Card image cap

David Roth's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.
What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2024.

  • "If we allow Republicans to get full control of the federal government again, they WILL PASS a national ban on abortion and strip away all of our personal freedoms. People ask me why I run in a state like Idaho. This is why." (rothforidaho.org)
  • "It’s morning in America. This morning women woke up, as they have since Dobbs, with fewer rights than they have had the last 50 years. LGBTQ folks woke up with uncertainty hanging over them, Nearly half of Idaho families found themselves working and still unable to get ahead." (twitter.com)
  • "The end of Roe changed everything. I've met women who have never voted for a Democrat before but are planning to now. We have to fight for every Senate seat in every state - including here in Idaho - to restore abortion rights. #idpol #CodifyRoe" (twitter.com)
  • "Today is the one month anniversary of the Dobbs decision, the end of Roe changed everything. #idpol #codifyroe" (twitter.com)
  • "I'm running for office because I believe Idahoans deserve leaders who will show up and take action on the issues that matter. We need better public education, lower drug prices, reliable Social Security & Medicare benefits, & to bring an end to white supremacist extremism." (twitter.com)
  • "In the Senate, I'll be a steadfast defender of LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive rights, but that's not all. I'll lead on: Increasing healthcare access. Strengthening social security. Improving public schools. Increasing economic opportunity. Defending democracy." (twitter.com)
  • "We have to make sure every single member of Congress knows that we will NOT stand for ANY cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid. And any congressperson who tries to cut our benefits will be voted out in November. We wouldn’t even be in this position if my opponent had not repeatedly stood by the most extreme members of his party – including his vote for Speaker Mike Johnson, who has called to raise the retirement age and make us all work until we die! Bottom line? Republicans will never stop trying to cut Social Security. I’m running for Congress to protect our benefits and expand them." (rothforidaho.org)
  • "The Biden administration called this bill a ‘Death Panel’ for Social Security – and that’s exactly what it is. Republicans called their new committee a "fiscal commission" tasked with "fiscal responsibility and reform" – but these are just a bunch of pretty words to hide another round of tax breaks for the rich and powerful while slashing the benefits you and I have worked all our lives for. This secret committee will meet completely out of sight from public accountability – and they’re hoping none of us notice. But a vote for this fiscal commission is a vote to cut Social Security and Medicare, full stop. And we will NOT forget it in November." (rothforidaho.org)
  • "Democrats deliver! Today, @POTUS will sign the Inflation Reduction Act into law! It will: Save Medicare recipients $ on essential meds. Incentivize clean energy alternatives to protect our environment. Close tax loopholes so corporations & the wealthy pay their fair share" (twitter.com)
  • "Just a reminder, that Crapo is just fine with increasing the deficit when it means tax cuts for the wealthy and large corporations, but can't stand the thought of deficits if it is targeted toward everyday Idahoans." (twitter.com)
  • "Let's be real: Our tax system works best for the wealthiest among us - and that's just not right. Although Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act will go a long way to closing the gap, there's still work to do! It's time to elect leaders who will vote in OUR interests (and I will)." (twitter.com)
  • "Trump tax cuts increased the debt over $8 trillion in just four years. Now the GOP wants the most vulnerable to pay the price. Call it what it is, the largest dine-n-dash in history. #GOPDineAndDash" (twitter.com)
  • "Democrats deliver! Today, @POTUS will sign the Inflation Reduction Act into law! It will: Save Medicare recipients $ on essential meds. Incentivize clean energy alternatives to protect our environment. Close tax loopholes so corporations & the wealthy pay their fair share" (twitter.com)
  • "Just a reminder, that Crapo is just fine with increasing the deficit when it means tax cuts for the wealthy and large corporations, but can't stand the thought of deficits if it is targeted toward everyday Idahoans." (twitter.com)
  • "Let's be real: Our tax system works best for the wealthiest among us - and that's just not right. Although Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act will go a long way to closing the gap, there's still work to do! It's time to elect leaders who will vote in OUR interests (and I will)." (twitter.com)
  • "Citizens United changed politics forever and not in a good way. It further tips the scales away from individuals and in favor of big business and special internet. It should be overturned." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Dems are creating jobs in Idaho with historic federal investments in spite of our congressional delegation. Way to go Bidenomics! #DemsCreateJobs" (twitter.com)
