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Gabrielle Giffords' Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Gabrielle Giffords refused to tell citizens where she stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2010 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart, national media, and prominent political leaders.

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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 2010.

  • Planned Parenthood. 2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Gabrielle Giffords supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 100 percent in 2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. H Amdt 509 to HR 3962. 111th Congress. An amendment printed in Part C of House Report 111-330 to codify the Hyde Amendment in H.R. 3962. The amendment prohibits federal funds for abortion services in the public option. It also prohibits individuals who receive affordability credits from purchasing a plan that provides elective abortions. However, it allows individuals, both who receive affordability credits and who do not, to separately purchase with their own funds plans that cover elective abortions. It also clarifies that private plans may still offer elective abortions. Project Vote Smart Summary: Gabrielle Giffords voted NO on 7 November 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2000. Project Vote Smart: Arizona State Legislative National Political Awareness Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Abortions should always be legally available."
  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Gabrielle Giffords supported the interests of NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2010. Green Valley News and Sun: U.S. House: Gabrielle Giffords (D). Responded: "I believe abortion should be safe, legal and rare. Studies have demonstrated that the health of a woman directly impacts the health of her relatives. We need to focus on prevention and outreach to improve health care for women in order to have healthier families in Arizona. I have worked hard to ensure access to reproductive health services and affordable family planning services. As a nation we must work together to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies by providing science-based education about abstinence, contraceptive options, HIV/AIDS prevention and reproductive health." to the question "10. What is your stand on abortion?" (www.gvnews.com)
  • National Right to Life Committee. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Gabrielle Giffords supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 0 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • National Taxpayers Union. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Gabrielle Giffords supported the interests of the National Taxpayers Union 14 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2010. The Washington Post: Votes Against Party by Gabrielle Giffords. " Vote 924: H RES 941: Providing for Consideration of H.R. 4154, the Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act of 2009 Position: No GOP Position: No Dem Position: Yes" (projects.washingtonpost.com)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. HR 1424. 111th Congress. To provide authority for the Federal Government to purchase and insure certain types of troubled assets for the purposes of providing stability to and preventing disruption in the economy and financial system and protecting taxpayers, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Gabrielle Giffords voted YES on 10 March 2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Club for Growth. 2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Gabrielle Giffords supported the interests of the Club for Growth 12 percent in 2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2010. Green Valley News and Sun: U.S. House: Gabrielle Giffords (D). Responded: "2009 was the height of the worst downturn since the Great Depression. With monthly job losses of over 500,000, the first step was to stop the freefall and stabilize markets. I have worked on many measures to jump start our economy (www.giffords.house.gov); getting all Americans back to work quickly is an enormous challenge. In fast-growing Arizona, we need to focus on developing clean energy. With more than 300 days of sun annually, the solar industry can create thousands of high-paying jobs. I extended the solar investment tax credits and partnered with local businesses and military installations to promote solar investment." to the question "5. What's it going to take to get Americans back to work? Be specific." (www.gvnews.com)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. HR 1. 111th Congress. Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Gabrielle Giffords voted YES on 13 February 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Issue Position: Controlling the Federal Debt. "American families have to live on a budget. The federal government should do the same--it's common sense. Southern Arizonans know that the record deficit we face today is a direct consequence of the failed, short-sighted fiscal policies of the last decade. Too many people in Congress on both sides of the aisle are playing games with the debt, instead of making a serious effort at fiscal reform. We can't afford to wait any longer to put our fiscal house in order. As a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, I believe that our nation needs to get its financial house in order. That's why I co-sponsored a bill to create a bipartisan commission to examine all areas of federal spending and propose ways of reducing the national debt. I have voted against wasteful spending and to reduce the deficit and follow the same fiscally conservative values that Arizona families do every day." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Encouraged To Support Economic Recovery Legislation. 28 January 2009. "U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is being urged by community and business leaders to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, landmark legislation that will assist Arizona as the state faces the largest budget crisis in its history. A vote on the legislation is expected this afternoon. After weeks of discussion with local decision makers, U.S. Rep. Giffords stated that, 'Arizonans are looking to the Congress to move swiftly to stem job losses and protect critical infrastructure like our public education system, healthcare for working families and support for small businesses. We need to act and act quickly.' The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than 500,000 American jobs are being lost each month. Passage of this bill is the crucial start to reverse this trend and put our economy back on track. Deeply concerned about the nation's growing debt and deficit, Giffords has urged House leaders and President Obama to stay focused on the nation's long term goal of deficit reduction. She went on to say, 'Although I am pleased that this legislation contains an historic level of transparency, oversight and accountability which will guarantee taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, I am concerned by the magnitude of this bill. I take seriously the responsibility to monitor these investments closely so Southern Arizona taxpayers see results. State and local leaders in Arizona have a very hard job to do during these difficult economic times,' said Rep. Giffords. 'I am committed to working together to help provide the necessary tools to get through this crisis and lead our state toward a stronger economic future.