- Share on WeChat
-
Josh Shapiro
DWon the General, 2022 Pennsylvania Governor
Won the Primary, 2022 Pennsylvania Governor, Primary Election
Won the General, 2020 Pennsylvania Attorney General
Won the General, 2016 Pennsylvania Attorney General
Pennsylvania Attorney General (2017 - Present)
Chairman, Board of Commissioners, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania (2012 - Present)
To be claimed
Reason for Seeking Public Office:
There's nothing more important to a democracy than the citizens' trust and confidence in those elected to govern.
The election will come down to this: who can lead the office with integrity, who has the judgment and executive experience to clean up a mess, and who has a track record of fighting for our collective values -- and I hope you'll join me in this campaign.
While this letter is lengthier than the typical political announcement, I want you to understand why it is that I've decided to take this step and why I believe I am uniquely qualified to be your next Attorney General.
Throughout my life, I've been dedicated to two things: my family and public service. My wife Lori and I were high school sweethearts and we've been blessed with four incredible children. We want them to grow up and prosper in a democracy they can trust.
My first experience in public service came after graduating from the University of Rochester when I went to Washington and worked for members of the U.S. Senate and House. I eventually went on to serve as Chief of Staff to a member of Congress from Pennsylvania. At night, while I worked full time, I went to Georgetown University where I earned my law degree.
With our two year old, Lori and I moved back home in 2003 to the community where I grew up. While working at a law firm in Philadelphia, I launched an underdog campaign for state Representative in an overwhelmingly Republican district. I knocked on 18,000 doors and listened to my neighbors. My hard work paid off and against the odds and conventional political wisdom, I was elected as a progressive Democrat, defeating a well-known Republican in Montgomery County.
I think it's fair to say that when I got to Harrisburg in 2005 not everyone was glad I had arrived. I became a thorn in the side of those who believed in politics as usual; those who thought that the lines between right and wrong could be changed to suit their political needs.
I was determined to be a champion of good government. I'm proud to have authored the most sweeping ethics reforms in Pennsylvania in generations. I wrote changes to House rules that ended wasteful perks like taxpayer-funded private car leases, fought for greater transparency as a co-author of the Open Records Law, required time for public input before voting on bills so laws weren't passed in secret and I shed light on a $200 million slush fund legislators squirreled away for themselves.
I also led by example. I voted against, refused to accept and led the fight to repeal the infamous "pay-raise" that was passed in the dark of night. Then, when the state was running a $2 billion deficit, I returned my cost-of-living pay increase back to taxpayers.
Five years ago, I ran to change the leadership of Montgomery County, and our victory in that election allowed Democrats to take control of our County government for the first time in 150 years. I became Chairman of the third-largest county in Pennsylvania and in charge of a $389 million budget and over 2,300 employees.
This past November, Montgomery County voters rewarded my efforts to reform the status quo, and I was re-elected with more than 60 percent of the vote. In a county with more registered Republicans than any other in Pennsylvania, we showed that Democrats win when we can govern effectively and ethically.
I'm proud of my record in Montgomery County, turning record deficits into consecutive budget surpluses while making new, critical investments in open spaces, infrastructure, human services, and public safety while reducing debt. We adopted brand new ethics and procurement standards that saved tax dollars, ensured transparency in the system and have been a model for other counties across Pennsylvania.
We stood up for Democratic values, leading the fight against the Corbett Administration's discriminatory Voter ID plan and issuing the first marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples in Pennsylvania. We took on the scourge of heroin infecting our communities, working with the head of the Pennsylvania Police Chiefs Association to devise a strategy for stemming the tide of narcotics overdoses and providing the life-saving Naloxone to first-responders throughout the county.
I'm especially proud that in Montgomery County we put an end to annual taxpayer giveaways to Wall Street bankers. Until we reformed our pension system, Wall Street was charging excessive fees, and limiting the county's rate of return. So we became among the first counties in the U.S. to cut-out the Wall Street middle men, invest in low-fee index funds and boost the returns on our pension investments, saving taxpayers millions of dollars and ensuring stability to our employee's retirement funds. We showed that we could reform our pension system without hurting hard working government employees.
