Barack Obama on the issues

Barack Obama on Abortion


Voted against banning partial birth abortion. (Oct 2007)
Stem cells hold promise to cure 70 major diseases. (Aug 2007)
Trust women to make own decisions on partial-birth abortion. (Apr 2007)
Extend presumption of good faith to abortion protesters. (Oct 2006)
Constitution is a living document; no strict constructionism. (Oct 2006)
Pass the Stem Cell Research Bill. (Jun 2004)
Protect a woman's right to choose. (May 2004)
Supports Roe v. Wade. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
Voted NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
Voted YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)


Barack Obama on Budget & Economy


Bush & GOP dug budget hole; need 1 or 2 years to dig out. (Dec 2007)
Take China "to the mat" about currency manipulation. (Dec 2007)
Regulate financial instruments to protect home mortgages. (Aug 2007)
Return to PayGo: compensate for all new spending. (Oct 2006)
Bush's economic policies are not working. (May 2004)
Supports federal programs to protect rural economy. (May 2004)
Voted NO on paying down federal debt by rating programs' effectiveness. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)


Barack Obama on Civil Rights


Being gay or lesbian is not a choice. (Nov 2007)
The politics of fear undermines basic civil liberties. (Oct 2007)
Ok to expose 6-year-olds to gay couples; they know already. (Sep 2007)
Better enforce women's pay equity via Equal Pay Act. (Aug 2007)
Strengthen the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Aug 2007)
Has any marriage broken up because two gays hold hands? (Aug 2007)
We need strong civil unions, not just weak civil unions. (Aug 2007)
Legal rights for gays are conferred by state, not by church. (Aug 2007)
Disentangle gay rights from the word "marriage". (Aug 2007)
Gay marriage is less important that equal gay rights. (Aug 2007)
Gay rights movement is somewhat like civil rights movement. (Aug 2007)
Let each denominations decide on recognizing gay marriage. (Jul 2007)
Racial equality good for America as a whole. (Jun 2007)
Put the Confederate flag in a museum, not the state house. (Apr 2007)
Supports health benefits for gay civil partners. (Oct 2006)
Muslim heritage gives Obama unique influence in Muslim world. (Oct 2006)
Opposes gay marriage; supports civil union & gay equality. (Oct 2006)
No black or white America--just United States of America. (Oct 2006)
Marriage not a human right; non-discrimination is. (Oct 2004)
African-Americans vote Democratic because of issue stances. (Jul 2004)
Forthright on racial issues and on his civil rights history. (Jul 2004)
Defend freedom and equality under law. (May 2004)
Politicians: don't use religion to insulate from criticism. (Apr 2004)
Supports affirmative action in colleges and government. (Jul 1998)
Include sexual orientation in anti-discrimination laws. (Jul 1998)
Miscegenation a felony in 1960 when Obamas practiced it. (Aug 1996)
The civil rights movement was a success. (Aug 1996)
Voted NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
Rated 89% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
Rated 100% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)


Barack Obama on Corporations


End tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas. (Aug 2007)
Hold corporations responsible for pensions & work conditions. (Aug 2007)
Tax incentives for corporate responsibility. (Jun 2004)
Close tax loopholes for US companies relocating abroad. (Jun 2004)
REAL USA Plan: Reward companies that create domestic jobs. (Jun 2004)
Voted YES on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
Voted NO on reforming bankruptcy to include means-testing & restrictions. (Mar 2005)


Barack Obama on Crime


Lack of enforcement sets tone for more hate crimes. (Dec 2007)
Need justice that is not just us, but is everybody. (Jun 2007)
Some heinous crimes justify the ultimate punishment. (Oct 2006)
Videotape all capital punishment interrogations. (Oct 2006)
Battles legislatively against the death penalty. (Jul 2004)
Supports alternative sentencing and rehabilitation. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program. (Mar 2007)
Rated 75% by the NCJA, indicating a mixed record on criminal justice. (Dec 2005)


Barack Obama on Drugs


2001: questions harsh penalties for drug dealing. (Oct 2007)
Do not lower drinking age from 21 to 18. (Sep 2007)
Smokes cigarettes now; smoked some pot in high school. (Feb 2007)
Admitted marijuana use in high school & college. (Jan 2007)
Deal with street-level drug dealing as minimum-wage affair. (Oct 2006)
Understand why youngsters want to use drugs. (Aug 1996)


