The Voter's Self Defense System

John Tierney'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.

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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 2012.

Pro-choice

Abortion: Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?

Pro-choice

Afghanistan: Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan?

Peace Action. 04/18/2012. "John Tierney supported the interests of the Peace Action 75 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
Peace Action West. 04/18/2012. "John Tierney supported the interests of Peace Action West 75 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
John Tierney. H Con Res 28. 112th Congress. Removing Troops from Afghanistan. John Tierney voted Yea on 03/17/2011. (votesmart.org)

Yes

Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?

Yes

Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?

Yes

Economy: Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?

Yes

The Club for Growth. 04/18/2012. "On the votes used to calculate its ratings, The Club for Growth attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 2010, The Club for Growth gave John Tierney a rating of 0 percent." (votesmart.org)
John Tierney. HR 5297. 112th Congress. Small Business Lending Fund and Tax Law Amendments. John Tierney voted Yea on 09/23/2010. (votesmart.org)
John Tierney. HR 1424. 110th Congress. Financial Asset Purchase Authority and Tax Law Amendments. John Tierney voted Yea on 10/03/2008. (votesmart.org)
Americans for Prosperity. 04/18/2012. "John Tierney supported the interests of the Americans for Prosperity 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)

Yes

Economy: Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?

Yes

Education: Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?

Yes

Energy: Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?

John Tierney. H Amdt 773. 112th Congress. Ending Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling Rigs that Meet Certain Safety Standards. John Tierney voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
Environment America. 04/18/2012. "John Tierney supported the interests of Environment America 93 percent in 2009." (votesmart.org)
John Tierney. HR 3534. 112th Congress. Offshore Drilling Regulations and Other Energy Law Amendments. John Tierney voted Yea on 07/30/2010. (votesmart.org)
John Tierney. HR 1230. 112th Congress. Offshore Leasing Act. John Tierney voted Nay on 05/05/2011. (votesmart.org)
John Tierney. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Massachusetts Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Support domestic oil exploration in areas that are currently restricted."
John Tierney. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Massachusetts Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "c) Support increased development of traditional energy resources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy. Other or expanded principles: "Domestic production of fuels will play a role in the short term as we work to advance the future of renewable and alternative energy sources, although we must protect environmentally sensitive and valuable fishing areas such as Georges Bank. I support lowering the price at the pump by releasing a small portion of oil from the government's stockpile, ending subsidies to the oil companies, and requiring "Big Oil" to repay what it already owes taxpayers. Nuclear fuel advocates should propose a safe and affordable way to store spent fuel. America should reengage and lead international talks addressing global warming matters. "

Yes

Environment: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?

Yes

Guns: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?

Yes

Health Care: Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?

Immigration: Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?

Federation for American Immigration Reform. 04/18/2012. "John Tierney supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 0 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute. 04/18/2012. "John Tierney supported the interests of National Latino Congreso/William C. Velásquez Institute 86 percent in 2010." (votesmart.org)
John Tierney. HR 5281. 112th Congress. DREAM Act. John Tierney voted Yea on 12/08/2010. (votesmart.org)
John Tierney. HR 4437. 109th Congress. Border Security Bill. John Tierney voted Nay on 12/16/2005. (votesmart.org)
John Tierney. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Massachusetts Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Illegal immigrants should have to return to their countries of origin before being considered for citizenship."
John Tierney. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Massachusetts Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Support amnesty for illegal immigrants already working in the United States."
John Tierney. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Massachusetts Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease citizenship requirements in order to make it easier for immigrants to become United States citizens."
John Tierney. Project Vote Smart: 1996 Massachusetts Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Children of illegal immigrants, born in the United States, should not automatically receive US citizenship."
John Tierney. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Massachusetts Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Illegal immigrants should be given a pathway to citizenship."

Yes

Marriage: Do you support same-sex marriage?

Yes

Unknown Position

National Security: Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?

Unknown Position

Social Security: Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?

