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Charles Booker's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Charles Booker did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2022 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2022.

  • "Charles firmly believes that women have the right to make healthcare decisions that affect their own bodies, and that no government may restrict that right. He believes that Roe v. Wade is the law of the land, and should be upheld." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "This morning, we have to resolve to keep standing up for humanity. We must keep organizing to make sure everyone has quality healthcare, including abortion coverage. Reproductive healthcare must be codified. Women’s rights must be protected. The Supreme Court must be expanded." (twitter.com)
  • "Women everywhere are screaming, "My life matters too!" Kentucky passed its own effective ban on abortion this session. I spoke on it here (after even an exception for rape was voted down), and discussed the hypocrisy in banning abortion while opposing gun safety." (twitter.com)
  • "Women must have the right to speak for themselves, and make decisions over their own bodies. Not simply because of the current partisan debate, but because it speaks to the very core of a society that believes people are not property." (www.facebook.com)
  • "This morning, we have to resolve to keep standing up for humanity. We must keep organizing to make sure everyone has quality healthcare, including abortion coverage. Reproductive healthcare must be codified. Women’s rights must be protected. The Supreme Court must be expanded." (twitter.com)
  • "The debt ceiling has essentially been rendered pointless. Mitch and Rand want the government to default and not pay their bills, even if it means social security and child tax credit checks dry up." (twitter.com)
  • "The notion that quality healthcare is only for the wealthy is wrong, tired, dated, and economically unsustainable. It's time we finally change that. Medicare for all." (twitter.com)
  • "The increase in coverage that accompanied Medicaid expansion in Kentucky saved thousands of lives by providing people with healthcare for the first time and simultaneously drove one of the most significant economic expansions in rural Kentucky in recent decades. Medicare for All will build on that success, saving lives and creating much-needed economic development opportunities across Kentucky and the nation." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We need Medicare For All, so no one has to die because they don't have money in their pocket." (bookerforkentucky.com)
  • "This is my pledge to you, folks: I won't take a dime of corporate PAC money." (twitter.com)
  • "Our current campaign finance laws allow millionaires, billionaires, and corporations to buy elections and hold greater influence over lawmakers than the majority of Americans. Charles supports comprehensive campaign finance reform that ends the unlimited corporate influence in political campaigns brought by the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, requires disclosure of donors for all political expenditures, and gets dark money out of politics." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Charles will not take contributions over $200 from oil, gas, and coal industry executives, lobbyists, or PACs, and instead prioritize the health of our families, climate, and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits." (bookerforkentucky.com)
  • "Sunday’s police brutality shows why we need to end qualified immunity and fully invest in community safety, instead of militarizing police departments across our commonwealth. This is a crisis, and we need our elected officials in D.C to help us solve it, not deny it even exists." (twitter.com)
  • "The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act should be law by now." (twitter.com)
  • "We really do need to end qualified immunity." (twitter.com)
  • "Sunday’s police brutality shows why we need to end qualified immunity and fully invest in community safety, instead of militarizing police departments across our commonwealth. This is a crisis, and we need our elected officials in D.C to help us solve it, not deny it even exists." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Infrastructure investment must be a priority." (votesmart.org)
  • "It’s rare to see 69 U.S. Senators agree on anything; but today they partnered with @POTUS to pass a necessary bill that invests in our physical infrastructure, like repairs to the Brent Spence Bridge, a 21st century water system and more. So of course Rand Paul voted against it." (twitter.com)
  • "With focus on targeted investment, small business and entrepreneurial support, workforce trainings, workforce investment boards, certification programs, soft skill trainings, and holistic employee support, we can empower our citizens to obtain and sustain gainful careers." (votesmart.org)
  • "It’s rare to see 69 U.S. Senators agree on anything; but today they partnered with @POTUS to pass a necessary bill that invests in our physical infrastructure, like repairs to the Brent Spence Bridge, a 21st century water system and more. So of course Rand Paul voted against it." (twitter.com)
  • "If only there was a piece of legislation for COVID-19 relief that the Senate could pass. Hell, it could even be called the Heroes Act. If there was only something they could do." (twitter.com)
