John McCain on Abortion
Abortion issue shows what kind of country we are. (Aug 2007)
Concerned if women undergo illegal dangerous operations. (May 2007)
Supports federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. (May 2007)
Prosecute abortion doctors, not women who get them. (Jan 2000)
“Family Conference” if daughter wanted an abortion. (Jan 2000)
Abortion OK if raped; and no testing for rape. (Jan 2000)
Supports fetal tissue research; against over-intensity. (Jan 2000)
Overturn Roe v. Wade, but keep incest & rape exceptions. (Jan 2000)
Support adoption & foster care; work together on abortion. (Oct 1999)
Wants Roe vs. Wade made irrelevant, but would not repeal it. (Aug 1999)
Opposes partial-birth abortions & public financing. (Aug 1999)
Nominate justices based on experience, and values. (Jun 1999)
Restrict abortions; no partial-birth; no public funding. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
Supports repealing Roe v. Wade. (May 2007)
Voted YES on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions. (Oct 2007)
Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
Voted YES on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
Voted NO on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
Voted YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004)
Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003)
Voted YES on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions. (Jun 2000)
Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions. (Oct 1999)
Voted YES on banning human cloning. (Feb 1998)
Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
Expand embryonic stem cell research. (Jun 2004)
Rated 75% by the NRLC, indicating a mixed record on abortion. (Dec 2006)
John McCain on Budget & Economy
Loss of economic strength leads to losing military strength. (Dec 2007)
Republicans have forgotten how to control spending. (Nov 2007)
AdWatch: Outrageous to spend $233M for bridge to nowhere. (Nov 2007)
FactCheck:Bridge-to-Nowhere never built; would serve 200,000. (Nov 2007)
FactCheck: Criticized "Woodstock museum," but skipped vote. (Nov 2007)
Congress spends money like a drunken sailor. (May 2007)
Veto all pork-barrel bills and announce pork spenders. (May 2007)
Use veto power to reduce government spending. (Jan 2000)
Distribute surplus: 23% tax cuts; 62% Social Security. (Jan 2000)
$9B of pork in current budget bills; cut subsidies. (Oct 1999)
For Balanced Budget Amend., & off-budget Social Security. (Jul 1999)
List of budgetary spending priorities. (Jul 1998)
Supports Balanced Budget Amendment. (Jul 1998)
Apply surplus to Social Security, Medicare, tax cuts & debt. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)
Voted NO on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts. (Apr 2000)
Voted YES on 1998 GOP budget. (May 1997)
Voted YES on Balanced-budget constitutional amendment. (Mar 1997)
Maintain & enforce existing spending caps in the future. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Civil Rights
Don't ask, don't tell is working; don't tamper with it. (Jun 2007)
Confederate flag on top of capitol was wrong; in front is ok. (May 2007)
Leave gay marriage to the states. (Jan 2007)
John Lewis was as courageous as anyone could ever hope to be. (Apr 2004)
Fear did not restrain Dr. King to resist repression. (Apr 2004)
Support evangelism but don’t pander to evangelical leaders. (Feb 2000)
Inter-racial dating ban is idiotic and cruel. (Feb 2000)
Career-long history of supporting Indian causes. (Jan 2000)
Ten Commandments would bring virtue to our schools. (Jan 2000)
Confederate flag is a “symbol of heritage”. (Jan 2000)
Allow, but not mandate, school prayer. (Jan 2000)
Would be “comfortable” with a gay president. (Dec 1999)
Flying Confederate flag should be left to states. (Sep 1999)
1st Amend. not a shield for hate groups. (Aug 1999)
Indian gambling OK; lottery is not. (Aug 1999)
Hollywood should voluntarily self-censor sex and violence. (Jul 1999)
Supports Amendment against flag-burning. (Apr 1999)
We don’t need laws against Spanish language & culture. (Mar 1999)
Affirmative action OK for specific programs, but no quotas. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
Ban on same-sex marriage is unRepublican; leave it to states. (Nov 2006)
Voted YES on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
Voted YES on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping. (Oct 2001)
Voted NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)
Voted YES on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women. (Mar 1998)
Voted NO on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business. (Oct 1997)
Voted YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage. (Sep 1996)
Voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. (Sep 1996)
Voted YES on Amendment to prohibit flag burning. (Dec 1995)
Voted YES on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds. (Jul 1995)
Supports anti-flag desecration amendment. (Mar 2001)
Require 90 day delay for compliance before ADA lawsuits. (May 2002)
Limit interstate class-action lawsuits to federal courts . (May 2002)
Rated 0% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
Rated 33% by the HRC, indicating a mixed record on gay rights. (Dec 2006)
Rated 7% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
John McCain on Corporations
People worry about corporations unduly influencing elections. (Sep 2007)
Voted NO on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
Voted YES on reforming bankruptcy to include means-testing & restrictions. (Mar 2005)
Voted YES on restricting rules on personal bankruptcy. (Jul 2001)
Rated 61% by the US COC, indicating a mixed business voting record. (Dec 2003)
John McCain on Crime
Judges have limited scope under the Constitution. (Nov 2006)
More death penalty; stricter sentencing. (Jan 2000)
More community policing; enough hate crime laws. (Jan 2000)
Prosecute youths as adults, but separately; explore sources. (Jan 2000)
Urges hearings on how FBI can deter Hate Crimes. (Aug 1999)
1st Amend. not a shield for hate groups. (Aug 1999)
Pro-death penalty; more prisons; increased penalties. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on limiting death penalty appeals. (Apr 1996)
Voted YES on limiting product liability punitive damage awards. (Mar 1996)
Voted NO on restricting class-action lawsuits. (Dec 1995)
Voted YES on repealing federal speed limits. (Jun 1995)
Voted YES on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms. (May 1994)
Voted YES on rejecting racial statistics in death penalty appeals. (May 1994)
Rated 29% by CURE, indicating anti-rehabilitation crime votes. (Dec 2000)
Rated 85% by the NCJA, indicating a "tough-on-crime" stance. (Dec 2005)
Establish an FBI registry of sexual offendors. (Oct 1996)
John McCain on Drugs
Mexico should extradite drug dealers to the US. (Mar 2007)
Administration is AWOL on the war on drugs. (Mar 2000)
Public/private partnerships for drug treatment. (Jan 2000)
Prevention & education apply to alcohol as well as marijuana. (Oct 1999)
We’re losing drug war - just say no. (Oct 1999)
$1B for detection equipment for more border interdiction. (Mar 1999)
Mexico: balancing act between free trade & stopping drugs. (Mar 1999)
Restrict methadone treatment programs. (Feb 1999)
Stricter penalties; stricter enforcement. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on spending international development funds on drug control. (Jul 1996)