John Tierney. Project Vote Smart: 2008 Massachusetts Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "" for: "a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts that they manage themselves."
Alliance for Retired Americans. 04/18/2012. "John Tierney supported the interests of the Alliance for Retired Americans 100 percent in 2008." (votesmart.org)
John F Tierney signed Progressive Change Campaign Committee: Social Security Protectors. (no date) "Social Security belongs to the people who have worked hard all their lives and contributed to it. Social Security is a promise that must not be broken. We need to strengthen Social Security, not cut it. That is why I oppose any cuts to Social Security benefits, including increasing the retirement age. I also oppose any effort to privatize Social Security, in whole or in part." (socialsecurityprotectors.com)

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.

Massachusetts Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test

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.

Abortion Issues

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

		a) Abortions should always be illegal.
		b) Abortions should always be legal.
		c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester.
		d) Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
		e) Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
		f) Dilation and extraction or "partial-birth" abortion procedures should be legal.
		g) Medicare, Medicaid, and federal subsidies should be prohibited from being used on abortion procedures.
I have always believed this is a personal decision best left to a woman and her doctor. I will continue to support upholding the legal rights of women. At the same time, I strongly support family planning programs and other education efforts that help reduce the occurrence of unwanted pregnancy.

Budgetary, Spending, and Tax Issues

Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category, you can use a number more than once.1) Budget Priorities2) Defense Spending3) TaxesIndicate what federal tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category, you can use a number more than once.Family Income TaxesOther TaxesDeductions/Credits

		a) Agriculture
		b) Arts
		c) Defense
		d) Education
		e) Environment
		f) FEMA
		g) Homeland security
		h) International aid
		i) Law enforcement (Federal)
		j) Law enforcement (State)
		k) Medical research
		l) National parks
		m) Public health services
		n) Scientific research
		o) Space exploration programs
		p) Transportation and highway infrastructure
		q) United Nations
		r) Welfare
		a) Armed forces personnel training
		b) Intelligence operations
		c) Military hardware
		d) Modernization of weaponry and equipment
		e) National missile defense
		f) Pay for active duty personnel
		g) Programs to improve troop retention rates
		h) Research and development of new weapons
		i) Troop and equipment readiness
		a) Less than $12,000
		b) $12,001-$40,000
		c) $40,001-$100,000
		d) $100,001-$180,000
		e) $180,001-$350,000
		f) $350,001 and above
		a) Alcohol taxes
		b) Capital gains taxes
		c) Cigarette taxes
		d) Corporate taxes
		e) Gasoline taxes
		f) Inheritance taxes
		a) Charitable contribution deduction
		b) Child tax credit
		c) Earned income tax credit
		d) Medical expense deduction
		e) Mortgage deduction
		f) Student loan credit
No		4) Do you support the permanent repeal of the federal estate tax?
		5) Do you support requiring the federal budget to be balanced each year?
All categories of federal funding should be open to scrutiny. In making budgeting decisions, we must review circumstances and resources available. For instance, some facets of the Defense budget, particularly those weapons programs which were identified by GAO as over budget, behind schedule and not focused on our future or existing security needs, should be seriously reduced. Domestically, education, infrastructure, research and security warrant appropriate increases as do energy and climate change initiatives.
Each of these areas requires adjustments, not only in amounts, but in application. For instance, shorter range missile defense programs would warrant continued work, whereas the unproven, untested nature of the ground-based mid-range intercontinental system is putting the procurement too far in advance of testing and should be seriously pared back. A recent GAO analysis produced in response to my Oversight Subcommittee's request indicates clearly that some weapons systems are ready for additional funding but many need to be constrained pending reform. Much better oversight of Intelligence operations and spending is needed. Equipment readiness and personnel support is appropriate.
Our country faces severe economic challenges and needs public investment to stimulate our economy and create jobs. The Bush Administration's tax cuts targeted at those earning over $250,000 cannot be extended and inappropriate corporate "loopholes" must be abolished. We should consider general tax reductions for middle class families and some targeted incentives for industries such as renewable and alternative energies. These sensible reforms could help improve our economic competiveness and spur job growth.
See previous answer on taxation. Additionally, the estate tax exemption should be raised to a higher amount and the rate adjusted downward. If done properly, only approximately 1% of the wealthiest estates would be subject to taxation, while large amounts of wealth accumulated through appreciation and/or gains from non-taxable income will be subject to reasonable tax and thus contribute fairly to the national needs.
The Earned Income Tax Credit could be expanded and serve as a valuable tool to support working families. I support the child tax credit, the medical expense deduction, the mortgage deduction and the student loan credit.
We should endeavor to balance our budget annually, but we must also recognize that in some economic circumstances this may not be possible. In such circumstances, we must then require that expenditures that exceed revenues be focused on investments likely to produce returns of future value. For instance, investments in education and infrastructure are generally perceived to result in future benefits, whereas some other spending would not.

