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Bob Filner

Bob Filner's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Bob Filner
Full Name: Bob Filner
Office: Mayor (San Diego, CA) - At-Large, Democratic
First Elected: 12/2012
Gender: Male
Family: Wife: Jane Merrill; 2 Children: Erin, Adam
Birth Date: 09/04/1942
Birth Place: Pittsburgh, PA
Home City: San Diego, CA
Religion: Jewish
Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.
Bob Filner refused to tell citizens where he stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2010 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 2010, are provided below as a courtesy to voters.

Pro-choice Inferred Answer Abortion Issues: Do you consider yourself pro-choice or pro-life? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • NARAL Pro-Choice America. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Bob Filner supported the interests of NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • National Right to Life Committee. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Bob Filner supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 0 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. 2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Bob Filner supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 100 percent in 2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. H Amdt 209 to HR 1815. 109th Congress. An amendment numbered 12 printed in House Report 109-96 to lift the current ban on privately funded abortions at U.S. military facilities overseas. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted YES on 25 May 2005. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. H Amdt 509 to HR 3962. 111th Congress. An amendment printed in Part C of House Report 111-330 to codify the Hyde Amendment in H.R. 3962. The amendment prohibits federal funds for abortion services in the public option. It also prohibits individuals who receive affordability credits from purchasing a plan that provides elective abortions. However, it allows individuals, both who receive affordability credits and who do not, to separately purchase with their own funds plans that cover elective abortions. It also clarifies that private plans may still offer elective abortions. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted NO on 7 November 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. HR 3660. 106th Congress. To amend title 18, United States Code, to ban partial-birth abortions. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted NO on 4 May 2000. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. HR 760. 108th Congress. To prohibit the procedure commonly known as partial-birth abortion. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted NO on 4 June 2003. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. S 3. 108th Congress. A bill to prohibit the procedure commonly known as partial-birth abortion. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted NO on 2 October 2003. (votesmart.org)
  • Planned Parenthood. 2010. 30 September 2010. Planned Parenthood endorsed Bob Filner in the 2010 General Election. (www.plannedparenthoodaction.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Budget, Spending, and Tax Issues: Do you support the elimination of the federal estate tax? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Bob Filner. HR 8. 108th Congress. To make the repeal of the estate tax permanent. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted YES on 13 April 2005. (votesmart.org)
  • National Taxpayers Union. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Bob Filner supported the interests of the National Taxpayers Union 5 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. HR 5638. 109th Congress. To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the unified credit against the estate tax to an exclusion equivalent of $5,000,000 and to repeal the sunset provision for the estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted YES on 22 June 2006. (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Budget, Spending, and Tax Issues: Do you support using government funds in an effort to stimulate and improve the economy? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Bob Filner. HR 1. 111th Congress. Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted YES on 13 February 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. HR 1424. 111th Congress. To provide authority for the Federal Government to purchase and insure certain types of troubled assets for the purposes of providing stability to and preventing disruption in the economy and financial system and protecting taxpayers, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, to provide individual income tax relief, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted NO on 10 March 2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Club for Growth. 2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Bob Filner supported the interests of the Club for Growth 22 percent in 2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. December 2009 Newsletter. 