John McCain on Education
Teaching creationism should be decided by school districts. (Jun 2007)
Believes in evolution, but sees the hand of God in nature. (May 2007)
Against nationally imposed standards & funding strings. (Feb 2000)
Teach virtues in all schools. (Dec 1999)
Enlist retirees for tutoring. (Nov 1999)
Good teachers should earn more than bad lawyers. (Oct 1999)
Decisions on teaching evolution should be made locally. (Aug 1999)
Help unqualified teachers find other lines of work. (Jul 1999)
Supports tax-free savings accounts for education expenses. (Jul 1999)
Supports “Reading Excellence”; and rewarding good schools. (Jul 1999)
Supports at-risk programs; homeless ed.; anti-drop-out ed. (Jul 1999)
Internet access, with filters, at every school & library. (Jun 1999)
Merit pay & competency testing for teachers. (Jun 1999)
Ed-ACT Bill: college plans; language proficiency. (May 1999)
School Choice
Charters, homeschooling, & vouchers are key to success. (Dec 2007)
Local charters are the best Arizona schools. (Mar 2000)
Let states decide if they link vouchers to student testing. (Feb 2000)
Use sugar, oil, and ethanol subsidies to finance vouchers. (Jan 2000)
Tax breaks for charters - not from public school funds. (Dec 1999)
Vouchers & charters will improve our school system. (Oct 1999)
Nationwide test of school vouchers. (Sep 1999)
$5B program for 3-year test of school vouchers. (Jul 1999)
Tax-funded vouchers for private schools or charter schools. (Jun 1999)
Shift policy-making from bureaucrats to parents. (May 1999)
Vouchers needed where teachers fail. (May 1999)
Vouchers for any schools; more charter schools. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
Unrestricted block grants--let states decide spending. (Feb 2000)
Voted NO on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
Voted NO on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
Voted NO on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
Voted NO on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
Voted NO on funding student testing instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
Voted NO on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction. (Apr 2001)
Voted YES on declaring memorial prayers and religious symbols OK at schools. (May 1999)
Voted YES on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules. (Mar 1999)
Voted YES on education savings accounts. (Jun 1998)
Voted YES on school vouchers in DC. (Sep 1997)
Voted YES on $75M for abstinence education. (Jul 1996)
Voted YES on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer. (Jul 1994)
Voted NO on national education standards. (Feb 1994)
Focus educational resources to help those with greatest need. (Jul 2001)
Require state standards, regular assessments, and sanctions. (Jul 2001)
Support Ed-Flex: more flexibility if more accountable. (Jul 2001)
Rated 45% by the NEA, indicating a mixed record on public education. (Dec 2003)
John McCain on Energy & Oil
FactCheck: Oil independence will take 25 years, not 5 years. (Dec 2007)
Climate change is real; nuclear power is solution. (Oct 2007)
Public pressure on oil industry to invest in alternatives. (Oct 2007)
FactCheck: nuclear plants do emit no GHGs, but do have waste. (Jun 2007)
Reinvest oil profits in nuclear power. (Jun 2007)
Ethanol made no sense in `05 but with $60/bbl it makes sense. (May 2007)
Strength Clean Air & Water Acts; but not Kyoto. (Jan 2000)
Supports alternative fuels, emission controls, & CWA. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
Voted NO on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
Voted NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
Voted NO on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003)
Voted YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010. (Jun 2003)
Voted YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill. (Mar 2003)
Voted NO on drilling ANWR on national security grounds. (Apr 2002)
Voted NO on terminating CAFE standards within 15 months. (Mar 2002)
Voted YES on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling. (Apr 2000)
Voted YES on defunding renewable and solar energy. (Jun 1999)
Voted YES on approving a nuclear waste repository. (Apr 1997)
Voted NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline. (Aug 1994)
Rated 17% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence. (Dec 2006)
Supports immediate reductions in greenhouse gases. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Environment
FactCheck: Criticized $3M "bear DNA" study, but voted for it. (Nov 2007)
Economic & environmental interests not mutually exclusive. (Sep 2007)
Preserve and help our National Parks. (Jan 2000)
Repeal ban on new roads in wilderness due to bad process. (Dec 1999)
Use park visitor fees for park development bonds. (Dec 1999)
Preserve natural resources for future. (Jul 1999)
Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
Voted YES on confirming Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior. (Jan 2001)
Voted YES on transportation demo projects. (Mar 1998)
Voted NO on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests. (Sep 1997)
Voted NO on continuing desert protection in California. (Oct 1994)
Voted YES on requiring EPA risk assessments. (May 1994)
End commercial whaling and illegal trade in whale meat. (Jun 2001)
Supports grants for brownfields remediation. (May 2002)
Make EPA into a Cabinet department. (May 2002)
Rated 53% by the LCV, indicating a mixed record on environment. (Dec 2003)
EPA must do better on mercury clean-up. (Apr 2004)
Focus on results, not regulation. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Families & Children
Supports flex-time & unpaid family leave. (Nov 2004)
Unfiltered Internet robs our children of their innocence. (Dec 1999)
Parents should be active in media kids are exposed to. (Jul 1999)
Label violent media products like we label cigarettes. (Jun 1999)
Media Responsibility Act requires video & music labeling. (Jun 1999)
Violence in media caused Littleton shootings. (Apr 1999)
Voted YES on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors. (May 1999)
Rated 83% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-family voting record. (Dec 2003)
John McCain on Foreign Policy
Maintain Cuban embargo; indict Castro. (Dec 2007)
Situation in Pakistan very serious, but not nuclear threat. (Oct 2007)
Naive to exclude nukes; naive to exclude attacking Pakistan. (Aug 2007)
We have good reason to expect solidarity of our allies. (Aug 2004)
Suu Kyi and the people of Burma will rule themselves someday. (Apr 2004)
Overthrow “rogue” governments to keep Americans safe. (Feb 2000)
Our conscience influences US intervention, as in Rwanda. (Feb 2000)
Africa: Money for AIDS would be lost to corruption. (Jan 2000)
Concern over Chechnya spreads to Caucasus oil reserves. (Jan 2000)
Russia: Sanctions until Putin exits Chechnya. (Jan 2000)
IMF’s Russia policies bad, but agency is OK. (Oct 1999)
Urge Japan to open economy to ensure Asian recovery. (May 1999)
Clinton abandoned framework of “assertive multilateralism”. (Apr 1999)
Korea: ease starvation, but avoid war during death throes. (Apr 1999)
Pay dues to UN after UN reforms. (Jul 1998)
China
Support the One-China policy, don’t weaken it. (Mar 2000)
$1M political donations by Chinese Army should not be legal. (Jan 2000)
China: Advocate for political reforms, and guard Taiwan. (Jun 1999)
Inaction on spying led to Chinese nuclear improvement. (May 1999)