Campaign Finance and Government Reform Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform.

		a) Support increasing the amount individuals are permitted to contribute to federal campaigns.
		b) Prohibit Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions to candidates for federal office.
		c) Allow unregulated soft money campaign contributions to political parties or committees.
		d) Remove all contribution limits on federal campaigns and parties.
		e) Support prohibiting ads containing candidates' name that are paid for by third parties from airing 60 days before a primary and 30 days before a general federal election.
		f) Support instant run-off voting (IRV).
		g) Support designating Election Day as a national holiday.
		h) Support giving the President the power of the line item veto for items concerning appropriations.
		i) Support limiting the President's use of signing statements in order to prevent an alternative interpretation of the bill.
X		j) Support a federal shield law to protect reporter-source privilege.
I am the principal author and sponsor of the Clean Money, Clean Elections bill filed in the House and support its provisions, including the concept of voluntary public financing of campaigns.

Crime Issues

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

		a) Support the use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
		b) Eliminate the use of the death penalty for federal crimes.
X		c) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
X		d) Support programs to provide prison inmates with drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
		e) Reduce prison sentences for those who commit non-violent crimes.
		f) Support mandatory jail sentences for selling illegal drugs.
		g) Support strict penalties for internet crime (e.g. hacking, identity theft, worms/viruses).
X		h) Require that crimes based on sexual orientation be prosecuted as federal hate crimes.
Where appropriate, especially for non-violent crimes, quicker judicial determinations and sentencing over shorter but defined terms, followed by extensive probation focused on reclamation to living conditions and attainment of job skills and employment are needed. It is appropriate that we review the efficacy of mandatory sentences to determine their impact on our justice system.

Education Issues

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

		a) Support the federal government funding universal pre-K programs.
		b) Allow parents to use vouchers to send their children to any public school.
		c) Allow parents to use vouchers to send their children to any private or religious school.
		d) Allow teachers and professionals to receive federal funding to establish charter or magnet schools.
		e) Increase funding for the Pell Grant program.
		f) Decrease interest rates of Stafford Loans.
		g) Support federal tax incentives to help families save for college.
		h) Ban university financial aid officers from owning stock in or accepting gifts from student loan lenders.
		i) Require universities to disclose financial relationships with lenders.
		j) Support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students (No Child Left Behind).
		k) Eliminate all federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students (No Child Left Behind).
I support a partnership among families, states, local communities and the federal government in supporting all levels of education including pre-K. The dire underfunding during the Bush years must be reversed. The so-called "No Child Left Behind" law must be rewritten to eliminate existing shortcomings. Moving forward, the issue of standards must be resolved, and preferably not addressed on a state-by-state basis. Teacher support and innovation are critical, as are afterschool opportunities and flexibility within school systems. I was proud to play a role in the recently enacted higher education laws which will make college education more affordable and accessible.

