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Bob Lorinser'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.

Bob Lorinser has failed to provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2024 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

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.

  • "I am an advocate of life and a proponent of choice, privacy, and individual liberty. I will support proven measures to reduce abortion Religious beliefs are the foundation of anti-abortion and my or your religious beliefs should not be the basis for the laws of our country. I can personally advocate for life and politically be pro-choice. These two positions are not mutually exclusive. In the end, the government should not serve as the decider on a woman's medical decisions or religious beliefs. If the goal is abortion prevention, making it illegal is ineffective. It only makes it more dangerous." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? "Pro-Choice" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Taxes make society possible without such we will truly suffer. Health care, education, national defense and infrastructure are not free. If it is wanted and deemed a civic necessity then it needs to be paid for. We all should pay our fair share and the monies spent wisely for all of us. The problem is what is our fair share and can we agree on what to spend it on? I can say tax cuts for large businesses and the rich were not the answer. Taxes are the cost of a civil society not a burden to bear." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support expanding federal funding to support social safety net programs such as Social Security and Medicare? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I can say tax cuts for large businesses and the rich aren't the answer. What was promised with the 1980 tax cuts, mainly for the rich, and repeated again in 2017 was trickle down economics. That did not work but what did happen was $50 trillion transferred from the bottom 90% to the top 1%; a decrease in the middle class; marked decreases in competition; price gouging; choking out small businesses; an end to the most prosperous period of development America has seen: and wealth inequalities causing social unrest." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Taxes make society possible without such we will truly suffer. Health care, education, national defense and infrastructure are not free. If it is wanted and deemed a civic necessity then it needs to be paid for. We all should pay our fair share and the monies spent wisely for all of us. The problem is what is our fair share and can we agree on what to spend it on? I can say tax cuts for large businesses and the rich were not the answer. Taxes are the cost of a civil society not a burden to bear." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Housing costs and corporate greed are the most significant drivers of inflation. To eliminate disparities that destabilize the economy, we need to start prioritizing the needs of hardworking, middle-class people before inflating the pockets of the ultrawealthy." (x.com)
  • "I can say tax cuts for large businesses and the rich aren't the answer. What was promised with the 1980 tax cuts, mainly for the rich, and repeated again in 2017 was trickle down economics. That did not work but what did happen was $50 trillion transferred from the bottom 90% to the top 1%; a decrease in the middle class; marked decreases in competition; price gouging; choking out small businesses; an end to the most prosperous period of development America has seen: and wealth inequalities causing social unrest." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Taxes make society possible without such we will truly suffer. Health care, education, national defense and infrastructure are not free. If it is wanted and deemed a civic necessity then it needs to be paid for. We all should pay our fair share and the monies spent wisely for all of us. The problem is what is our fair share and can we agree on what to spend it on? I can say tax cuts for large businesses and the rich were not the answer. Taxes are the cost of a civil society not a burden to bear." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Campaign reform is absolutely necessary to protect our democracy. We need to protect of the people, for the people, and by the people not for or by the people of wealth." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations,unions, and individuals? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I could have answered this either way. Spending will increase in dollars when our economy increases; but should the percentage of our economy on defense increase? Doesn't that depend on the current situation and the threats to our national security? That is why the budget is voted upon year after year. It all depends on the current situation. We need more health care dollars, sustainable Medicare and Social Security, and better infrastructure for Americans at home and they are competing for the same dollars. We also need national security." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support increasing defense spending? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "After the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package passed through Congress with bipartisan support, Dr. Bob Lorinser committed to focusing on what the investment could do for the area. The federal funding will be the most significant single infusion into our country's infrastructure in over a decade. This investment is desperately needed to create family-sustaining jobs, advance careers, and help small businesses grow. We must upgrade crumbling infrastructure. Rep. Jack Bergman opposed the bipartisan agreement, which will ignite the economy and put money in working families' pockets and food on the table, all without raising taxes." (www.votedrbob.com)
  • Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I sent a member of my staff to the #RentIsTooHigh rally last week because it will require local, state, and federal cooperation to address our affordable housing crisis. I'm eager to help. The rent is too damn high." (x.com)
  • "Rent is too damn high. We need local, state, and federal solutions to the affordable housing crisis." (x.com)
  • "Without housing increases, inflation would be near 1%. Inflation (CPI) is currently at 3.1%, and housing accounts for more than two-thirds of it. This is a national crisis, and it's time to take action to make life affordable for hardworking Americans." (x.com)
  • "Housing costs and corporate greed are the most significant drivers of inflation. To eliminate disparities that destabilize the economy, we need to start prioritizing the needs of hardworking, middle-class people before inflating the pockets of the ultrawealthy." (x.com)
  • "It may be politically advantageous to my opponent, but instead of doing nothing while falsely blaming inflation on others, I expect both parties to come together and do something. People are suffering, and I intend to be a leader with actual solutions." (x.com)
  • "Since 1978, CEO pay is up almost 1,500%. Worker pay? 18%. Wages aren't driving inflation. Greed is." (x.com)
  • "The bigger problem regarding SCOTUS's student debt relief decision — education is grossly inequitable. The notion that the lower middle class can pull themselves up by their bootstraps and afford a similar education as my generation is not based in reality." (x.com)
  • "Until educational reform is addressed, I support targeted and equitable student loan relief to those who need the most help." (x.com)
  • "Voter suppression benefits no one. We may disagree with a voter's vote and be displeased with an election result. However, no one has a right to suppress votes or call our free and fair democratic election invalid. As we advance our union, we should ensure safe, secure, and fair elections are accessible to as many eligible voters as possible." (www.votedrbob.com)
  • "We must protect our elections from interference, dark money, partisan gerrymandering, and voter suppression. It also included compromised provisions clarifying state voter ID laws." (www.votedrbob.com)
  • "Environmental policies need to protect ecosystems and conserve natural resources. They also must stimulate economic growth, employment, affordable energy, and human rights. With better vision, leadership and innovative legislation, it can be done." (x.com)
  • "We must consider reliable and sustainable energy plans, not one or the other. We can protect the environment, prevent further climate change, keep America moving, and even improve the economy." (x.com)
  • Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Bob Lorinser supports the 2nd Amendment and recognizes the need to address gun violence as a public health issue. The debate should not be between gun control versus gun rights. We should discuss ways to work together to prevent gun violence and preserve the 2nd Amendment. This topic engenders strong emotions because so many Americans have been the victims of — or have lost loved ones to — gun violence. Furthermore, gun-rights advocates view firearm ownership as a fundamental American civil liberty." (www.votedrbob.com)
  • "I support practical, common-sense, nonpartisan solutions that are backed by science and data anti-gun violence legislation that doesn't violate the principles of our way of life and our constitution. Yes I support anti-gun violence legislation" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Bob believes healthcare — including dental, optical, mental health, reproductive, and palliative care — should be a fundamental human right. Dr. Bob seeks to wipe out all medical debt in the US, starting with collections to cancer patients. He has already passed a resolution with the Michigan Democratic Party to make it a priority. Next stop: Congress. The United States is the most developed nation in the world, yet we are one of a few top 50 countries where citizens face significant financial limitations in accessing quality care. Dr. Bob will lead Congress to pass Medicare for All." (www.votedrbob.com)
  • "Dr. Bob's #1 policy is to create a publicly financed non-profit, national health insurance program to fully cover all medical costs for every American citizen. His campaign is also one of the only Congressional campaigns in the Nation to embark upon the transformative journey to wipe out America's medical debt." (www.votedrbob.com)