Barack Obama on Education


We need a sense of urgency about improving education system. (Sep 2007)
Nationwide program to reconstruct crumbling school buildings. (Sep 2007)
STEP UP: summer learning opportunities for disadvantaged. (Aug 2007)
We left the money behind for No Child Left Behind. (Aug 2007)
Pay "master teachers" extra, but with buy-in from teachers. (Aug 2007)
Sends kids to private school; but wants good schools for all. (Jul 2007)
Supreme Court was wrong on school anti-integration ruling. (Jul 2007)
Incentives to hire a million teachers over next decade. (Jun 2007)
Pay teachers more money & treat them like professionals. (Jun 2007)
Public school system status quo is indefensible. (Oct 2006)
More teacher pay in exchange for more teacher accountability. (Oct 2006)
Guarantee affordable life-long, top-notch education. (Jun 2006)
Provide decent funding and get rid of anti-intellectualism. (Jul 2004)
Address the growing achievement gap between students. (May 2004)
Will add 25,000 teachers in high-need areas. (May 2004)
Supports charter schools and private investment in schools. (Jul 1998)
Free public college for any student with B-average. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
First Senate bill: increase Pell Grant from $4,050 to $5,100. (Aug 2007)
Sponsored legislations that recruit and reward good teachers. (Sep 2004)
Voted YES on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)


Barack Obama on Energy & Oil


Fuel efficiency and Middle East stability help on fuel costs. (Oct 2007)
Nuclear power ok if we safeguard against waste & terrorism. (Sep 2007)
Explore nuclear power as part of alternative energy mix. (Jul 2007)
Cheney met environmentalists once; but Big Oil 40 times. (Jul 2007)
Cap-and-trade carbon emissions; raise CAFE standard. (Jun 2007)
Stop sending $800M a day to Mideast dictators for oil. (Mar 2007)
Wants Detroit to build more hybrids & use more ethanol. (Oct 2006)
We cannot drill our way out of our addiction to oil. (Oct 2006)
3-way win: economy, environment, & stop funding terror. (Jun 2006)
Conserve, develop alternative fuels, increase efficiencies. (Oct 2004)
Sponsored legislations that improve energy efficiency. (Sep 2004)
20% nation's power supply from renewable sources by 2020. (Sep 2004)
20% renewable energy by 2020. (Jul 2004)
Invest in alternative energy sources. (Jun 2004)
Increase CAFE to 40 mpg. (Jun 2004)
Tradable credits for renewable energy. (Jun 2004)
Renewable Fuels Standard: require ethanol in fuel supply. (May 2004)
Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on making oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
Voted YES on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
Voted YES 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)
Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)


Barack Obama on Environment

Click here for 5 full quotes on Environment OR background on Environment.
Reduce mercury and lead to protect community health. (Aug 2007)
Protect the Great Lakes & our National Parks and Forests. (Aug 2007)
Give Katrina contracts to locals, not to Halliburton. (Jun 2007)
Three months working on minority students recycling. (Aug 1996)
Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)


Barack Obama on Families & Children

Click here for 4 full quotes on Families & Children OR background on Families & Children.
Restore dream of making children's lives better than parents. (Dec 2007)
All kids should learn about sexual abuse. (Jul 2007)
FactCheck: 'Sex Ed for Kindergarten' means 'age-appropriate'. (Jul 2007)
Listening to evangelicals bridges major political fault line. (Oct 2006)


Barack Obama on Foreign Policy


Obama Doctrine: ideology has overridden facts and reality. (Dec 2007)
China is a competitor but not an enemy. (Dec 2007)
Willing to meet with Fidel Castro, Kim Jung Il & Hugo Chavez. (Nov 2007)
Invest in our relationship with Mexico. (Sep 2007)
Strengthen NATO to face 21st-century threats. (Aug 2007)
$50B annually to strengthen weak states at risk of collapse. (Aug 2007)
No "strategic ambiguity" on foreign policy issues. (Aug 2007)
My critics engineered our biggest foreign policy disaster. (Aug 2007)
China is a competitor, but not an enemy. (Aug 2007)
Meet with enemy leaders; it's a disgrace that we have not. (Jul 2007)
No-fly zone in Darfur; but pay attention more in Africa. (Jun 2007)
Europe & Japan are allies, but China is a competitor. (Apr 2007)
Palestinian people suffer-but from not recognizing Israel. (Apr 2007)
FactCheck: Palestinian suffering from stalled peace effort. (Apr 2007)
Protested South African apartheid while at college. (Feb 2007)
Focus on corruption to improve African development. (Oct 2006)
Supports Israel's self-defense; but distrusted by Israelis. (Oct 2006)
Visited Africa in 2006; encouraged HIV testing & research. (Oct 2006)
Never has US had so much power & so little influence to lead. (Jul 2004)
US policy should promote democracy and human rights. (Jul 2004)


Barack Obama on Free Trade


Enforce existing safety laws against Chinese products. (Dec 2007)
Stand firm against CAFTA for labor & environmental standards. (Aug 2007)
Congress subsidizes megafarms & hurts family farmers. (Aug 2007)
People don't want cheaper T-shirts if it costs their job. (Aug 2007)
Amend NAFTA to add labor agreements. (Aug 2007)
Reinvest in communities that are burdened by globalization. (Jun 2007)
Insist on labor and human rights standards for China trade. (Jul 2004)
Fair trade should have tangible benefits for US. (Jun 2004)
Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)


