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John Dalen's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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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.

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Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Due to a later filing deadline or other circumstances delaying entry into our database, John Dalen did not receive the 2012 Political Courage Test.

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 2012.

  • Sarita. Skirt! Magazine: I will not Compromise. 31 October 2010. "I'd like to help young people ... and steer them away from abortion and help them have that baby [...]I don't like to see it happen [¦] I think it's bad for the women." (greenville.skirt.com)
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "e) Should federal subsidies be prohibited from being used for abortion procedures?" Abortion Issues Other or expanded principles: "Questions b, c and d above are best answered by quoting from the Constitution Party platform: Any legalization of the termination of innocent life of the born or unborn is a direct violation of our unalienable right to life. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Pro-life" for: "a) Do you consider yourself pro-choice or pro-life?" Abortion Issues Other or expanded principles: "Questions b, c and d above are best answered by quoting from the Constitution Party platform: Any legalization of the termination of innocent life of the born or unborn is a direct violation of our unalienable right to life. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2012 South Carolina State Legislative Political Courage Test. Selected PRO-LIFE for: "a) Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?"
  • Sarita. Skirt! Magazine: I will not Compromise. 31 October 2010. "I'd like to help young people ... and steer them away from abortion and help them have that baby [¦] I don't like to see it happen [¦] I think it's bad for the women." (greenville.skirt.com)
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "a) Do you support United States military action in Afghanistan?" International Policy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Please visit our website and read the sections of the Constitution Party platform under defense, foreign policy, foreign aid, terrorism and personal liberty, etc. A quote by Thomas Jefferson: "I deem [one of] the essential principles of our government and consequently [one] which ought to shape its administration . . . peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none." "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "b) Do you support increasing military assistance for Afghanistan?" International Policy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Please visit our website and read the sections of the Constitution Party platform under defense, foreign policy, foreign aid, terrorism and personal liberty, etc. A quote by Thomas Jefferson: "I deem [one of] the essential principles of our government and consequently [one] which ought to shape its administration . . . peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none." "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Maintain Status" 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: "As a Constitution Party candidate, I am working toward a limited constitutional government. The primary purpose of the federal government is to provide for the national defense, protect property, and regulate commerce between the states, providing a level playing field under the rule of law. All other current activities of the federal government should be returned to the individual states to fund or promote as they see fit. Tax monies should be collected for proper constitutional duties only. This election is about choosing socialism or capitalism, Republic or democracy and state authority/responsibility. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Maintain Status" 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: "As a Constitution Party candidate, I am working toward a limited constitutional government. The primary purpose of the federal government is to provide for the national defense, protect property, and regulate commerce between the states, providing a level playing field under the rule of law. All other current activities of the federal government should be returned to the individual states to fund or promote as they see fit. Tax monies should be collected for proper constitutional duties only. This election is about choosing socialism or capitalism, Republic or democracy and state authority/responsibility. "
  • Anna Simon. The Greenville News: 3rd District candidates differ on tax cuts. 2 October 2012. "Dalen, who wants to repeal the income tax entirely, said he'd vote to extend all of the tax cuts. 'I'm always for tax cuts,' and in this case, it's a critical issue for small businesses, he said. 'They're talking about not extending the tax cuts for people who make over $200,000, and that includes a lot of small business. Small business is the job creation engine of this country, and if you keep taxing them they aren't going to create the jobs we need,' Dalen said." (janedyerforcongress.com)
  • John Dalen. Issue Position: End Income Tax and Balance the Budget. 1 January 2010. "The government takes money from those that produce via the income tax and redistributes the money through entitlements and welfare to those who do not produce. It is that simple, and is clearly not a function of the government and is clearly unconstitutional." (votesmart.org)
  • John Dalen. Opening Statement of John Dalen, Candidate for SC House District 1. 18 May 2012. "Regarding taxes and spending, I'd like to see a Fair Tax. A Fair Tax is a sales tax. It would eliminate most other taxes, including individual and corporate income taxes. By simplifying the payment and collection of taxes, we would free up businesses and individuals from a burdensome, cumbersome, and complex system that stifles innovation, job creation, and economic growth." (johndalenforschouse.com)
  • John Dalen. Video: Commitment 2012: 3rd District Congressional Candidates. 4 October 2010. "Definitely want to get rid of taxes. The tax system is an unconstitutional tax system. It's not authorized by the constitution, and it's really just a method to redistribute the wealth and we don't need it. We don't need to replace it with another tax. We just need to eliminate it." (youtube)
