Jim McDermott's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)
On The Ballot: Running, Libertarian for U.S. House (AK) - At-Large
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Issue Positions
For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2016.
- "I often tell people that I am pro life but not pro disrespecting another's right to have a differ of an informed opinion. My personal morals are based on my lifetime of experiences, my cultural upbringing, and I personally don't want the government involved in this moral decision. This is a topic for women & men to research and help each other in delivering the best solution. I know firsthand because as a family we once found ourselves in this situation and via love and support for the individual we all now share in another's precious life." (votesmart.org)
- "Okay Alaskans are you ready for a pro life, pro religion freedom, pro personal liberty, pro financial common sense, pro small business, and pro free market, AK Libertarian for the US Congress. If so, then please become active in spreading the word about Jim McDermott's campaign because if we are to win it would be due to the great Alaskan people." (votesmart.org)
- Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? "Pro-life" (votesmart.org)
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- "This weekend I do our income taxes and I fear this moment. Janet & I had a blessed year which means the IRS & DC elites will want to redistribute our wealth. Hmm... I could have sword that it was Janet & I who worked 70-80 weeks, weekends, nights, during frigid weather, but I must now (by law) give much of my hard earned dollars to some causes I don't believe in or else!" (votesmart.org)
- "When I read comments from some of our citizens asking & pleading for higher taxes; then I have to ask, do the majority of these people pay taxes between 35% to 55% of their earn income? I have to believe the answer is 'No' because most anyone who creates wealth doesn't find it fair to give such a large percent to those who don't create wealth (Government)." (votesmart.org)
- In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket? "No" (votesmart.org)
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- "I believe that marijuana ought to be regulated in the same manner as alcohol. I would rather see some of our nation's wealth spent on educating our people on the danger of alcohol & drug abuse, rather than spent on incarcerating our people for marijuana use & sales. The many billions of dollars saved can then be used to enhance our society and reduce the tax burden on our citizens." (votesmart.org)
- "Let's stop the massive taxpayer spending & personal liberty violations by treating the use of marijuana more like we do alcohol utilization. The present day incarceration of millions of Americans for non-violent crimes is a policy that has had a devastating cost in ruin lives, broken spirits, & family sorrowfulness. This whole marijuana prohibition seems unwise, we can clearly see the greater needs within our country." (votesmart.org)
- "I believe most people in government control want to break away and I can tell them now the one thing that will rescue our economy is a very strong small businesses freed also from government bondage. Live Free!" (votesmart.org)
- "In business, entry barriers often hinder economic growth. Big Government's excessive regulating via their policies like the extreme overuse of business licensing, fees, & permit requirements is a major obstruction to economic expansion. Example, try to start a Mom & Pop taxi service in NY city and you will discover how big government has priced the small businesses right out this once free market place. Government's crony ways of rewarding big business and hindering small businesses via excess government policies is an arrangement where the consumers often pay more for lower quality and frequently have access to fewer innovative products." (votesmart.org)
- Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? "No" (votesmart.org)
- Signed a pledge stating,"If elected, I will sponsor legislation to eliminate the federal income tax, cut federal spending to the 1998 level ($1.65 trillion), and get the IRS off the backs of taxpayers." (votesmart.org)
- Do you support lowering taxes as a way of promoting growth in the economy? "Yes" (votesmart.org)
- "I champion cyber schools, home schools, charter schools, voucher (school of choice), and I 'm willing to look at other out of the box quality education delivery thinking. I firmly believe that as a nation if we operate our education system with a diverse and more competitive paradigm approach that we can once again provide a K-12 education second to none. I also believe that the States ought to have control over their education policies with little to no interference from the federal government." (votesmart.org)
- "Recognizing that the education of children is a parental responsibility, we would restore authority to parents to determine the education of their children, without interference from government. Parents should have control of and responsibility for all funds expended for their children's education." (votesmart.org)
- Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants? "No" (votesmart.org)
- Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline? "Yes" (votesmart.org)
- Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
- "I agree climate changes, rivers forge new routes, and it gets dang cold in the dead of an Alaskan winter. I see government's role to help ensure the security & safety of its people but I don't believe government has the power to change the weather." (votesmart.org)
- "I believe most all of us desire a clean environment but these scientist have a hidden agenda in my opinion, and I believe government (tax payer) funding leads their agenda." (votesmart.org)
- "In my life time a group of special interest types (Elitist) have predicted a new ice age, then they said global warming, and now they call it climate change. Of course the weather changes and any 7 year old growing up in Alaska could observe weather change by simply waiting 15 minutes. Now, I support being good caretakers of our environment but if anyone believes that this current group in DC who can't even balance a budget can be in charge of the weather... well, then they must be a little gullible." (votesmart.org)
- Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions? "No" (votesmart.org)
- Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns? "No" (votesmart.org)