Barack Obama on Government Reform


Money is the original sin in politics and I am not sinless. (Nov 2007)
Ok to take $5 donations from drug company employees. (Sep 2007)
Public campaign financing with free television & radio time. (Aug 2007)
Create "Google for Government" to track government spending. (Aug 2007)
Prayer can't prevent disasters; good policy can handle them. (Aug 2007)
No "bundled" money from federal-registered lobbyists. (Aug 2007)
Campaigns last too long & cost too much. (Aug 2007)
Doesn't take PAC money or federal lobbyists' money. (Jul 2007)
People know his "bundlers" because he pushed disclosure law. (Jul 2007)
FactCheck: no lobbyist money; yes from bundlers who lobby. (Jul 2007)
Registered 150,000 new minority voters in Chicago in 1992. (Jul 2007)
Half of us don't vote; time for taking it back. (Jun 2007)
First bill ever passed was campaign finance reform. (Apr 2007)
FactCheck: no lobbyist money, yes from lobbyist spouses. (Apr 2007)
Hopefund PAC pushes government to honor sacred commitments. (Nov 2006)
Sponsored bill to disclose earmarks on Internet. (Oct 2006)
Filibuster has long tradition, but used to harm civil rights. (Oct 2006)
Lobbyist influence comes from access, not money. (Oct 2006)
People are really ready for a message for change. (Jul 2004)
Campaign race baiting works in both directions. (Aug 1996)
Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
Voted NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
Prohibit voter intimidation in federal elections. (Mar 2007)


Barack Obama on Gun Control

Click here for 4 full quotes on Gun Control OR background on Gun Control.
Stop unscrupulous gun dealers dumping guns in cities. (Jul 2007)
Keep guns out of inner cities--but also problem of morality. (Oct 2006)
Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions. (Jul 1998)
Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)


Barack Obama on Health Care


FactCheck: Reducing obesity would save $18B, not $1T. (Dec 2007)
Being poor in this country is hazardous to your health. (Dec 2007)
Problem isn't mandating coverage, but affording it. (Nov 2007)
FactCheck: Coverage plan might leave 8.5 million uninsured. (Nov 2007)
Tackle insurance companies on reimbursement system. (Oct 2007)
Help young people deal with the cost of medical education. (Oct 2007)
Government healthcare like members of Congress have. (Sep 2007)
Morally wrong that terminally ill must consider money. (Sep 2007)
FactCheck: Correct that insurance lobbying cost $1B. (Sep 2007)
National smoking bans only after trying local bans. (Sep 2007)
Increase competition in the insurance and drug markets. (Aug 2007)
National Health Insurance Exchange for private coverage. (Aug 2007)
Reform failed in '90s because of drug company lobbying. (Jul 2007)
Health plan cuts typical family's premium by $2,500 a year. (Jun 2007)
Give people the choice to buy affordable health care. (Jun 2007)
Take on insurance companies; drive down health care costs. (Jun 2007)
National insurance pool & catastrophic insurance. (Apr 2007)
Employers are going to have to pay or play. (Mar 2007)
Need political will to accomplish universal coverage. (Mar 2007)
Address minority health needs by more coverage & targeting. (Mar 2007)
Healthcare system is broken without lifetime employment. (Oct 2006)
The market alone can't solve our health-care woes. (Oct 2006)
Health care tied to balancing costs and taxes nation wide. (Jun 2006)
Allowing seniors to bulk purchase will save taxpayers' money. (Oct 2004)
Crises happen in our lives and healthcare is necessary. (Oct 2004)
Believes health care is a right, not a privilege for the few. (Sep 2004)
Allow prescription drug re-importation. (May 2004)
Will expand health coverage & allow meds to be re-imported. (May 2004)
Ensure access to basic care. (Jul 1998)
AIDS
We need condom distribution to deal with the scourge of AIDS. (Aug 2007)
Homophobia prevents talking about HIV/AIDS. (Jun 2007)
Got tested for AIDS, with wife, in public, in Kenya. (Jun 2007)
Lead global fight against AIDS. (Jul 2004)
Voting Record
No need to mandate coverage; just let people afford it. (Jul 2007)
Voted YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Apr 2007)
Voted YES 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)
Improve services for people with autism & their families. (Apr 2007)


