. The more I hear from the general public, they are sour on the constant talk of a shutdown and the dysfunction in Washington. That ought not be our strategy."

He cites "other possibilities," though does not specify ways to achieve the defunding, short of electing a Republican president in 2016.

On War & Peace: Iran funds terrorism; no nuclear deal

This so-called deal with Iran is a perfect example of what happens when America draws down and negotiates from a position of desperation. This deal isn't just a bad deal, it's dangerous. It gives the appearance of progress but, buried deep within the 157 pages of text, there are a multitude of reasons to be alarmed.

1. The deal lacks anytime, anywhere inspections
2. This deal will send over a $100 billion to an Iranian regime that will use them to stockpile the newest conventional weapons available
3. After just 10 to 15 years, all restrictions on their full enrichment production will be lifted.

On Energy & Oil: Coal reduces our dependency on foreign sources of energy

His agencies have become instruments of command and control into our daily lives and will undoubtedly hurt Hoosiers who can't afford those coming hikes in their monthly energy bills.

Making America safer, stronger and freer requires we limit our dependency on foreign sources of energy, which necessitates supporting home-grown energy such as coal here in Southern Indiana. The future growth and sustainability of our Hoosier economy depends on coal, and I look forward to proposing Indiana-grown ideas to further develop the natural resources we have to meet the energy needs of today and tomorrow."

On Environment: Stand up to federal government over environmental regulation

His campaign will center on some basic questions, he said, such as "what are we doing to make ourselves safer and more economically competitive, and how is the federal government helping or hurting us do those things?"

Not that he lacks the red meat that many who will vote in next year's primary will want and even demand. He said he was pleased that Gov. Mike Pence recently "stood up to the federal government" over environmental regulations and said more governors should take such steps. He said Republicans have "endured a long six-and-a-half years of the current president's reign," and that all of the domestic and international problems make it seem "like this place is on fire."

On Education: Give parents the freedom to choose child's school

On Foreign Policy: I want a safer, stronger and freer America, today & tomorrow

My experience over the past two decades has prepared me for this assignment. As a veteran of the United States Navy, an adviser to Gov. Mitch Daniels, Indiana chief of staff to Sen. Dan Coats, and as state chairman of the Indiana Republican Party, I have had extraordinary leadership opportunities to serve in the civic arena with the best and brightest.

In order for our nation to be safer, stronger and freer we need a fresher perspective in Washington that puts results before rhetoric. And on this front I am biased as I believe the ideas that provide the best results for moving America forward are Indiana-grown.

It's in that spirit that I support peace through strength and believe that doctrine will make America safer, stronger and freer.

On Homeland Security: Peace through strength, not peace through hope

Today, we aren't so fortunate to have that type of leadership. From Russia to Iran to ISIS, our current foreign policy is focused on peace through hope. Our commander-in-chief is more interested, it seems, in polishing his Nobel Peace Prize than providing American leadership around the globe, and the void has been filled by others with ill intentions. In order to combat these threats, we must attract, train and equip the best fighting force the world will ever know and honor our commitment to the veterans who already have given so much.

On Tax Reform: Simplifying the 75,000-page tax code would lead to growth

Another important way to make America safer, stronger and freer is by acknowledging that a bloated federal government, trickle-down-approach is not solving problems, only delaying them. We need to return to the day when states closest to the people best handled their business and there was respect for the rule of law.

On Corporations: Make America the global jobs magnet

Holcomb said his campaign will focus on five key goals:
• Keeping America safe
• Making America the global jobs magnet
• Honoring our commitments
• Respecting the rule of law
• Seek to engage the next generation of leaders

On Principles & Values: Proven, passionate solutions-oriented approach

Holcomb said he wants to lead the same "proven, passionate solutions-oriented approach" in Washington as seen in the last decade in Indiana [since Coats was elected]. "Ten some years ago our state was running adrift," Holcomb said. "That all changed when Hoosiers in record numbers came together and rallied around a leader who presented solution-oriented ideas always leaning toward more freedom, greater opportunity and bold pro-growth policies."

Holcomb said he was proud to have been a part of that turnaround and that the experience taught him that broad public support and engagement is "paramount to realizing real change for the better."

"And, I'm asking every Hoosier who feels the way I do--who has a shared responsibility and duty--who feels that returning America to our rightful and respected position in the world to join me."