Engage with China as they become a great power. (Apr 1999)
Voting Record
Cuba: No diplomatic and trade relations. (Jul 1998)
Voted NO on killing a bill for trade sanctions if China sells weapons. (Sep 2000)
Voted YES on cap foreign aid at only $12.7 billion. (Oct 1999)
Voted YES on limiting the President's power to impose economic sanctions. (Jul 1998)
Voted NO on limiting NATO expansion to only Poland, Hungary & Czech. (Apr 1998)
Voted YES on $17.9 billion to IMF. (Mar 1998)
Voted YES on Strengthening of the trade embargo against Cuba. (Mar 1996)
Voted YES on ending Vietnam embargo. (Jan 1994)
Libyan disarmament was a CIA success story. (Mar 2005)
Impose sanctions and an import ban on Burma. (Oct 2007)
John McCain on Free Trade
Every time US went protectionist, we paid heavy price. (Oct 2007)
Supports ethanol, but by exporting, not by subsidies. (Oct 2007)
No environmental provisions in trade agreements. (Nov 2004)
Against foreign sales corporations (offshore tax breaks). (Feb 2000)
Substitute trade treaties for protectionism. (Jan 2000)
Admit China to WTO based on their concessions. (Jun 1999)
Free trade with any country except security risks. (May 1999)
Retaliatory protectionism is a “murder-suicide pact”. (May 1999)
Chile in NAFTA is good, but Fast Track isn’t. (May 1999)
China: Keep open trade & diplomacy; but keep eyes open. (Apr 1999)
Mexico: balancing act between free trade & stopping drugs. (Mar 1999)
NAFTA has had unambiguously positive impact on US. (Mar 1999)
Voting Record
Pro-NAFTA, pro-GATT, pro-MFN, pro-Fast Track. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)
Voted YES on establishing free trade between US & Singapore. (Jul 2003)
Voted YES on establishing free trade between the US and Chile. (Jul 2003)
Voted YES on extending free trade to Andean nations. (May 2002)
Voted YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam. (Oct 2001)
Voted NO on removing common goods from national security export rules. (Sep 2001)
Voted YES on permanent normal trade relations with China. (Sep 2000)
Voted YES on expanding trade to the third world. (May 2000)
Voted YES on renewing 'fast track' presidential trade authority. (Nov 1997)
Voted NO on imposing trade sanctions on Japan for closed market. (May 1995)
Promote the Andean Free Trade Agreement. (May 2002)
Rated 100% by CATO, indicating a pro-free trade voting record. (Dec 2002)
John McCain on Government Reform
There's only one president; V.P. sticks to official duties. (Aug 2007)
Differentiate “electioneering” from real issue ads. (Mar 2001)
Reform election system, and get rid of electors. (Nov 2000)
Supported then opposed transparency in grassroots reporting. (Jan 2007)
Close corporate loopholes; veto pork-barrel spending. (Jan 2000)
No term limits; they throw away the good with the bad. (Jan 2000)
Drain the big money swamp to kill lobbyist mosquitoes. (Dec 1999)
Influence peddling helps the Chinese Army. (Sep 1999)
End sugar subsidy; corporate welfare at its worst. (Aug 1999)
Politicans poll, posture, & influence-peddle. (Jun 1999)
Supports Line-Item Veto and Balanced Budget. (May 1999)
Supports term limits on Congress. (Jul 1998)
Campaign Finance Reform
The 527s need to be eliminated. (Oct 2007)
527s are clearly illegal; reform intended for small donors. (Apr 2007)
CFR passes Senate; focus on House, not court challenges. (Apr 2001)
Clearer rules about campaign finance; no soft money. (Jan 2001)
Replace battle of bucks with battle of ideas. (Feb 2000)
Fight iron triangle: special interests, money, & legislation. (Feb 2000)
Campaign reform that’s best for country, not for GOP. (Jan 2000)
Take away soft money & “hurt the unions bad”. (Jan 2000)
Money corrupts politics, and soft money corrupts absolutely. (Dec 1999)
Campaign Finance: ban both labor union & corporate donations. (May 1999)
Voting Record
Gets legislation passed despite lack of congeniality. (Mar 2000)
Voted NO on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
Voted YES on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007)
Voted YES on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads. (Mar 2002)
Voted YES on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration. (Feb 2002)
Voted YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations. (Apr 2001)
Voted NO on funding for National Endowment for the Arts. (Aug 1999)
Voted YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance. (Oct 1997)
Voted YES on Approving the presidential line-item veto. (Mar 1996)
Voted NO on banning more types of Congressional gifts. (Jul 1995)
Supports Shays-Meehan Campaign Finance Reform. (Jul 2001)
Rethink flawed Presidential daily intelligence briefings. (Mar 2005)
CIA yielded to conventional wisdom, not political pressure. (Mar 2005)
Reduce federal government size & scope, including military. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Gun Control
I know how to use guns; but I don't own one. (Nov 2007)
Prosecute criminals, not citizens for gun ownership. (Sep 2007)
Don't hold gun manufacturers liable for crimes. (Sep 2007)
Opposes restrictions on assault weapons and ammunition types. (Sep 2007)
Ban cheap guns; require safety locks; for gun show checks. (Aug 1999)
Supports ban on certain assault weapons. (Aug 1999)
Voted against Brady Bill & assault weapon ban. (Aug 1999)
Guns are a problem, but so are violent web sites & videos. (Aug 1999)
Punish criminals who abuse 2nd Amendment rights. (May 1999)
Youth Violence Prevention Act restricts guns for kids. (May 1999)
Repeal existing gun restrictions; penalize criminal use. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
Voted YES on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
Voted NO on background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
Voted YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations. (May 1999)
Voted YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
Voted YES on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks. (Jul 1998)
John McCain on Health Care
Preserve quality of health care by individual responsibility. (Dec 2007)
Give individuals $2500 refundable tax credits for healthcare. (Oct 2007)
Control health costs so manufacturers stay competitive. (Oct 2007)
No mandated universal system; no mandated insurance coverage. (Jun 2006)
Supports tax-free medical savings accounts & tax credits. (Nov 2004)
Higher taxes on cigarettes. (Jan 2000)
Matching funds for seniors citizens’ prescription drugs. (Dec 1999)
Expand health insurance to 11 million uninsured children. (Dec 1999)
Keep health care promises to aging veterans. (Nov 1999)
Address powerlessness when faced with health care crises. (Jul 1999)
“Patient rights” means value human life over dollars. (Jul 1999)
Expand medical savings; community health; & tax deductions. (Jul 1999)
Patient Rights: access; MDs over HMOs; grievance process. (Jul 1999)
Allow paying extra for choice of doctors & care. (Jul 1999)
Full doctor-patient discussion even when it costs HMO. (Jul 1999)
Supports patient rights; regulate nicotine as a drug. (Jul 1998)
More tax-deductible health costs; limits on malpractice. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
Allow appealing HMO decisions externally & in court. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
Voted YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
Voted YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
Voted NO on $40 billion per year for limited Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Jun 2003)
