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Mike Benoit'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.

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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 2012.

  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "j) Should the United States increase military support for Afghanistan?" Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding international policy. Other or expanded principles: "Immediate withdrawal in an orderly fashion. First from police duties and finally from the country."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "j) Should the United States increase military support for Afghanistan?" Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding international policy. Other or expanded principles: "The United States should allow its citizens to privately support and help these countries and their people."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "e) Should the United States increase military support to Afghanistan?"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "b) Do you support increasing military assistance for Afghanistan?"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "a) Do you support United States military action in Afghanistan?"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Medium Priority" for: "Indicate your priorities for spending any anticipated federal budget surplus. a) Defense" Indicate your priorities for spending any anticipated federal budget surplus. Other or expanded principles: "Plan to cut Federal Government to constitutional limits. "
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Decrease" for: "Using the key, indicate what federal funding levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category. c) Defense" Budget Priorities Other or expanded principles: "Eliminate forced socialism"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Decrease" for: "c) Defense" Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once. Other or expanded principles: "Eliminate all unconstitutional spending."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Greatly Decrease" for: "Using the key, indicate what federal funding levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category, you can use a number more than once. [?] c) Defense" Budget Priorities Other or expanded principles: "any unconstitution program"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Decrease" for: "Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category, you can use a number more than once. c) Defense" 1) Budget Priorities Other or expanded principles: "Most issues with an "Eliminate Funding" are State Issues, no Federal."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Slightly Decrease" for: "Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once. c) Defense" Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once. Other or expanded principles: "Eliminate all unconstitutional spending."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "5) Do you support making President Bush's tax cuts permanent?" Budgetary, Spending, and Taxes, Part 3: Taxes (B) Other or expanded principles: "The idea that we have to have DC do what we can & should do within the states is simply a failed idea."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "5) Do you support making President Bush's tax cuts permanent?" Budgetary, Spending, and Taxes, Part 3: Taxes (B) Other or expanded principles: "I would work to Eliminate all Pork Barrel spending and all Federal Domestic spending."
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "5) Do you support using government funds in an effort to stimulate and improve the economy?" Budget, Spending, and Tax Issues Other or expanded principles: "Cut the funding to the beast"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Provide tax credits for companies that move job-creating industries into areas with high unemployment."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support the federal government funding universal pre-K programs."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "l) Eliminate restrictions on federal education funding, giving educators or local school districts more flexibility to design and implement their programs."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards and testing of public school students."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "b) Do you support federal funding for universal pre-K programs?" Education Issues Other or expanded principles: "Not a function of the federal government"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "j) Support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students (No Child Left Behind)."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Eliminate" for: "Using the key, indicate what federal funding levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category. d) Education" Budget Priorities Other or expanded principles: "Eliminate forced socialism"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "c) Do you support federal funding for charter schools?" Education Issues Other or expanded principles: "Not a function of the federal government"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards for and testing of public school students."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Eliminate" for: "Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category, you can use a number more than once. d) Education" 1) Budget Priorities Other or expanded principles: "Most issues with an "Eliminate Funding" are State Issues, no Federal."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Eliminate" for: "d) Education" Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once. Other or expanded principles: "Eliminate all unconstitutional spending."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Promote education flexibility by giving federal funds, in the form of block grants, to the states to spend it as they see fit."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "i) Eliminate restrictions on federal education funding, giving educators or local school districts more flexibility to design and implement their programs." Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning education. Other or expanded principles: "Get the Federal Government out of the issue."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "a) Do you support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students?" Education Issues Other or expanded principles: "Not a function of the federal government"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "k) Eliminate all federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students (No Child Left Behind)."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Eliminate" for: "Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once. d) Education" Indicate what federal funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category- you can use a number more than once. Other or expanded principles: "Eliminate all unconstitutional spending."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Eliminate" for: "Using the key, indicate what federal funding levels you support for the following general categories. Select one number per category, you can use a number more than once. [?] d) Education" Budget Priorities Other or expanded principles: "any unconstitution program"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards and testing of public school students."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Support national standards for and testing of public school students."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "j) Providing education is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "d) Do you support federal funding for K-12 school vouchers?" Education Issues Other or expanded principles: "Not a function of the federal government"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "i) Support opening a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy. Other or expanded principles: "Lift hurtful government Regulations"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "e) Do you support domestic oil exploration in federally-protected areas?" Environment and Energy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Government is the biggest polluter."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Support increased development of traditional energy resources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Support increased development of traditional energy resources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Support increased development of traditional energy resources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Support domestic oil exploration in areas that are currently restricted."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "c) Support opening a select portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding America's environment and natural resources. Other or expanded principles: "State jurisdiction."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "h) Support opening a select portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil exploration."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "l) Allow energy producers to trade pollution credits."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "c) Reduce government regulation of the private sector in order to encourage investment and economic expansion." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding employment and affirmative action. Other or expanded principles: "The federal govenment needs to remove itself from these issue the states control domestic affairs"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "a) Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?" Environment and Energy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Government is the biggest polluter."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Support the U.S. re-entering the current Kyoto treaty process to limit global warming."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "j) Allow energy producers to trade pollution credits under "cap and trade" laws."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Strengthen emission controls and fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "d) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "d) Do you support strengthening fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles?" Environment and Energy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Government is the biggest polluter."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "b) Do you support international emissions targets aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?" Environment and Energy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Government is the biggest polluter."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "c) Do you support allowing energy producers to trade carbon credits under a "cap and trade" system?" Environment and Energy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Government is the biggest polluter."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "j) Reduce current federal regulations on the environment." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding America's environment and natural resources. Other or expanded principles: "Predominantly a state delegated power. "
