Michelle Lujan Grisham

Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Full Name:	Michelle Lujan Grisham
Office:	U.S. House (NM) - District 1, Democratic
First Elected:	11/06/2012
Next Election:	2014

Gender:	Female
Family:	Widow; 2 Children: Taylor, Erin
Birth Place:	Los Alamos, NM
Home City:	Sante Fe, NM

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Michelle Lujan Grisham refused to tell citizens where she stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2012 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart, national media, and prominent political leaders.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

In response to the increasing unwillingness of candidates to answer issue questions, Project Vote Smart has researched Presidential and Congressional candidates' public ecords to determine candidates' likely responses on certain key issues. These issue positions, from the year 2012, are provided below as a courtesy to voters.

Pro-choice		Abortion: Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
Vote Smart's Research Michelle Grisham. Issue Postion: Women's Rights. 1 January 2012. “Michelle is absolutely committed to supporting a woman's right to choose and will strongly oppose any move to limit access to that right.” (votesmart.org) Michelle Grisham. Issues. 17 February 2012. “The right to choose has been a fundamental right enjoyed by women for more than two generations. But today that right is more tenuous than it has ever been in the last four decades because of repeated attempts by this Congress to turn back the clock on women and families. Michelle is life-long supporter of women’s reproductive rights. She will stand strong against attacks on the right to choose, women’s health care, and Planned Parenthood.” (www.michellelujangrisham.com) Michelle Grisham. Facebook: Wall. 22 February 2012. "Today we recognize the anniversary of another landmark Supreme Court Decision. 39 years ago Roe v. Wade ensured that women are in control of their reproductive rights. So this year I ask that everyone who supports women's rights commit to volunteer, or make a donation to a non-profit that supports these rights." (www.facebook.com) Michelle Grisham. Facebook: Wall. 22 February 2012. “Today we recognize the anniversary of another landmark Supreme Court Decision. 39 years ago Roe v. Wade ensured that women are in control of their reproductive rights. So this year I ask that everyone who supports women's rights commit to volunteer, or make a donation to a non-profit that supports these rights.” (www.facebook.com) Michelle Grisham. Issue Postion: Women's Rights. 1 January 2012. "Michelle is absolutely committed to supporting a woman's right to choose and will strongly oppose any move to limit access to that right." (votesmart.org) National Women's Political Caucus. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. National Women's Political Caucus endorsed Michelle Lujan Grisham in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org) Michelle Grisham. Issues. 17 February 2012. "The right to choose has been a fundamental right enjoyed by women for more than two generations. But today that right is more tenuous than it has ever been in the last four decades because of repeated attempts by this Congress to turn back the clock on women and families. Michelle is life-long supporter of women's reproductive rights. She will stand strong against attacks on the right to choose, women's health care, and Planned Parenthood." (www.michellelujangrisham.com)
No		Afghanistan: Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan?
Vote Smart's Research Michelle Grisham. Shootings in Afghanistan Stir Debate. 15 March 2012. "I call on the president to pursue an accelerated withdrawal consistent with the safety of our troops on the ground." (www.abqjournal.com) Michelle Grisham. Shootings in Afghanistan Stir Debate. 15 March 2012. “I call on the president to pursue an accelerated withdrawal consistent with the safety of our troops on the ground.” (www.abqjournal.com)
Unknown Position		Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
Vote Smart's Research Women's Action for New Directions (WAND) and-WILL. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Women's Action for New Directions (WAND) and-WILL endorsed Michelle Lujan Grisham in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org)