More important than any particular policy or accomplishment, at a time when frustration with government is at an all-time high, we showed that we could make government work. Today, people in Montgomery County are once again proud of their government. It's proof that progressive leadership, built on a foundation of integrity, can restore faith in public service and improve people's lives.
In addition to my work in Montgomery County, I'm honored to serve as the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. I've held dozens of meetings and forums across the Commonwealth in the past year. I'm determined to bring common sense reforms to our criminal justice system, protect victims and be smart on crime.
Non-violent offenders, particularly those battling addiction and mental illness, are clogging our prisons and costing us billions of dollars. We need to stop treating diseases as crimes and redouble our efforts to provide treatment and go after those who commit serious crimes and make sure they are punished to the full extent of the law.
Pennsylvania's next Attorney General will face many specific challenges but the most pressing challenge we face today in our justice system is a crisis of confidence, doubts about the administration of justice and the results that follow. From "Bonusgate" to "Kids For Cash" and now to "Porngate" we can't help but feel frustrated with our democracy and its leaders.
I understand the public's frustration because I feel it too. The worst part the public reaction to each scandal is a combination of outrage and, "well what can you expect?' That attitude allows the status quo to fester, for good people to be denied their rights and for some politicians and purported public servants to hold Pennsylvania back.
We can and must expect more.
As Attorney General, I'll lead the effort to restore integrity to our government. I'll do this by advocating for and adopting tough ethical standards and by looking out for those who often get hurt in the system that is rigged against them.
I'll stand up for consumers who get ripped off. I'll protect seniors and aggressively pursue those who commit fraud and abuse against them. I'll take on the oil and gas drillers to ensure that our communities have safe drinking water -- and I'll join the fight to ensure the drillers pay their fair share for using our resources. I'll never be afraid to stand up and speak out about the plague of illegal guns that get into the hands of criminals and others who shouldn't have them.
I'll hold corrupt officials accountable for their actions and do my part to end the disgraceful behavior that has besmirched our commonwealth. We will arrest those who break the laws and draw clear lines for our politicians to follow.
I believe deeply in the value of public service and want to make this commonwealth stronger for my family and yours. I have a long track record of doing what's right and proven over time that I have the judgment and know-how to get the job done.
Throughout my career, people have told me that the challenges before me were too hard, too entrenched to fix. The more they tell me its impossible to fix, the more motivated I am to surround myself with smart, ethical people, build a coalition, lay out a strategy and see it through. The task before me, to rebuild the Office of Attorney General and restore integrity to our justice system is no doubt immense but it's a challenge that in many ways I've been preparing for my entire professional life.
I am looking forward to campaigning across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to listen to your ideas, address your concerns and earn your vote.
1. What is your stance on abortion?
- Pro-choice
Should there be more restrictions on the current process of purchasing a gun?
- Yes
Do you support the legalization of same sex marriage?
- Yes
Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples?
- Yes
Should employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job?
- Yes
Should the government enforce a "stay-at-home" order to combat the coronavirus?
- Yes
Should the government increase environmental regulations to prevent climate change?
- Yes
Should the government continue to fund Planned Parenthood?
- Yes
Do you support the impeachment of President Donald Trump?
- Yes, Trump committed a crime when he threatened to withhold aid from Ukraine
Should the government require children to be vaccinated for preventable diseases?
- Yes
Should marital rape be classified and punished as severely as non-marital rape?
- Yes
Should health insurers be allowed to deny coverage to individuals who have a pre-existing condition?
- No
Should police officers be required to wear body cameras?
- Yes, this will protect the safety and rights of police officers and citizens
Should the federal government institute a mandatory buyback of assault weapons?
- Yes, but start with a voluntary buyback and ban on purchasing assault weapons before enforcing a mandatory buyback
Should a business be able to deny service to a customer if the request conflicts with the owner’s religious beliefs?
- No
Should the government regulate the prices of life-saving drugs?
- Yes
Should "gender identity" be added to anti-discrimination laws?
- Yes, and the government should do more to protect minorities from discrimination
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
- No
Should health insurance providers be required to offer free birth control?
- Yes
Should adults that are illegally attempting to cross the U.S. border be separated from their children?
- No
Should the U.S. raise taxes on the rich?
- Yes
Should the government increase funding for mental health research and treatment?
- Yes
When should your state end the "Stay at Home" order and reopen its economy?