  • "I believe that we need to make substantial investments in our infrastructure and transit programs. We are significantly behind other countries in this area which gives them a competitive advantage over our industry. Not to mention the improvements to quality of life." (twitter.com)
  • "North Idaho is at a disadvantage simply because Crapo refuses to request any federal funds for Idaho." (twitter.com)
  • "Perhaps we need to spend some money on infrastructure here in Idaho. Just a few miles away a high school was ravaged by fire. We need to do better!" (twitter.com)
  • "Affordable housing is absolutely critical and we are going to have to start thinking of new and innovative ways to achieve it. There are many opportunities to have public/private partnerships to increase affordable housing like the Housing Co-Op currently under construction." (twitter.com)
  • "So many things define us, but none as much as our actions do. I have been fighting to help youth for years. First, as a foster parent and now insubstance use prevention. I fight for affordable housing and trying to ease food insecurity. I am your US Senate nominee." (twitter.com)
  • "The skyrocketing cost of housing is pushing more Idahoans into food and housing insecure situations. I see the hard working, employed, Idaho families lining up at the food bank because they cannot afford housing AND food. This is not a healthy economy. #idpol" (twitter.com)
  • "This is such a huge issue all across our state. I'm honored to serve on the boards of nonprofits seeking to alleviate the pain families feel from the housing crunch & related food insecurity, but we need leaders in office who get it! #VoteBlueIn2022 #idpol" (twitter.com)
  • "Democrats deliver! Today, @POTUS will sign the Inflation Reduction Act into law! It will: Save Medicare recipients $ on essential meds. Incentivize clean energy alternatives to protect our environment. Close tax loopholes so corporations & the wealthy pay their fair share" (twitter.com)
  • "Inflation is a global problem and one that is affecting all of us. We need to continue to focus on solutions which build and support our middle class. We are recovering from a near economic crash. We have come a long way and there is still a long way to go." (twitter.com)
  • "Inflation is already stabilizing - we had 0% increase in core inflation from June to July - and gas prices have been falling for the last two months. I'm grateful for Democrats' hard work fighting for us & that we're back on the right track! #VoteBlue2022 #InflationReductionAct" (twitter.com)
  • "Let's be real: Our tax system works best for the wealthiest among us - and that's just not right. Although Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act will go a long way to closing the gap, there's still work to do! It's time to elect leaders who will vote in OUR interests (and I will)." (twitter.com)
  • "I know the path to loan forgiveness through the HEA is a longer more complicated one, but SCOTUS has left no choice. #InvokeHEA" (twitter.com)
  • "White House Perfectly Shades Student Loan Forgiveness Hypocrites" (twitter.com)
  • "Contrary to what @MikeCrapo would have you believe the experts know that this student debt cancellation is not going to impact inflation. Think about it payments have been paused for so long any effect has already been absorbed. This will be good for the middle class!" (twitter.com)
  • "I'm running for the Senate to make healthcare more affordable & accessible, fight for our climate, protect voting rights, defend reproductive freedom, and secure marriage equality." (twitter.com)
  • "It won’t stop with Idaho. If Republicans get control of the federal government again, they’re going to pass a national abortion ban. And then they’re coming for voting rights, LGBTQ rights, and so much more." (rothforidaho.org)
  • "Last week, I asked Idahoans to share their top priorities for Democrats in DC. So many folks said voting rights, & I 100% agree. The right to vote is the key to every other right we have! Our government is one by & for the people. Our vote is our voice. #VoteBlueToSaveDemocracy" (twitter.com)
  • "When elected to the U.S. Senate I will support the ending of the filibuster so that we can codify Roe, protect marriage equality, reform immigration law. and secure voting rights for all Americans. #IDPol" (twitter.com)
  • "Democrats deliver! Today, @POTUS will sign the Inflation Reduction Act into law! It will: Save Medicare recipients $ on essential meds. Incentivize clean energy alternatives to protect our environment. Close tax loopholes so corporations & the wealthy pay their fair share" (twitter.com)
  • "Hmm is that what Crapo means when he says Biden is working against the oil industry? More permits means more competition which is supposed to drive costs down. I can see why they would not like that." (twitter.com)