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Joins President Obama In Supporting Legislation To Restore Fiscal Discipline. 9 June 2009. "The federal government needs to do what most American families do. We need to restrain spending, pay our bills and live within our means. Our country faces a $1.8 trillion budget deficit. If we do not begin paying our bills, we will short-change our children and grandchildren by saddling them with higher taxes and cutting federal investments in education, health care and national security. This is a clear indication of the president's commitment to restoring fiscal responsibility and accountability to government over the long-term. It is critical that we begin working together to achieve this goal." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' Statement On Financial Market Recovery Legislation. 25 September 2008. "U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords released the following statement today regarding the financial market recovery legislation being negotiated by Democratic and Republican congressional leaders. Our nation is confronting a historic financial crisis with grave consequences for America's economy. The Bush Administration's request for a unrestricted $700 billion bailout for Wall Street was completely unacceptable. While the costs for Wall Street are real, I am specifically focused on the real effects that will get passed down to the people of my district. After hearing from hundreds of constituents and discussing the potential for economic hardship with financial leaders in Arizona, I understand that as the Congresswoman from the 8th District, I must help Congress get this legislation right. Taxpayer equity must be protected, transparency and tough oversight are absolutely necessary, and CEO compensation must be restricted for the companies that participate. Since Arizona is 3rd in the nation in foreclosure rates, I will demand a strong effort to be made to reduce mortgage foreclosures." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' Statement On President Obama's First State Of The Union Speech. 27 January 2010. "Deficits distress virtually all Americans. It is a problem that crosses party lines, geographic boundaries and ideological divides. Wasteful government spending has been the way Washington does business for far too long. We simply cannot continue to pile government debt on the backs of future generations. We must carefully comb through every page of the budget and no program or agency should be spared a thorough review." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Issue Position: Jobs and the Economy. "Our nation is climbing out of a deep and serious economic crisis, caused by years of bad decision-making. Now is the time to secure our economic future by lowering taxes for those that go out and work every day, helping our small businesses grow and reinvesting in the education and development of America's workforce. We must not give up on our next generation by sitting back or waiting for he economy to "fix itself." Now is the time to grab the future with both hands. America is at its best when we lead. As a former small business owner, the best economic stimulus I know is a job. My first priority is to create and protect American jobs." (votesmart.org)
  • Kelly, Andrea. 2010. Arizona Daily Star: Giffords Battles to Keep Seat in Key Race. 10 October 2010. "While Giffords wants to strengthen Social Security in the long term, she's waiting to hear recommendations on how to do so in a forthcoming report from a bipartisan commission on this and other federal financial reform questions. . . .'This is not a crisis,' she said in an interview. 'Social Security needs to have adjustments, but like I said, it will be solvent through 2037. Until then, the system is taking in more than it's paying out,' she said. 'Getting Americans back to work and shoring up the debt and deficit is my job, and that's one of the most important angles or aspects to making sure that Social Security continues to be there for future generations,' she said. What's clear is that she doesn't want to eliminate it, reduce benefits or raise the age at which retirees can receive benefits.
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Issue Position: Social Security and Medicare. "I oppose the privatization of Social Security. It's a mistake to gamble it in the stock market. I am also unwilling to raise the eligibility age as some in my own party have proposed." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Issue Position: Supporting Seniors. "Efforts to privatize Social Security undermine the key safety net of American society and are not necessary. With Social Security providing the majority of the income that many seniors live on, it is not fair or wise to jeopardize that security by gambling with those resources. To create solvency for the next century, we should consider raising the taxable income level for those who earn high incomes and convening a bipartisan, blue-ribbon commission to adjust the financing of Social Security in order to ensure its long-term stability." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Op-Ed: "Nefarious" Social Security Became an American Success. 10 August 2010. "Social Security is the foundation of the modern U.S. pension system. It never was intended to provide an individual's complete retirement income, but rather to be part of a three-legged income stool, supplementing an employer's pension and an employee's personal savings. From its inception, some critics felt Social Security was an ill-advised interference with personal liberty that would undermine self-reliance. But the program, born in an atmosphere of distrust and suspicion, has worked remarkably well. . . . We can and we will find reasonable ways to make Social Security stable without switching to a risky privatization system. I am unwilling to gamble with seniors' financial security in the stock market. While the stock market may -- and I stress may -- return higher returns over a long period of time, one need only look at the wild gyrations in the past couple of years to see the kind of immense damage privatization could do to seniors too old to wait for a rebound." (votesmart.org)
  • Death Penalty Information Center. 2010. DPIC:New Voices-Political Leaders. "Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was elected as a supporter of capital punishment, now questions whether executing inmates makes any sense because she believes the death penalty does not deter crime." (www.deathpenaltyinfo.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2008. Arizona Daily Star: Excerpts from an Interview with U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Responded: "Capital punishment. I was pro-capital-punishment when I first ran for office. Now I have some real concerns about our system. Justice is truly not blind. The system favors those who have the resources to defend themselves. Oftentimes I think it's far worse punishment to let people rot in jail and have to wake up every day knowing the destruction they've caused and the harm they've caused than to put them out of their misery." to the question "Star: Is there an issue where you've changed your view after learning more about it?" (azstarnet.com)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2000. Project Vote Smart: Arizona State Legislative National Political Awareness Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "i) Support national standards and testing of public school students."