Barack Obama on Homeland Security


Restore habeas corpus to reach Muslims abroad. (Dec 2007)
Give 18-year-old women opportunity to serve. (Dec 2007)
Human rights and national security are complementary. (Nov 2007)
America cannot sanction torture; no loopholes or exceptions. (Sep 2007)
Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell. (Aug 2007)
Support veterans via the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act. (Aug 2007)
We are no safer now than we were after 9/11. (Aug 2007)
Register women for draft, but not for combat. (Jul 2007)
Close Guantanamo and restore the right of habeas corpus. (Jun 2007)
Address the deficiencies in the VA system. (Jun 2007)
The cost of the Iraq war should not shortchange VA benefits. (Jun 2007)
Make sure the outpatient facilities work for veterans. (Jun 2007)
Get first responders the healthcare and equipment they need. (Mar 2007)
Comprehensive plan for our veterans healthcare. (Mar 2007)
Need to be both strong and smart on national defense. (Oct 2006)
Grow size of military to maintain rotation schedules. (Oct 2006)
Battling terrorism must go beyond belligerence vs. isolation. (Oct 2006)
We are currently inspecting 3% of all incoming cargo. (Oct 2004)
Increase funding to decommission Russian nukes. (Jul 2004)
Give our soldiers the best equipment and training available. (Jul 2004)
Balance domestic intelligence reform with civil liberty risk. (Jul 2004)
Voted NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
Voted YES on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
Voted YES on preserving habeus corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
Voted YES on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
Voted YES on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)


Barack Obama on Immigration


Comprehensive solution includes employers & borders. (Nov 2007)
Undocumented workers come here to work, not to drive. (Nov 2007)
Support granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. (Nov 2007)
FactCheck: Lightning IS likelier than employer prosecution. (Nov 2007)
Illegal immigrants' lack of ID is a public safety concern. (Oct 2007)
Immigration system is broken for legal immigrants. (Sep 2007)
Reform must include more border security, and border wall. (Sep 2007)
Sanctuary cities show that feds are not enforcing law. (Sep 2007)
Pathway to citizenship, but people have to earn it. (Aug 2007)
Let's be a nation of laws AND a nation of immigrants. (Aug 2007)
Do a better job patrolling the Canadian and Mexican borders. (Jun 2007)
Give immigrants who are here a rigorous path to citizenship. (Jun 2007)
Extend welfare and Medicaid to immigrants. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
Voted NO 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)
Rated 8% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)


Barack Obama on Jobs


Paying more at Wal-Mart is worth it for having US jobs. (Dec 2007)
Give public safety officers collective bargaining rights. (Aug 2007)
Chief co-sponsor of IL ENDA, against gay job discrimination. (Aug 2007)
Chicago's Soldier Field stadium construction created jobs. (Aug 2007)
Pres. candidates can afford minimum wage; most folks can't. (Jul 2007)
Make the minimum wage a living wage. (Jun 2007)
Burdens of globalization are placed on the backs of workers. (Mar 2007)
Owes unions who endorsed him; that's why he's in politics. (Oct 2006)
Working full-time should mean enough to support a family. (Oct 2006)
Overrode federal overtime rules and raised the minimum wage. (Sep 2004)
Make sure that African-American men have access to jobs. (Jul 2004)
Fund Trade Adjustment Assistance for service workers too. (Jun 2004)
Increase IL minimum wage to $6.50 an hour. (Jun 2004)
Tax cuts for the rich do not create jobs. (May 2004)
Obama will strengthen unions and workers' rights. (May 2004)
Voted YES on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
Voted YES on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005)