- "Our U.S. Constitution Amendment 2 outlines that we the people do have an absolute right to keep and bear arms, and Amendment 2 infers that our government is charged with ensuring this right isn't infringed upon. Still, responsibility comes with the owning of a weapon and I highly recommend firearm training for those of us who do own firearms. Additionally, folks who are mentally ill and those who have committed violent crimes ought not have access to firearms." (votesmart.org)
- "The key word is 'regulated' Militia, additionally we (Citizens) have the right to own firearms according to the second Amendment." (votesmart.org)
- Rated 90% by Gun Owners of America (votesmart.org)
- "The tax penalty ought to be a real turnoff to many Americans, and I can foresee a future opportunity where this health care tax will be eliminated by the US Congress." (votesmart.org)
- "The vast majority of libertarians oppose Obama Care, and I would like to see more free market solutions versus the nanny state solution. I believe in the free market concepts, and I desire a smaller more efficient government, all of which would allow more creativity & innovation from many businesses. I would like to allow competition within the medical insurance industry across State lines, which I believe would help drive down the overall cost of medical insurance via competition. Also, how about our government allowing the independent working professionals to set-up a tax free medical saving accounts." (votesmart.org)
- Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act? "Yes" (votesmart.org)
- "I believe we ought to allow for a more free flow of immigration (work-visa) for those who can find work & contribute to our society. Especially recent university graduates with degrees in highly sought after fields of industry need." (votesmart.org)
- "Now, I understand the resentment towards those crossing the border dishonestly but I also see a chance for an economic boom by allowing hard working immigrants a process allowing them to be more respectively identified, pay a fine for any immigration wrong doing, and be offered a path (need to get into our data base for work visas) to citizenship if so desired. I have suggested that if there was a better managed immigration work card visa program in place allowing immigrants wanting to work in the USA to do so more effectively that we could help solve several problems." (votesmart.org)
- Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship? "No" (votesmart.org)
- "First, I believe Government should have little to no business telling us what our private life-style choices ought to be as long as no one is being hurt. My initial understanding of marriage was based on my moral understandings which had been formed through my family, culture, & religious indoctrinations." (votesmart.org)
- Do you support same-sex marriage? "Yes" (votesmart.org)
- "Military action should only be employed when our homeland is threatened. We should not use our military service members as the world's police. I would like to see our military employed to help better secure our own borders." (votesmart.org)
- Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict? "No" (votesmart.org)
- "I offered you an alternative where you deduct approximately 8% of your gross paycheck and your employer matches with a deposit of approximately 12% of your gross pay into a private retirement fund? Additionally, have your company HR provides you with a short list of professional financial planners who will help you set-up the best possible retirement plan based on your risk aversion? How many of you, if presented with the above choice would then select a private funded retirement account? By the way, the example isn't radical because I'm describing my choice that I have as a university instructor." (votesmart.org)
- "Out with the current USA social security system & in with individual retirement accounts. At a minimum individual retirement accounts ought to be an option to the American workers." (votesmart.org)
- Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts? "Yes" (votesmart.org)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
| Pro-life | Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? | ||
| Yes, I'm pro life but I'm not for throwing men & women in jail who disagree with my moral belief system but I want fairness on presenting the pros and cons on this sensitive topic. Yes I have a bias towards protecting our unborn children, and I want to ensure that people are truly educated on the rough treatment of destroying an unborn life. Yes, I believe this is a personal moral decision where government ought to keep their noses out of this personal decision. If we disagree with my assessment then we will need to respectfully agree to disagree. | |||
| Yes | In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending? | ||
| No | In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket? | ||
| Our military is great but if we would station them here at home and end our nation building doctrine we would save billions, better guard our borders, and positively impact the economics domestically. We have the technology to respond anywhere in the world quickly from home due to our highly trained & prepared military. I also prefer releasing the innovative & creative powers of small businesses to stimulate economics nationwide. I believe taxing yourself to prosperity is pseudo logic. Small businesses represent 97% of all businesses and I would work to reduce government regulations that are slowing small business growth. | |||
| Yes | Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions? | ||
| The allowing of artificial entities to back the status quo candidates with their billions of dollars has made it almost impossible to have a grassroots challenger with a chance of winning. | |||
| No | Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes? | ||
| Yes | Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment? | ||
| No | Do you support mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders? | ||
| The Clinton doctrine of �Three Strikes You�re Out� has led the U.S. to lead the world in per capita lock-up of our brothers and sisters. The Bush era Patriot Act & NDAA has usurped the U.S. Constitution. The Obama era of prosecuting �Whistle Blowers� has chased heroes of liberty like Mr. Snowden to hide for his life. Damn, we need Libertarians, Independents, and Green Party quality candidates in Washington DC. | |||
| No | Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? | ||
| Yes | Do you support lowering taxes as a means of promoting economic growth? | ||
| No | Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation? | ||