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Press Releases: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Testifies on No Child Left Behind to the House Committee on Labor and Education. 16 May 2007. "Let me begin by expressing my support for the goals of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). We must raise student achievement, close achievement gaps, and ensure that every child is taught by a highly-qualified teacher. How we best do this is the fundamental question that must be answered before the reauthorization vote. All of us - Republican, Democrats, and Independents - care deeply about the education of our children, and our task is to carefully consider how we will move forward with meaningful changes to No Child Left Behind. . . . Not once did I hear from an educator or a parent who wanted less accountability. They all shared the desire to see students achieve at high levels and realize their academic potential. However, everyone that testified also wanted to see profound changes made to NCLB. I agree with their assessment, and I stand here before you today to state my opinion that Congress must fix No Child Left Behind. . . . Experts in the field of education have recommended to me that we need "multiple measures" to determine a school's annual yearly progress rather than basing this accountability solely on standardized test scores. Current law is disproportionably geared towards failure. There are over a hundred ways in which a school can fail to meet annual yearly progress. We should consider other measures of assessment, such as student progress over time, and graduation and dropout rates." (giffords.house.gov)
  • Morlock, Blake. 2010. Tuscon Citizen: U.S. House District 8: Giffords has been Constant Presence. 15 October 2008. "She opposes the No Child Left Behind Act because it lacks promised funding and punishes states that don't have the money to spend on schools. 'No Child Left Behind should not be reauthorized unless it's fully funded,' she said. 'The states need to have an equal playing field.'" (tucsoncitizen.com)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Issue Position: Education. "Arizona's most important resource is our children. We must invest in their education -- from preschool through college -- and ensure that each has a chance to succeed, with highly-qualified teachers in every classroom. Funding our children's education is the single most important economic investment we can make in America's future. As China, India and Europe pour trillions of dollars into their children's education, we would be fools to sit back and watch them take the lead. America must compete!" (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2000. Project Vote Smart: Arizona State Legislative National Political Awareness Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Encourage further development and use of alternative fuels to reduce pollution;" "c) Require a cost/benefit analysis to determine the economic impact of proposed environmental regulations before they are implemented."
  • Environment America. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Gabrielle Giffords supported the interests of Environment America 93 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. HR 2454. 111th Congress. To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy. Project Vote Smart Summary: Gabrielle Giffords voted YES on 26 June 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Op-Ed: Actions To Stop Climate Change Are Essential For U.S. National Security. 2 January 2010. "The safety and security of the United States will depend on how well we as a nation address the challenges of climate change. That was reaffirmed for me at the recent United Nations climate conference in Copenhagen, which I attended as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation. Opponents of climate action argue there is no proof that greenhouse gas emissions are causing climate change and therefore we should not expend significant effort to reduce those emissions. But many of the steps that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions are steps we must take to increase our national security -- specifically by weaning ourselves off oil. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. The Environment and Energy Independence. 1 January 2001. "My plan for energy independence and environmental protection includes: * a goal of 25% renewable energy consumption by 2025. * increasing Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards for our vehicles. Increasing fuel efficiency will save drivers money at the pump, lessen our dependency on foreign oil and reduce the air pollution and greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. * increasing and extending federal tax credits for homeowners and business owners who purchase and install solar panels on their homes and businesses. This solution is particularly relevant to Southern Arizona, where our 350 days of sunshine per year can provide a permanent, non-polluting energy source for our families. * encouraging the development of other renewable energy sources like ethanol, biomass, and wind. * creating new high-paying jobs here in Arizona with this increased research and development for alternative fuels, especially supporting the solar industry. * a new national commitment to addressing the issue of global warming." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2000. Project Vote Smart: Arizona State Legislative National Political Awareness Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting;" "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns."
  • Gun Owners of America. 2010. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Gabrielle Giffords a grade of D-. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. HR 6842. 111th Congress. To restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia. Project Vote Smart Summary: Gabrielle Giffords voted YES on 17 September 2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court D.C. Gun Ban Decision. 26 June 2008. "As a gun owner, I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. In February, I was proud to sign the Amicus Brief in District of Columbia v. Heller asking the Supreme Court to uphold the lower court ruling that overturned the long standing DC gun ban. This is a common sense decision that reaffirms the Constitutional right and Arizona tradition of owning firearms. I commend the Court for ruling in favor of restoring our right to bear arms." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Votes to Repeal Ban to Handguns in the Nation's Capital. 17 September 2008. "As a long-time gun owner, I believe the right to keep and bear arms should not be dependent on the city in which you live. The provisions of the U.S. Constitution apply to all Americans, regardless of geography? We have a long tradition of gun ownership in the United States. It is a tradition which every law-abiding citizen should be able to enjoy." (votesmart.org)
  • American Public Health Association. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Gabrielle Giffords supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2000. Project Vote Smart: Arizona State Legislative National Political Awareness Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "b) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms, or state funded care where necessary."
