Congressman Kevin McCarthy spoke several times throughout the day at the Bakersfield Business Conference.

His speeches were met with a combination of laughter and reverence at the celebrity tent where the crowd overflowed so much that many had to stand outside the tent to get a chance to see and hear McCarthy.

The Young Gun Republican, a term used to designate the rising stars of the Republican Party, discussed what he views as the ills of Washington, D.C., and the ideas of his party and himself that would set the United States on the path he and his fellow Young Gun Republicans advocate.

“The private sector creates jobs. The private sector could create more jobs if the government gets out of the way,” said McCarthy. The speech focused on the power of the private sector to generate jobs and the belief that taxes and regulation are counterproductive to private sector growth.

He also criticized the various stimulus plans and bailouts over the past two years.

“More people today believe Elvis Presley is alive than those who believe the stimulus created a job,” said McCarthy. His criticisms of current political polices also included his displeasure at the overabundance of discretionary spending and the amount of debt owed to foreign nations.

McCarthy also talked about the California state budget. While he stated that stage legislators had to make tough decisions, McCarthy said, “Next year we’re going to be in a worse situation.”

His speech was filled with criticism for both Democrats and Republicans that he felt have deviated from the core beliefs of their party. Still, the former Bakersfield College student and Cal State Bakersfield alumnus has confidence in his party.

“I believe that if the election was today, the Republicans would win,” said McCarthy.

To ensure this, McCarthy said he has been going around the country helping candidates by giving his endorsement.

While there to speak, the congressman was also there to spend time with his constituents. “It’s just kind of my personality,” said McCarthy, who spent time talking to people offstage, signing autographs and occasionally hugging members of the crowd after his speech was over.