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Mandela Barnes' 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.

Mandela Barnes did not provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2022 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2022.

  • "Excited to announce we collected nearly 5,000 signatures and I filed to be on the ballot for Senate! When I beat Ron Johnson, I’m going to abolish the filibuster, pass common sense gun reform, codify Roe and make sure everyone gets a fair shot. I’m going to do the work he won’t." (twitter.com)
  • "It is your fundamental right to make your own decisions about your own body." (youtu.be)
  • "The Supreme Court is reportedly voting to strike down Roe v. Wade. The Senate must immediately act to eliminate the filibuster and protect abortion rights and access to reproductive health care." (twitter.com)
  • "Excited to announce we collected nearly 5,000 signatures and I filed to be on the ballot for Senate! When I beat Ron Johnson, I’m going to abolish the filibuster, pass common sense gun reform, codify Roe and make sure everyone gets a fair shot. I’m going to do the work he won’t." (twitter.com)
  • "Stopping the repeal of Obamacare was the the beginning, next step is the push for universal healthcare. #RiseUp2017" (twitter.com)
  • "31 million Americans have health care because of the Affordable Care Act. Ron Johnson wants to take that away - denying health care to millions, spiking costs, and taking away coverage for pre-existing conditions. We won't let him." (twitter.com)
  • "We can't let them take away our healthcare. We need America on a path to universal Health Care" (youtu.be)
  • "Elected officials are supposed to listen and be accountable to the voters who elected them. But today, corruption, special interest influence, and polarization have stalled progress on common-sense issues that the vast majority of Americans support; from lowering the cost of health care and prescription drugs, to investing in local jobs and infrastructure, to tackling climate change and tax fairness. Meanwhile, wealthy corporations and special interests subvert the will of the voters by spending millions in dark money to influence elections and elected officials. And, over the past months, extreme politicians have even tried to overturn fair and secure elections — simply because they didn’t like the results." (mandelabarnes.com)
  • "Dark money has no place in democracy." (twitter.com)
  • "Tired: GOP and dark money stealing our right to vote[.] Wired: Passing the Freedom to Vote Act" (twitter.com)
  • "Elected officials are supposed to listen and be accountable to the voters who elected them. But today, corruption, special interest influence, and polarization have stalled progress on common-sense issues that the vast majority of Americans support; from lowering the cost of health care and prescription drugs, to investing in local jobs and infrastructure, to tackling climate change and tax fairness. Meanwhile, wealthy corporations and special interests subvert the will of the voters by spending millions in dark money to influence elections and elected officials. And, over the past months, extreme politicians have even tried to overturn fair and secure elections — simply because they didn’t like the results." (mandelabarnes.com)
  • "As Lt. Governer, I worked on common-sense police reform like baning chokeholds and de-escalation training. In the senate, I'll support legislation that gives law enforcement officers what they need to keep us safe and also holds bad actors accountable." (youtu.be)
  • "I closed a call with faith leaders from all across state today with a challenge to contact their local law enforcement agencies and ask them to be a part of the solution with these policies to help keep communities safe.The road is long, but we can get there if we try." (twitter.com)
  • "Police accountability is infrastructure." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "I wasn't just grasping at straws the other day. If we're gonna invest in infrastructure, we gotta go big. The time is now and this is great to hear. Wisconsin deserves priority, plus Talgo is still in Milwaukee!!" (twitter.com)
  • "Let’s say it one more time for the folks in the back. We can tackle climate change AND support our economy IF we invest in renewable energy, jobs, and infrastructure." (twitter.com)
  • "Mandela will support the bipartisan "Made in America Act" sponsored by Sen. Tammy Baldwin, which will ensure that all major federally funded infrastructure projects support American businesses, manufacturers, and workers." (mandelabarnes.com)
  • "Let’s say it one more time for the folks in the back. We can tackle climate change AND support our economy IF we invest in renewable energy, jobs, and infrastructure." (twitter.com)
  • "Mandela will support the bipartisan “Made in America Act” sponsored by Sen. Tammy Baldwin, which will ensure that all major federally funded infrastructure projects support American businesses, manufacturers, and workers." (mandelabarnes.com)
  • "As I’ve traveled across Wisconsin as your Lt. Governor, I’ve heard from countless small business owners and workers about the tough challenges we’re facing, and how difficult it’s been for families and communities. I’m proud to have worked alongside Governor Evers to ensure more than 100,000 small businesses got the help they needed to survive the pandemic and keep their workers employed." (mandelabarnes.com)
  • "That’s why I’m releasing my plan to fight and deliver for small businesses and workers in the United States Senate. As your next United States Senator, I will: Prioritize family farms and rural small businesses; Crack down on corporate handouts and level the playing field for small businesses to compete;" (mandelabarnes.com)