  • Gabrielle Giffords. HR 3962. 111th Congress. To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Gabrielle Giffords voted YES on 7 November 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2009. Arizona Daily Star: Full Transcript of Arizona Daily Star Editorial Board Meeting with Gabrielle Giffords. Responded: "A public option that a health insurance company cannot deny you from applying to their program but you are able to have access to a cafeteria-style plan of healthcare. So for those 47 million Americans that have no coverage right now, that they are able either to get some subsidy through the federal government to buy into the plan or just directly buy into the plan to get some coverage and not be denied." to the question "You mentioned last week that single-payer is off the table. What do you mean by public plan then?" (azstarnet.com)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2009. Arizona Daily Star: Full Transcript of Arizona Daily Star Editorial Board Meeting with Gabrielle Giffords. Responded: "Not even because of the cost, because it's too radical of a shift for the American people. Right now single-payer is just not right with such a strong employer-based health-care system that we have in our country and the satisfaction that a lot of people have with the status quo. There has not been enough information on exactly what health care is costing us right now. Remember the Medicare prescription drug program, the cost of that, and the fact that was completely not paid for. We were borrowing money from the Chinese to pay for drugs for our seniors and folks that are on Medicare. That's just totally irresponsible." to the question "And a single payer is off the table because of the cost?" (azstarnet.com)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Issue Position: Health Care. 16 June 2009. "I am committed to working toward a system where every man, woman and child will have access to affordable, quality health care." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Announces Support For The Affordable Health Care For America Act. 6 November 2009. "As a medical economist who has analyzed costs in this industry for 25 plus years, I commend the House on coming together to put the best interest of our citizens first. By increasing competition among insurers, the easily accessible insurance exchanges, coupled with the public option, will provide an opportunity and incentive for uninsured individuals and small employers currently unable to afford insurance for their employees to gain affordable access to a quality health insurance plan. And the options will not exclude them for pre-existing conditions." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' Statement On Health Insurance Reform. 12 March 2010. "Last fall, I was proud to support legislation that included a public option. My constituents know that I am a former small business owner who believes in common sense solutions. I know first-hand the challenge of providing employee health insurance as costs climb every year." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Issue Position: Health Care. "I voted to fix our broken health insurance system because it was fundamentally the right thing to do. The time has come for Americans to be protected from abusive insurance company practices such as denying families coverage for pre-existing conditions. As a former small business owner, I experienced double-digit increases in the health insurance premiums I paid on my employees' behalf. Health care has gotten so expensive that American businesses--especially small businesses--are struggling to compete. These reforms provide immediate tax credits to small businesses that do the right thing and offer health insurance to their employees. They also provide tax credits to help families purchase health insurance if their employers don't provide coverage. This will make health care more affordable and accessible for the majority of Southern Arizonans, ranging from children to seniors. As a fiscal conservative, I felt strongly that we must address America's health care crisis in a fiscally responsible way. The government currently spends 16% of the gross domestic product on health care. This is unsustainable. The reforms I voted for will reduce the deficit by $138 billion over the next decade. Over the following decade, the savings will be even greater. We also strengthened Medicare for Southern Arizona's seniors, making basic preventative care free and lowering the cost of prescription drugs for those on Medicare." (votesmart.org)
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform. 2007-2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Gabrielle Giffords supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 46 percent in 2007-2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Gifford. Immigration. 12 October 2010. "However, until the federal government can demonstrate that it is serious about border security, we will see no progress in fixing our other broken immigration laws. Reform should include tough employer sanctions and a national employee verification system such as the New Employee Verification Act that I introduced along with Republican Congressman Sam Johnson. Amnesty cannot be granted to those who have entered illegally. They must be brought out from the shadows and overcome very strict requirements if they are to apply for legalization." (giffords.house.gov)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2008. Arizona Daily Star: U.S. Congress, District 8: Democrat: Gabrielle Giffords. Responded: "The Tucson Sector remains the most porous part of the U.S. - Mexico border as illegal immigrants, drugs and guns flood into America through our communities. All options to address these issues should be on the table. Modern technologies including radar, UAV's and other methods of electronic surveillance must be deployed in addition to hiring more Border Patrol agents, creating a strategy for new infrastructure, and improving cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Ultimately, however, being secure goes beyond stopping the flow of illegal activity over the border. It requires economic stability in both nations, a viable guest worker program and addressing the issue of people who are in the United States living without documentation. Passing comprehensive immigration reform legislation is the only way to create real security - and that remains a top priority from me." to the question "A lot of candidates - including both of the presidential contenders - talk about "securing the border." But what does that entail? How will we know when it is secured?" (azstarnet.com)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2010. Green Valley News and Sun: U.S. House: Gabrielle Giffords (D). Responded: "Most important is to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. Until the federal government can demonstrate that it is serious about border security, we will see no progress in fixing our other broken immigration laws. Some future measures for an overall reform include tough employer sanctions and a national employee verification system such as the New Employee Verification Act that I introduced along with Republican Rep. Sam Johnson. Amnesty cannot be granted to those who have entered illegally. They must be brought out from the shadows and overcome very strict requirements if they are to apply for legalization." to the question "8. What do you consider necessary in any federal immigration reform effort?" (www.gvnews.com)
  • Kelly, Erin. 2010. The Arizona Republic: Gabrielle Giffords, Jesse Kelly Race All About Immigration. 8 October 2010. "Giffords opposes the state law as "divisive" and supports comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level." (www.azcentral.com)