Barack Obama on Principles & Values


Attends church with press, to dispel rumors that he's Muslim. (Dec 2007)
On "inexperience": he wrote policy books that media ignores. (Oct 2007)
Don't know if life beyond earth; focus on life here on earth. (Oct 2007)
Real estate deal with felon was "boneheaded" but ethical. (Oct 2007)
Bradley effect: black candidates poll above actual votes. (Oct 2007)
Madrassa myth perpetuated by false email & fabricated story. (Oct 2007)
Uses prayer to take stock of his moral compass. (Oct 2007)
Reach out to faith community;faith has role in public square. (Sep 2007)
Voted with Democratic Party 96.0% of 251 votes. (Sep 2007)
People have an urgent desire for change in Washington. (Jul 2007)
Replace partisan bickering with politics of hope. (Feb 2007)
Assigned RFK's Senate desk; invokes RFK regularly. (Feb 2007)
Hopefund PAC donated $500K to Democratic Senate candidates. (Nov 2006)
Convention speech understood country yearns for unity. (Oct 2006)
Portrayed as a multiplier instead of a divider. (Oct 2006)
Religious concerns ok, if translated into universal values. (Oct 2006)
Post-1960s politics more about moral attitude than issues. (Oct 2006)
Americans dislike partisanship--not solution like Dems think. (Oct 2006)
Greatness based on Declaration of Independence, not military. (Jul 2004)
Unflinching progressive but ok to downstate conservatives. (Jul 2004)
There's a call to evangelize in politics. (Apr 2004)
I'm a big believer in the separation of church and state. (Apr 2004)
Be strong or be clever and make peace. (Aug 1996)
Guilt is a luxury that not everyone can afford. (Aug 1996)
Lost Congressional primary in 1999 to Bobby Rush. (Feb 2007)
Campaign Themes
If you join me I promise you we can change America. (Dec 2007)
Turn the page: invite GOP & independents to join in agenda. (Sep 2007)
A "hopemonger", having seen the power of hope. (Jun 2007)
Washington can change if we say: Yes we can. (Mar 2007)
Source of his book title "Audacity of Hope" was a sermon. (Feb 2007)
On cover of Time magazine, about his book & presidency. (Oct 2006)
Progressives should recognize common morality with religion. (Oct 2006)
"Audacity of Hope" to change politics to reflect common good. (Oct 2006)
Offer real hope-not blind optimism-to the American people. (Jul 2004)
I'm living my parents' dreams and the American dream. (Jul 2004)
We are one people all defending the United States of America. (Jul 2004)
Want common-sense solutions, not liberal-conservative labels. (Jul 2004)
Personal History
Active in the Trinity faith community. (Aug 2007)
Most decisive moment: transition from high school to college. (Aug 2007)
Traces ancestry to Jefferson Davis, President of Confederacy. (Feb 2007)
Personal story is basis of political desire to unite. (Feb 2007)
Greeted as hero on visit to ancestral Kenya. (Feb 2007)
Father died in car crash before Barack got to know him. (Feb 2007)
Born in Hawaii; lives on Chicago's South Side. (Nov 2006)
Full name: Barack Hussein Obama; family calls him "Barry". (Oct 2006)
Raised secular, but with working knowledge of world religion. (Oct 2006)
Baptized as an adult in the Trinity United Church of Christ. (Oct 2006)
First black president of the Harvard Law Review. (Jul 2004)
Ryan quits Senate race amid sex scandal allegations. (Jun 2004)
Mother attacked for playing with a black girlfriend. (Aug 1996)
Poverty of political organizers was proof of their integrity. (Aug 1996)
Spent time in both Muslim and Catholic schools. (Aug 1996)
Racism & Race
Catching a cab, no one questions he's "authentically black". (Jul 2007)
Candidacy taken seriously despite his race or because of it? (Oct 2006)
Convention keynote speech highlights party's black targeting. (Jul 2004)
America's race and class problems are intertwined. (Aug 1996)
Biracial heritage has caused identity crisis. (Aug 1996)
There is some hope of eventual reconciliation between races. (Aug 1996)
Racism wasn't merely the cruelty involved, but arrogance too. (Aug 1996)
Voting Record
Biggest mistake was intruding in Terri Schiavo case. (Apr 2007)
Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation. (Dec 2006)


Barack Obama on Social Security


FactCheck: Removing $97,500 cap would be $1.3T tax increase. (Nov 2007)
Cutting benefits & raising retirement age are wrong answers. (Nov 2007)
The wealthy should pay a bit more on the payroll tax. (Oct 2007)
Privatization puts retirement at whim of stock market. (Sep 2007)
Stop any efforts to privatize Social Security. (Aug 2007)
No privatization; but consider earning cap over $97,500. (Jul 2007)
Stock market risk is ok, but not for Social Security. (Oct 2006)
$2000 tax credit for Working Families Savings Accounts. (Jul 2004)
Voted NO on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security. (Mar 2007)


Barack Obama on Tax Reform


Restore progressive tax; close loopholes; relief to seniors. (Oct 2007)
Reduce Bush tax cuts to pay for health care & other programs. (Jun 2007)
Estate tax only affects the wealthiest 1/2 of 1%. (Oct 2006)
Bush tax cuts help corporations but not middle class. (Jun 2004)
Tax incentives to create jobs at home instead of offshore. (Jun 2004)
Voted NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts. (Aug 2006)
Voted NO on permanently repealing the `death tax`. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut. (Feb 2006)
Voted NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Feb 2006)
Voted NO on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends. (Nov 2005)
Rated 100% by the CTJ, indicating support of progressive taxation. (Dec 2006)


Barack Obama on Technology


Increase funding for math and science research & education. (Oct 2007)
Airlines got into trouble after deregulation. (Oct 2007)
JFK inspired with space program; now same with energy R&D. (Sep 2007)
Increase funding for basic research; expand broadband access. (Aug 2007)
$42B more in university-based R&D. (Oct 2006)
Invest on transportation and clean coal technology projects. (Oct 2004)
Voted NO on restoring $550M in funding for Amtrak for 2007. (Mar 2006)