  • "There’s a bill we can pass now called the Made in America Act. It would ensure materials used in *federally funded* infrastructure projects are Made in America. It's common sense. It'll support small businesses, manufacturers, workers. And—it was sponsored by Sen Tammy Baldwin." (twitter.com)
  • "Thursday I met with local business leaders in La Crosse along with Mayor Mitch Reynolds. Small businesses across our state have been hit hard by the pandemic. As Lt. Governor and as WI’s next Senator I'm committed to listening to folks and ensuring they get the help they need." (twitter.com)
  • "As I’ve traveled across Wisconsin as your Lt. Governor, I’ve heard from countless small business owners and workers about the tough challenges we’re facing, and how difficult it’s been for families and communities. I’m proud to have worked alongside Governor Evers to ensure more than 100,000 small businesses got the help they needed to survive the pandemic and keep their workers employed." (mandelabarnes.com)
  • "That’s why I’m releasing my plan to fight and deliver for small businesses and workers in the United States Senate. As your next United States Senator, I will: Prioritize family farms and rural small businesses; Crack down on corporate handouts and level the playing field for small businesses to compete;" (mandelabarnes.com)
  • "There’s a bill we can pass now called the Made in America Act. It would ensure materials used in *federally funded* infrastructure projects are Made in America. It's common sense. It'll support small businesses, manufacturers, workers. And—it was sponsored by Sen Tammy Baldwin." (twitter.com)
  • "Thursday I met with local business leaders in La Crosse along with Mayor Mitch Reynolds. Small businesses across our state have been hit hard by the pandemic. As Lt. Governor and as WI’s next Senator I'm committed to listening to folks and ensuring they get the help they need." (twitter.com)
  • "Inflation is the biggest issue on people’s minds right now (rightfully so). How do we fix it? Make more products here. Improve supply chains. Invest in local businesses and workers. Raise wages." (twitter.com)
  • "13 years. That’s how long it’s been since the federal minimum wage was raised. The LONGEST period in American history. People are struggling. Inflation is high, and wages are low. Families cannot get by on $7.25 an hour." (twitter.com)
  • "If we make more products at home, inflation becomes less of a problem. Yet Ron Johnson backs outsourcing and says it's better to make things overseas. Someone doesn't seem to understand the assignment." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Every Senator who believes in honoring MLK's legacy should be working to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act immediately." (twitter.com)
  • "Today the House voted on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act #HR4. The good news? It passed. The bad news? With the filibuster, Republicans have promised to block it in the Senate. Meaningful legislation starts with ending the filibuster." (twitter.com)
  • "We must pass HR-1 and the John Lewis VRA to protect voting rights and ensure fair maps are drawn. R’s are working to hijack districts to keep passing laws like SB8 in TX." (twitter.com)
  • "The mine would have been an environmental disaster. It's time to overhaul green infrastructure in Wisconsin for jobs today and in the future" (twitter.com)
  • "In Green Bay, talking about green jobs! A whole Green New Deal actually, where we make real investments in infrastructure. That means roads, bridges, but also mass transit. It means investing in renewable energy and updating our public buildings to be more energy efficient." (twitter.com)
  • "Let’s say it one more time for the folks in the back. We can tackle climate change AND support our economy IF we invest in renewable energy, jobs, and infrastructure." (twitter.com)
  • "Our environment and economy don't have to be adversarial. That's why in addition to restoring our Department of Natural Resources, I support a Green New Deal to create living wage opportunities that would put us on the path to become a guaranteed jobs state." (twitter.com)
  • "Let’s say it one more time for the folks in the back. We can tackle climate change AND support our economy IF we invest in renewable energy, jobs, and infrastructure." (twitter.com)
  • "#EarthDay2022 is a reminder that there is no Planet B. We must address climate change by: 🌎 Curbing greenhouse gas emissions by moving to 100% renewable energy 🌎 Creating jobs with investments in clean energy🌎 Manufacturing solar panels + windmills right here in WI" (twitter.com)
  • "Carbon-free future. That’s the goal. If we hit it? Wisconsin’s economy could grow by $21 billion, with a B. That’s big time." (twitter.com)
  • "Let’s say it one more time for the folks in the back. We can tackle climate change AND support our economy IF we invest in renewable energy, jobs, and infrastructure." (twitter.com)
  • "Carbon-free future. That’s the goal. If we hit it? Wisconsin’s economy could grow by $21 billion, with a B. That’s big time." (twitter.com)
  • "#EarthDay2022 is a reminder that there is no Planet B. We must address climate change by: ?? Curbing greenhouse gas emissions by moving to 100% renewable energy ?? Creating jobs with investments in clean energy?? Manufacturing solar panels + windmills right here in WI" (twitter.com)
  • "Let’s say it one more time for the folks in the back. We can tackle climate change AND support our economy IF we invest in renewable energy, jobs, and infrastructure." (twitter.com)
  • "Excited to announce we collected nearly 5,000 signatures and I filed to be on the ballot for Senate! When I beat Ron Johnson, I’m going to abolish the filibuster, pass common sense gun reform, codify Roe and make sure everyone gets a fair shot. I’m going to do the work he won’t." (twitter.com)