  • John Dalen. Video: WYFF Hosts Congressional Debate. 5 October 2012. "I talk to people about eliminating the income tax and they look at me like I'm from Mars or something [¦] If we could get that and return the federal government to its proper role, jobs will come and we will have prosperity in America and prosperity in South Carolina." (youtu.be)
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina 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: "Our Constitution clearly spells out the manner in which our government is to be funded through limited forms of taxation. Article 1 Section 8 of the Constitution states that Congress shall have power to collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts, and Excises. These are limited in scope and application. Our government has overstepped its Constititutional boundaries in this area. It's been said that the power to tax is the power to destroy. It's time to return to limited taxation which in turn will help to reign in out-of-control government spending. "
  • John Dalen. Closing Statement of John Dalen, Candidate for SC House District 1. 18 May 2012. "Promoting the free market is the best method for creating jobs and prosperity for all. The marketplace and business owners need stability. They need the opportunity to plan their investments for the long term without uncertainty. Legislators change the rules for the benefit of some at the expense of others in order to manage the economy -- which is the purpose of government according to socialism." (johndalenforschouse.com)
  • Anna Simon. The Greenville News: 3rd District Candidates Discuss Debt, Campaign Finances at Forum. 8 October 2010 "We can pay this debt off, but only if we stop spending now and use constitutional tactics to do it." (janedyerforcongress.com)
  • John Dalen. Opening Statement of John Dalen, Candidate for SC House District 1. 18 May 2012. "By simplifying the payment and collection of taxes, we would free up businesses and individuals from a burdensome, cumbersome, and complex system that stifles innovation, job creation, and economic growth." (johndalenforschouse.com)
  • John Dalen. Closing Statement of John Dalen, Candidate for SC House District 1. 18 May 2012. "The real movers and shakers -- the real job creators in any economy -- are not the large corporations who receive favored status and special tax breaks from the government. It is the small business owners who create over 90% of new jobs. We need to ensure a level playing field for innovation and creativity to flourish." (johndalenforschouse.com)
  • Anna Simon. The Greenville News: 3rd District candidates differ on tax cuts. 2 October 2012. "Dalen, who wants to repeal the income tax entirely, said he'd vote to extend all of the tax cuts. 'I'm always for tax cuts,' and in this case, it's a critical issue for small businesses, he said. 'They're talking about not extending the tax cuts for people who make over $200,000, and that includes a lot of small business. Small business is the job creation engine of this country, and if you keep taxing them they aren't going to create the jobs we need,' Dalen said." (janedyerforcongress.com)
  • John Dalen. Opening Statement of John Dalen, Candidate for SC House District 1. 18 May 2012. "Public schools have long been considered a proper function of state government since the time of the founding fathers. By advocating school choice, I am not suggesting we eliminate public schools. Rather, I am trying to show that there is a better way for this system to operate by competing in the marketplace alongside private schools and homeschooling. The current lack of competition results in the lack of accountability, which results in the failures we see today. Continuing to repeat the mistakes of the past “ or throwing money at it “ will not and has never solved the problem in education." (johndalenforschouse.com)
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "b) Do you support federal funding for universal pre-K programs?" Education Issues Other or expanded principles: "Again, the federal government has no constitutional authority -- education should be left to the local and state level. Again, please see the Constitution Party platform on our website at www.constitutionparty.com for more detailed explanations. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "d) Do you support federal funding for K-12 school vouchers?" Education Issues Other or expanded principles: "Again, the federal government has no constitutional authority -- education should be left to the local and state level. Again, please see the Constitution Party platform on our website at www.constitutionparty.com for more detailed explanations. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina 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: "As a Constitution Party candidate, I am working toward a limited constitutional government. The primary purpose of the federal government is to provide for the national defense, protect property, and regulate commerce between the states, providing a level playing field under the rule of law. All other current activities of the federal government should be returned to the individual states to fund or promote as they see fit. Tax monies should be collected for proper constitutional duties only. This election is about choosing socialism or capitalism, Republic or democracy and state authority/responsibility. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina 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: "Again, the federal government has no constitutional authority -- education should be left to the local and state level. Again, please see the Constitution Party platform on our website at www.constitutionparty.com for more detailed explanations. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina 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: "As a Constitution Party candidate, I am working toward a limited constitutional government. The primary purpose of the federal government is to provide for the national defense, protect property, and regulate commerce between the states, providing a level playing field under the rule of law. All other current activities of the federal government should be returned to the individual states to fund or promote as they see fit. Tax monies should be collected for proper constitutional duties only. This election is about choosing socialism or capitalism, Republic or democracy and state authority/responsibility. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "c) Do you support federal funding for charter schools?" Education Issues Other or expanded principles: "Again, the federal government has no constitutional authority -- education should be left to the local and state level. Again, please see the Constitution Party platform on our website at www.constitutionparty.com for more detailed explanations. "