Voted YES on allowing reimportation of Rx drugs from Canada. (Jul 2002)
Voted YES on allowing patients to sue HMOs & collect punitive damages. (Jun 2001)
Voted YES on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Apr 2001)
Voted NO on including prescription drugs under Medicare. (Jun 2000)
Voted YES on limiting self-employment health deduction. (Jul 1999)
Voted YES on increasing tobacco restrictions. (Jun 1998)
Voted NO on Medicare means-testing. (Jun 1997)
Voted NO on blocking medical savings acounts. (Apr 1996)
Tax credits for those without employee health insurance. (May 2002)
Tax deduction for long-term care insurance. (May 2002)
Support telemedicine for underserved areas. (May 2002)
$350 billion for prescriptions for poor seniors. (May 2002)
Rated 25% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record. (Dec 2003)
John McCain on Homeland Security
Waterboarding is torture; we're not going to torture people. (Nov 2007)
Waterboarding is torture; & as A.G., Mukasey will declare it. (Nov 2007)
Consult lawyers on war decisions; no half-cocked war basis. (Oct 2007)
Ran the largest squadron in the US Navy. (Oct 2007)
After 9/11, ask Americans to join military or AmeriCorps. (Oct 2007)
Let loose smart, tough spies to catch Bin Laden. (Oct 2007)
I've spent my life leading on national security issues. (Sep 2007)
Torture supported only by people without military experience. (Sep 2007)
Radical Islamic extremism is a hydra-headed challenge. (Aug 2007)
Torture is ineffective as interrogation & for world opinion. (May 2007)
Close Guantanamo Bay prison; announce no-torture policy. (Apr 2007)
Torture has never worked throughout history. (Apr 2007)
We must provide our children a strong, better country. (Aug 2004)
A lack of complacency shouldn't provoke a lack of confidence. (Aug 2004)
We don't have as much to fear as we had in the past. (Apr 2004)
Those who gave their lives deserve to be remembered. (Apr 2004)
“Rogue state rollback” avoids use of US troops. (Mar 2000)
Disagrees with Perot: No more POWs in Vietnam. (Feb 2000)
Accepts gays in military under current policy. (Jan 2000)
Military’s political leaders need military backgrounds. (Jan 2000)
Women have proven themselves in combat-no restrictions. (Dec 1999)
Bombing useless targets in Vietnam destroyed US morale. (Nov 1999)
Vietnam was a worthy cause despite losing. (Nov 1999)
Pres. needs experience more than briefing books. (Sep 1999)
Discard ABM Treaty and develop a missile defense. (Apr 1999)
Use force, with US control, only for vital interests. (Apr 1999)
Defense Spending
Clean up waste in defense acquisition. (May 2007)
Eliminate defense pork, but increase most other defense. (Nov 2004)
Terminate C-130, B-2, and Seawolf; use funds to modernize. (Dec 1999)
Politicians keep unneeded bases open for political purposes. (Dec 1999)
Keep health care promises to aging veterans. (Nov 1999)
$6.4B of military spending waste is a disgrace. (Oct 1999)
Raise military pay to avoid military draft. (Aug 1999)
Military personnel on food stamps is a national disgrace. (Aug 1999)
Europeans should spend more on defense, within NATO. (Apr 1999)
Torture
Hiding torture is wrong, and harms US credibility abroad. (Dec 2007)
Voting Record
Keep “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy - it works. (Jan 2000)
Voted NO on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
Voted NO on preserving habeus corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
Voted NO on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
Voted NO on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
Voted NO on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)
Voted NO on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. (Oct 1999)
Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures. (May 1999)
Voted YES on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels. (May 1999)
Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP. (Mar 1999)
Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8%. (Feb 1999)
Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training. (Jun 1998)
Voted NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects. (Oct 1997)
Voted YES on banning chemical weapons. (Apr 1997)
Voted YES on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty. (Jun 1996)
Voted NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations. (Sep 1995)
Federalize aviation security. (Nov 2001)
Rated 0% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record. (Dec 2003)
Innovate intelligence-gathering for future hard targets. (Mar 2005)
Assessments of al Qaida in Afghanistan in 2001 were accurate. (Mar 2005)
CIA needs more focus on counterterrorism. (Mar 2005)
So-called Legal Issues are myths; not real CIA hindrances. (Mar 2005)
Intelligence community shares information poorly. (Mar 2005)
CIA should work more with scientists to understand WMDs. (Mar 2005)
John McCain on Immigration
Do everything I can to help all immigrants learn English. (Dec 2007)
Illegal immigrants are God's children as well. (Nov 2007)
12 million illegals in country now is de facto amnesty. (Sep 2007)
Amnesty is forgiveness; we offer fines; lines; & long waits. (Sep 2007)
No official English; Native Americans use own languages. (Jun 2007)
Immigration reform needed for national security. (Jun 2007)
Hispanics serve our country, like every wave of immigrants. (Jun 2007)
America expects us to work on immigration together. (May 2007)
Bipartisanship shows preparedness for presidency. (May 2007)
Change rule barring immigrants from running for president. (May 2007)
Comprehensive reform requires temporary worker program. (May 2007)
Comprehensive reform must include border security first. (Apr 2007)
Make possible for immigrants to do a job Americans won't do. (Oct 2004)
Give everyone in the world an opportunity to come to America. (Oct 2004)
More help for legal immigrants when immigrating & once here. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
No more ballot initiatives against immigration. (Mar 1999)
Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
Voted YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
Voted YES on allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on visas for skilled workers. (May 1998)
Voted YES on limit welfare for immigrants. (Jun 1997)
English immersion over bilingual education. (Jul 2001)
Rated 18% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)
John McCain on Jobs
Click here for 13 full quotes on Jobs OR background on Jobs.
Unions are monopolies; don't compel people to join. (Oct 2007)
Family farms: Crop insurance; reduce inheritance tax. (Jan 2000)
Ethanol is not worth it, even in Iowa. (Dec 1999)
Ethanol bad for environment & bad for consumers. (Nov 1999)
End sugar subsidy; it hurts consumers & helps only tycoons. (Aug 1999)
Ethanol subsidy is outdated; use funds for education. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
Voted NO on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005)
Voted YES on repealing Clinton's ergonomic rules on repetitive stress. (Mar 2001)
Voted YES on allowing workers to choose between overtime & comp-time. (May 1997)
Voted YES on replacing farm price supports. (Feb 1996)
Rated 15% by the AFL-CIO, indicating an anti-union voting record. (Dec 2003)
John McCain on Principles & Values
Click here for 49 full quotes on Principles & Values OR 12 older headlines OR background on Principles & Values.