  • National Latino Congreso. 2007-2010. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Gabrielle Giffords supported the interests of the National Latino Congreso 20 percent in 2007-2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Immigration. "We need immediate action on the issue of illegal immigration. Again, Arizona is paying the price for federal incompetence. I support the bipartisan and comprehensive McCain-Kennedy plan that Congressman Grijalva and Governor Napolitano support, as the best way to tackle this difficult challenge and give us the fair immigration policy we need. This policy must include: no amnesty - but a path to citizenship for otherwise law-abiding undocumented workers who have been working here for years, own up to their responsibilities as new citizens by paying back taxes, and learn English." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Issue Position: Immigration. 17 June 2009. "A guest worker program, so that people can come in, work legally and safely, and return back to their home countries." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' Statement on President Obama's Immigration Speech. 1 July 2010. "I also support the president's view that those who have entered this country illegally must be held accountable. They must not be granted amnesty as we have unwisely done in the past." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Issue Position: Borders. "Border security is national security, and the fight to secure the border is one of my top priorities. Unfortunately, for years, the federal government has failed to secure the border or fix our broken immigration laws. Arizonans are angry and so am I." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. HR 4899. 111th Congress. Supplemental Appropriations Act. Project Vote Smart Summary: Gabrielle Giffords voted NO on Limiting Afghanistan Military Funding to Withdrawal and Other Specified Purposes on 1 July 2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. HR 4899. 111th Congress. Supplemental Appropriations Act. Project Vote Smart Summary: Gabrielle Giffords voted NO on Requiring Timetable for Withdrawal from Afghanistan on 1 July 2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action West. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Gabrielle Giffords supported the interests of Peace Action West 46 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2008. Arizona Daily Star: U.S. Congress, District 8: Democrat: Gabrielle Giffords. Responded: "As a Member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, I have visited our servicemen and women in Iraq twice - they are carrying out their mission with professionalism and honor. First and foremost, any redeployment must focus on protecting our forces as they leave. Logistical realities must also be taken into account as U.S. forces transition from extensive combat operations to a limited training and counterinsurgency program. Deployments ending in provinces under Iraqi control should be replaced, in the next rotation, by units to Afghanistan to meet requirements there. As our troops depart in a responsible manner, Iraqi Security Forces will be forced to step up to create additional stability in other provinces. We need to gradually reduce equipment levels as well by redeploying functional equipment to Afghanistan from units rotating out of Iraq and make an effort to transition equipment to the Iraqis that is too costly to bring home." to the question "How should a timetable for bringing troops home - which even President Bush has indicated he supports in some form - be structured?" (azstarnet.com)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2010. Green Valley News and Sun: U.S. House: Gabrielle Giffords (D). Responded: "Since I was first elected, I have served proudly on the House Armed Services Committee, which oversees the operations of the Department of Defense. Having spent time with General Petraeus in theatre on several occasions, I was impressed by his analytical skills and have confidence in his leadership. General Petraeus called for a gradual reduction of forces by next summer and I agree. It has been almost nine years since the September 11th attack and start of the war in Afghanistan on October 7, 2001. The Afghan people - not U.S. taxpayers - need to take responsibility for their country." to the question "1. Do you support next summer's planned reduction of U.S. forces in Afghanistan?" (www.gvnews.com)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Afghanistan War Was Worth Fighting in 2001, it still is. 12 October 2010. "This was a war worth fighting eight years ago and it remains so today. The terrorists who engineered those attacks were hosted and protected by the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan. Our military goal was - and is - clear: Remove the Taliban from power, track down al-Qaida and other terrorists, and allow the people of Afghanistan to run their own country. Last week, as we marked the eighth anniversary of the start of the war, a stable Afghanistan remained very much a work in progress. I witnessed this for myself recently on a congressional delegation trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan with two fellow members of the House Armed Services Committee. . . .Since our initial commitment to Afghanistan in 2001, that war of necessity became secondary to a war of choice in Iraq. As we took our eye off the ball in Afghanistan, our strategies and goals became less clear and the Taliban insurgency was allowed to regroup and plot its return. It must not be allowed to succeed. Today, President Obama is faced with the challenge of rallying public and congressional support for the mission in Afghanistan. As commander in chief, he must set goals and establish metrics for success. It must be the goal of our nation to ensure that we never repeat the same errors of indifference that preceded 9/11, and we never again allow terrorists to seek safe haven in Afghanistan." (giffords.house.gov)
  • Tucson Citizen. 2010. Tucson Citizen: Bee vs. Giffords: In Their Own Words. 13 October 2008. "When we were attacked on 9/11, the Taliban leadership and the training for al-Qaida came from Afghanistan. That's where we knew Osama bin Laden was hiding out. Unfortunately, we took our eye off the ball. We were given false information, we ended up going into Iraq. And I think when history is written about this, it will be the worst decision this country has ever made. We spend $345 million every single day in Iraq." (tucsoncitizen.com)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. Giffords Calls For Strategy to Win War on Terror. 26 September 2006. "We need to focus our efforts on defeating Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan, and eliminating Osama Bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri." (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Calls For Renewed Focus On Afghanistan After Trip To 'The Front Lines Of The War On Terror.' 30 April 2008. "U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is calling for a renewed focus on fighting terrorism in Afghanistan after returning from a bipartisan congressional delegation trip to the war-torn country. 'Afghanistan represents the front lines of the war on terror,' the Tucson lawmaker said today. 'We are neglecting it and we are paying the price.'" (votesmart.org)
  • Gabrielle Giffords. 2000. Project Vote Smart: Arizona State Legislative National Political Awareness Test. Selected NO for: "l) Should Arizona restrict marriage to a relationship only between a man and a woman?"
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning abortion.