  • John Dalen. Comments on the South Carolina Ballot Debacle of 2012. 22 June 2012. "The failure of such ideas in Europe should be a wake-up call for America! This type of governance simply does not work. Government cannot create jobs, cannot educate our children, cannot provide us with benefits, and in South Carolina they cannot even run a fair election! " (johndalenforschouse.com)
  • Anna Simon. The Greenville News: 3rd District candidates express differences during debate. 6 October 2010."We would do better in South Carolina if we had local control over education." (janedyerforcongress.com)
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina 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: "Private property rights should be respected and the federal government should not interfere with the development of potential energy sources, including natural gas, hydroelectric power, solar energy, wind generators and nuclear energy. We call attention to the continuing need of these United States for a sufficient supply of energy for national security and for the immediate adoption of a policy of free market solutions to achieve energy independence for these United States. The need to protect wild areas should be a state's issue. Cap and Trade does nothing to diminish abuse and pollution. "
  • Anna Simon. The Greenville News: Recreation, Reactors Keys Factors in 3rd Congressional District Race. 24 October 2012. "The best way to reduce foreign oil dependence 'is drill for domestic oil now'- without giving people free rein to destroy the land, Dalen said." (docs.google.com)
  • John Dalen. Issue Position: Oil Drilling and Energy. 1 January 2010. "As of this date, a Judge Martin Feldman has overturned the ban on oil drilling in the Gulf and the current Administration is appealing that decision. We need oil. Our economy and our nation's defense require oil to function. [¦] We need to ensure that we use all safety devises our technology has to offer in the production of energy, as well as emergency plans in place to deal with potential accidents." (votesmart.org)
  • John Dalen. Issue Position: Oil Drilling and Energy. 1 January 2010. "As of this date, a Judge Martin Feldman has overturned the ban on oil drilling in the Gulf and the current Administration is appealing that decision. We need oil. Our economy and our nation's defense require oil to function [¦] We need to ensure that we use all safety devises our technology has to offer in the production of energy, as well as emergency plans in place to deal with potential accidents." (votesmart.org)
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2012 South Carolina State Legislative Political Courage Test. Selected YES for: "c) Do you support opening South Carolina's waters to offshore drilling?"
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina 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: "Private property rights should be respected and the federal government should not interfere with the development of potential energy sources, including natural gas, hydroelectric power, solar energy, wind generators and nuclear energy. We call attention to the continuing need of these United States for a sufficient supply of energy for national security and for the immediate adoption of a policy of free market solutions to achieve energy independence for these United States. The need to protect wild areas should be a state's issue. Cap and Trade does nothing to diminish abuse and pollution. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina 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: "Private property rights should be respected and the federal government should not interfere with the development of potential energy sources, including natural gas, hydroelectric power, solar energy, wind generators and nuclear energy. We call attention to the continuing need of these United States for a sufficient supply of energy for national security and for the immediate adoption of a policy of free market solutions to achieve energy independence for these United States. The need to protect wild areas should be a state's issue. Cap and Trade does nothing to diminish abuse and pollution. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina 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: "Private property rights should be respected and the federal government should not interfere with the development of potential energy sources, including natural gas, hydroelectric power, solar energy, wind generators and nuclear energy. We call attention to the continuing need of these United States for a sufficient supply of energy for national security and for the immediate adoption of a policy of free market solutions to achieve energy independence for these United States. The need to protect wild areas should be a state's issue. Cap and Trade does nothing to diminish abuse and pollution. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina 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: "Private property rights should be respected and the federal government should not interfere with the development of potential energy sources, including natural gas, hydroelectric power, solar energy, wind generators and nuclear energy. We call attention to the continuing need of these United States for a sufficient supply of energy for national security and for the immediate adoption of a policy of free market solutions to achieve energy independence for these United States. The need to protect wild areas should be a state's issue. Cap and Trade does nothing to diminish abuse and pollution. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "a) Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?" Gun Issues Other or expanded principles: "The Constitution Party upholds the right of the citizen to keep and bear arms, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment. We oppose attempts to prohibit ownership by law abiding citizens, and stand against all laws which would require the registration of guns and ammunition. The right to bear arms is inherent in the right of self-defense, defense of the family, and defense against tyranny, conferred on the individual and community by our Creator to safeguard life, liberty and property as well as to help preserve the independence of the nation. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "d) Do you support a ban on assault rifles?" Gun Issues Other or expanded principles: "The Constitution Party upholds the right of the citizen to keep and bear arms, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment. We oppose attempts to prohibit ownership by law abiding citizens, and stand against all laws which would require the registration of guns and ammunition. The right to bear arms is inherent in the right of self-defense, defense of the family, and defense against tyranny, conferred on the individual and community by our Creator to safeguard life, liberty and property as well as to help preserve the independence of the nation. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "c) Do you support allowing individuals to carry concealed guns?" Gun Issues Other or expanded principles: "The Constitution Party upholds the right of the citizen to keep and bear arms, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment. We oppose attempts to prohibit ownership by law abiding citizens, and stand against all laws which would require the registration of guns and ammunition. The right to bear arms is inherent in the right of self-defense, defense of the family, and defense against tyranny, conferred on the individual and community by our Creator to safeguard life, liberty and property as well as to help preserve the independence of the nation. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina 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: "The Constitution Party upholds the right of the citizen to keep and bear arms, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment. We oppose attempts to prohibit ownership by law abiding citizens, and stand against all laws which would require the registration of guns and ammunition. The right to bear arms is inherent in the right of self-defense, defense of the family, and defense against tyranny, conferred on the individual and community by our Creator to safeguard life, liberty and property as well as to help preserve the independence of the nation. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "a) Do you support a publicly-administered health insurance option?" Health Issues Other or expanded principles: "Regarding lawsuits, the loser pays system should be implemented to reduce abuse of the system. Regarding health care, I oppose the governmentalization and bureaucratization of American medicine. Government regulation and subsidy constitutes a threat to both the quality and availability of patient-oriented health care and treatment. I support employee controlled family coverage health insurance plans based on cash value life insurance principles. "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina 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: "Regarding lawsuits, the loser pays system should be implemented to reduce abuse of the system. Regarding health care, I oppose the governmentalization and bureaucratization of American medicine. Government regulation and subsidy constitutes a threat to both the quality and availability of patient-oriented health care and treatment. I support employee controlled family coverage health insurance plans based on cash value life insurance principles. "
  • Jane St. Clair. Hospice Patients Alliance Gathers Candidates' Views on Assisted Suicide: SC Candidate for House believes Health care may have to be rationed. 22 Jun 2012. "John Dalen, candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in South Carolina's Third District, told Hospice Patients Alliance that he believes the current health care bill will 'result in many people, young and old, being denied health care because someone judged the need to be too expensive or the patient unworthy of the expenditure " basically rationing of healthcare.'" (www.thecompassionatechoice.com)
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "d) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?" Immigration Issues Other or expanded principles: "As to letter a above, illegal immigrants have broken the law. There is a pathway to citizenship for legal immigrants. A quote from James Madison: "When we are considering the advantages that may result from an easy mode of naturalization, we ought also to consider the cautions necessary to guard against abuses . . . aliens might acquire the right of citizenship, and return to the country from which they came, and evade the laws intended to encourage the commerce and industry of real citizens and inhabitants of America, enjoying at the same time all the advantages of citizens." "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "a) Do you support a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants?" Immigration Issues Other or expanded principles: "As to letter a above, illegal immigrants have broken the law. There is a pathway to citizenship for legal immigrants. A quote from James Madison: "When we are considering the advantages that may result from an easy mode of naturalization, we ought also to consider the cautions necessary to guard against abuses . . . aliens might acquire the right of citizenship, and return to the country from which they came, and evade the laws intended to encourage the commerce and industry of real citizens and inhabitants of America, enjoying at the same time all the advantages of citizens." "
  • Anna Simon. The Greenville News: Social Security, Immigration Divide 3rd District Candidates. 14 October 2010. "Dalen opposes any amnesty. 'Don't break the law,' he said. 'Go home and come in the legal way like everybody else.' Any departure from strict enforcement of immigration laws and deportation would be a disservice to those who came in the legal way, he said." (janedyerforcongress.com)
  • John Dalen. Issue Position: Immigration and Amnesty. 1 January 2012. "Granting amnesty rewards the violators of our laws while, in effect, penalizing those who have followed the law to immigrate legally. Persons found to have immigrated illegally should not be granted rights of citizens but should be deported to the country of their origin. They can then be allowed to apply for immigration and follow the legal process." (votesmart.org)
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "a) Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?" Social Issues Other or expanded principles: "As a Constitution Party candidate, I support limited constitutional government. Please obtain a copy of the Constitution and read it! Only then should you decide what type of government is in our best interest. I believe that we have to return to our founding principles and Republican form of government. Democracy leads to tyranny. A study of history bears this out. A quote from John Adams: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.""