Employment Issues

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

X		a) Increase funding for national job-training programs that retrain displaced workers or teach skills needed in todays job market.
		b) Reduce government regulation of the private sector.
X		c) Encourage employers to offer child care services, flex-time scheduling, comp-time, and unpaid leave for family emergencies.
X		d) Increase the federal minimum wage.
X		e) Support the right of workers to unionize.
		f) Eliminate all federal programs designed to reduce unemployment.
X		g) Include sexual orientation in federal anti-discrimination laws.
X		h) Include gender identity in federal anti-discrimination laws.
We need to review the Trade Assistance Act and job training programs with an eye toward making training and education for employment more available without mandating a different criteria and bureaucratic process for every cause of unemployment. We should be creative in supporting businesses by preparing a workforce ready and able to fully take advantage of emerging industries such as biotechnology, robotics and nanoscience. For instance, the "Green Jobs Act," which I authored with Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-CA) was signed into law as part of last year's comprehensive energy package, supports developing a workforce in alternative and renewable energy businesses.

Environment and Energy Issues

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

X		a) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Water Act.
X		b) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Air Act.
X		c) Support increased development of traditional energy resources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil).
X		d) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles.
X		e) Strengthen fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles.
		f) Support domestic oil exploration in areas that are currently restricted.
X		g) Encourage further development and use of alternative fuels.
X		h) Support the use of ethanol as an alternative fuel.
		i) Support research and development of nuclear reactors as an alternative energy source.
X		j) Allow energy producers to trade pollution credits under "cap and trade" laws.
		k) Support international mandatory emission targets to limit global warming.
		l) Support international voluntary emission targets to limit global warming.
Domestic production of fuels will play a role in the short term as we work to advance the future of renewable and alternative energy sources, although we must protect environmentally sensitive and valuable fishing areas such as Georges Bank. I support lowering the price at the pump by releasing a small portion of oil from the government's stockpile, ending subsidies to the oil companies, and requiring "Big Oil" to repay what it already owes taxpayers. Nuclear fuel advocates should propose a safe and affordable way to store spent fuel. America should reengage and lead international talks addressing global warming matters.

Gun Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding guns.On (c) and (d), indicate what levels (#1-6) you support for the following categories.

		a) Allow individuals to carry concealed guns.
		b) Ban the sale, ownership or possession of handguns except by law enforcement and other government officials.
		c) Enforcement of existing restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
		d) Restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
We need leadership and reasonable solutions to unite those supporting responsible ownership with those fearful of overabundant guns, especially in urban areas. The recent Supreme Court ruling, while recognizing a right to possess firearms, also acknowledges the efficacy of establishing limitations for purposes of safety. Massachusetts has reasonable regulations pertaining to guns, and legislation on the national level mirroring such laws seems reasonable. Certainly, semi-automatic and automatic weapons, indiscriminately available without precaution, endangers our law enforcement officials and general population as would the unrestrained availability of such weapons as .50 caliber rifles and other heavy artillery.

Health Issues

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

X		a) Implement a universal healthcare program to guarantee coverage to all Americans, regardless of income.
		b) Expand eligibility for tax-free medical savings accounts.
X		c) Allow the importation of prescription drugs into the United States.
		d) Support expanding prescription drug coverage under Medicare.
		e) Offer tax credits to individuals and small businesses to offset the cost of insurance coverage.
		f) Support expanding child healthcare programs.
		g) Providing healthcare is not a responsibility of the federal government.
I believe we should enact legislation already approved by the House of Representatives requiring Medicare administrators to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for fairer prices, much as we now do for Medicaid and veterans. Savings from such an effort would help seniors receive more affordable prescription drugs.