Barack Obama on War & Peace


Iran: Bush does not let facts get in the way of ideology. (Dec 2007)
Iraq War
Surge strategy has made a difference in Iraq but failed. (Nov 2007)
Clinton has not been consistent on the Iraq War. (Oct 2007)
Leave troops for protection of Americans & counterterrorism. (Sep 2007)
Hopes to remove all troops from Iraq by 2013, but no pledge. (Sep 2007)
Surge has not succeeded because it ignores political issues. (Sep 2007)
Tell people the truth: quickest is 1-2 brigades per month. (Sep 2007)
No good options in Iraq--just bad options & worse options. (Aug 2007)
Be as careful getting out as we were careless getting in. (Jul 2007)
Troops not dying in vain; but we need plans for success. (Jul 2007)
We live in a more dangerous world because of Bush's actions. (Jun 2007)
Case for war was weak, but people voted their best judgment. (Jun 2007)
War in Iraq is "dumb" but troops still need equipment. (Apr 2007)
Increase ground forces in Iraq to decrease troop rotations. (Apr 2007)
Open-ended Iraq occupation must end: no military solution. (Apr 2007)
Begin withdrawal May 1 2007; finish by March 31 2008. (Apr 2007)
Open dialogue with both Syria and Iran. (Apr 2007)
Withdraw gradually and keep some troops in Iraq region. (Mar 2007)
Iraq 2002: ill-conceived venture; 2007: waste of resources. (Feb 2007)
Longtime critic of Iraq war. (Nov 2006)
Saddam did not own and was not providing WMD to terrorists. (Oct 2004)
Initial military was extraordinarily successful in Iraq. (Oct 2004)
Invading Iraq was a bad strategic blunder. (Oct 2004)
We must make sure that Iraq is stable having gone in there. (Oct 2004)
Advance the training speed and get the reconstruction moving. (Oct 2004)
Democratizing Iraq will be more difficult than Afghanistan. (Oct 2004)
Never fudge numbers or shade the truth about war. (Jul 2004)
Set a new tone to internationalize the Iraqi reconstruction. (Jul 2004)
Iraq war was sincere but misguided, ideologically driven. (Jul 2004)
Not opposed to all wars, but opposed to the war in Iraq. (Jul 2004)
International voice in Iraq in exchange for debt forgiveness. (Jul 2004)
Mideast/Asia/Afghanistan
Meet directly for diplomacy with the leadership in Iran. (Nov 2007)
Committed to Iran not having nuclear weapons. (Oct 2007)
Iran military resolution sends the region a wrong signal. (Oct 2007)
Deal with al Qaeda on Pakistan border, but not with nukes. (Aug 2007)
Get al Qaeda hiding in hills between Afghanistan & Pakistan. (Aug 2007)
Military action in Pakistan if we have actionable intel. (Aug 2007)
FactCheck: Yes, Obama said invade Pakistan to get al Qaeda. (Aug 2007)
Focus on battle in Afghanistan and root out al Qaeda. (Jun 2007)
Bush cracked down on some terrorists' financial networks. (Jun 2007)
Iraq has distracted us from Taliban in Afghanistan. (Apr 2007)
Iran with nuclear weapons is a profound security threat. (Apr 2007)
We are playing to Osama's plan for winning a war from a cave. (Oct 2006)
Terrorists are in Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iran. (Oct 2004)
Problems with current Israeli policy. (Jul 2004)
Engage North Korea in 6-party talks. (Jul 2004)
Use moral authority to work towards Middle East peace. (Jul 2004)
Voting Record
Voted to fund war until 2006; now wants no blank check. (Nov 2007)
Late to vote against war is not late to oppose war. (Jun 2007)
Spending on the Cold War relics should be for the veterans. (Jun 2007)
Would have voted no to authorize the President to go to war. (Jul 2004)
Voted YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)


Barack Obama on Welfare & Poverty


Stop Fraud Act: full disclosure in subprime lending. (Sep 2007)
Engages people of faith on all aspects of his public service. (Aug 2007)
Community organizer on Chicago's South Side. (Feb 2007)
Black churches minister to social needs out of necessity. (Oct 2006)
Welfare receipts know how to become successful but need help. (Jul 2004)
$100M increase in IL Earned Income Tax Credit. (Jun 2004)
Inner city problems are the painful truths. (Aug 1996)
Exorcise the ghostly figure that haunts black dreams. (Aug 1996)