  • Kirk Brown. Independent Mail: Candidates spar over cyber bullying, other issues. 6 October 2010. "I am a Christian. I believe homosexuality is an abomination, [¦] I believe it because the Bible says so." (www.independentmail.com)
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "d) Should the United States continue to strike suspected terrorist targets in Pakistan?" International Policy Issues Other or expanded principles: "Please visit our website and read the sections of the Constitution Party platform under defense, foreign policy, foreign aid, terrorism and personal liberty, etc. A quote by Thomas Jefferson: "I deem [one of] the essential principles of our government and consequently [one] which ought to shape its administration . . . peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none." "
  • John Dalen. Project Vote Smart: 2010 South Carolina Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "a) Do you support privatizing elements of Social Security?" Business and Employment Issues Other or expanded principles: "The Constitution grants no authority to the federal government to administer a Social Security system. The Constitution Party advocates phasing out the entire SS program while continuing to meet the obligation already incurred under the system. Please visit www.constitutionparty.com and read our party platform for additional understanding of my position. "
  • Anna Simon. The Greenville News Clemson Bureau: Social Security, Immigration Divide 3rd District Candidates. 14 October 2010. "Dalen called the Social Security system 'a Ponzi scheme.' It isn't sustainable, he said. The Constitution Party 'wants to see it phased out, but can't yank it out from under older people depending on it,' Dalen said." (janedyerforcongress.com)
Pro-life a) Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
Yes b) Should abortions be illegal after the first trimester of pregnancy?
No c) Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
Yes d) Should abortion be legal when the life of the woman is endangered?
Yes e) Do you support requiring parental notification before an abortion is performed on a minor?
Yes f) Do you support requiring parental consent before an abortion is performed on a minor?
Yes g) Do you support the prohibition of public funds for abortion procedures?
Yes h) Do you support the prohibition of public funds for organizations that perform abortions?
I believe life begins at conception. In the Bible, God states he knew you in the womb. I would like to see more support for pregnant women from private sources, secular and religious.

1) State Spending:Using the key, indicate what state funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.2) State Taxes:Using the key,indicate what state tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.3) Budget Stabilization:Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing South Carolina's budget.4) Public Pensions:To mitigate South Carolina's public pension shortfall, do you support:

Greatly Decrease a) Education (higher)
Maintain Status b) Education (K-12)
Maintain Status c) Environment
Maintain Status d) Health care
Slightly Increase e) Law enforcement/corrections
Slightly Increase f) Transportation/infrastructure
Greatly Decrease g) Welfare
Greatly Decrease h) Other or expanded categories:
Greatly Decrease a) Alcohol taxes
Greatly Decrease b) Cigarette taxes
Eliminate c) Corporate taxes
Greatly Decrease d) Gas/Oil taxes
Eliminate e) Property taxes
Slightly Increase f) Sales taxes
Eliminate g) Income taxes (low-income families)
Eliminate h) Income taxes (mid-income families)
Eliminate i) Income taxes (high-income families)
Eliminate j) Other or expanded categories:
Yes a) Tapping into South Carolina's "rainy day" fund
No b) Increasing tuition rates at public universities
Yes c) Instituting mandatory furloughs AND/OR layoffs for state employees
No d) Reducing benefits for Medicaid recipients
No a) Reducing benefits of current state employees?
Yes b) Ending the Teacher and Employee Retention Incentive (TERI) program for future employees?
No c) Reducing cost-of-living adjustments for current and future employees?
Yes d) Requiring state employees to work longer before retiring?
Yes e) Increasing employee contributions by current and future employees?
Yes f) Preventing employees from factoring unused sick and vacation days into benefit calculations?