I didn't manage for profit, I led for patriotism. (Oct 2007)
Romney is conning people about conservatism of his record. (Oct 2007)
Absent from Values Voter Presidential Debate. (Sep 2007)
Voted with Republican Party 87.3% of 165 votes. (Sep 2007)
Not youngest candidate, but certainly the most prepared. (May 2007)
Reform gov't, fight Islamic extremism; & restore integrity. (Apr 2007)
I am here to serve, but not necessarily as president. (Apr 2007)
Looks to Reagan, Teddy Roosevelt, & Eisenhower as models. (Apr 2007)
Loyalty is important, but performance should come first. (Apr 2007)
If I lose capacity for anger, I lose capacity to serve. (Apr 2007)
Poll: Hillary vs. McCain in 2008 would be "nailbiter". (May 2006)
Needs independents to win '08 primary; but GOP dislikes them. (Oct 2005)
Courage is the capacity for action despite our fears. (Apr 2004)
Humility from surviving veterans is remarkable. (Apr 2004)
Just government is derived from the consent of the governed. (Apr 2004)
We need moral courage to be honest all the time. (Apr 2004)
Do the thing you think you cannot do. (Apr 2004)
The allure of pride affects adults like it affects children. (Apr 2004)
We are indebted to those who shed blood for us. (Apr 2004)
It's love that makes courage necessary. (Apr 2004)
Faith bridges unbridgeable gaps in humanity. (Feb 2000)
Calls himself conservative who attracts political center. (Feb 2000)
Foreign policy should not be shaped by photo-ops & polls. (Jan 2000)
Restore, renew, reform, & reinvigorate government. (Sep 1999)
“New Patriotic Challenge”: stand against cynicism. (Sep 1999)
Public officials have failed to set example for society. (Aug 1999)
Past Campaigns
GOP lost 2006 due to corrupt spending, spending, spending. (Jun 2007)
Straight Talk America PAC endorses 60 House candidates. (Dec 2006)
McCain's PAC endorses 19 Senate & 17 governor candidates. (Dec 2006)
Denounces "Swift Boat Vets" ads as dishonest. (Aug 2004)
Time for closure on a bizarre situation. (Nov 2000)
Suspends campaign, citing Republican preference for Bush. (Mar 2000)
Will take reform crusade back to the Senate. (Mar 2000)
Leaves race, urging service to country. (Mar 2000)
Reagan Republican: simplify taxes, stop waste, pay down debt. (Mar 2000)
Support conservative issues, not far-right leaders. (Mar 2000)
The GOP should be inclusive. (Feb 2000)
Campaigning to return government to the people. (Sep 1999)
Personal History
Survived as POW by faith to a higher cause. (Nov 1999)
Refused release to hurt Vietnamese & remain loyal to POWs. (Nov 1999)
Graduated 5th from bottom of Naval Academy class. (Nov 1999)
"Profligate rake" during Academy and Junior Officer years. (Nov 1999)
Voting Record
Vote based on character, not issues. (Jan 2000)
Voted YES on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
Voted YES on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
Religious affiliation: Episcopalian. (Nov 2000)
Member of the Republican Main Street Partnership . (Jan 2001)
Rated 33% by the AU, a mixed record on church-state separation. (Dec 2006)
John McCain on Social Security
We need personal savings accounts. (Oct 2007)
Willing to compromise on raising cap above $90K. (May 2007)
Save benefits by bipartisan agreement; but without new tax. (Apr 2007)
Trust Fund is a ticking time bomb, set to go off in 2014. (Jan 2000)
More believe in Elvis than in getting Social Security check. (Jan 2000)
Option to invest 20% of payroll taxes in private accounts. (Jan 2000)
Every dollar off-budget - no ifs, ands, or excuses. (Sep 1999)
Disallow using Trust Fund for “emergency” spending. (Jun 1999)
Allow workers to invest privately. (Jun 1999)
Earnings test penalizes productivity in retirees. (Jun 1999)
Eliminate the “earnings test” which taxes benefits. (May 1999)
Lock up Trust Fund; devote 62% of budget surplus to it. (May 1999)
Put surplus into Trust Fund; fulfill promised benefits. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on using the Social Security Surplus to fund tax reductions. (Jul 1999)
Voted YES on Social Security Lockbox & limiting national debt. (Apr 1999)
Voted YES on allowing Roth IRAs for retirees. (May 1998)
Voted YES on allowing personal retirement accounts. (Apr 1998)
Voted YES on deducting Social Security payments on income taxes. (May 1996)
Rated 40% by the ARA, indicating a mixed record on senior issues. (Dec 2003)
Supports individual savings accounts and work incentives. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Tax Reform
We need a simpler, fairer tax code, but not FairTax. (Nov 2007)
Tax system is fair; wealthy pay bulk of taxes. (Oct 2007)
Won't sign no-tax pledge; focus on cutting spending. (Sep 2007)
Make tax reform commission & vote yes-or-no on outcome. (Aug 2007)
FactCheck: Families spend $20B on tax prep, not $140B. (Aug 2007)
Opposed Bush tax cuts, but must extend them now. (May 2007)
New tax cuts account for contingencies and over-spending. (May 2007)
Alternative minimum tax is eating Americans alive. (May 2007)
Bush tax cuts fiscally reckless & favored rich;but keep them. (Apr 2007)
Tax plan: $238B over 5 years; $500B over 10 years. (Feb 2000)
Double child tax credit; add family incentives. (Feb 2000)
“Balanced approach”, and starts a flat tax system. (Feb 2000)
Reagan Republican: simplify taxes; cut waste. (Feb 2000)
Big money interests fear closing loopholes. (Jan 2000)
Remove charitable deduction; it only benefits rich. (Jan 2000)
Replace employer-provided benefits with a tax cut. (Jan 2000)
Middle-class tax cut: expand 15% tax bracket. (Jan 2000)
Don’t promise tax cuts from future surpluses we may not have. (Jan 2000)
1st step to simplify taxes: close special interest loopholes. (Dec 1999)
Supports flat tax; stop complexity by special interests. (Oct 1999)
Keep lump-sum earned income tax credit. (Oct 1999)
Cut marriage tax, inheritance tax, & earnings test. (Sep 1999)
Taxes should be flatter, lower, and simpler. (Apr 1999)
Voting Record
Voted against Bush tax cuts for not reining in spending. (May 2007)
Voted YES on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax. (Mar 2007)
Voted YES on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million. (Mar 2007)
Voted YES on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts. (Aug 2006)
Voted YES on permanently repealing the `death tax`. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut. (Feb 2006)
Voted YES on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Feb 2006)
Voted YES on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends. (Nov 2005)
Voted NO on $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years. (May 2003)
Voted YES on reducing marriage penalty instead of cutting top tax rates. (May 2001)
Voted NO on increasing tax deductions for college tuition. (May 2001)
Voted YES on eliminating the 'marriage penalty'. (Jul 2000)
Voted YES on phasing out the estate tax ("death tax"). (Jul 2000)
Voted NO on across-the-board spending cut. (Oct 1999)
Voted YES on requiring super-majority for raising taxes. (Apr 1998)
Rated 72% by NTU, indicating "Satisfactory" on tax votes. (Dec 2003)
Rated 50% by CTJ, indicating a mixed record on progressive taxation. (Dec 2006)
Implement socially fair, broad-based tax cuts. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Technology
Don't police Internet crime; go after money to reduce crime. (Oct 2007)
Veto pork barrel; focus transportation spending on repairs. (Aug 2007)
Special interest influence corruptly took HDTV frequencies. (May 2007)
FactCheck: Special interests only delayed HDTV transfer. (May 2007)
Provide unused spectrum to emergency officials. (Mar 2007)
Uses Internet to read news & to get donations. (Mar 2000)
Digital Divide requires tax credits for equipment & teachers. (Jan 2000)
Internet tax ban saved consumers $600M this Xmas. (Jan 2000)
Free TV & radio to candidates as a public interest. (Dec 1999)
Make Internet tax moratorium permanent. (Dec 1999)
Encourage teachers to learn high tech. (Oct 1999)
Technology can hasten end of haves vs. have-nots. (Sep 1999)
Get more government documents on-line. (Aug 1999)
Telecommuncations Act was an influence-peddling scheme. (Jul 1999)
Internet access, with filters, at every school & library. (Jun 1999)
No government control over computer encryption. (Apr 1999)
Voted NO on restoring $550M in funding for Amtrak for 2007. (Mar 2006)
Voted NO on disallowing FCC approval of larger media conglomerates. (Sep 2003)
Voted YES on Internet sales tax moratorium. (Oct 1998)
Voted NO on telecomm deregulation. (Feb 1996)
John McCain on War & Peace
Click here for 67 full quotes on War & Peace OR 8 older headlines OR background on War & Peace.