1 December 2009. "In January, President Obama took office facing the worst economic crisis in generations. Last year saw the largest job losses since the end of World War II and the worst housing market since the Great Depression. Faced with that tremendous challenge, President Obama and the Democratic Congress responded with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, an aggressive plan to jumpstart our economy and create jobs. As we look back on the Recovery Act's first eight months, its success in averting catastrophe is clear. We are not out of the woods yet and much more work remains to create good jobs and lower unemployment, but there are positive signs that the economic policies pursued by Democrats are starting to work. In fact, the Recovery Act has already saved or created one million jobs according to separate estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the respected economic research firm Moody's, and the Council of Economic Advisors. The Recovery Act did this by injecting demand into the economy to stop the cycle that occurs during a recession: families spend less, businesses make less money, and workers get laid off; laid-off workers cut back on spending, and the cycle continues. To break that pattern, the Recovery Act sponsored job-creating infrastructure projects, gave Americans the biggest middle-class tax cut in history to put money in their pockets, saved the jobs of hundreds of thousands of teachers and police officers through assistance to state and local governments, and funded programs like food stamps, which are proven to fuel economic demand." (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. Issue Position: Jobs & The Economy. "In light of the recent economic troubles of our nation, Bob believes that Congress must act to speed up recovery. In the 108th Congress, he voted against H.R. 4520, the President's so-called "jobs and economic growth" package, because the bill overwhelmingly benefited the richest individuals--and neglected the low- and middle-income Americans who need the money and would spend it now. Bob proposed a better plan to stimulate the economy that helps working American families and is fully paid-for. His package would exempt all workers from the first $20,000 dollars of payroll tax, putting money in the pockets of all Americans. While disappointed that the Republican majority failed to consider any alternatives to the President's plan, such as Bob's idea or the Democratic alternative stimulus package, Bob continues to work in Congress to enact policy that ensures a sound and prosperous economy." (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Business and Employment Issues: Do you support privatizing elements of Social Security? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Bob Filner. Issue Position: Social Security. "Congressman Bob Filner has been at the forefront of the fight to preserve Social Security and Medicare for our nation's seniors. Congressman Filner is vehemently opposed to the privatization of Social Security. Social Security requires continual evaluation because of the number of baby boomers who will retire shortly and because of longer lifespans, but it is not in crisis. In fact, the Republican tax policies will cost more than twice as much over the next 75 years as the long-term deficit in Social Security. If we did nothing about Social Security--and nobody is suggesting that--but even if we did nothing, the system would pay full benefits through the year 2041. Bob is working to craft a solution that will extend benefits after 2041 without reducing them significantly and without increasing payroll taxes. In contrast, privatization--taking a portion of the Social Security payroll tax to allow individuals to invest in private accounts--would cost approximately $2 trillion. Privatization has high administrative costs and would be at the mercy of the stock market's ups and downs. It would decrease benefits for disabled beneficiaries, widows, and women. Privatization is being pushed by Wall Street firms that, according to the June 12, 2001 Wall Street Journal, are raising millions to lobby for the privatization of Social Security. We cannot gamble our retirement in the stock market! Bob also believes that the Social Security and Medicare Trust Fund should be used only to pay for Social Security and Medicare benefits. Because the President's tax cut uses up virtually the entire non-Medicare, non-Social Security surplus, we are dipping into the Trust Funds to finance the Iraq war and other spending needs. Another issue of concern to seniors is the Notch Baby issue. Rule changes in 1977 meant that many people born in the 5-15 year period after 1916 received lower benefits than those of retirees born before or after them. Bob has signed on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 368 to correct this inequity. Changes would include a lump-sum payment of $5,000 or a higher monthly payment." (www.house.gov)
  • Bob Filner. Town Hall Meeting on Social Security. 1 March 2005. "Many Americans are worried about retirement security and specifically the future of Social Security. The Bush Administration has stated that privatizing the Social Security system is their number one priority. In response to this issue, I held a town hall meeting on February 24, in order to discuss this with the community. The Boys and Girls Club of National City was kind enough to host the event. The Bush and Republican privatization proposals would subject the retirement benefits of American workers to the volatility of the stock market. The privatization plan proposed by Republicans require a $2 trillion, up-front infusion of funds, to cover the money taken out of Social Security for investments in private accounts. Privatization is not fiscally responsible and will fail to provide American workers with a secure retirement. That is why I am opposed to the proposals to privatize Social Security and to gamble with your future in the stock market! I was pleased to see many of my constituents at the town hall meeting and to discuss their concerns about Social Security. " (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. Congressman Bob Filner's Congressional Update, September 2010. 1 September 2010. "Some in Congress are taking out the old playbook and want to gamble seniors' money on Wall Street. After 75 years of providing reliable benefits for seniors, the program we depend on to ensure we aren't impoverished as we grow old is once again in jeopardy. The new plan to undermine Social Security is similar to the one advanced in 2005. It would cut Social Security retirement and survivor benefits for middle class workers. It would divert trillions of dollars from the Social Security Trust Fund into private accounts and subject worker's basic retirement security to Wall Street's ups and downs." (votesmart.org)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer Crime Issues: Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Bob Filner. H Amdt 497 to HR 2181. 105th Congress. An amendment to add a new section which provides that in further consideration of death sentence recommendations, life imprisonment shall be imposed instead, if the court has any doubt that a defendent actually committed the offense. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted YES on 25 February 1998. (votesmart.org)
  • Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants. 2005-2006. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Bob Filner supported the interests of the Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants 100 percent in 2005-2006. (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Education Issues: Do you support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Bob Filner. HR 1. 107th Congress. To close the achievement gap with accountability, flexibility, and choice, so that no child is left behind. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted NO on 23 May 2001. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. Issue Position: Education. "A major piece of education is The No Child Left Behind Act, which has been law since 2002. Even though this bill represented a compromise between Democrats and Republicans, Bob was concerned that the President's tax policies would not leave enough funding for the programs in this bill. Unfortunately, his concerns have become a reality. In addition, The No Child Left Behind Act attempts to push a "one size fits all" testing accountability program which has led to eliminating or reducing the teaching of all subjects except math and English. This law must be re-authorized by the current 110th Congress. Bob will be working will his colleagues on the House Education Committee to address the many concerns of parents and teachers about No Child Left Behind. Bob was also a co-sponsor of the America's Better Classroom Act. Millions of children attend overcrowded or dilapidated classrooms, and many schools are crumbling. Children go to class in closets, storage rooms or trailers. Science and computer labs use decades-old equipment. Computers are often non-existent. In fact, one in three public schools is in need of major repair, according to the American Institute of Architects. This bill addresses these needs, and Bob will again support it work to improve the quality of our children's education." (www.house.gov)
  • Home School Legal Defense Association. 1999-2000. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Bob Filner supported the interests of the Home School Legal Defense Association 20 percent in 1999-2000. (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Environment and Energy Issues: Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Bob Filner. HR 2454. 111th Congress. To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted YES on 26 June 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Environment America. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Bob Filner supported the interests of Environment America 100 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. Issue Position: Environment. "Bob is committed to developing a 21st Century energy policy that will help combat global warming, air pollution and other environmental threats." (www.house.gov)
  • Bob Filner. Climate Change Puts Our Health at Risk! 8 April 2008. "Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker and colleagues, last month news agencies around the world reported that more than 160 square miles of the Wilkins Shelf had broken away from the Antarctic coast. Americans are concerned that climate change may be happening faster than previously thought. We are growing increasingly concerned as we see before us the direct connection between climate change and our health. It is now indisputable that there is a direct connection between climate change and health. The scientific community has decisively stated that human beings are responsible for climate change and that the impacts of climate change will worsen as emissions continue to rise. We must support and promote policies that strengthen public health leadership and work force capacity to ensure the infrastructure is in place and ready to handle our future needs." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Gun Issues: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. 2003. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Bob Filner supported the interests of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence 100 percent from 1991 and 2003. (votesmart.org)
  • Gun Owners of America. 2010. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. In 2010 Gun Owners of America gave Bob Filner a grade of F-. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. HR 1025. 103rd Congress. To provide for a waiting period before the purchase of a handgun, and for the establishment of a national instant criminal background check system to be contacted by firearms dealers before the transfer of any firearm. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted YES on 10 November 1993. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. HR 6842. 111th Congress. To restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted NO on 17 September 2008. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. HR 4296. 103rd Congress. To make unlawful the transfer or possession of assault weapons. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted YES on 5 May 1994. (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Health Issues: Do you support a publicly-administered health insurance option? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • American Public Health Association. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Bob Filner supported the interests of the American Public Health Association 100 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. HR 3962. 