Spending needs to be brought under control at all levels of government. We need to have limited government as originally envisioned. Government's job is to protect our rights and enforce law and order to create the conditions necessary for the free market to thrive.
I support a "Fair Tax" which is a sales, consumption tax replacing taxes listed in "a" through "i". Simplifying and reducing taxes will promote prosperity.
Reducing the size of government and limiting interference in the marketplace will result in a reduced budget that can be paid for by the "Fair Tax".
I believe public pensions should be comparable to private sector.

a) Do you support limits on the following types of contributions for state candidates?

Yes 1) Individual
Yes 2) Political Action Committee
Yes 3) Corporate
Yes 4) Political Party
Yes b) Should candidates for state office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
Yes c) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
Yes d) Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting?
Yes e) Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
I would like to see publicly funded campaigns. All candidates would receive the same amount of funding, air time, and print. Campaigns conducted at scheduled times prior to the elections.
Yes a) Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
Yes b) Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders,such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?
Yes c) Do you support decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana?
Yes d) Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
No e) Should a minor who sends sexually-explicit or nude photos by cell phone face criminal charges?
Yes f) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
Although I do not support legalizing, I do support decriminalizing certain drug offenses. I believe the war on drugs has caused damage to society and no appreciable benefits. The war on drugs has been a mistake, perpetuating the problems.
Yes a) Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector?
Yes b) Do you support efforts to increase limits on unions in South Carolina?
No c) Do you support increased state funding for job-training programs that re-train displaced workers?
No d) Do you support expanding access to unemployment benefits?
No e) Do you support providing financial incentives to the private sector for the purpose of job creation?
No f) Do you support increased spending on infrastructure projects for the purpose of job creation?
No g) Do you support providing direct financial assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure?
Government's job is not to provide us with jobs, benefits, or other social programs. Government's job is simply to protect our rights and provide law and order, allowing individuals to participate in a free market without government interference.
Yes a) Do you support the national Common Core State Standards initiative?
Yes b) Do you support a merit pay system for teachers?
No c) Is the tenure process for public school teachers producing effective teachers?
Yes d) Should parents be allowed to use vouchers to send their children to any school?
Yes e) Do you support state funding for charter schools?
No f) Do you support the state government providing college students with financial aid?
No g) Should illegal immigrants who graduate from South Carolina high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?
I believe public schools should compete in a free market system where parents have a choice of where to spend their education dollars. As far as merit pay, I would prefer to reward teachers who produce with bonus pay. Merit pay seems to imply the teacher is at fault. I believe the problem is the system, not the teachers.
No a) Do you support state funding for the development of alternative energy?
No b) Do you support state funding for the development of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)?
Yes c) Do you support opening South Carolina's waters to offshore drilling?
No d) Do you support state funding for improvements to South Carolina's energy infrastructure?
No e) Do you support state funding for open space preservation?
No f) Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?
The best environmental policy is private property ownership with minimal state interference. For more, please see the SC GOP Party platform.
No a) Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
No b) Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?
Yes c) Should citizens be allowed to carry concealed guns?
No d) Should a license be required for gun possession?
Gun ownership is a fundamental Constitutionally protected right. I see no need for government to regulate law-abiding citizen's right to carry.
No a) Do you support a universally-accessible, publicly-administered health insurance option?
No b) Do you support expanding access to health care through commercial health insurance reform?
Yes c) Do you support interstate health insurance compacts?
No d) Do you support requiring individuals to purchase health care insurance?
Yes e) Do you support monetary limits on damages that can be collected in malpractice lawsuits?
Yes f) Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes?
We have the best medical care in the world and it is best left to the free market to set costs for care and insurance. Government interference has and will continue to drive up costs with lower quality and fewer choices.
Yes a) Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?
No b) Should same-sex couples be allowed to form civil unions?
No c) Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in South Carolina's anti-discrimination laws?
No d) Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in South Carolina's anti-discrimination laws?
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." - John Adams
1) Open and transparent government, modeled after the federal separation of powers. 2) Eliminate income taxes, both corporate and personal, and implement the "Fair Tax" which is a sales, consumption tax. 3) School choice, accomplished via weighted student funding. The above items are thoroughly addressed on my website: www.johndalenforschouse.com I believe these three interrelated priorities will bring jobs and prosperity to our state. Our current legislature is operating on Progressive, Socialist ideologies and we are experiencing the negative consequences. The failures we are seeing in Europe and America are not a failure of free market capitalism, but in fact are...

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