Yes		Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Vote Smart's Research Michelle Grisham. Issues. 17 February 2012. “The federal government is going to have to start doing more with less but it must also demand more from those who have prospered over the last decade while so many New Mexicans have fallen behind. Through a combination of cutting wasteful spending, weeding out fraud in government programs, and revenue enhancements like ending the Bush tax cuts for millionaires and subsidies for Big Oil, we can restore fiscal sanity to Washington.” (www.michellelujangrisham.com) Michelle Grisham. 1st District candidates talk about federal debt. 24 May 2012. "People are struggling. We must put regular people ahead of corporate special interests. Passing the Buffet Rule into law and making millionaires pay at least 30 percent of their wealth in tax is a first step." (www.nmpolitics.net) Michelle Grisham. Issues. 17 February 2012. "The federal government is going to have to start doing more with less but it must also demand more from those who have prospered over the last decade while so many New Mexicans have fallen behind. Through a combination of cutting wasteful spending, weeding out fraud in government programs, and revenue enhancements like ending the Bush tax cuts for millionaires and subsidies for Big Oil, we can restore fiscal sanity to Washington." (www.michellelujangrisham.com) Michelle Grisham. Video: A Voice for Change. 27 March 2012. “How about if the rich pay their fair share of taxes. How about if we take out the loopholes that protect big oil companies and protect folks like Mitt Romney not to pay their fair share." (youtu.be) Michelle Grisham. 1st District candidates talk about federal debt. 24 May 2012. “People are struggling. We must put regular people ahead of corporate special interests. Passing the Buffet Rule into law and making millionaires pay at least 30 percent of their wealth in tax is a first step.” (www.nmpolitics.net) Michelle Grisham. Video: A Voice for Change. 27 March 2012. "How about if the rich pay their fair share of taxes. How about if we take out the loopholes that protect big oil companies and protect folks like Mitt Romney not to pay their fair share." (youtu.be)
Yes		Economy: Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Vote Smart's Research Michelle Grisham. Media: Michelle Lujan Grisham Applauds President's Stance on High-Tech Jobs and Manufacturing in State of the Union. 21 February 2012. "The nation's economy is hurting and New Mexico can't afford to fall behind. There is a Republican Party establishment in Washington that continues to block real plans for job creation, and puts ideology before problem solving, as evidenced by the Republican response." (www.michellelujangrisham.com) Michelle Grisham. Issues. 21 February 2012. “By investing in critical infrastructure, she believes we are investing in New Mexico’s middle class. From roads, bridges and schools to broadband for all New Mexicans to renewable energy, Congress can take the lead in setting priorities, incentivizing entrepreneurs, and getting people back to work. With smart, targeted investments, we can build the foundation for tomorrow’s prosperity today.” (www.michellelujangrisham.com) Michelle Grisham. Media: Michelle Lujan Grisham Applauds President's Stance on High-Tech Jobs and Manufacturing in State of the Union. 21 February 2012. “The nation’s economy is hurting and New Mexico can’t afford to fall behind. There is a Republican Party establishment in Washington that continues to block real plans for job creation, and puts ideology before problem solving, as evidenced by the Republican response.” (www.michellelujangrisham.com) Michelle Grisham. Issues. 21 February 2012. "By investing in critical infrastructure, she believes we are investing in New Mexico's middle class. From roads, bridges and schools to broadband for all New Mexicans to renewable energy, Congress can take the lead in setting priorities, incentivizing entrepreneurs, and getting people back to work. With smart, targeted investments, we can build the foundation for tomorrow's prosperity today." (www.michellelujangrisham.com)
Yes		Economy: Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?
Vote Smart's Research Michelle Grisham. Issues. 17 February 2012. "In Congress, Michelle will do and be an advocate for the following: Work with small businesses to provide incentives for creating new jobs." (www.michellelujangrisham.com) Adriana Maestas. Politic365: Lujan Grisham Battles for New Mexico's 1st CD. 5 June 2012. "With the economy lagging, Lujan Grisham took the opportunity to explain how she would create jobs for the people in her district if she is elected in November [¦] 'Second, I would make sure that we are incentivizing small businesses to employ people. This can be done with tax breaks.'" (politic365.com) Adriana Maestas. Politic365: Lujan Grisham Battles for New Mexico’s 1st CD. 5 June 2012. “Second, I would make sure that we are incentivizing small businesses to employ people. This can be done with tax breaks.” (politic365.com) Michelle Grisham. Issues. 17 February 2012. “In Congress, Michelle will do and be an advocate for the following: Work with small businesses to provide incentives for creating new jobs.” (www.michellelujangrisham.com)