  • "I know what it’s like to lose someone to gun violence — that’s a pain that far too many people have felt. I #WearOrange because we deserve so much better. And as WI’s Senator, I’m going to make sure we pass common sense gun reform and protect Americans from this pain." (twitter.com)
  • "We need to do the work to stop crime, put criminals in jail, and get the illegal guns off the street" (mandelabarnes.com)
  • "Excited to announce we collected nearly 5,000 signatures and I filed to be on the ballot for Senate! When I beat Ron Johnson, I’m going to abolish the filibuster, pass common sense gun reform, codify Roe and make sure everyone gets a fair shot. I’m going to do the work he won’t." (twitter.com)
  • "I know what it’s like to lose someone to gun violence — that’s a pain that far too many people have felt. I #WearOrange because we deserve so much better. And as WI’s Senator, I’m going to make sure we pass common sense gun reform and protect Americans from this pain." (twitter.com)
  • "12 years ago the ACA was signed into law. Since then it has helped millions of people gain access to affordable health care, protected those with preexisting conditions and lowered premiums. It's a testament to what we can achieve when we're not afraid to do big and bold things." (twitter.com)
  • "Many people who may not have realized it before see now that healthcare is a right. Also, you shouldn’t want people to have access to testing simply because you don’t want them to get you sick. That’s selfish. Fight for someone you don’t know, just because." (twitter.com)
  • "A major step forward in a package full of historic investments for Wisconsin. Today's progress is tomorrow's starting point, and I'll continue to fight for robust paid family leave in the U.S. Senate." (twitter.com)
  • "Paid leave is a national imperative –– and the lack of it is a national embarrassment. It's time to step up and get this done now. No excuses." (twitter.com)
  • "This is an indictment on the lack of paid leave. People’s concern about missing work due to side effects means that too many will absolutely go to work even if they feel sick. And the cycle continues." (twitter.com)
  • "No one should ever have to pay more than they can afford for insulin. Period." (twitter.com)
  • "Ron Johnson just blocked a bill to cap insulin costs at $35 a month. No one should have to choose between a medication their life depends on and putting food on the table. But Ron Johnson doesn’t care—he’s bought and paid for by the pharma lobby." (twitter.com)
  • "The #BuildBackBettterAct is a historic investment in working people. It’s time for the Senate to step up and deliver, and we must include critical and common-sense provisions to cut prescription drug prices. Wisconsin families need strong support now. Let’s get it done." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Underpaid workers drive the economy. Undocumented workers face deportation while employers profit. Too many in unsafe working conditions w/little to no job security. Inequality is at an all time high. Not enough people can join a union. This is why Labor Day matters" (twitter.com)
  • "We need comprehensive immigration reform that secureds the border and also includes a path to citizenship." (youtu.be)
  • "Surprise! The president is wrong again. Our Hmong community was built by brave people who answered the call. The same call that "bone spurs" prevented him from answering. Hmong Leaders Say Reported Trump Deportation Plans Would Put People At Risk" (twitter.com)
  • "Surprise! The president is wrong again. Our Hmong community was built by brave people who answered the call. The same call that “bone spurs” prevented him from answering. Hmong Leaders Say Reported Trump Deportation Plans Would Put People At Risk" (twitter.com)
  • "We can’t let Putin’s aggression go unchecked. The time has come to deploy the harshest sanctions against Russia, Putin, and the oligarchs who support him." (twitter.com)
  • "The Violence Against Women Act. Aid to Ukraine. Funding for child care. All passed the Senate last night in a bipartisan 68-31 vote. Ron Johnson voted No. When someone shows you who they are, believe them." (twitter.com)
  • "For too long, politicians like Ron Johnson have prioritized tax breaks for their wealthiest donors and big corporations. Mandela believes it’s time we prioritized tax cuts for the middle class, not billionaires. In the Senate, he’ll support a middle class tax cut and reverse the most harmful provisions of Ron Johnson’s destructive tax plan that benefitted the top 1% and hurt small businesses and working people." (mandelabarnes.com)
  • "Mandela will give the middle class a tax cut. He’ll expand the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and other tax cuts so middle class families can keep more of what they earn. Mandela will pay for it by ensuring the wealthiest among us pay their fair share — unlike Ron Johnson, whose greatest achievement in Washington was a tax bill that delivered more than $200 million in tax breaks for some of his wealthiest donors alone, while leaving working people in the dust." (mandelabarnes.com)
  • "We need an economy that works for working people. But thanks to Ron Johnson, our tax code is only working for him and his millionaire donors. So let’s tackle inflation head-on by giving middle class families a tax cut, and pay for it by ensuring the wealthiest among us — including Ron Johnson — pay their fair share." (mandelabarnes.com)
  • "If we make more products at home, inflation becomes less of a problem. Yet Ron Johnson backs outsourcing and says it's better to make things overseas. Someone doesn't seem to understand the assignment." (twitter.com)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
Pro-choice a) Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
No b) Should abortions be illegal after the first trimester of pregnancy?