- Until a vaccine is approved by the FDA
Should the U.S. build a wall along the southern border?
- No, but increase our military presence along the southern border
Should there be a temporary ban on all immigration into the United States?
- No
Do you support increasing taxes for the rich in order to reduce interest rates for student loans?
- Yes
Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?
- Yes
Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists?
- No
Should local police increase surveillance and patrol of Muslim neighborhoods?
- No, targeting Muslims is unconstitutional, racist, and incendiary
Should the federal government pay for tuition at four-year colleges and universities?
- Yes
Should the redrawing of Congressional districts be controlled by an independent, non-partisan commission?
- Yes
Should the military allow women to serve in combat roles?
- Yes
Should businesses be required to provide paid leave for full-time employees during the birth of a child or sick family member?
- Yes
Should the U.S. go to war with Iran?
- No
Should illegal immigrants have access to government-subsidized healthcare?
- No
Should people on the "no-fly list" be banned from purchasing guns and ammunition?
- Yes
Should children of illegal immigrants be granted legal citizenship?
- Yes
Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service?
- No, service should be a choice instead of an obligation
Should immigrants be deported if they commit a serious crime?
- Yes
Should the U.S. remain in the United Nations?
- Yes
Are you in favor of decriminalizing drug use?
- Yes, for most but not all drugs
Should foreign lobbyists be allowed to raise money for American elections?
- No
Should the federal government increase funding of health care for low income individuals (Medicaid)?
- Yes, but only increase for the elderly and disabled
Do you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)?
- Yes
Should there be term limits set for members of Congress?
- No
Do you support the legalization of Marijuana?
- Yes
Should the electoral college be abolished?
- Yes
Should the U.S. raise or lower the tax rate for corporations?
- Raise
Should local law enforcement be allowed to detain illegal immigrants for minor crimes and transfer them to federal immigration authorities?
- Yes
Do you support the death penalty?
- No
1. Should there be a limit to the amount of money a candidate can receive from a donor?
- Yes, politicians should not be bought by wealthy donors
Do you support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources?
- No, we should pursue more sustainable energy resources instead
Should the government attempt to influence foreign elections?
- No
Should the NSA (National Security Agency) be allowed to collect basic metadata of citizen’s phone calls such as numbers, timestamps, and call durations?
- No
Do you support a single-payer healthcare system?
- Yes
Should immigrants be required to learn English?
- No
Should it be illegal to join a boycott of Israel?
- No
Should working illegal immigrants be given temporary amnesty?
- Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for immigrants with no criminal record
Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding?
- Yes
Should transgender athletes be allowed to compete in athletic events?
- Yes, but only if their hormone levels are equivalent to those in the gender category in which they compete
1. Should the U.S. remain in NATO?
- Yes
Should victims of gun violence be allowed to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers?
- No
Should the government give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry?
- Yes, the government should support more sustainable energy technologies
Should the President be able to authorize military force against Al-Qaeda without Congressional approval?
- No, Congress should approve all military conflicts
Should states be allowed to display the Confederate flag on government property?
- No, it should be put in a museum where it was originally flown
Should foreigners, currently residing in the United States, have the right to vote?
- No, only legal citizens should be allowed to vote
Should the military be allowed to use enhanced interrogation techniques, such as waterboarding, to gain information from suspected terrorists?
- No
Do you support the killing of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani?
- No, this could unnecessarily start another war in the Middle East
Should illegal immigrants be offered in-state tuition rates at public colleges within their residing state?
- No
Should the government regulate social media sites, as a means to prevent fake news and misinformation?
- No, social media companies are private and should not be regulated by the government
Should the U.S. increase restrictions on its current border security policy?
- No
Should a photo ID be required to vote?
- Yes, this will prevent voter fraud
Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors?
- No, board members should be the most qualified regardless of gender
Should the government hire private companies to run prisons?
- No
Should the government prevent "mega mergers" of corporations that could potentially control a large percentage of market share within its industry?
- Yes
Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)?
- No
Should disposable products (such as plastic cups, plates, and cutlery) that contain less than 50% of biodegradable material be banned?
- Yes
Should welfare recipients be tested for drugs?
- Yes
Should the U.S. expand offshore oil drilling?
- No
Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?