  • "In the letter, Rep. Booker clearly prioritizes free disease-related medical supplies, cash assistance, deferral of debt payments, and credit supports for the people, small businesses, and families most vulnerable to the pandemic and its accompanying economic fallout -- as opposed to unrestricted bailouts to wealthy industries. Charles Booker had the following to say: "At a time like this, it's important to lead with facts and with moral clarity. The fact is that this pandemic is the greatest public health crisis our country has faced in over a century. And I have clarity that the United States government's response must prioritize supporting the most vulnerable among us."" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "In the letter, Rep. Booker clearly prioritizes free disease-related medical supplies, cash assistance, deferral of debt payments, and credit supports for the people, small businesses, and families most vulnerable to the pandemic and its accompanying economic fallout -- as opposed to unrestricted bailouts to wealthy industries. Charles Booker had the following to say: "At a time like this, it's important to lead with facts and with moral clarity. The fact is that this pandemic is the greatest public health crisis our country has faced in over a century. And I have clarity that the United States government's response must prioritize supporting the most vulnerable among us." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "It’s not ‘inflation’ when corporations are raking in their highest profit margins in history. It’s price gouging." (twitter.com)
  • "Student debt is approaching 1.8 trillion in our country. Part of the reason is just straight up greed, the other is that loans are structured so that they're almost impossible to repay for most people. That’s definitely true for my wife and me. Every penny should be canceled." (twitter.com)
  • "What do loan companies and people with student debt have in common? Neither have gone bankrupt during the pause on student debt repayments. It’s time to cancel it." (twitter.com)
  • "You may not have student loans. You may have managed to pay yours off. Even if that’s the case, canceling all student debt now to dramatically stimulate our economy and uplift society will absolutely benefit you." (twitter.com)
  • "An unnecessary and harmful Voter ID bill was brought before the General Assembly. I voted against it on behalf of Kentuckians who continue to have their voices suppressed and ignored. But it passed. Today, ?@GovAndyBeshear vetoed it. He did the right thing." (twitter.com)
  • "Rand Paul stayed true to form and said something ignorant today. Fact: Voter ID bills are tied to an undeniable history of racism. I opposed Voter ID in KY because I know racism exists. If Rand stopped chasing conspiracies and embarrassing KY, he could learn something." (twitter.com)
  • "Our leaders haven't cared enough about our coal miners and coal communities to be honest with them about what the future holds, and to make sure they're not left behind. Further, our leaders have ignored the environmental effects on small farms that are fighting everyday to stay afloat. Most importantly, addressing the comprehensive challenges impacting the Commonwealth with a Green New Deal allows Kentuckians to stand together and address structural racism and inequity that has harmed families for generations. Providing for a clean environment, housing justice, guaranteed union jobs, and direct community investment will strengthen the holistic health for all families. Charles supports a Green New Deal because he gives a damn about all Kentuckians. This is about our survival -- the survival of our planet, but also our economic survival and the well being of our families." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We need a Green New Deal to create thousands of good jobs here in Kentucky, and end the exploitation of our land and our labor." (bookerforkentucky.com)
  • "We are facing a "Code Red for humanity." Taking care of our home, building a sustainable economy, and investing in the infrastructure, clean energy, and jobs that can rebuild our communities is not something we can reduce to a partisan debate. We must stand together and act." (twitter.com)
  • "We are facing a “Code Red for humanity.” Taking care of our home, building a sustainable economy, and investing in the infrastructure, clean energy, and jobs that can rebuild our communities is not something we can reduce to a partisan debate. We must stand together and act." (twitter.com)
  • "On this Earth Day, I am thinking about folks in eastern KY who can’t drink clean water. I am thinking about families here in Louisville who deal with pollution in the air and soil. We must address this. Let’s be good stewards of the one place we all call home." (twitter.com)
  • "We need a Green New Deal to create thousands of good jobs here in Kentucky, and end the exploitation of our land and our labor." (bookerforkentucky.com)
  • "On this Earth Day, I am thinking about folks in eastern KY who can’t drink clean water. I am thinking about families here in Louisville who deal with pollution in the air and soil. We must address this. Let’s be good stewards of the one place we all call home." (twitter.com)