Immigration Issues

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

		a) Decrease the number of legal immigrants allowed into the country.
		b) Establish English as the official national language.
		c) Support a temporary worker program.
		d) Support harsher financial punishments for those who knowingly employ illegal immigrants.
		e) Support amnesty for illegal immigrants already working in the United States.
		f) Illegal immigrants should have to return to their countries of origin before being considered for citizenship.
		g) Illegal immigrants should be given a pathway to citizenship.
		h) Support merit-based visas over family-based visas.
The nation needs to elect a President that will eliminate the politics involved in this issue and bring factions together to secure the borders reasonably, provide employer enforcement fairly, establish categories and appropriate numbers for admittance, identify any need for employment of non-citizens and establish a process for implementing such a system. We should reinforce our support for those lawfully visiting, studying, working and living in this country to enhance the prospects that today's new citizens will contribute as importantly as have past immigrants coming to America.

International Aid, International Policy, and International Trade Issues

International AidIndicate which principles you support (if any) regarding international aid.International PolicyIndicate which principles you support (if any) regarding international policy.International TradeIndicate which principles you support (if any) regarding international trade.

X		a) Support the United States granting aid to countries when extraordinary circumstances cause disaster and threaten civilian lives.
X		b) Support the United States granting aid to countries when it is in the security interests of the United States.
		c) Eliminate United States aid for any nation with documented human rights abuses.
		d) Aid granted by the United States should be scaled back and eventually eliminated.
Yes		a) Should the United States continue to provide leadership in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process?
Yes		b) Should the United States support the creation of a Palestinian state?
		c) Should the United States impose greater international sanctions on Iran if it continues to defy United Nations mandates?
		d) Should the United States support the Lebanese government against insurgent forces?
No		e) Should the United States maintain its troop levels in Iraq?
		f) Should the United States withdraw its troops from Iraq?
		h) Should the United States apply greater economic and diplomatic sanctions against North Korea if it fails to abide by its agreement to suspend its nuclear program?
		i) Should the United States increase financial support for Afghanistan?
		j) Should the United States increase military support for Afghanistan?
		k) Should the United States trade nuclear fuel to India for civilian purposes?
		l) Should the United States decrease financial support for Pakistan?
		m) Should the United States decrease military support for Pakistan?
		n) Should the United States be involved in bringing an end to the violence in Darfur, Sudan?
		o) Should the United States be involved in bringing an end to the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
		p) Should the United States provide economic and military support to the Transitional Government of Somalia?
		q) Should the United States use sanctions to encourage the government of Zimbabwe to end its human rights abuses?
		r) Should the United States support the creation of an independent nation of Kosovo?
		a) Do you support the United States imposing economic sanctions on China?
		b) Do you support the United States imposing trade sanctions on Venezuela?
		c) Do you support the United States involvement in free trade agreements?
		d) Do you support the United States involvement in intergovernmental organizations dedicated to trade?
Human rights abuses should certainly be a factor in determining aid and the manner in which it is provided to nation-states. To advance our national interests, it may well be appropriate, in a number of circumstances, to provide aid through non-governmental or other agencies. This may also encompass governments rife with corruption.
Iranian sanctions have to be international in form to have a reasonable chance to succeed, and must be carefully assessed as to whether, at any given time, they advance or stunt our diplomatic efforts toward a resolution. Sanctions should be coupled with serious and reasonable diplomatic efforts. The U.S. should continue accelerating its redeployment of troops from Iraq while working with allies to improve Iraq's capacity to secure its people. The U.S. should lead an international effort to develop the structure of Iraq's economy and secure its population with neighboring countries and other parties with an interest in Iraq's stability.
The amount of assistance directed to countries like Afghanistan is important. Equally so, is the manner in which it is delivered, monitored and spent and the apportionment among military, diplomatic, intelligence and developmental efforts. As Secretary Gates now acknowledges on behalf of the Administration, military force (on its own) is not sufficient. A GAO assessment, commissioned by the Subcommittee I chair, determined that the U.S. failed to have a strategy for dealing with Afghanistan. As we submit these replies, a National Intelligence Estimate is being prepared that is expected to show a need for a new, better strategy.
As noted above, in order to be effective, any sanctions should be international in form and targeted reasonably as well as coupled with intelligent diplomatic efforts. Trade agreements should include enforceable provisions addressing safety of foods and consumer goods, environmental considerations and labor conditions as well as other economic issues and should not abdicate Congress' constitutional role in approving terms. Any agreement should protect countries' sovereign rights.