- Yes
Should immigrants be required to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate a basic understanding of our country’s language, history, and government?
- Yes, but it should only cover very basic and simple topics
Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide?
- Yes, but only if there is no chance they will survive their illness
Should political candidates be required to release their recent tax returns to the public?
- Yes, and also required to release their medical records
Should the U.S. withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement?
- No
Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt?
- No
1. Should corporations, unions, and non-profit organizations be allowed to donate to political parties?
- No
Should the US increase or decrease the amount of temporary work visas given to high-skilled immigrant workers?
- Increase
Do you support the Patriot Act?
- Yes
Should people be required to work in order to receive Medicaid?
- No, the vast majority of people who receive Medicaid are disabled
Do you support a universal basic income program?
- Yes
Should the federal government be allowed to negotiate drug prices for Medicare?
- Yes
Should universities provide "trigger warnings" and "safe spaces" for students?
- Yes
Should there be a 5-year ban on White House and Congressional officials from becoming lobbyists after they leave the government?
- Yes
Should it be illegal to burn the American flag?
- No, I don’t respect anyone who does but they should have the right to do so
Should the U.S. conduct military strikes against North Korea in order to destroy their long-range missile and nuclear weapons capabilities?
- No
Should the minimum voting age be lowered?
- No, and voters should be required to pass a basic test demonstrating their understanding of politics in order to vote
Should there be fewer or more restrictions on current welfare benefits?
- More
Do you believe labor unions help or hurt the economy?
- Help
Should the government pass laws which protect whistleblowers?
- Yes
Should the U.S. provide military aid to Saudi Arabia during its conflict with Yemen?
- No
Should women be allowed to wear a Niqab, or face veil, to civic ceremonies?
- Yes, we should respect all cultural traditions
Should the government increase or decrease military spending?
- Decrease
Should the Supreme Court be reformed to include more seats and term limits on judges?
- Yes
Should prisons ban the use of solitary confinement for juveniles?
- Yes, it is severely psychologically damaging to young undeveloped minds
Should the IRS create a free electronic tax filing system?
- Yes
Should the U.S. accept refugees from Syria?
- Yes, we should accept 10,000 refugees
Do you support affirmative action programs?
- Yes
Do you support Common Core national standards?
- No, teach to each student's potential instead of uniform testing
Should the US assassinate suspected terrorists in foreign countries?
- Yes
Should the government support a separation of church and state by removing references to God on money, federal buildings, and national monuments?
- Yes
Should the government increase the tax rate on profits earned from the sale of stocks, bonds, and real estate?
- Yes
Should cities open drug "safe havens" where people who are addicted to illegal drugs can use them under the supervision of medical professionals?
- Yes
Should the government stop construction of the Dakota Access pipeline?
- Yes
Should the US increase or decrease foreign aid spending?
- Increase
Should the U.S. send ground troops into Syria to fight ISIS?
- No
Should the government require businesses to pay salaried employees, making up to $46k/year, time-and-a-half for overtime hours?
- Yes
Should the government be allowed to seize private property, with reasonable compensation, for public or civic use?
- Yes
Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?
- No
Should the military fly drones over foreign countries to gain intelligence and kill suspected terrorists?
- Yes
Should the government use economic stimulus to aid the country during times of recession?
- Yes
Should there be more or less privatization of veterans’ healthcare?
- Less
Should the government raise the retirement age for Social Security?
- No
Should producers be required to label genetically engineered foods (GMOs)?
- Yes
Should the federal government fund Universal preschool?
- Yes, but funding should come from states instead of the federal government
Should convicted criminals have the right to vote?
- Yes
Should the United States pull all military troops out of Afghanistan?
- Yes
Should immigrants to the United States be allowed to hold dual citizenship status?
- Yes
Should a politician, who has been formerly convicted of a crime, be allowed to run for office?
- Yes, as long as it was not a felony, violent, financial, or sexual crime
Do you support mandatory minimum prison sentences for people charged with drug possession?
- No
Should the U.S. continue to participate in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?
- Yes
Should the current estate tax rate be decreased?
- No
Do you support the use of nuclear energy?
- Yes
Should drug traffickers receive the death penalty?
- No, I do not believe in the death penalty
Should the government fund space travel?