  • "Charles supports common-sense gun control measures that will keep all families safe. In the Kentucky General Assembly, he has sponsored gun safety legislation while opposing policies to allow permitless concealed carry in Kentucky, and mandatory arming of School Resource Officers. As a Senator, Charles will support mandatory universal background checks for all gun purchases and enforcement of wait times to allow for full background checks. He will advocate for closing of the Charleston loophole, ensure that weapons of war are not used to devastate neighborhoods, and will support full funding (at least $50 million) of the Centers for Disease Control to allow for research into the public health threat that is gun violence" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I walked through this crowd on my way to the House Chamber. Though I stand up to respect our Constitutional rights and protect KY families with common sense gun safety, I have had my life threatened. The 2nd Amendment should be defended, as well as our future. We must do both." (twitter.com)
  • Rated 0% by National Rifle Association (NRA). (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We say life is an unalienable right. So why not pass common sense gun safety measures to help save them? This is not an effort to take guns. It's a shared commitment to stop the taking of lives." (twitter.com)
  • "I believe we need Medicare for All. It’s not a talking point or a partisan issue. It is a necessity." (twitter.com)
  • "I support Medicare for All because it isn’t just a healthcare policy. It’s an economic policy, social justice policy, public safety policy, pandemic defense policy, and an anti-poverty policy. Fighting to make sure we all have healthcare is literally fighting for our future." (twitter.com)
  • "I fully support paid family leave." (twitter.com)
  • "I’m a father of a newborn. I say this with 100% certainty. Paid parental leave is nonnegotiable." (twitter.com)
  • "I know we pay the highest prescription drug prices in the world because I've lived it. Rationing my insulin to support my family nearly killed me. I know I'm not alone. Prescription drugs should be free for everyone. One reason why I urgently support Medicare for All." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "As Senator, Charles would support legislation that makes it illegal to separate children from their families at the border, end the "Remain in Mexico" policies, require the Administration to properly process asylum claims, reassess legal immigration quotas, codify Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Deferred Action for Parents of Arrivals, and create a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. This type of leadership will keep Americans safe, uplift our ideals as a nation, and honor the humanity of people coming to our country to protect their families and live a better life." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Charles fully supports comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship for young people and adults. Progressive, comprehensive immigration reform starts with undoing many of the harsh, inhumane policies of the Trump Administration." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "You know damn well helping people get a path to citizenship has nothing to do with the fact that our families need good paying jobs. You are exploiting real pain, and using fear and racism to hide the fact that you don’t intend to do anything. Tired of this BS." (twitter.com)
  • "You know damn well helping people get a path to citizenship has nothing to do with the fact that our families need good paying jobs. You are exploiting real pain, and using fear and racism to hide the fact that you don’t intend to do anything. Tired of this BS." (twitter.com)
  • "Because of Rand Paul, increased sanctions on Russia were held up in the United States Senate. Unlike Rand, I stand wholeheartedly with the Ukrainian families and all people seeking peace from war, and will never delay sanctioning Russia or providing aid to Ukraine." (twitter.com)
  • "Rand Paul refused to hold Donald Trump accountable for withholding security aid to Ukraine, and then turned around and held up sanctions against Russia in the Senate. This guy is a puppet for Putin. We will unseat him this year." (twitter.com)
  • "What Ukrainian families are facing right now is not “peacekeeping”. Russia’s invasion is opening the doors of war, and should be condemned by everyone. Diplomacy must not be thrown away. The announcement of sanctions today was necessary. The world doesn’t need another war." (twitter.com)
  • "Because of Rand Paul, increased sanctions on Russia were held up in the United States Senate. Unlike Rand, I stand wholeheartedly with the Ukrainian families and all people seeking peace from war, and will never delay sanctioning Russia or providing aid to Ukraine." (twitter.com)
  • "I don’t know who needs to see this, but billionaires are actually paying lower tax rates than the poorest Americans. We’re gonna change that." (twitter.com)
  • "Let’s make billionaires pay their damn taxes." (twitter.com)
  • "Trickle down economics is a sham. Huge tax cuts for the wealthy are hurting our families. I think it’s time for a wealth tax." (twitter.com)
  • "Thank you @POTUS & @GovAndyBeshear for your leadership in getting these tariffs lifted. Making Kentucky bourbon and sharing it with the world is part of our legacy as a Commonwealth. This is a major step forward and it is one the people of Kentucky deserve" (twitter.com)

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