Unknown Position		Education: Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
Vote Smart's Research Michelle Lujan Grisham. Latino Sustainability Institute: 2012 Questionnaire for Congressional Candidates. Responded, “In regard to education, we must engage families and empower communities to address the needs of students holistically. We cannot effectively meet the educational needs of children unless we also address the socioeconomic issues of poverty and health. I will continue to highlight the need to address the achievement gap but with more focus on a “whole child” approach to education and direct funding to development of the next generation of testing that is multi-faceted and holistic in approach,” to the question: “What are the top issues that affect New Mexicans and how do you plan to address those issues?” (latinosustainability.org) Michelle Grisham. Issue Position: Education. 20 February 2012. “Teachers and schools must be supported and not subjected to unfunded or underfunded mandates.” (votesmart.org) Michelle Grisham. Issues. 17 February 2012. “In Congress, [Michelle Grisham] will work hard to support our public schools and expand educational opportunities for lifelong learning. By making this investment in education and enrolling more New Mexicans in our colleges, universities, and technical schools, New Mexico will be able to continue to have a workforce that makes our wonderful state competitive in keeping and bringing in new businesses and industries.” (www.michellelujangrisham.com) Michelle Grisham. Issues. 17 February 2012. "Michelle knows how critical education is to creating a strong economy and preparing our children for the future [¦] In Congress, she will work hard to support our public schools and expand educational opportunities for lifelong learning. By making this investment in education and enrolling more New Mexicans in our colleges, universities, and technical schools, New Mexico will be able to continue to have a workforce that makes our wonderful state competitive in keeping and bringing in new businesses and industries." (www.michellelujangrisham.com) Michelle Grisham. Issue Position: Education. 20 February 2012. "Teachers and schools must be supported and not subjected to unfunded or underfunded mandates." (votesmart.org)
Unknown Position		Energy: Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?
Vote Smart's Research Despite exhaustive research, Project Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
Yes		Environment: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Vote Smart's Research Michelle Grisham. Facebook: Wall. 22 April 2012. “In Congress, I will be a fighter for our environment, leading the way for clean water, clean air and our land. I will end the gridlock in Washington and stand up to corporate polluters who need to do more to reduce greenhouse gas.” (www.facebook.com) Michelle Grisham. Issue Position: Environment. 1 January 2012. "Michelle has the experience and energy to end the gridlock in Washington and stand up to corporate polluters who need to do more to reduce greenhouse gas [¦] She will also be a strong advocate for environmental concerns that affect the public health of our citizens." (votesmart.org) Michelle Grisham. Facebook: Wall. 22 April 2012. "In Congress, I will be a fighter for our environment, leading the way for clean water, clean air and our land. I will end the gridlock in Washington and stand up to corporate polluters who need to do more to reduce greenhouse gas." (www.facebook.com) Michelle Grisham. Issue Position: Environment. 1 January 2012. “Michelle has the experience and energy to end the gridlock in Washington and stand up to corporate polluters who need to do more to reduce greenhouse gas […] She will also be a strong advocate for environmental concerns that affect the public health of our citizens.” (votesmart.org)
Yes		Guns: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
Vote Smart's Research Michelle Grisham. 2012 New Mexico Sportsman's Questionnaire. Responded "Like President Obama, I believe in the Second Amendment. It gives Americans the right to bear arms for their protection and safety, for hunting and other uses. Enforcing the gun laws protects responsible gun owners and other Americans from those criminals who put all people at risk." to the question: "What does the Second Amendment mean to you?" (www.nmwildlife.org) Michelle Grisham. 2012 New Mexico Sportsman's Questionnaire. Responded “Like President Obama, I believe in the Second Amendment. It gives Americans the right to bear arms for their protection and safety, for hunting and other uses. Enforcing the gun laws protects responsible gun owners and other Americans from those criminals who put all people at risk.” to the question: “What does the Second Amendment mean to you?” (www.nmwildlife.org)