  • "Taking huge profits while claiming the president is strangling the oil and gas industry just does not make sense. A struggling industry does not post record profits!" (twitter.com)
  • "This could be 1 reason Republicans seem more focused on protecting oil companies than actually solving the problem #idpol #everyseatmatters" (twitter.com)
  • "I wonder if anyone has ever considered that all of those fighting for stronger gun controls ARE the answer to all those thoughts and prayers? I remember a Sunday School story about a man in flood in a roof who refuses help because God will save him." (twitter.com)
  • "My opponent @MikeCrapo has stated that he is "open to doing something if it doesn’t violate the Second Amendment." I am calling on him to vote yes on the bipartisan gun bill. It is time to take action. #idpol" (twitter.com)
  • "One party wants to protect the American people from gun violence. The other doesn't. There aren't two sides to this. #VoteBlue2022" (twitter.com)
  • "The GOP refuses to protect our families from gun violence, lower healthcare costs, or make the rich pay their fair share. They're actively attacking our rights. There's NO reason to keep re-electing them." (twitter.com)
  • "I believe that healthcare should be affordable & accessible, that small businesses drive our economy, that quality public schools are key to our kids' futures, that reproductive rights are human rights, & that love is love. That's why I'm PROUD to be a red-state Democrat." (twitter.com)
  • "I'm David Roth, your Democratic nominee to take on Mike Crapo. I believe in healthcare access, reproductive rights, protecting democracy, & equality for LGBTQ+ Americans. I'm a single, gay dad - & a Dem in ID. I'm not your typical candidate, but I KNOW we can win together." (twitter.com)
  • "I'm running for the Senate to make healthcare more affordable & accessible, fight for our climate, protect voting rights, defend reproductive freedom, and secure marriage equality. I WILL deliver for Idahoans and folks in every state when you send me to D.C.! #VoteBlue2022" (twitter.com)
  • "In the Senate, I'll be a steadfast defender of LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive rights, but that's not all. I'll lead on: Increasing healthcare access. Strengthening social security. Improving public schools. Increasing economic opportunity. Defending democracy. #VoteBlue2022" (twitter.com)
  • "In DC, I'll champion policies that benefit ALL parents and kids - like universal Paid Family Leave and a permanent Expanded Child Tax Credit. Our kids deserve the best possible start, and that means their parents deserve support! #idpol" (twitter.com)
  • "I'm running for office because I believe Idahoans deserve leaders who will show up and take action on the issues that matter. We need better public education, lower drug prices, reliable Social Security & Medicare benefits, & to bring an end to white supremacist extremism." (twitter.com)
  • "If Republican Senators like Mike Crapo had an OUNCE of courage or loyalty to their constituents, we could have a $35 insulin cap right now. Instead, Americans are stuck rationing essential medication while Big Pharma pulls in the profits. #DefeatCrapo #IDPol" (twitter.com)
  • "Talk about REAL PEOPLE facing REAL PROBLEMS that need REAL SOLUTIONS. It does not have to be this way. When I get to the Senate I will work with my colleagues to cap the price of Insulin, like they do in just about everywhere else in the world. #idpol #everyseatmatters" (twitter.com)
  • "Hey @SenatorRisch way to demonstrate the effectiveness of a border wall with B-Roll footage that shows, well people digging under the wall. It is time to start looking at ACTUAL solutions to the problem. These include immigration reform such as the US Citizenship Act of 2021" (twitter.com)
  • "I grew up in Idaho Falls - it's where I'm raising my own boys (in the very same neighborhood)! I know how strong our communities are. I know that our small businesses & farmers are Idaho's lifeblood. And here's the thing: I also know immigration can only make us stronger." (twitter.com)
  • "Our @MikeCrapo would like to scapegoat the southern border for all of our drug problems. The facts are that drugs come in through legal ports of entry, the majority of the time by US citizens." (twitter.com)
  • Post Register "It’s time, actually long past time, to talk about serious immigration reform. In a little over a month, it will be the ten-year anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. We have had a decade to come up with a solution, and yet with just over a month to go, we are no closer to a solution than we were ten years ago. We are not even talking about it. Sure, we are talking about the border, we are talking about walls, and we are talking about drugs. What we aren’t talking about is the people. Especially not the people that are already here." (www.postregister.com)
  • "Hey @SenatorRisch way to demonstrate the effectiveness of a border wall with B-Roll footage that shows, well people digging under the wall. It is time to start looking at ACTUAL solutions to the problem. These include immigration reform such as the US Citizenship Act of 2021" (twitter.com)