a) Abortions should always be illegal.
X b) Abortions should always be legally available.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
d) Abortions should be legal when pregnancy results from incest, rape, or the life of the woman is endangered.
e) Abortions should be limited by waiting periods and notification requirements as decided by each state government.
f) Prohibit the dilation and extraction procedure, also known as "partial-birth" abortion.
X g) Support "buffer zones" at abortion clinics by requiring demonstrators to remain a certain distance from doorways and driveways.
h) Prohibit public funding for abortions and organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
i) Prohibit state workers from taking girls in foster care or other state protection agencies out of Arizona for abortions.
j) Other

State Budget: Indicate the funding levels you will support for the following general categories.State Taxes: Indicate the tax levels you will support.

Greatly Increase Funding a) Education (Higher)
Greatly Increase Funding b) Education (K-12)
Maintain Funding Status c) Environment
Greatly Increase Funding d) Health care
Maintain Funding Status e) Law enforcement
Slightly Increase Funding f) Transportation and Highway infrastructure
Slightly Increase Funding g) Welfare
h) Other
Maintain Status a) Alcohol taxes
Maintain Status b) Capital gains taxes
Maintain Status c) Cigarette taxes
Maintain Status d) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status e) Gasoline taxes
Maintain Status f) Income taxes (incomes below $75,000)
Maintain Status g) Income taxes (incomes above $75,000)
Maintain Status h) Inheritance taxes
Maintain Status i) Property taxes
Maintain Status j) Sales taxes
Maintain Status k) Vehicle taxes
l) Other
No m) Should Internet sales be taxed?
No n) Do you support a flat tax structure for state income taxes?
No o) Would you support returning any operating surplus to Arizona taxpayers?
Yes p) Would you support placing any operating surplus into a "rainy day" fund?
Yes q) Do you support allocating all tobacco settlement funds to health care programs?
No r) Do you support allocating a portion of the tobacco settlement funds to education?
No s) Do you support requiring voter approval for all new taxes?
No t) Do you support freezing property tax assessment values for low-income senior citizens?
Yes u) Do you support a state sales tax increase to fund education?
v) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) to address crime.