No		Health Care: Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
Vote Smart's Research Michelle Grisham. Issue Position: Remembering Our Fallen Soldiers on Memorial Day. 28 May 2012. "It is shameful that thousands of New Mexico veterans and their families do not have access to health care. Even more veterans delay medical care because of the cost. The Affordable Care Act is a step in the right direction. When I get to Congress, I will make veterans a priority." (votesmart.org) Michelle Grisham. Issue Position: Health Care. 17 February 2012. "Universal access to affordable health care should be a right, not a privilege, in our country. It is shameful that 45 million Americans, including 400,000 New Mexicans, go without health insurance. Many of them are children - the most vulnerable among us. At the same time, insurance and pharmaceutical industry profits continue to reach new heights. My first priority in Congress will be to pass legislation giving all Americans access to quality affordable health care." (www.votesmart.org) Michelle Grisham. Issue Position: Remembering Our Fallen Soldiers on Memorial Day. 28 May 2012. “It is shameful that thousands of New Mexico veterans and their families do not have access to health care. Even more veterans delay medical care because of the cost. The Affordable Care Act is a step in the right direction. When I get to Congress, I will make veterans a priority.” (votesmart.org) Michelle Grisham. Issue Position: Health Care. 17 February 2012. “Universal access to affordable health care should be a right, not a privilege, in our country. It is shameful that 45 million Americans, including 400,000 New Mexicans, go without health insurance. Many of them are children - the most vulnerable among us. At the same time, insurance and pharmaceutical industry profits continue to reach new heights. My first priority in Congress will be to pass legislation giving all Americans access to quality affordable health care.” (www.votesmart.org)
No		Immigration: Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Vote Smart's Research Michelle Grisham. Video: First Congressional Debate Part 6. 19 May 2012. "We've got to just tackle this problem head on, which means creating a pathway to citizenship, so that we pay our fines, and our taxes, so that children who have been here their whole lives, who are serving this country and going to college, that they have an opportunity to gain legal citizenship." [2:52]. (www.koat.com) Michelle Grisham. Facebook: Wall. 25 June 2012. "When I get to Washington, I will be a leader and make it a priority to pass the DREAM Act and a comprehensive immigration plan that reflects our nation's values, protects our borders and deals realistically with the immigrant families who are already living here, working here and paying taxes here." (www.facebook.com) Michelle Grisham. Facebook: Wall. 25 June 2012. “When I get to Washington, I will be a leader and make it a priority to pass the DREAM Act and a comprehensive immigration plan that reflects our nation’s values, protects our borders and deals realistically with the immigrant families who are already living here, working here and paying taxes here.” (www.facebook.com) Michelle Grisham. Video: First Congressional Debate Part 6. 19 May 2012. “We've got to just tackle this problem head on, which means creating a pathway to citizenship, so that we pay our fines, and our taxes, so that children who have been here their whole lives, who are serving this country and going to college, that they have an opportunity to gain legal citizenship." [2:52]. (www.koat.com)
Yes		Marriage: Do you support same-sex marriage?
Vote Smart's Research Michelle Grisham. Facebook: Wall. 2 June 2012. Responded, "Yes" to the question: "About to vote, are you for marriage equality?" (www.facebook.com) Michelle Grisham. Facebook: Wall. 9 May 2012. "I'm so happy to see President Obama fully support marriage equality. My parents raised me to fight for social justice, and I know from a lifetime of experience that it takes leadership to end discrimination. This is a great day for my friends and supporters in the LGBT community who continue to fight for true equality." (www.facebook.com) Michelle Grisham. Facebook: Wall. 28 January 2012. "In response to the news stories that New Mexico State Rep. David Chavez (R) introduced a proposed constitutional amendment which would define marriage as a heterosexual union. We have launched a petition to ask him to focus on all the challeges we face in New Mexico and withdraw this bill." (www.facebook.com) Michelle Grisham. Facebook: Wall. 2 June 2012. Responded, “Yes” to the question: “About to vote, are you for marriage