  • "I grew up in Idaho Falls - it's where I'm raising my own boys (in the very same neighborhood)! I know how strong our communities are. I know that our small businesses & farmers are Idaho's lifeblood. And here's the thing: I also know immigration can only make us stronger." (twitter.com)
  • "They are currently in jeopardy. We need a solid path to citizenship for DACA recipients. I support immigration reform such as the US Citizenship Act of 2021. #DACA" (twitter.com)
  • Post Register "We need to move forward with real, practical solutions to this issue. It’s time to stop making excuses, passing the buck to the next group of leaders. A good place to start might be to take a look at the US Citizenship Act of 2021, currently winding its way through congress. This act finally creates the path to citizenship that DACA recipients have been waiting nearly ten years for. They — and us — could benefit from a clear-eyed approach to addressing the realities we live with." (www.postregister.com)
  • "McCarthy says if the Republicans regain control of Congress they will force cuts which could include Medicare, Social Security, and support for Ukraine." (twitter.com)
  • "Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Jim Risch voted against the aide for Ukraine. Think about that the next time they are saying that the administration is not doing enough!" (twitter.com)
  • "So you signed a letter urging the president to do something and then you voted against aide for Ukraine. Is it hard to speak out of both sides of your mouth?" (twitter.com)
  • "McCarthy says if the Republicans regain control of Congress they will force cuts which could include Medicare, Social Security, and support for Ukraine." (twitter.com)
  • "Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Jim Risch voted against the aide for Ukraine. Think about that the next time they are saying that the administration is not doing enough!" (twitter.com)
  • "So you signed a letter urging the president to do something and then you voted against aide for Ukraine. Is it hard to speak out of both sides of your mouth?" (twitter.com)
  • "This is going to be an amazing event and I am looking forward to attending for more information visit There is such a huge need. #Ukraine" (concertforukraine.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
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-choice Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
Yes Do you support expanding federal funding to support social safety net programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations,unions, and individuals?
No Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
Yes Do you support increasing defense spending?
I do believe that having a strong military provides a deterrent, thus in the long run saving lives.
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support providing financial relief to businesses AND/OR corporations negatively impacted by the state of national emergency for COVID-19?
Yes Do you support the federal government taking action, beyond those of the Federal Reserve, to alleviate inflation?
Yes Do you support the forgiveness of federal student loan debt?
I believe that we need to look at ways to reduce the costs of education.
No Do you support requiring a government-issued identification in order to vote at the polls?
Yes Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
Yes Do you support a government-run (single-payer) healthcare program, such as Medicare-for-All?
Yes Do you support expanding paid family AND/OR medical leave opportunities?
Yes Do you support lowering the cost of prescription drugs?
Although I do support a public option for healthcare, I am not ready to completely eliminate private insurance.
Yes Do you support increasing security along the southern US border?
No Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
I do believe that we need immigration reform. When I say we need increased security I do not mean a wall or barrier necessarily. I mean that we need a comprehensive approach which includes collaboration with Central American countries to solve some of the root causes of migration north.
Yes Do you support economic intervention as a means of resolving international conflicts?
Yes Do you support the U.S. providing increased offensive military aid to Ukraine?
Yes Do you support raising taxes, on any income or on any entity, to promote economic growth?
I do not believe that our current tax system is equitable. I believe that it gives unfair advantage and subsidy to large corporations putting our smaller businesses at risk.
No Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
In general I think that free trade can be good for consumers. However, if the goods are produced without thought to the environment or human rights for example there can be consequences in the long run. Trade barriers can help incentivize better practices.
Codify federal abortion protections. Pass the US Citizenship Act of 2021 (now 2022) Look at ways to invest in American workers and Production

Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.

arrow_upward