Iran & Syria must not get nukes; they'll exterminate Israel. (Nov 2007)
Iran is state sponsor of terrorism; no more evidence needed. (Nov 2007)
Congressional consultation before attacking Iran's nukes. (Oct 2007)
Sanctions to prevent Iranian nukes; but don't count on UN. (Sep 2007)
Follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell. (May 2007)
Prefers not to take troops out of Afghanistan. (Jan 2007)
McCain Principle: Committing troops means completing mission. (Jan 2007)
The War on Terror is the overriding and transcendent issue. (Oct 2004)
The War on Terror is a fight between good and evil. (Aug 2004)
The War on Terror a war we must fight. (Aug 2004)
Avoiding the War on Terror has cost us dearly. (Aug 2004)
Bush promised enemies would soon hear from us and they did. (Aug 2004)
Our adversaries express a hatred for all good in humanity. (Aug 2004)
Iran is sponsor of terrorism; US strike if they get nukes. (May 2007)
Palestine: Against declaration of statehood. (Feb 1999)
Iran
Keep military option open against Iran, even if no nukes. (Dec 2007)
No direct talk with Iran; talk is over-rated. (Dec 2007)
Iraq War
Help Maliki government move forward as rapidly as possible. (Nov 2007)
I would much rather lose a campaign than lose a war. (Oct 2007)
Stategy in Iraq: defeat al-Qaeda; limit Iran's influence. (Sep 2007)
Iraq is now the central front in the war against al-Qaeda. (Sep 2007)
Americans want to win; bin Laden thinks he's winning now. (Sep 2007)
Democrats proposing failure in Iraq by withdrawing. (Sep 2007)
Reducing military presence has never in history won a war. (Sep 2007)
Bring troops home the right way: home with honor. (Sep 2007)
Surge is working; let it continue until it succeeds. (Sep 2007)
Support the surge even if benchmarks are not met. (Aug 2007)
Did not read NIE before war vote, but was fully briefed. (Jun 2007)
If new strategy not working by Sept., we still must succeed. (Jun 2007)
Willing to be last man standing for US involvement in Iraq. (May 2007)
Consequences of failure: regional chaos & we must come back. (May 2007)
In hindsight, Iraq invasion was still justified. (May 2007)
Timetable would be catastrophe, even if Iraq wants it. (May 2007)
Advocated leaving Somalia, but no comparison to Iraq. (May 2007)
War has been mismanaged, but we are now on the right track. (May 2007)
War in Iraq has not gone well: dire but not hopeless. (Mar 2007)
Al Qaeda may take over Iraqi oilwells. (Mar 2007)
Prefers more troops for surge, but 20,000 is sufficient. (Jan 2007)
Bush now has the right strategy, and it's our last chance. (Jan 2007)
Generals advising "no more troops" was a failed policy. (Jan 2007)
If we leave Iraq, terrorists will follow us home. (Jan 2007)
Send in a heavy wave of troops to Iraq to establish order. (Nov 2006)
Looting, terrorism in Iraq a result of US mistakes. (Sep 2004)
The Iraqi war was necessary after years of failed diplomacy. (Aug 2004)
Saddam would have acquired terrible weapons again. (Aug 2004)
The Iraqi war was necessary, achievable and noble. (Aug 2004)
The cause of the Iraqi war was just. (Apr 2004)
Voting Record
Congress has no authority to cut off funds for Iraqi use. (Jan 2007)
Voted NO on redeploying non-essential US troops out of Iraq in 9 months. (Dec 2007)
Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)
Voted YES on requiring on-budget funding for Iraq, not emergency funding. (Apr 2005)
Voted YES on $86 billion for military operations in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Oct 2003)
Voted YES on authorizing use of military force against Iraq. (Oct 2002)
Voted NO on allowing all necessary force in Kosovo. (May 1999)
Voted YES on authorizing air strikes in Kosovo. (Mar 1999)
Voted YES on ending the Bosnian arms embargo. (Jul 1995)
Supports $48 billion in new spending for anti-terrorism. (Jan 2002)
CIA assessments ib Iraqi WMDs were all wrong. (Mar 2005)
Belief in Iraqi nukes was poor analysis of aluminum tubes. (Mar 2005)
Belief in Iraqi BWs was based on one unreliable person. (Mar 2005)
Belief in Iraqi CWs was based on flawed imagery. (Mar 2005)
Iraq never had delivery systems to attack US mainland. (Mar 2005)
CIA never questioned assumption that Saddam had WMDs. (Mar 2005)
Conclusions on Iran and North Korea are all classified. (Mar 2005)
Move the US Embassy to Jerusalem. (Nov 1995)
John McCain on Welfare & Poverty
Require 40 hours work per week from welfare recipients. (Nov 2004)
Supports block grants, welfare-to-work, state control. (Jan 2000)
Anti-poverty shared by gov’t & faith-based orgs. (Jan 2000)
List unoccupied HUD-owned homes, & give them away. (Feb 1999)
Use tax code to address unemployment & working conditions. (Jul 1998)
More housing assistance; tax breaks against homelessness. (Jul 1998)
Pro-block grants; pro-welfare-to-work. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on welfare block grants. (Aug 1996)
Voted NO on eliminating block grants for food stamps. (Jul 1996)
Voted YES on allowing state welfare waivers. (Jul 1996)
Voted YES on welfare overhaul. (Sep 1995)
Fully fund AmeriCorps. (Jun 2003)
VoteMatch Responses
Opposes topic 1:
Abortion is a woman's right
(-3 points on Social scale) Concerned if women undergo illegal dangerous operations: Favors topic 1
Prosecute abortion doctors, not women who get them: Opposes topic 1
Overturn Roe v. Wade, but keep incest & rape exceptions: Opposes topic 1
Wants Roe vs. Wade made irrelevant, but would not repeal it: Favors topic 1
Opposes partial-birth abortions & public financing: Opposes topic 1
Supports repealing Roe v. Wade: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Expand embryonic stem cell research: Favors topic 1
Rated 75% by the NRLC, indicating a mixed record on abortion: Neutral on topic 1
YES on banning partial birth abortions: Strongly Opposes topic 1
YES on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions: Opposes topic 1
YES on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life: Strongly Opposes topic 1
YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime: Opposes topic 1
NO on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives: Opposes topic 1
YES on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions: Opposes topic 1
YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines: Favors topic 1
YES on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions: Opposes topic 1
Favors topic 2:
Require hiring more women & minorities
(-3 points on Economic scale) Inter-racial dating ban is idiotic and cruel: Favors topic 2
Affirmative action OK for specific programs, but no quotas: Favors topic 2
Rated 7% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance: Strongly Opposes topic 2
YES on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds: Strongly Opposes topic 2
NO on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business: Strongly Favors topic 2
NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training: Favors topic 2
YES on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women: Favors topic 2
Favors topic 3:
Same-sex domestic partnership benefits
(+2 points on Social scale) Leave gay marriage to the states: Favors topic 3
Accepts gays in military under current policy: Favors topic 3
Would be “comfortable” with a gay president: Favors topic 3
1st Amend. not a shield for hate groups: Neutral on topic 3
Ban on same-sex marriage is unRepublican; leave it to states: Strongly Favors topic 3
Keep “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy - it works: Favors topic 3
Rated 33% by the HRC, indicating a mixed record on gay rights: Neutral on topic 3
YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage: Strongly Opposes topic 3
NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation: Strongly Opposes topic 3
NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation: Opposes topic 3
NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes: Strongly Opposes topic 3
NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage: Strongly Favors topic 3
Favors topic 4:
Teacher-led prayer in public schools
(-3 points on Social scale) Support evangelism but don’t pander to evangelical leaders: Opposes topic 4
Faith bridges unbridgeable gaps in humanity: Neutral on topic 4