- Yes
Should the U.S. formally declare war on ISIS?
- No
Do you support President Obama’s move to lift the trade and travel embargo on Cuba?
- Yes
Should the government add or increase tariffs on products imported into the country?
- No
Should the U.S. increase tariffs on imported products from China?
- No
Should the U.S. provide military assistance to defend Ukraine from Russia?
- Yes
Should the President offer tax breaks to individual companies to keep jobs in the U.S.?
- No
Should the government break up Amazon, Facebook and Google?
- No
1. Should the U.S. defend other NATO countries that maintain low military defense budgets relative to their GDP?
- Yes
Should the Federal Reserve Bank be audited by Congress?
- Yes, we deserve to know who the bank gives money to
Should the government subsidize farmers?
- Yes
Would you favor an increased sales tax in order to reduce property taxes?
- No
Should the U.S. continue NSA surveillance of its allies?
- Yes
Should U.S. citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts?
- No
Should pension plans for federal, state, and local government workers be transitioned into privately managed accounts?
- No
Should the U.S. government grant immunity to Edward Snowden?
- Yes, he should be protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act
Do you support charter schools?
- Yes, but not at the expense of funding public schools
Should the U.S. prevent Russia from conducting airstrikes in Syria?
- Yes
Should non-violent prisoners be released from jail in order to reduce overcrowding?
- Yes, but place them under house arrest using an electronic bracelet
Do you support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)?
- Yes
Should the U.S. sell military weapons to India in order to counter Chinese and Russian influence?
- No, and we should increase diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully
Should pension payments be increased for retired government workers?
- Yes
Should the government increase spending on public transportation?
- Yes, and provide more free public transportation
Should Jerusalem be recognized as the capital of Israel?
- No
Should an in-state sales tax apply to online purchases of in-state buyers from out-of-state sellers?
- Yes
Should the government decriminalize school truancy?
- Yes
Should the Chinese government be able to extradite fugitives from Hong Kong?
- No
Should cities be allowed to offer private companies economic incentives to relocate?
- Yes, as long as the local environment is not compromised
Should the government classify Bitcoin as a legal currency?
- No
Should the government acquire equity stakes in companies it bails out during a recession?
- No, the government should never own shares of private companies
Should the United States acquire Greenland?
- No
Should the military upgrade Air Force One?
- No
Should sports betting be legal?
- Yes, but let each state decide
1. Abortions should always be illegal.
- No Answer
2. Abortions should always be legal.
- X
3. Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
- No Answer
4. Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
- No Answer
5. Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
- No Answer
6. Prohibit public funding of abortions and of organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
- No Answer
7. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer
1. Education (Higher)
- Slightly Increase
2. Education (K-12)
- Greatly Increase
3. Environment
- Slightly Increase
4. Health care
- Slightly Increase
5. Law enforcement
- Slightly Increase
6. Transportation and Highway infrastructure
- Slightly Increase
7. Welfare
- Maintain Status
8. Other or expanded categories
- No Answer
1. Alcohol taxes
- Maintain Status
2. Capital gains taxes
- Maintain Status
3. Cigarette taxes
- Slightly Increase
4. Corporate taxes
- Maintain Status
5. Gasoline taxes
- Maintain Status
6. Income taxes (incomes below $75,000)
- Maintain Status
7. Income taxes (incomes above $75,000)
- Maintain Status
8. Inheritance taxes
- Slightly Decrease
9. Property taxes
- Greatly Decrease
10. Sales taxes
- Maintain Status
11. Vehicle taxes
- Maintain Status
12. Other or expanded categories
- Eliminate
13. Should Internet sales be taxed?
- No
14. Do you support legalizing slot machines at racetracks?
- Yes
15. Do you support an increase in income taxes in order to lower property taxes and increase aid to education?
- No
16. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer
1. Do you support the current limit of two four-year terms for Pennsylvania governors?
- Yes
2. Do you support limiting the number of terms for Pennsylvania state senators and representatives?
- No
1. Individual
- Yes
2. PAC
- Yes
3. Corporate
- Yes
4. Political Parties
- Yes
5. Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
- Yes
6. Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
- No
7. Do you support adopting statewide standards for counting, verifying, and ensuring accuracy of votes?
- Yes
8. Do you support prohibiting the reporting of media exit polling results until all polling locations in Pennsylvania are closed?
