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Joshua Campbell's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.

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Joshua Campbell has provided voters with clear stances on key issues by responding to the 2020 Political Courage Test.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Washington Congressional Election 2020 Political Courage Test

Pro-life Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
By the Supreme Court allowing abortions, they had effectively set a precedent that man is who determines when a life begins- not our creator. That tears at the very foundation of our republic- that life and liberty are inalienable rights. It is our culture that allowed this to become acceptable, and we must change our culture in order to solve this.
No In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
No Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
Social Security and Medicare account for a substantial portion of the federal budget. It is certainly an issue that can't be ignored by just printing money. That said, a good economy is vital to ensuring we have the funds available for Social Security and Medicare. If we legislate responsibly-- we can ensure these program continue without making cuts. Therefore the term "expanding federal funding" is not properly reflective I believe.
No Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
As a new candidate in the political realm, I'm learning how bureaucratic the FEC and campaign finance regulations are. Clearly there are still massive barriers to having fair elections despite thousands of pages of FEC regulations... that supposedly are in place to ensure a transparent and fair election system. It's utter nonsense. While I believe corporations and unions have an extreme amount of influence on elections w/ their contributions-- I need a real solution before being against it. If it's a 1st amendment issue, it shouldn't be taken lightly.
No Do you support increasing defense spending?
This is a difficult question... not an easy yes or no. I believe we can meet all the goals outlined in the NDAA each year at a much lower cost. That said, our country is facing a massive threat from China. Career politicians have made decisions that put our country so far behind in this threat... I question if it was pure incompetence or treasonous intent. We won't have a republic at all if we don't counter and get ahead of China very, very quickly.
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support lowering corporate taxes 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?
As long as the taxation is FAIR and TRANSPARENT w/ corporations... I support tax breaks. It is hard to trust large corporations though because the taxation system we have allows for loopholes that are incredibly hard to notice. Some corporations take advantage of the system and end up not "paying their fair share". Overall, if we have a good economy-- the revenue will come in. If tax cuts promote a better economy... revenue still comes in.
Yes Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
This is a difficult question... as it's not easy to say "yes" or "no". As an educator, I feel we must have equal minimum standards for states to abide by. I also want local communities to have more control of their schools. Ultimately, I want PARENTS to have the most choice for how their child is educated. I support school choice. As far as education standards-- I believe the federal government should focus on funding core subjects. Let state/local fund additional subjects they feel is necessary.
Yes Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
No Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Not easy questions again... I support clean energy. I want clean energy. That said, it's not going to become a reality by simply regulating it. Our nation needs to get behind a worthy goal, such as we did during the Space Race to the Moon. We had a goal: get to the Moon. Scientific/technological advances came FROM that. We need a clear, specific clean energy goal and then go after it full swing. Regulation can be realistic once we get it done.
No Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
Our 2nd amendment rights have been infringed on to such a massive degree... we must stop it. I support a federally recognized concealed carry permit that states can opt into. They can get funding to help w/ the permit processes, etc. ALONG with funding for mental health resources that are related to gun violence, suicides by firearm owners, etc. This type of mental health will need special safeguards to give gun owners the peace of mind that they can seek help without fearing they will lose their 2nd amendment right.
Yes Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
No Do you support requiring businesses to provide paid medical leave during public health crises, such as COVID-19?
The ACA seems to have not produced what it intended to. We have a medical insurance billing problem that needs addressed to help cut down premiums as well. Providers need to be transparent with how much they bill for procedures. Transparency is the most important feature in any legislation for healthcare. As for paid medical leave during COVID-- that is up employers. I can understand not allowing them relief money if they don't provide it however.
Yes Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican 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 fully support the wall. We need an extremely secure border. As for those already here illegally-- I do NOT support blanket amnesty. However, these cases need to be determined in the totality of circumstances. We absolutely can be compassionate with our immigration and border control policies. If we have a secure border, then it is much easier to take on existing cases in this way.
Yes Should the United States use military force to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a weapon of mass destruction (for example: nuclear, biological, chemical)?
Yes Do you support reducing military intervention in Middle East conflicts?
We live in a world where good and evil exists. Diplomacy should always be pursued-- but diplomacy simply is not an option in some cases. Too many countries have manipulated and used our government leaders in the past. If they know we take our national security seriously-- they won't mess around. We need to reduce our presence in the Middle East. This doesn't mean we need to abandon the area or our allies. The problem is we've had incumbent leaders making bad decisions for a long time.
No Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
I generally support a free market. That said-- I feel our government leaders, especially many prior to the Trump administration, have been taken advantage of. Other countries are using our own regulations and standards against us. They profit, we lose. As long as they meet our standards for quality in whatever areas we feel are best, then I support removing barriers to increase competition.
My main priority if elected is to immediately work to restore the public's trust with their institutions of government. I will aggressively pursue open congressional hearings on events such as this pandemic, the war in Afghanistan, etc. I will call on Congress to subpoena any official, civilian or military, who mislead our public. If we don't get the truth out and return transparency, we will have no country left to legislate.

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