VoteMatch Responses

VoteMatch Question & Answer


Strongly Favors topic 1:
Abortion is a woman's right
(+5 points on Social scale) Voted against banning partial birth abortion: Favors topic 1
Stem cells hold promise to cure 70 major diseases: Favors topic 1
Trust women to make own decisions on partial-birth abortion: Strongly Favors topic 1
Extend presumption of good faith to abortion protesters: Favors topic 1
Pass the Stem Cell Research Bill: Favors topic 1
Protect a woman's right to choose: Strongly Favors topic 1
Supports Roe v. Wade: Strongly Favors topic 1
Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance: Strongly Favors topic 1
YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives: Favors topic 1
NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions: Favors topic 1
YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines: Favors topic 1
Strongly Favors topic 2:
Require hiring more women & minorities
(-5 points on Economic scale) Better enforce women's pay equity via Equal Pay Act: Strongly Favors topic 2
Racial equality good for America as a whole: Favors topic 2
Supports affirmative action in colleges and government: Strongly Favors topic 2
America's race and class problems are intertwined: Favors topic 2
Rated 100% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance: Strongly Favors topic 2
Strongly Favors topic 3:
Same-sex domestic partnership benefits
(+5 points on Social scale) We need strong civil unions, not just weak civil unions: Favors topic 3
Opposes gay marriage; supports civil union & gay equality: Favors topic 3
Marriage not a human right; non-discrimination is: Favors topic 3
Include sexual orientation in anti-discrimination laws: Favors topic 3
Rated 89% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance: Strongly Favors topic 3
NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage: Strongly Favors topic 3
Opposes topic 4:
Teacher-led prayer in public schools
(+2 points on Social scale) Listening to evangelicals bridges major political fault line: Favors topic 4
Religious concerns ok, if translated into universal values: Opposes topic 4
Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation: Strongly Opposes topic 4
NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration: Opposes topic 4
Favors topic 5:
More federal funding for health coverage
(-3 points on Economic scale) Increase competition in the insurance and drug markets: Opposes topic 5
National Health Insurance Exchange for private coverage: Opposes topic 5
National insurance pool & catastrophic insurance: Strongly Favors topic 5
The market alone can't solve our health-care woes: Favors topic 5
Crises happen in our lives and healthcare is necessary: Strongly Favors topic 5
Believes health care is a right, not a privilege for the few: Favors topic 5
Will expand health coverage & allow meds to be re-imported: Favors topic 5
Ensure access to basic care: Favors 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
YES on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D: Favors topic 5
YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D: Favors topic 5
Strongly Opposes topic 6:
Privatize Social Security
(-5 points on Economic scale) Privatization puts retirement at whim of stock market: Strongly Opposes topic 6
Stop any efforts to privatize Social Security: Strongly Opposes topic 6
No privatization; but consider earning cap over $97,500: Strongly Opposes topic 6
Stock market risk is ok, but not for Social Security: Strongly Opposes topic 6
$2000 tax credit for Working Families Savings Accounts: Opposes topic 6
NO on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security: Opposes topic 6
Opposes topic 7:
Parents choose schools via vouchers
(-3 points on Economic scale) Guarantee affordable life-long, top-notch education: Opposes topic 7
Supports charter schools and private investment in schools: Favors topic 7
YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies: Opposes topic 7
Opposes topic 8:
Death Penalty
(+2 points on Social scale) Some heinous crimes justify the ultimate punishment: Favors topic 8
Videotape all capital punishment interrogations: Opposes topic 8
Battles legislatively against the death penalty: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Opposes topic 9:
Mandatory Three Strikes sentencing laws
(+2 points on Social scale) Supports alternative sentencing and rehabilitation: Strongly Opposes topic 9
Rated 75% by the NCJA, indicating a mixed record on criminal justice: Neutral on topic 9
YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program: Opposes topic 9
Strongly Opposes topic 10:
Absolute right to gun ownership
(-5 points on Economic scale) Keep guns out of inner cities--but also problem of morality: Strongly Opposes topic 10
Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions: Strongly Opposes topic 10
NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers: Strongly Opposes topic 10
Strongly Favors topic 11:
Repeal tax cuts on wealthy
(-5 points on Economic scale) Bush tax cuts help corporations but not middle class: Strongly Favors topic 11
Tax cuts for the rich do not create jobs: Favors topic 11
Rated 100% by the CTJ, indicating support of progressive taxation: Strongly Favors topic 11
NO on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends: Strongly Favors topic 11
YES on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut: Favors topic 11
NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends: Strongly Favors topic 11
NO on permanently repealing the `death tax`: Strongly Favors topic 11
NO on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts: Strongly Favors topic 11
NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million: Strongly Favors topic 11
NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax: Strongly Favors topic 11
Favors topic 12:
Illegal immigrants earn citizenship
(+2 points on Social scale) Support granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants: Favors topic 12
Reform must include more border security, and border wall: Opposes topic 12
Pathway to citizenship, but people have to earn it: Favors topic 12
Give immigrants who are here a rigorous path to citizenship: Favors topic 12
Extend welfare and Medicaid to immigrants: Favors topic 12
Rated 8% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance: Strongly 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
NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government: Strongly Favors topic 12
YES on comprehensive immigration reform: Strongly Favors topic 12
Opposes topic 13:
Support & expand free trade
(-3 points on Economic scale) Stand firm against CAFTA for labor & environmental standards: Strongly Opposes topic 13
People don't want cheaper T-shirts if it costs their job: Opposes topic 13
Amend NAFTA to add labor agreements: Opposes topic 13
Fair trade should have tangible benefits for US: Strongly Opposes topic 13
Tax incentives to create jobs at home instead of offshore: Opposes topic 13
NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade: Strongly Opposes topic 13
YES on free trade agreement with Oman: Strongly Favors topic 13
Strongly Favors topic 14:
The Patriot Act harms civil liberties
(+5 points on Social scale) The politics of fear undermines basic civil liberties: Strongly Favors topic 14
America cannot sanction torture; no loopholes or exceptions: Strongly Favors topic 14
Close Guantanamo and restore the right of habeas corpus: Strongly Favors topic 14
NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision: Strongly Favors topic 14
YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act: Opposes topic 14
YES on preserving habeus corpus for Guantanamo detainees: Strongly Favors topic 14
YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods: Strongly Favors topic 14
NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad: Strongly Favors topic 14
Favors topic 15:
Expand the armed forces
(-3 points on Social scale) Grow size of military to maintain rotation schedules: Favors topic 15
Give our soldiers the best equipment and training available: Favors topic 15
YES on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months: Opposes topic 15
Strongly Favors topic 16:
Stricter limits on political campaign funds
(-5 points on Economic scale) Public campaign financing with free television & radio time: Strongly Favors topic 16
No "bundled" money from federal-registered lobbyists: Favors topic 16
People know his "bundlers" because he pushed disclosure law: Favors topic 16
First bill ever passed was campaign finance reform: Strongly Favors topic 16
Lobbyist influence comes from access, not money: Favors topic 16
YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity: Favors topic 16
NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress: Strongly Favors topic 16
Favors topic 17:
US out of Iraq
(+2 points on Social scale) US policy should promote democracy and human rights: Favors topic 17
War in Iraq is "dumb" but troops still need equipment: Strongly Favors topic 17
We are playing to Osama's plan for winning a war from a cave: Strongly Favors topic 17
NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007: Strongly Opposes topic 17
YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008: Strongly Favors topic 17
Strongly Favors topic 18:
Replace coal & oil with alternatives
(-5 points on Economic scale) 3-way win: economy, environment, & stop funding terror: Strongly Favors topic 18
Sponsored legislations that improve energy efficiency: Favors topic 18
20% renewable energy by 2020: Strongly Favors topic 18
Invest in alternative energy sources: Favors topic 18
Increase CAFE to 40 mpg: Strongly Favors topic 18
Renewable Fuels Standard: require ethanol in fuel supply: Strongly Favors topic 18
Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence: Favors topic 18
YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%): Strongly Favors 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
YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning: Favors topic 18
YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies: Strongly Favors topic 18
No opinion on topic 19:
Drug use is immoral: enforce laws against it
(0 points on Social scale) 2001: questions harsh penalties for drug dealing: Opposes topic 19
Smokes cigarettes now; smoked some pot in high school: Favors topic 19
Admitted marijuana use in high school & college: Favors topic 19
Deal with street-level drug dealing as minimum-wage affair: Opposes topic 19
Favors topic 20:
Allow churches to provide welfare services
(+2 points on Economic scale) Reach out to faith community;faith has role in public square: Favors topic 20
Engages people of faith on all aspects of his public service: Favors topic 20
Black churches minister to social needs out of necessity: Favors topic 20