- Yes
9. Should Pennsylvania recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
- Yes
10. Should Pennsylvania restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?
- Yes
11. Do you support requiring telecommunications firms to offer broadband services to all of Pennsylvania by 2010?
- Yes
12. Do you support reauthorizing Pennsylvania's current telecommunications regulations (Chapter 30)?
- No Answer
13. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer
1. Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
- No Answer
2. Support the death penalty in Pennsylvania.
- X
3. Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
- X
4. End parole for repeat violent offenders.
- No Answer
5. Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
- X
6. Decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
- No Answer
7. Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
- X
8. Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
- X
9. Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
- X
10. Increase funding for state and local emergency agencies to prevent and to respond to terrorist attacks.
- X
11. Allow the use of radar and LIDAR by local police departments.
- X
12. Other or expanded principles
- X
1. Support national standards and testing of public school students.
- X
2. Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any public school.
- No Answer
3. Provide parents with state-funded vouchers to send their children to any private or religious school.
- No Answer
4. Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
- X
5. Increase state funds for hiring additional teachers.
- X
6. Support teacher testing and reward with merit pay.
- No Answer
7. Endorse voluntary prayer in public schools.
- No Answer
8. Require public schools to administer high school exit exams.
- No Answer
9. Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
- X
10. Increase funding for Head Start programs.
- X
11. Provide state funding for tax incentives and financial aid to help make college more affordable.
- X
12. Support sexual education programs that include information on abstinence, contraceptives, and HIV/STD prevention methods.
- X
13. Support abstinence-only sexual education programs.
- No Answer
14. Other or expanded principles
- X
1. Increase funding for state job-training programs that re-train displaced workers and teach skills needed in today's job market.
- X
2. Reduce state government regulations on the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion.
- X
3. Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding, or relocating businesses.
- X
4. Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for children in low-income working families.
- X
5. Increase state funds to provide child care for children in low-income working families.
- X
6. Include sexual orientation in Pennsylvania's anti-discrimination laws.
- X
7. Increase the state minimum wage.
- X
8. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer
1. Public employment
- Yes
2. State college and university admissions
- Yes
3. State contracting
- Yes
4. Other or expanded principles
- a, b, c, d) Race should be "taken into account" but not alone be dispositive.
1. Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
- X
2. Support increased production of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, and oil).
- X
3. Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused, or abandoned.
- No Answer
4. Support funding for open space preservation.
- X
5. Enact environmental regulations even if they are stricter than federal law.
- X
6. Support the $800 million Growing Greener bond.
- X
7. Support waiving sales taxes on the purchase of energy efficient appliances during twice-annual "tax holidays."
- X
8. Other or expanded principles
- X
1. Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
- X
2. Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
- No Answer
3. Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
- No Answer
4. Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
- X
5. Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
- No Answer
6. Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
- X
7. Require a license for gun possession.
- No Answer
8. Other or expanded principles
- X
1. Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms, or state-funded care where necessary.
- X
2. Transfer more existing Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
- No Answer
3. Limit the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
- X
4. Support patients' right to sue their HMOs.
- X
5. Support patients' right to appeal to an administrative board of specialists when services are denied.
- X
6. Guaranteed medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
- No Answer
7. Legalize physician assisted suicide in Pennsylvania.
- No Answer
8. Allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes.
- No Answer
9. Other or expanded principles
- X
1. Support increased work requirements for able-bodied welfare recipients.
- X
2. Increase funding for employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
- X
3. Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
- X
4. Limit benefits given to recipients if they have additional children while on welfare.
- No Answer
5. Redirect welfare funding to faith-based and community-based private organizations.
- No Answer
6. Use federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds to extend health and child care subsidies to the working poor.
- X
7. Support marriage promotion programs for welfare recipients.
- No Answer
8. Eliminate government-funded welfare programs.
- No Answer
9. Other or expanded principles
- No Answer
Please explain in a total of 75 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.
- I will be a strong and consistent voice in the State House for lower property taxes and an increased investment in public education. I will also fight to change state law to allow individuals and small business to form "community networks" and purchase health insurance and reduced rates while supporting our doctors and hospitals. Finally, I will advocate for smart growth policies to curb sprawl.
Wed 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM EDT