  • "Paid leave not only reduces family financial stress; it's good for business because it increases retention and attracts a healthy, happy, loyal workforce." (x.com)
  • "The greatest ways we can repay our mothers for their unconditional love are through paid-family leave, family-sustaining wages, equal pay for equal work, healthcare, and childcare expansion. Happy Mother's Day to all. Let's fight for our mothers today and every day." (x.com)
  • "Drug prices are too damn high, but changes in prescription prices will save $238 billion over the next ten years. My opponent, Rep. Jack Bergman, opposed change, siding with Big Pharma. Bergman would force a diabetic to pay over $100 for a vial of insulin. It's indefensible." (x.com)
  • "No matter how effective and life-saving medicine is, it’s worthless to an American who can’t afford it. Costly prescriptions are a problem. Citizens hire Congress to fix problems. Simple. We need prescription drug reform." (x.com)
  • "Refusing to vote on a bipartisan bill for border security and immigration reform is party politicking standing in the way of problem solving. Jack Bergman, Speaker Johnson, and the Freedom Caucus wanted chaos on the border to use this for a wedge issue. They got it. Sad." (x.com)
  • "Rep. Bergman and Donald Trump derailed the strongest border security bill in US history. Their purpose was to create chaos at the border and in the political arena. Last night, they intentionally weaponized this wedge issue for political gain, but to the detriment of our nation." (x.com)
  • "We need bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform and border security, not a complete dismantling of our humanitarian principles." (x.com)
  • "A successfully reformed #immigration policy means increased economic growth, and resolving labor issues. Legal immigration is a net-benefit to government revenues. It also helps us lead the world through compassion and empathy to others in need." (x.com)
  • "We need bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform and border security, not a complete dismantling of our humanitarian principles." (x.com)
  • Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Rep. Bergman's silence about Ukraine on the two-year anniversary of the murderous Russian invasion is deafening. Speaker Johnson continues to resist a package that would help Ukraine, and Rep. Bergman isn't speaking out. That's not leadership. We need to take action before it's too late. Congressional members should have the courage and conviction to do the right thing, regardless of party politics. The consequences of not supporting Ukraine, both for the world and America, are too severe. We need to act now. Bergman should stand tall against our historical enemy, Russia, and work to prevent them from invading its peaceful neighbors and threatening us or our safety." (x.com)
  • "The free world demands Russia stand down or suffer severe consequences. I wish my State Dept. colleagues in Kyiv success with their diplomatic efforts. Russia must be held accountable for its aggressive actions near Ukraine." (x.com)
  • "Rep. Bergman's silence about Ukraine on the two-year anniversary of the murderous Russian invasion is deafening. Speaker Johnson continues to resist a package that would help Ukraine, and Rep. Bergman isn't speaking out. That's not leadership. We need to take action before it's too late. Congressional members should have the courage and conviction to do the right thing, regardless of party politics. The consequences of not supporting Ukraine, both for the world and America, are too severe. We need to act now. Bergman should stand tall against our historical enemy, Russia, and work to prevent them from invading its peaceful neighbors and threatening us or our safety." (x.com)
  • "The free world demands Russia stand down or suffer severe consequences. I wish my State Dept. colleagues in Kyiv success with their diplomatic efforts. Russia must be held accountable for its aggressive actions near Ukraine." (x.com)
  • "We cannot allow Putin’s act of aggression to become buried by the relentless news cycle. We must do what's right for humanitarianism, democratic principles, and world economic stability. Caving to aggression will prove even more costly." (x.com)
  • "Trump reversed his position on a TikTok ban right before a billionaire, who has invested $21 billion in TikTok, visited Mar-a-Lago with plans to host a fundraiser with each ticket priced at $10,000. Whatever you think about TikTok, corruption in politics is on full display. I'd like to see a comprehensive data security bill applied to all apps, but apparently National Security is up for sale." (x.com)
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?
I am an advocate of life and a proponent of choice, privacy, and individual liberty. I will support proven measures to reduce abortion Religious beliefs are the foundation of anti-abortion and my or your religious beliefs should not be the basis for the laws of our country. I can personally advocate for life and politically be pro-choice. These two positions are not mutually exclusive. In the end, the government should not serve as the decider on a woman's medical decisions or religious beliefs. If the goal is abortion prevention, making it illegal is ineffective. It only makes it more dangerous.