equality?” (www.facebook.com) Michelle Grisham. Facebook: Wall. 9 May 2012. “I'm so happy to see President Obama fully support marriage equality. My parents raised me to fight for social justice, and I know from a lifetime of experience that it takes leadership to end discrimination. This is a great day for my friends and supporters in the LGBT community who continue to fight for true equality.” (www.facebook.com) Michelle Grisham. Facebook: Wall. 28 January 2012. “In response to the news stories that New Mexico State Rep. David Chavez (R) introduced a proposed constitutional amendment which would define marriage as a heterosexual union. We have launched a petition to ask him to focus on all the challeges we face in New Mexico and withdraw this bill.” (www.facebook.com)
Yes		National Security: Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
Vote Smart's Research Michael Coleman. Albuquerque Journal: Al-Awlaki killing: What the candidates say. 6 October 2011. "Michelle Lujan Grisham, Bernalillo County commissioner: 'I believe the due process rights of every American must be respected as such rights are the cornerstone of our individual liberty. Al-Awlaki, however, was a war combatant who plotted repeatedly to attack and kill Americans. We were right to target him.'' (www.abqjournal.com) Michael Coleman. Albuquerque Journal: Al-Awlaki killing: What the candidates say. 6 October 2011. “In response to a Journal question, here is what New Mexico candidates for U.S. Senate and the 1st Congressional District in 2012 had to say about the legality of the U.S. drone strike last week that killed New Mexico-born terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki in Yemen. […] Michelle Lujan Grisham, Bernalillo County commissioner: 'I believe the due process rights of every American must be respected as such rights are the cornerstone of our individual liberty. Al-Awlaki, however, was a war combatant who plotted repeatedly to attack and kill Americans. We were right to target him.'' (www.abqjournal.com)
No		Social Security: Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?
Vote Smart's Research Michelle Grisham. Video: A Voice for Change. 27 March 2012. "What if we instead invest that money in preventing Medicare from becoming a voucher program and allowing the Republicans to privatize social security." (youtu.be) Michelle Grisham. Facebook: About. 29 June 2012. "She will stand fast to protect and improve Social Security and Medicare to make sure America never breaks its promise to our citizens." (www.facebook.com) Michelle Grisham. Issues. 17 February 2012. "Michelle strongly opposes any effort to privatize Social Security and Medicare and believes we must ensure the solvency of these programs for the next generation without raising the retirement age or affecting benefit levels for current recipients." (www.michellelujangrisham.com) Michelle Grisham. Facebook: About. 29 June 2012. “She will stand fast to protect and improve Social Security and Medicare to make sure America never breaks its promise to our citizens.” (www.facebook.com) Michelle Grisham. Video: A Voice for Change. 27 March 2012. “What if we instead invest that money in preventing Medicare from becoming a voucher program and allowing the Republicans to privatize social security." (youtu.be) Michelle Grisham signed Progressive Change Campaign Committee: Social Security Protectors. "Social Security belongs to the people who have worked hard all their lives and contributed to it. Social Security is a promise that must not be broken. We need to strengthen Social Security, not cut it. That is why I oppose any cuts to Social Security benefits, including increasing the retirement age. I also oppose any effort to privatize Social Security, in whole or in part." (socialsecurityprotectors.com) Michelle Grisham. Issues. 17 February 2012. “Michelle strongly opposes any effort to privatize Social Security and Medicare and believes we must ensure the solvency of these programs for the next generation without raising the retirement age or affecting benefit levels for current recipients.” (www.michellelujangrisham.com)

Key

: Official Position: Candidate had the Political Courage to address this issue directly.
: Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue directly, but Project Vote Smart inferred this issue position based on the candidate's public statements, voting record, and evaluations from special interest groups.
: Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue.
: Project Vote Smart's Research: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position.

Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as the candidate has submitted it. Project Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

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