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Scott Beasley's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

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

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Scott Beasley has demonstrated Political Courage by telling citizens where he stands on the issues he may face if elected.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Tennessee Congressional Election 2012 Political Courage Test

Pro-life Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
An abortion ends the existence of a developing human being. It is my position that abortion should be illegal and treated just like any other murder.
Yes Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan?
No Do you support a timetable for withdrawal from Afghanistan?

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?
Yes 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?
No Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
No Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
No Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes 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?
No Do you support the 2010 temporary extension of tax relief?
I believe we need to have a flat rate, individual tax, either on consumption or income.
No Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?
Education is a state and local issue.
Yes Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production?
Yes Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
No Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
I do not believe there is any credible argument that would dispute humans contribute to climate change, the issue is how much does it contribute, and we really don't know.
Yes Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
Yes, I fully support the 2nd Amendment, but people don't need to be possessing guns who are impaired or mentally ill. I do see the need for some restrictions.
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?
No Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Yes 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?
Yes Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration law by state and local police?
No Do you support same-sex marriage?
I do not support the government recognition of marriage or any personal relationship. I have no issue with homosexuality, I see no just cause why the government needs to know with whom you are in a relationship.
Yes Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict?
Yes Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon?
If force is needed, yes.
Yes Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts?
I support being able to opt out entirely and/or diverting any and all to a personal account.

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.

Slightly Decrease a) Agriculture
Greatly Decrease b) Arts
Slightly Decrease c) Defense
Slightly Decrease d) Education
Greatly Decrease e) Environment
Greatly Decrease f) Homeland Security
Eliminate g) International aid
Greatly Decrease h) Medical Research
Greatly Decrease i) Scientific Research
Greatly Decrease j) Space exploration
Eliminate k) United Nations
Greatly Decrease l) Welfare
m) Other or expanded categories
Eliminate a) Capital gains taxes
Greatly Decrease b) Corporate taxes
Eliminate c) Excise taxes (alcohol)
Eliminate d) Excise taxes (cigarettes)
Eliminate 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
I support a flat rate consumption tax, similar to the Fair Tax. I could support a flat rate income tax as well.
1. Cut Spending

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