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "k) Allow energy producers to trade pollution credits."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Support Clear Skies Act to reduce power plant emissions by setting a national cap on pollutants."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Air Act."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "l) Support the U.S. re-entering the Kyoto treaty process to limit global warming."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "m) Support the Kyoto Protocol to limit global warming."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "h) Promote the selling of pollution credits between nations to encourage industries to decrease pollution levels."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "h) Strengthen emission controls and fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Allow individuals to carry concealed guns."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Ban the sale, ownership or possession of handguns except by law enforcement and other government officials."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding guns. Other or expanded principles: "Repeal All Fed Gun Laws"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns." Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues. Other or expanded principles: "Respect the second amendment. "
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "j) Require background checks of gun buyers at gun shows."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "k) Require a license for gun possession."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Maintain and strengthen the current level of enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Reauthorize the ban on the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Renew the ban on the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "d) Do you support a ban on assault rifles?" Gun Issues Other or expanded principles: "Protected under the Rights to Life, Liberty, Pursuit of happiness."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "b) Do you believe that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of individual citizens to own guns?" Gun Issues Other or expanded principles: "Protected under the Rights to Life, Liberty, Pursuit of happiness."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns." Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues. Other or expanded principles: "Stop government from infringement on this right."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding guns. Other or expanded principles: "Repeal All Fed Gun Laws"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "i) Raise the minimum age for ownership of handguns from 18 to 21."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "h) Require a license for gun possession."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns." Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues. Other or expanded principles: "Stop government from infringement on this right."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "c) Do you support allowing individuals to carry concealed guns?" Gun Issues Other or expanded principles: "Protected under the Rights to Life, Liberty, Pursuit of happiness."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding guns. Other or expanded principles: "Respect The Constitution & the second amendment"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns." Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues. Other or expanded principles: "Respect the second amendment. "
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "i) Raise the minimum age for ownership of handguns from 18 to 21."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "h) Require a license for gun possession."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Require a license for gun possession."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "d) Repeal federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding guns. Other or expanded principles: "Respect The Constitution & the second amendment"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "a) Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?" Gun Issues Other or expanded principles: "Protected under the Rights to Life, Liberty, Pursuit of happiness."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Maintain and strengthen the current level of enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "c) Ease federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing federal restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Providing healthcare is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Providing health care is not a responsibility of the federal government." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health care. Other or expanded principles: "This is not Governments job (d) Federal suits only"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Providing health care is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "b) Do you support expanding access to health care through commercial health insurance reform?" Health Issues Other or expanded principles: "Governments programs have made a mess of health care"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Providing health care is not a responsibility of the federal government."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Implement a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Implement a universal healthcare program to guarantee coverage to all Americans, regardless of income."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "a) Do you support a publicly-administered health insurance option?" Health Issues Other or expanded principles: "Governments programs have made a mess of health care"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "a) Providing health care is not a responsibility of the federal government." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health issues. Other or expanded principles: "The Federal government ruins health by taxing people into broken backs."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Support amnesty for illegal immigrants already working in the United States."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "e) Support amnesty for certain illegal immigrants who already reside in the United States."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "g) Illegal immigrants should be given a pathway to citizenship."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Prohibit states from passing laws that deny human services (medical care, education) to illegal immigrants or their children."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "a) Do you support a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants?" Immigration Issues Other or expanded principles: "Pathway would cost quite a bit."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "e) Support amnesty for illegal immigrants already working in the United States."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "d) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?" Immigration Issues Other or expanded principles: "Pathway would cost quite a bit."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "f) Grant U.S. citizenship to children born in the US only if their parents immigrated legally."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "f) Illegal immigrants should have to return to their countries of origin before being considered for citizenship." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding immigration. Other or expanded principles: "An orderly system to allow assimilation."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Checked SUPPORT for: "g) Allow legalization for certain illegal immigrants working in the U.S." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding immigration. Other or expanded principles: "An orderly system to allow assimilation."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "b) Do you support a federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman?"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "i) Do you support a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union between a man and woman?" Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform. Other or expanded principles: "I believe Marriage is no business of the state"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "k) Should marriage be restricted to a union only between a man and a woman?" Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform. Other or expanded principles: "Government should not tell us how to live"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "j) Should same-sex couples be allowed to form civil unions?" Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding campaign finance and government reform. Other or expanded principles: "Government should not tell us how to live"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "f) Do you support a policy of pre-emptive strikes against countries deemed to be a threat to national security?"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "e) Do you support pre-emptive military strikes against countries deemed to be a threat to United States national security?" Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding national security. Other or expanded principles: "Pre-emptive strikes should only be used upon a declaration of war."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "d) Should the United States continue to strike suspected terrorist targets in Pakistan?"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which they manage themselves."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which they manage themselves."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts managed by private firms contracted by the government."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which they manage themselves."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2006 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts managed by private firms contracted by the government."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2010 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "a) Do you support privatizing elements of Social Security?" Business and Employment Issues Other or expanded principles: "Secure dependent seniors and free up Future generations."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2002 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts which they manage themselves."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2004 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts managed by private firms contracted by the government."
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2008 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "X" for: "a) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts that they manage themselves." Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding Social Security. Other or expanded principles: "Secure those who are dependent on social securoty and free those who wish to leave the system"
  • Mike Benoit. Project Vote Smart: 2000 California Congressional Political Courage Test. Did Not Check SUPPORT for: "b) Allow workers to invest a portion of their payroll tax in private accounts managed by private firms contracted by the government."
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.
Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
I don't Like This False dichotomy. I FavorR Personal Responsibilty & Reducing abortions by one million per year.
No Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan?
Yes Do you support a timetable for withdrawal from Afghanistan?
Leave now

Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing the federal budget.In order to balance the budget,

Yes do you support reducing defense spending?
No do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Yes do you support reducing Medicaid spending?
Yes do you support reducing Medicare spending?
Yes Is balancing the budget a legislative priority?
Take the Fraud out of medicare & medicaid Block grant medicaid to the stats
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
INDIVIDuals should be able to give what they want
Yes Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
at state level
No Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
No Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
No Do you support spending on infrastructure projects for the purpose of job creation?
No Do you support the temporary extension of unemployment benefits?
Yes Do you support the 2010 temporary extension of tax relief?
The Federal Government is more the problem than solution
No Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
I support the Federal Government To stay out of Education
Yes Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?
Legalize Hemp Oil For Diesel fuel
No Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
No Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
No Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
Yes Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
No Should individuals be required to purchase health insurance, as mandated in the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
Yes Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Do you support allowing illegal immigrants, who were brought to the United States as minors, to pursue citizenship without returning to their country of origin?
No Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration law by state and local police?
[Do you support allowing illegal immigrants, who were brought to the United States as minors, to pursue citizenship without returning to their country of origin?]: Depends stop all social benefits to illegals
No Do you support same-sex marriage?
Govenment should stay out of this issue
No Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
No Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon?
Let Israel deal with IRan
Yes Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?

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.

Eliminate a) Agriculture
Eliminate b) Arts
Slightly Decrease c) Defense
Eliminate d) Education
Slightly Decrease e) Environment
Eliminate f) Homeland Security
Eliminate g) International aid
Eliminate h) Medical Research
Eliminate i) Scientific Research
Eliminate j) Space exploration
Eliminate k) United Nations
Eliminate l) Welfare
m) Other or expanded categories
Eliminate a) Capital gains taxes
Slightly Decrease b) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status c) Excise taxes (alcohol)
Maintain Status d) Excise taxes (cigarettes)
Maintain Status e) Excise taxes (transportation fuel)
Eliminate f) Income taxes (low-income families)
Eliminate g) Income taxes (middle-income families)
Eliminate h) Income taxes (high-income families)
Eliminate i) Inheritance taxes
Eliminate j) Payroll taxes
Socialism needs to be phased out
Please explain in a total of 100 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.

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