a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
b) Support contracting with private sector firms to build and/or manage state prisons.
c) End parole for repeat violent offenders.
d) Support the use of the death penalty in Arizona.
X e) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
X f) Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
X g) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
h) Decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
i) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
j) Lower the blood alcohol content limit defining drunk driving.
k) Prosecute as adults, youths accused of a felony.
l) Increase penalties for crimes committed on school grounds.
m) Require that crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, or disability be prosecuted as hate crimes.
X n) Support programs that provide job training and placement services for at-risk youth.
X o) Ban the use of racial profiling by law enforcement officers.
p) Support assessing fines rather than imprisonment for marijuana possession of two ounces or less.
q) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education.

X a) Increase state funds for professional development of public school teachers and administrators.
X b) Encourage private or corporate investment in public school programs.
c) Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any participating school (public, private, religious).
d) Support charter schools where teachers and professionals receive authorization and funding to establish new schools.
X e) Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
X f) Increase state funds for hiring additional teachers.
g) Endorse teacher-led voluntary prayer in public schools.
h) Support posting the Ten Commandments in public schools.
X i) Support national standards and testing of public school students.
j) Support teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
X k) Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
l) End bilingual education programs in Arizona.
m) Require students to pass standardized exit exams (AIMS tests) before graduating high school.
n) Support shifting oversight of state education funds from school district administrators to school principals.
o) Other

Employment: Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning employment.Affirmative Action: Which of the following state agencies should take race and sex into account when making employment decisions?