National Security Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding national security.

		a) Do you support using military tribunals to try suspected terrorists when ordinary civilian courts are deemed inappropriate or impractical?
No		b) Should law enforcement agencies have greater discretion to monitor domestic communications, to prevent future terrorist attacks?
		c) Should the United States hold foreign states accountable for terrorists who operate in their country?
Yes		d) Should the federal government increase funding to states and cities for homeland security?
No		e) Do you support pre-emptive military strikes against countries deemed to be a threat to United States national security?
		f) Do you support the creation of a federal identification card system?
		g) Do you support long-term use of National Guard troops to supplement the armed forces in assignments overseas?
No		h) Should the United States expand its missile defense shield?
The United States should better cooperate with other intelligence, national security agencies and law enforcement entities. It should better spend existing considerable resources on domestic security, improving conditions at ports and railroads. It should also change from voluntary to specifically enforceable standards for protection of chemical and nuclear facilities. Better assessment of risks and prioritization with appropriate targeting based on such assessments is needed. National service proposals should be seriously considered to enhance participation in the many ways in which people can assist our country, and would likely have the effect of also increasing membership in our armed services.

Social Issues

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

Yes		a) Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry?
No		b) Do you support a federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman?
Yes		c) Do you support federal funding for research on existing embryonic stem cell lines?
Yes		d) Do you support federal funding to create lines of stem cells from new embryos?
		e) Should the federal government consider race and gender in government contracting decisions?
Yes		f) Should the federal government continue affirmative action programs?
		g) Should the federal government regulate internet gambling?
Religious entities continue to have the ability to recognize or not recognize unions between members of the religious entity or between members and non-members. Allowing civil recognition in no way disrupts that ability.

Social Security Issues

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding Social Security.

		a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts that they manage themselves.
		b) Ensure the viability of Social Security by increasing the payroll tax.
		c) Decrease benefits paid to retirees.
		d) Support proportional increases of Social Security benefits based on the cost of living index.
		e) Raise the retirement age for individual eligibility to receive full Social Security benefits.
Immediately upon election, the next President should work with Congress to have a bipartisan effort to identify the myriad of actions that have been proposed for saving and/or strengthening the program, set a reasonable goal for the fund to be balanced in future years, and recommend to Congress the steps that should be adopted to achieve that end. The system is not endangered to the extent some "privatization advocates" would like others to believe, yet we must take action on a reasonable plan to ensure social security remains solvent for future generations. Privatization is not the way to go!

Welfare and Poverty Issues

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

		a) Require welfare recipients to spend at least 40 hours a week in a combination of work and training programs.
		b) Continue to give states and local governments flexibility in and responsibility for welfare programs through federal block grants.
		c) Support housing assistance for welfare recipients.
		d) Abolish all federal welfare programs.
Work must be encouraged through education and job training. We must identify where the jobs in a given community will be and provide the skills required to improve people's eligibility for such jobs. Support should be available (day care, transportation) to allow for opportunities to be pursued. Once a job is obtained, assistance for fuel, nutrition, housing, etc. should gradually be reduced so as to foster independence in a constructive manner. Government should work in partnership with business, social service entities and families in this endeavor.

Legislative Priorities

As the world faces this financial crisis, America must secure its economic future. In the short term, Congress can do this through conducting increased oversight, stabilizing the housing industry, and approving a second stimulus package. Working with a new President, we must provide health care to all citizens and fund key domestic priorities that maintain our global competitiveness, such as bolstering our education system from pre-K through college, enhancing our country's job training capacity in emerging industries, implementing an energy policy that will reduce reliance on resources from unreliable and unstable sources and move us to cleaner, more efficient fuels.

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