All of this and more found here at ontheissues.org

John McCain on the Issues

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

Nevada Primaries and Caucus results, South Carolina primary results

The desert brings the heat as the Nevada primaries and caucuses have ended. Interesting results for the GOP in Nevada as Mitt Romney grabs first, Ron Paul wins second, and John McCain takes third. Hilary snatches first, Obama second, and Edwards in a distant third. As far as the South Carolina action, McCain swipes top, Huckabee takes second, and ole Fred Thomspon swipes his best yet, third. The Democrats had no action yet in South Carolina. Check it out HERE.

Michigan primary slated for Jan. 15, 2008.

Even though the primary won't mean much due to the state moving the date up and the Democratic party negating all delegates, as well as the GOP penalizing the state by taking away half of their Delegates - it still has major implications for the candidates. Not to mention, several Democrats have removed their names from the ballot.

Follow the Michigan primaries on Tuesday, HERE.

New Hampshire Primaries began to take place starting at midnight EST, Jan. 8, 2008.

The first ballots were counted in a little town in Northern New Hampshire late last night, with 17 votes cast - McCain took the lead on the Republican side, and Obama on the Democrats side.

Follow the primary action in New Hampshire HERE

How is the President really elected?

We elect the members of the senate and house of representatives, whom, in turn cast their vote for President. Find out more on the electoral college here.

So, it is true the popular vote for President on election does not matter, however, your vote for the members of Congress does and also through the nomination of parties' candidates to the general election. Hopefully, the members you vote for have the same candidate in mind.

Find out more here, too.

New Hampshire Polls

One day before the New Hampshire Primary, the polls are in. Find them HERE.

Wyoming GOP Primary Status tracker

This was as of 2:25 PM CDT, Jan 5,2008. See below to go to live tracker. (CLICK ON IMAGE TO EXPAND)


Check out live results of the Wyoming GOP Primary HERE which takes you to an up to date tally via an .xls spreadsheet.(Brings form up in html - from the Wyoming GOP site)