Ten Commandments would bring virtue to our schools: Strongly Favors topic 4
Allow, but not mandate, school prayer: Favors topic 4
Supports anti-flag desecration amendment: Favors topic 4
Rated 83% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-family voting record: Strongly Favors topic 4
Rated 33% by the AU, a mixed record on church-state separation: Neutral on topic 4
YES on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer: Favors topic 4
YES on $75M for abstinence education: Strongly Favors topic 4
YES on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors: Opposes topic 4
YES on declaring memorial prayers and religious symbols OK at schools: Favors topic 4
YES on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration: Favors topic 4
Favors topic 5:
More federal funding for health coverage
(-3 points on Economic scale) Matching funds for seniors citizens’ prescription drugs: Favors topic 5
Expand health insurance to 11 million uninsured children: Strongly Favors topic 5
Allow paying extra for choice of doctors & care: Favors topic 5
More tax-deductible health costs; limits on malpractice: Favors topic 5
Tax credits for those without employee health insurance: Strongly Favors topic 5
$350 billion for prescriptions for poor seniors: Favors topic 5
Rated 25% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 5
NO on blocking medical savings acounts: Opposes topic 5
NO on Medicare means-testing: Favors topic 5
YES on limiting self-employment health deduction: Opposes topic 5
NO on including prescription drugs under Medicare: Opposes topic 5
YES on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit: Opposes topic 5
NO on $40 billion per year for limited Medicare prescription drug benefit: Opposes topic 5
YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics: Favors topic 5
YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug: Strongly Favors topic 5
NO on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D: Opposes topic 5
Strongly Favors topic 6:
Privatize Social Security
(+5 points on Economic scale) We need personal savings accounts: Strongly Favors topic 6
More believe in Elvis than in getting Social Security check: Favors topic 6
Option to invest 20% of payroll taxes in private accounts: Strongly Favors topic 6
Allow workers to invest privately: Strongly Favors topic 6
Rated 40% by the ARA, indicating a mixed record on senior issues: Neutral on topic 6
Supports individual savings accounts and work incentives: Favors topic 6
YES on deducting Social Security payments on income taxes: Favors topic 6
YES on allowing Roth IRAs for retirees: Favors topic 6
YES on allowing personal retirement accounts: Favors topic 6
YES on using the Social Security Surplus to fund tax reductions: Favors topic 6
Strongly Favors topic 7:
Parents choose schools via vouchers
(+5 points on Economic scale) Charters, homeschooling, & vouchers are key to success: Strongly Favors topic 7
Vouchers & charters will improve our school system: Strongly Favors topic 7
Nationwide test of school vouchers: Strongly Favors topic 7
$5B program for 3-year test of school vouchers: Strongly Favors topic 7
Vouchers for any schools; more charter schools: Strongly Favors topic 7
Support Ed-Flex: more flexibility if more accountable: Favors topic 7
Rated 45% by the NEA, indicating a mixed record on public education: Neutral on topic 7
YES on school vouchers in DC: Strongly Favors topic 7
YES on education savings accounts: Favors topic 7
YES on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules: Strongly Favors topic 7
NO on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors: Favors topic 7
NO on funding student testing instead of private tutors: Favors topic 7
NO on $5B for grants to local educational agencies: Favors topic 7
Strongly Favors topic 8:
Death Penalty
(-5 points on Social scale) Pro-death penalty; more prisons; increased penalties: Strongly Favors topic 8
YES on rejecting racial statistics in death penalty appeals: Favors topic 8
YES on limiting death penalty appeals: Favors topic 8
Strongly Favors topic 9:
Mandatory Three Strikes sentencing laws
(-5 points on Social scale) More death penalty; stricter sentencing: Favors topic 9
Rated 29% by CURE, indicating anti-rehabilitation crime votes: Strongly Favors topic 9
Rated 85% by the NCJA, indicating a "tough-on-crime" stance: Strongly Favors topic 9
YES on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms: Strongly Favors topic 9
YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations: Favors topic 9
Strongly Favors topic 10:
Absolute right to gun ownership
(+5 points on Economic scale) Prosecute criminals, not citizens for gun ownership: Strongly Favors topic 10
Don't hold gun manufacturers liable for crimes: Favors topic 10
Opposes restrictions on assault weapons and ammunition types: Strongly Favors topic 10
Ban cheap guns; require safety locks; for gun show checks: Opposes topic 10
Voted against Brady Bill & assault weapon ban: Strongly Favors topic 10
Punish criminals who abuse 2nd Amendment rights: Favors topic 10
Repeal existing gun restrictions; penalize criminal use: Strongly Favors topic 10
YES on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks: Strongly Favors topic 10
YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows: Favors topic 10
NO on background checks at gun shows: Strongly Favors topic 10
YES on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence: Strongly Favors topic 10
YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers: Strongly Favors topic 10
Opposes topic 11:
Repeal tax cuts on wealthy
(+2 points on Economic scale) Tax system is fair; wealthy pay bulk of taxes: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Remove charitable deduction; it only benefits rich: Favors topic 11
Middle-class tax cut: expand 15% tax bracket: Favors topic 11
Tax cuts should go to middle- & lower-income people: Favors topic 11
Cut marriage tax, inheritance tax, & earnings test: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Taxes should be flatter, lower, and simpler: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Voted against Bush tax cuts for not reining in spending: Opposes topic 11
Rated 72% by NTU, indicating "Satisfactory" on tax votes: Neutral on topic 11
Rated 50% by CTJ, indicating a mixed record on progressive taxation: Neutral on topic 11
Implement socially fair, broad-based tax cuts: Favors topic 11
YES on Internet sales tax moratorium: Opposes topic 11
YES on requiring super-majority for raising taxes: Opposes topic 11
YES on phasing out the estate tax ("death tax"): Opposes topic 11
YES on eliminating the 'marriage penalty': Opposes topic 11
NO on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts: Favors topic 11
YES on reducing marriage penalty instead of cutting top tax rates: Favors topic 11
NO on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction: Opposes topic 11
NO on $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years: Strongly Favors topic 11
YES on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends: Strongly Opposes topic 11
NO on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut: Opposes topic 11
YES on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends: Strongly Opposes topic 11
YES on permanently repealing the `death tax`: Strongly Opposes topic 11
YES on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts: Strongly Opposes topic 11
YES on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million: Strongly Opposes topic 11
YES on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Favors topic 12:
Illegal immigrants earn citizenship
(+2 points on Social scale) 12 million illegals in country now is de facto amnesty: Favors topic 12
Immigration reform needed for national security: Strongly Favors topic 12
Give everyone in the world an opportunity to come to America: Favors topic 12
More help for legal immigrants when immigrating & once here: Strongly Favors topic 12
No more ballot initiatives against immigration: Strongly Favors topic 12
English immersion over bilingual education: Opposes topic 12
Rated 18% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance: Strongly Favors topic 12