Yes Do you support expanding federal funding to support social safety net programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
Taxes make society possible without such we will truly suffer. Health care, education, national defense and infrastructure aren?t free. If it is wanted and deemed a civic necessity then it needs to be paid for. We all should pay our fair share and the monies spent wisely for all of us. The problem is what is our fair share and can we agree on what to spend it on? I can say tax cuts for large businesses and the rich weren?t the answer. Taxes are ?the cost of a civil society? not a burden to bear.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations,unions, and individuals?
Campaign reform is absolutely necessary to protect our democracy. We need to protect �of the people, for the people, and by the people� not for or by the people of wealth.
Yes Do you support the protection of government officials, including law enforcement officers, from personal liability in civil lawsuits concerning alleged misconduct?
Yes but not absolute immunity
Yes Do you support increasing defense spending?
I could have answered this either way. Spending will increase in dollars when our economy increases; but should the percentage of our economy on defense increase? Doesn't that depend on the current situation and the threats to our national security? That is why the budget is voted upon year after year. It all depends on the current situation. We need more health care dollars, sustainable Medicare and Social Security, and better infrastructure for Americans at home and they are competing for the same dollars. We also need national security.
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?
I can say tax cuts for large businesses and the rich aren't the answer. What was promised with the 1980 tax cuts, mainly for the rich, and repeated again in 2017 was ?trickle down? economics. That didn?t work but what did happen was $50 trillion transferred from the bottom 90% to the top 1%; a decrease in the middle class; marked decreases in competition; price gouging; choking out small businesses; an end to the most prosperous period of development America has seen: and wealth inequalities causing social unrest.
Yes Do you support the forgiveness of federal student loan debt?
Again--a difficult question, and one can answer it differently. Shouldn't every student graduate in each state have the ability to read and write? Shouldn't they be able to understand financing, civics, and more? What if several States disagree since they can't afford to provide what is needed for that student's success. Education is vital to America as its sole purpose is to prepare a better citizen and worker, both of which are critical to our nation's survival. So yes, depending on the federal standards I support.
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?
Doesn't it depend on the purpose, benefits, and harms of such? Should we have regulations to make food and water safe to eat and drink? I think so. How safe and to what extent is the question, isn't it. Overregulation means "too much? while under regulation means "not enough" The "right amount" protects consumers and the environment and isn't a burden from an out-of-control 'nanny state'. It will save lives and benefit Americans far more than it cost.
No Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
The question is inappropriately worded so I said no I support practical, common-sense, nonpartisan solutions that are backed by science and data anti-gun violence legislation that doesn't violate the principles of our way of life and our constitution. Yes I support anti-gun violence legislation
Do you support a government-run (single-payer) healthcare program, such as Medicare-for-All?
Do you support expanding paid family AND/OR medical leave opportunities?
Do you support lowering the cost of prescription drugs?
No Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Yes Do you support increasing security along the southern US border?
If the United States does indeed build a wall along its southern border and then monitors it effectively, it may succeed in curbing illegal immigration, but it will not end it. As long as life in the United States offers potential migrants more opportunities and fewer perceived dangers than in their home countries, illegal immigration will likely persist. The proposed wall on the U.S.-Mexico border?like all previous walls?should be viewed as a means to an end, rather than an end unto itself.
Do you support the U.S. providing increased offensive military aid to Ukraine?
Yes Do you support economic intervention as a means of resolving international conflicts?
Do you support raising taxes, on any income or on any entity, to promote economic growth?
No Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
It should be fair trade, not free trade. The benefits need to be win-win: for the exporter and the importer
Economic viability enables us to thrive from jobs with living wages - if an adult is working a full-time job, they should not have to rely on food stamps. Affordable and accessible healthcare, as no one should suffer the consequences of not being able to afford or access medical care providers or their hospitals. Environmental Protection--As our Native American colleagues tell us, our decisions today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future. Protection of our Democracy, voting rights, and individual freedoms, including the rights of all minorities. Women's rights

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