| Well, of course I am okay with federal spending to care for our infrastructure, but not to be the catalyst for prosperity because that strategy won�t work. Yet, freeing up the free thinkers, the innovative thinkers, the creative thinkers, and reducing the burden of numerous federal regulations that stall progress, we would have economic growth that will push our national GDP to incredibly high levels. So, no we cannot tax our brothers & sisters into prosperity but we can trust our people if we get government out of their way. | |||
| No | Do you generally support requiring states to adopt federal education standards? | ||
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| Yes | Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline? | ||
| Yes | Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)? | ||
| Yes | Do you support increased regulations on the hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") industry? | ||
| I have always stood for safe harvesting of our natural resources. Yes I support government university grants that allow them to research the development of renewable energy. Fracturing alarms me, and the industry must ensure they are applying safe harvesting techniques. When I think on how government let the good people of Michigan drink, bath, and clean with poison water we can also see that government can be a very bad actor themselves. | |||
| Yes | Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change? | ||
| No | Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions? | ||
| Yes people do have an impact but to what extent is the real argument. I support common sense regulations that ensure the safety of our people but I fear giving government the power to regulate the weather. If "We the People" discover a business being less than a good stewards we can stop buying their products because within a true free market system there will be numerous consumer choices. | |||
| No | Do you generally support gun-control legislation? | ||
| I support the U.S. Constitutions and that includes the second amendment. Yet, if a person is on the �no Fly� list or under investigation for being a possible terrorist sympathizer, etc� then they ought to be on the �No Buy� list until the person has been vetted. | |||
| No | Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")? | ||
| It has created a bigger government with so much increased costs and I believe many Americans feel they were duped. Still, I can think of a couple of my young college students who got medical care due to the ACA. So, I would be willing to sit down with free thinkers from the two major parties and see how we can expand medical aid for our brothers and sisters to ensure that not only the elitist get taken care of. | |||
| No | Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship? | ||
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| We cannot and ought to not want to spend billions of dollars trying find 12 million people not here as US citizens. I suggest a liberal work visa program and a system allowing our southern border brothers and sisters a chance to fully recognize the wonders of being an American. I believe that so many of these beautiful people are fleeing economic depression, abusive government leaders, and cultural racism to come to the USA. Now, with a liberal work visa and a strong border security in the future we can have better tracking of people coming here to work. | |||
| Yes | Do you support same-sex marriage? | ||
| Why in the world do we need government to allow those who love each other to have a relationship? I have no problem with people loving each other being married and having spouse benefits that include the workplace. | |||
| No | Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the United States from possessing a nuclear weapon? | ||
| No | Do you support increased American intervention in Iraq and Syria beyond air support? | ||
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| Drone attacks allow our Big Government to be the Judge-Jury-Executioner all the while ignoring the rights of these US citizens as outlined in the US Constitution. Additionally, why is the US government not respecting the sovereignty of other countries when violating their air space and killing people on these foreign lands? Since we lack respect for other nations concerning drone attacks is the day near when the USA pays the price for these attacks? | |||
| Yes | Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts? | ||
| Okay, image this, paying nothing into Social Security. Is it possible? Yes, because below I'm describing my choice where I have as an employee with the University of Alaska (UA) retirement planning "Choice". So, why can't all Alaskans have this choice? What we need for all Alaskans/Americans (in my opinion) is a paradigm of the UA retirement system allowing the option of a personal & private pension planning, and the option to opting out of the social security all together. | |||
SpendingIndicate what federal spending levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.TaxesIndicate what federal tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category; you can use a number more than once.
| Slightly Decrease | a) Agriculture | ||
| Slightly Decrease | b) Arts | ||
| Slightly Decrease | c) Defense | ||
| Slightly Decrease | d) Education | ||
| Slightly Decrease | e) Environment | ||
| Slightly Decrease | f) Homeland Security | ||
| Slightly Decrease | g) International aid | ||
| Maintain Status | h) Medical Research | ||
| Maintain Status | i) Scientific Research | ||
| Maintain Status | j) Space exploration | ||
| Greatly Decrease | k) United Nations | ||
| Slightly Decrease | l) Welfare | ||
| m) Other or expanded categories | |||
| Slightly Decrease | a) Capital gains taxes | ||
| Maintain Status | b) Corporate taxes | ||
| Greatly Decrease | c) Small business taxes | ||
| Slightly Decrease | d) Excise taxes (alcohol) | ||
| Maintain Status | e) Excise taxes (cigarettes) | ||
| Greatly Decrease | f) Excise taxes (transportation fuel) | ||
| Eliminate | g) Income taxes (low-income families) | ||
| Greatly Decrease | h) Income taxes (middle-income families) | ||
| Slightly Increase | i) Income taxes (high-income families) | ||
| Eliminate | j) Inheritance taxes | ||
| Slightly Decrease | k) Payroll taxes | ||
| l) Other or expanded categories | |||
| I was recently asked by an Anchorage news outlet to name only three issues that are at the top of my to-do list once in the U.S. Congress. Well, I provided the following three: 1. End Perpetual Wars 2. Supports leaner & more effective government 3. Be a Champion for Small Businesses Live free. Peace ~ Jim McDermott, M.S., |
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