Yes 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?
g) Do you support the prohibition of public funds for abortion procedures?
No h) Do you support the prohibition of public funds for organizations that perform abortions?
i) Other or expanded principles:

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 Wisconsin's budget.

Slightly Increase a) Education (higher)
Greatly Increase b) Education (K-12)
Greatly Increase c) Environment
Greatly Increase d) Health care
Slightly Decrease e) Law enforcement/corrections
Slightly Increase f) Transportation/infrastructure
g) Welfare
h) Other or expanded categories:
Maintain Status a) Alcohol taxes
Slightly Increase b) Cigarette taxes
Slightly Increase c) Corporate taxes
Maintain Status d) Gas/Oil taxes
Maintain Status e) Property taxes
Maintain Status f) Sales taxes
Slightly Decrease g) Income taxes (low-income families)
Maintain Status h) Income taxes (mid-income families)
Slightly Increase i) Income taxes (high-income families)
j) Other or expanded categories:
Yes a) Tapping into Wisconsin's Budget Stabilization Fund
No b) Increasing tuition rates at public universities
No c) Reducing state employee salaries AND/OR pensions
No d) Instituting mandatory furloughs AND/OR layoffs for state employees
No e) Reducing benefits for Medicaid recipients
f) Other or expanded principles:

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?
No e) Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
No f) Do you support limiting recall elections in Wisconsin?
g) Other or expanded principles:
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?
d) Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
e) Should a minor who sends sexually-explicit or nude photos by cell phone face criminal charges?
No f) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
e) Not if there was consent. This is where parental accountability must be exercised.
No a) Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector?
Yes b) Do you support increased state funding for job-training programs that re-train displaced workers?
c) Do you support expanding access to unemployment benefits?
d) Do you support providing financial incentives to the private sector for the purpose of job creation?
Yes e) Do you support increased spending on infrastructure projects for the purpose of job creation?
Yes f) Do you support using public funds to construct a high speed rail line in Wisconsin?
g) Do you support providing direct financial assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure?
No h) Do you support the elimination of public worker collective bargaining?
c) I support reform of unemployment benefits, that would more effectively connect job seekers with existing opportunities.
a) Do you support the national Common Core State Standards initiative?
No b) Do you support a merit pay system for teachers?
c) Is the tenure process for public school teachers producing effective teachers?
No d) Should parents be allowed to use vouchers to send their children to any school?
e) Do you support state funding for charter schools?
Yes f) Do you support the state government providing college students with financial aid?
Yes g) Should illegal immigrants who graduate from Wisconsin high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?
h) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Do you support state funding for the development of alternative energy?
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 state funding for improvements to Wisconsin's energy infrastructure?
Yes d) Do you support state funding for open space preservation?
Yes e) Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?
No f) Do you support eliminating some regulations on mining in northern Wisconsin in order to stimulate local economic development?
g) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
Yes b) Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?
No c) Should citizens be allowed to carry concealed guns?
Yes d) Should a license be required for gun possession?
e) Other or expanded principles:
Yes a) Do you support a universally-accessible, publicly-administered health insurance option?
Yes b) Do you support expanding access to health care through commercial health insurance reform?
c) Do you support interstate health insurance compacts?
d) Do you support requiring individuals to purchase health care insurance?
e) Do you support monetary limits on damages that can be collected in malpractice lawsuits?
f) Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes?
g) Other or expanded principles:
No a) Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?
Yes b) Should same-sex couples be allowed to form civil unions?
Yes c) Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Wisconsin's anti-discrimination laws?
Yes d) Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Wisconsin's anti-discrimination laws?
e) Other or expanded principles:
My priorities are to keep money invested in public education, we cannot continue to cut funding. We have to have a trained workforce for the jobs of tomorrow, and maintain the existing industry that we rely on now. We have to modernize our public transportation, to include rail and regional transit.

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