111th Congress. To provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted YES on 7 November 2009. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. Issue Position: Health & Medicare. Public Health: Health is also more than just care--it is often prevention. By working with local officials, Bob has been showcasing many public health works in our district, such as adult day health care, children's nutritional programs and community health care outreach. Bob knows these cost-effective programs are crucial steps to keeping our communities happy and healthy." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Immigration Issues: Do you support a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Bob Filner. Issue Position: The Border. "While Republicans were in control of Congress, they approved the construction of a 700 mile long fence in the name of Homeland Security. The fence is expected to cost around $9 billion to complete, a far cry from the $1.2 billion down payment the Republicans put forth in the legislation. Bob knows this is not the right approach and that the fence will do nothing to make our nation safer or reduce illegal immigration. Bob is fighting for comprehensive immigration reform because he believes all elements of this problem must be addressed together or none of them will be solved. $9 billion dollars can do much more than build fences- it can ensure our country has enough personnel to process immigration files, improve monitoring and prosecuting of businesses who knowingly hire illegal immigrants and increase personnel to find illegal activity such as smuggling and drug trafficking." (www.house.gov)
  • Federation for American Immigration Reform. 2007-2008. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Bob Filner supported the interests of the Federation for American Immigration Reform 0 percent in 2007-2008. (votesmart.org)
  • National Latino Congreso. 2007-2010. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Bob Filner supported the interests of the National Latino Congreso 90 percent in 2007-2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. Congressman Filner Supports the DREAM Act. 20 April 2009. "Congressman Bob Filner proudly announces his co-sponsorship of the American DREAM Act, H.R. 1751. This bi-partisan bill would facilitate access to post-secondary educational opportunities for immigrant students in the United States who currently face barriers in pursuing college educations. Under the DREAM Act, our hardworking immigrant youth would be eligible for a conditional path to citizenship as they pursue higher education or military service. "This legislation would give our immigrant students the ability to further their educations and be contributing members of society," said Congressman Filner. "I will work with my colleagues to support comprehensive immigration legislation that allows young people to continue their educations and service to our country!" (www.bobfilnerforcongress.com)
No Inferred Answer International Policy Issues: Do you support United States military action in Afghanistan? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Bob Filner. HR 4899. 111th Congress. Supplemental Appropriations Act. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted YES on Limiting Afghanistan Military Funding to Withdrawal and Other Specified Purposes on 1 July 2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. HR 4899. 111th Congress. Supplemental Appropriations Act. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted YES on Requiring Timetable for Withdrawal from Afghanistan on 1 July 2010. (votesmart.org)
  • Peace Action West. 2009. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Ratings. Bob Filner supported the interests of Peace Action West 85 percent in 2009. (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Social Issues: Should marriage only be between one man and one woman? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Bob Filner. H J Res 88. 109th Congress. Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to marriage. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted NO on 18 July 2006. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. HR 3396. 103rd Congress. To define and protect the institution of marriage. Project Vote Smart Summary: Bob Filner voted YES on 12 July 1996. (votesmart.org)
  • Bob Filner. Congressman Filner Co-Sponsors the "Respect for Marriage" Act. 14 September 2009. "Congressman Bob Filner proudly announces his original co-sponsorship of the Respect for Marriage Act of 2009. This bill repeals the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 (DOMA) and provides equality for all married couples. "The federal government affords federal obligations and benefits to individuals based on martial status, yet same-sex couples legally married or legally recognized in several states, including California, and the District of Columbia are not eligible because of DOMA," said Congressman Filner. "As a result, married same-sex couples and their families are not provided equal treatment under the law. This is not right!" The Respect for Marriage Act would honor President Obama's pledge to repeal DOMA and would allow couples to plan for a future of mutual obligations and support with confidence that their access to federal rights will not be taken away. Nothing in the Act obligates any person, religious organization, locality or state to celebrate or license a marriage between two persons of the same gender. "The Respect for Marriage Act is supported by America's leading civil rights groups and this list is growing every day. We must overturn a discriminatory and unfair law that has no place in American society," concluded Congressman Filner." (www.bobfilnerforcongress.com)

Key

Candidate Answer

Official Position: Candidate had the Political Courage to address this issue directly.

Inferred Answer

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 Answer

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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