Sharon Angle is passionate about changing the way things are done in Washington, D.C.

She is also passionate about improving the quality of life for her fellow Nevadans.

Angle spoke before the Lahontan Republican Women last week to present her platform in her run for the U.S. Senate spot held by incumbent Sen. Harry Reid.

“Some people think Harry Reid is too big to fail,” she said, “But he has failed Nevada.”

The longtime Republican, who served four terms in the Assembly and lost a narrow primary contest to Rep. Dean Heller in 2006, said Reid has been an embarrassment to the state with his votes to increase the debt and for his gaffes.

“It's time to fire Harry Reid and give him the pink slip,” she added to thunderous applause.

Angle, a fiscal conservative who feels the Democrats under Reid's leadership have overspent, said the federal government is out of control.

“The last 15 years, I have been fighting for the Constitution. You can look at Web sites, news papers … and see my track record,” she said, adding that Congress has lost touch with the people it serves.

Angle is adamant that Congress takes the excess stimulus money and TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) funds to reduce the deficit. The government needs to also reduce its spending.

“We need to freeze the budget at the 2009 level and have 4 percent cuts each year at all levels for the next five years,” she said.

Angle, a former teacher, said many departments are unconstitutional including the Departments of Education and Energy. She said the states could handle those areas much better than the federal government. As for a recent proposal to tax the mining industry more, Angle said she is against it.

Angle reiterated the states have better control and accountability when handling resources.

According to Angle, she fought for Nevadans' constitutional rights five times on the state's two-thirds legislative voting requirements for raising taxes. She also authored The Freedom for Homeschool Children Act

She is also in favor of “pulling back” regulations on small businesses, which the Reno resident calls the “life blood of our nation.”

Other areas in which she believes from her platform are as follows:

• Limited taxation is needed for government to perform and administer essential public needs;

• America must expand its own domestic energy supplies;

• The U.S. must secure its borders and enforce the laws;

• A business-friendly environment will help Nevada compete in the world market place;

• The transitional family is the foundation of our society;

• All human life is precious, and Angle holds a pro-life position;

• Parents must be able to choose public, private or at-home education.