YES on limit welfare for immigrants: Strongly Opposes topic 12
YES on visas for skilled workers: Favors topic 12
YES on allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work: Favors topic 12
YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security: Strongly Favors topic 12
YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship: Strongly Favors topic 12
YES on establishing a Guest Worker program: Favors topic 12
YES on building a fence along the Mexican border: Strongly Opposes topic 12
YES on declaring English as the official language of the US government: Strongly Opposes topic 12
YES on comprehensive immigration reform: Strongly Favors topic 12
Strongly Favors topic 13:
Support & expand free trade
(+5 points on Economic scale) Every time US went protectionist, we paid heavy price: Strongly Favors topic 13
Supports ethanol, but by exporting, not by subsidies: Strongly Favors topic 13
No environmental provisions in trade agreements: Strongly Favors topic 13
Free trade with any country except security risks: Favors topic 13
Free trade is indispensable to our prosperity: Strongly Favors topic 13
NAFTA has had unambiguously positive impact on US: Strongly Favors topic 13
Pro-NAFTA, pro-GATT, pro-MFN, pro-Fast Track: Strongly Favors topic 13
Promote the Andean Free Trade Agreement: Strongly Favors topic 13
Rated 100% by CATO, indicating a pro-free trade voting record: Strongly Favors topic 13
YES on renewing 'fast track' presidential trade authority: Favors topic 13
YES on permanent normal trade relations with China: Strongly Favors topic 13
YES on expanding trade to the third world: Favors topic 13
NO on removing common goods from national security export rules: Opposes topic 13
YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam: Favors topic 13
YES on extending free trade to Andean nations: Strongly Favors topic 13
YES on establishing free trade between US & Singapore: Favors topic 13
YES on establishing free trade between the US and Chile: Favors topic 13
YES on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade: Strongly Favors topic 13
YES on free trade agreement with Oman: Strongly Favors topic 13
Strongly Opposes topic 14:
The Patriot Act harms civil liberties
(-5 points on Social scale) YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision: Strongly Opposes topic 14
YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act: Opposes topic 14
NO on preserving habeus corpus for Guantanamo detainees: Strongly Opposes topic 14
NO on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods: Strongly Opposes topic 14
Favors topic 15:
Expand the armed forces
(-3 points on Social scale) Clean up waste in defense acquisition: Opposes topic 15
Eliminate defense pork, but increase most other defense: Strongly Favors topic 15
Terminate C-130, B-2, and Seawolf; use funds to modernize: Opposes topic 15
Politicians keep unneeded bases open for political purposes: Opposes topic 15
Raise military pay to avoid military draft: Favors topic 15
Supports $48 billion in new spending for anti-terrorism: Favors topic 15
Rated 0% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record: Strongly Favors topic 15
Reduce federal government size & scope, including military: Opposes topic 15
NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations: Opposes topic 15
YES on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty: Favors topic 15
NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects: Strongly Opposes topic 15
YES on allowing another round of military base closures: Opposes topic 15
YES on military pay raise of 4.8%: Strongly Favors topic 15
YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP: Strongly Favors topic 15
YES on requiring on-budget funding for Iraq, not emergency funding: Opposes topic 15
NO on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months: Favors topic 15
Favors topic 16:
Stricter limits on political campaign funds
(-3 points on Economic scale) Big money interests fear closing loopholes: Favors topic 16
Limit campaign contributions, not free speech: Favors topic 16
527s are clearly illegal; reform intended for small donors: Strongly Favors topic 16
CFR passes Senate; focus on House, not court challenges: Favors topic 16
Clearer rules about campaign finance; no soft money: Favors topic 16
Soft money makes gov’t work for special interests: Favors topic 16
Campaign Finance: ban both labor union & corporate donations: Favors topic 16
Supports multiple restrictions on campaign finance: Strongly Favors topic 16
Cozying up to big donors makes big problems: Favors topic 16
Supports Shays-Meehan Campaign Finance Reform: Favors topic 16
YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance: Favors topic 16
YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations: Favors topic 16
YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads: Favors topic 16
YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity: Favors topic 16
YES on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress: Strongly Opposes topic 16
Strongly Opposes topic 17:
US out of Iraq
(-5 points on Social scale) Russia: Sanctions until Putin exits Chechnya: Opposes topic 17
IMF’s Russia policies bad, but agency is OK: Favors topic 17
Support the surge even if benchmarks are not met: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Willing to be last man standing for US involvement in Iraq: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Send in a heavy wave of troops to Iraq to establish order: Strongly Opposes topic 17
NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007: Strongly Opposes topic 17
NO on redeploying non-essential US troops out of Iraq in 9 months: Opposes topic 17
Favors topic 18:
Replace coal & oil with alternatives
(-3 points on Economic scale) Strength Clean Air & Water Acts; but not Kyoto: Strongly Opposes topic 18
Ethanol bad for environment & bad for consumers: Opposes topic 18
Supports alternative fuels, emission controls, & CWA: Favors topic 18
Make EPA into a Cabinet department: Strongly Favors topic 18
Rated 53% by the LCV, indicating a mixed record on environment: Neutral on topic 18
Rated 17% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence: Opposes topic 18
Supports immediate reductions in greenhouse gases: Strongly Favors topic 18
NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline: Favors topic 18
NO on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests: Opposes topic 18
YES on defunding renewable and solar energy: Strongly Opposes topic 18
YES on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling: Opposes topic 18
NO on terminating CAFE standards within 15 months: Strongly Favors topic 18
YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010: Strongly Favors topic 18
YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill: Favors topic 18
NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%): Strongly Opposes topic 18
YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR: Strongly Favors topic 18
YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Favors topic 18
Strongly Favors topic 19:
Drug use is immoral: enforce laws against it
(-5 points on Social scale) Administration is AWOL on the war on drugs: Strongly Favors topic 19
We’re losing drug war - just say no: Strongly Favors topic 19
$1B for detection equipment for more border interdiction: Strongly Favors topic 19
Stricter penalties; stricter enforcement: Strongly Favors topic 19
YES on spending international development funds on drug control: Strongly Favors topic 19
YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations: Favors topic 19
Strongly Favors topic 20:
Allow churches to provide welfare services
(+5 points on Economic scale) Supports block grants, welfare-to-work, state control: Favors topic 20
Anti-poverty shared by gov’t & faith-based orgs: Strongly Favors topic 20
Pro-block grants; pro-welfare-to-work: Favors topic 20
YES on welfare overhaul: Favors topic 20
YES on allowing state welfare waivers: Favors topic 20
NO on eliminating block grants for food stamps: Favors topic 20
YES on welfare block grants: Favors topic 20
All of this and more was taken from Ontheissues.org
John McCain on the Issues