X a) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding, or relocating businesses.
b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector to encourage investment and economic expansion.
c) Support limits on cash damages in lawsuits against businesses and professionals for product liability or malpractice.
X d) Increase funding for state job-training programs that re-train displaced workers or teach skills needed in today's job market.
e) Other
a) College and university admissions
b) Public employment
c) State contracting
d) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy.

X a) Encourage further development and use of alternative fuels to reduce pollution.
b) Support "self-audit" legislation which creates incentives for industries to audit themselves and clean up pollution.
X c) Require a cost/benefit analysis to determine the economic impact of proposed environmental regulations before they are implemented.
d) Require states to fully compensate citizens when environmental regulations limit uses on privately owned land.
X e) Support funding for recycling programs in Arizona.
f) Request added flexibility from the federal government in enforcing and funding federal environmental regulations.
g) Suspend participation in un-funded, federally-mandated, environmental protection legislation.
X h) Provide state funds to purchase land for conservation purposes.
X i) Support setting aside state trust land for conservation purposes.
j) Establish state-mandated growth boundaries outside of which development would be limited.
k) Require developers to pay for all costs to expand utility services and roads in new developments.
l) Other
m) Should state environmental regulations be stricter than federal law?

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding government reform.c) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates?

Yes a) Do you support the current limit on terms for Arizona Governors?
No b) Do you support the current limit on terms for Arizona State Senators and Representatives?
No a) Individual
No b) PAC
Yes c) Corporate
No d) Political Parties
Yes d) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
Yes e) Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
Yes f) Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
Yes g) Do you support voting on-line?
Yes h) Do you support on-line voter registration?
Yes i) Do you support shifting the re-districting process from the Legislature to a non-partisan commission?
j) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues.

X a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting.
X b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
c) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
X e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
X f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
X g) Require background checks of gun buyers at gun shows.
h) Require a license for gun possession.
i) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health issues.

X a) Provide tax incentives to small businesses that provide health care to their employees.
X b) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms, or state funded care where necessary.
c) Transfer more existing Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
d) Use state funds to continue some Medicaid coverage for legal immigrants.
e) Limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
X f) Support a patient's right to sue his or her HMO.
g) Support a patient's right to appeal to an administrative board of specialists when services are denied.
h) Guaranteed medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
X i) Expand KidsCare health insurance coverage to include more uninsured children.
j) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding social issues.

X a) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for their employees.
b) Increase state funds to provide child care for children in low-income working families.
c) Deny or suspend state-issued permits and licenses to parents who are delinquent in paying court-ordered child support.
X d) Increase state funding for Head Start in order to serve additional children and/or increase services from a half to a full day.
X e) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
X f) Support state funding of programs for at-risk youth such as guaranteed college loans, and job training and placement.
g) Provide state funds to construct professional sports complexes.
h) Other
Undecided i) Should physician-assisted suicide be legally available in Arizona?
Yes j) Should Arizona include sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination laws?
Yes k) Should Arizona recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
No l) Should Arizona restrict marriage to a relationship only between a man and a woman?

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding welfare.

a) Maintain current time limits on welfare benefits.
X b) Maintain the requirement that able-bodied recipients work in order to receive benefits.
X c) Increase employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
X d) Provide tax incentives to businesses that hire welfare recipients.
e) Provide child care for welfare recipients who work.
f) Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
g) Allow welfare recipients to remain eligible for benefits while saving money for education, starting a business, or buying a home.
h) Limit benefits given to recipients if they have additional children while on welfare.
i) Eliminate government-funded welfare programs.
j) Redirect welfare funding to faith-based and community-based private organizations.
k) Use federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds to expand state services to include the working poor.
l) Other
Please explain what your two main legislative priorities will be if elected. Please explain how you would obtain any additional government funding needed to implement these priorities.

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