Nicole LeFavour

Nicole LeFavour's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Full Name:	Nicole LeFavour

Gender:	Female
Family:	Spouse: Carol Growhoski
Birth Date:	02/08/1964
Birth Place:	Colorado
Home City:	Boise, ID

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Nicole LeFavour has demonstrated Political Courage by telling citizens where she stands on the issues she may face if elected.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Idaho Congressional Election 2012 Political Courage Test

Key

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

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Pro-choice	Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
	Other or expanded principles
Terminating a pregnancy is a very personal medical decision that should be made by a woman and her physician, in consultation with her own faith or beliefs, family or those persons she personally chooses to consult with--not by judges, law makers, or political parties. Girls need self esteem and confidence so they know their worth does not depend on being sexually active. Age appropriate resources and information to prevent unplanned pregnancy and diseases should be accessible and affordable to men and women in order to eliminate the need for abortion.

Unknown Position	Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan? Despite exhaustive research, Project Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
	Do you support a timetable for withdrawal from Afghanistan?
	Other or expanded principles

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? Nicole LeFavour. Idaho Statesman: Our View, congressional endorsements: four races, four clear choices. 27 April 2012. "In an interview with the Statesman editorial board, she said the federal government should cut defense spending while leaving Medicare off the table." (www.idahostatesman.com) Nicole LeFavour. Idaho Statesman: On the issues: candidate interview audio. 26 April 2012. "I think we have so many other areas where we spend excessively, and unfortunately some of that is in the military [¦] Q: So are you suggesting that Congress should look at cutting the military but Medicare should be off the table? Yes." (media.idahostatesman.com)
Yes	do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket? Nicole LeFavour. The Voter Guide: 2012 Treasure Valley Voters Guide. Responded "Congress should allow the Bush era tax cuts to expire for everyone making more than $250,000 a year and keep the cuts and credits in place for working families and seniors. If the most wealthy 1% in America again paid their fair share we could trim more than $1.2 trillion from the deficit" to the question: "The Bush tax cuts, the payroll-tax holiday and other tax breaks expire Dec. 31, and sequestration Jan. 1 will cut defense and other spending automatically unless Congress acts. What, if anything, should Congress do about these laws?" (c3.thevoterguide.org) Nicole LeFavour. How to Tank a State Economy. 14 February 2011. "D. No Matter How Much Things Fall Apart, Don't Raise Taxes. [¦] Raising taxes might ease the conscience in the short term as the morale of state workers improves; schools again begin to meet the needs of more fragile students; seniors, the poor and those with disabilities stop losing their homes, entering institutions and dying of preventable disease or untreated mental and physical aliments. But, in fact, raising taxes creates an expectation within a state population that government can do positive things. And we all know that's silly." (notesfromthefloor.typepad.com) Nicole LeFavour. The Voter Guide: 2012 Treasure Valley Voters Guide. Responded "Yes. Our nation has reduced taxes on millionaires at a time when our national debt has reached record levels and too many in Congress have voted to balance the budget at the expense of Medicare and putting at risk the security of American Seniors. Our nation's job creators are not millionaires or corporations but small businesses and regular working people" to the question: "Would you raise revenue to close the fiscal gap? If so, how?" (c3.thevoterguide.org) Nicole LeFavour. Issue Position: Fairness. 1 January 2012. "Our nation has reduced taxes on millionaires at a time when our national debt has reached record levels. Congress should allow the Bush era tax cuts to expire for everyone making more than $250,000 a year and keep the cuts and credits in place for working families and seniors. If the most wealthy 1% in America again paid their fair share we could trim more than $1.2 trillion from the deficit." (votesmart.org) Nicole LeFavour. Twitter: @nicolelefavour. 9 September 2011. "Tax rates on wealthiest: record lows. Big corps roll in $, laying off people, cutting benefits. Get to work US House. Jobs & small biz help!" (twitter.com)
	do you support reducing Medicaid spending?
	do you support reducing Medicare spending?
	Is balancing the budget a legislative priority?
	Other or expanded principles

	Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
	Other or expanded principles

	Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
	Other or expanded principles

Yes	Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? Nicole LeFavour. Project Vote Smart: 2012 Idaho Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No Answer" for: "Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?" Economy other or expanded principles. "Following the Great Depression, America learned it had a powerful impact on jobs and economic recovery. Instead of laying people off, we put people to work across the country in communities with their own urgent needs. Today Congress has cut jobs again and again, canceling contracts, stifling growth and recovery. Partly as a result, Idaho communities set records for unemployment.. At the same time tax cuts on the wealthy have stayed in place, costing the nation millions in debt and in lost opportunities to put people to work. We can do better. Much better. And I understand how." Nicole LeFavour. IMMEDIATE RELEASE: LeFavour announces candidacy for congress. 10 March 2012. "Working for the forest service I saw how the federal government works. It creates a lot of important jobs for rural communities protecting our drinking water from pollution, our forests from devastating fires and making sure Idaho still has amazing places to hunt and fish. [¦] Balancing a budget is about cutting spending and about understanding how cuts will affect jobs, families, the economy and next year's budget. Some cuts don't make economic or human sense because we eliminate thousands of jobs, create greater costs in our prisons or in emergency medical care. Congress needs to recognize this. [¦] We all want our tax dollars to be put to use for the betterment of our country [¦] and create jobs here in America to make us strong again." (notesfromthefloor.typepad.com) Nicole LeFavour. Idaho's Reverse New Deal. 4 January 2012. "Yet I'm sad to say I suspect those who loathe government will have their way with our economy again. They will continue the austerity in spite of the fact that it's hurting the very people who cry for lower taxes. Business owners. It all cycles around. Even 2000 jobs would do a lot for the Idaho economy, for builders, retailers, restaurants, and those who sell cord wood or consumer services. If we resisted the urge to deepen tax breaks and exemptions and focused instead on creating the most needed of state jobs, we might just inspire a few business owners to do a bit of hiring themselves. Imagine that." (notesfromthefloor.typepad.com)
Unknown Position	Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation? Nicole LeFavour. 23 March 2012. "Having worked for the past four years on Idaho Budget and Tax Policy issues, I work hard to craft a tax system that enhances our economy by rewarding small businesses and corporations for providing jobs with decent wages, retirement and health care benefits." (www.4idaho.org) Nicole LeFavour. The Voter Guide: 2012 Treasure Valley Voters Guide. Responded "I'd ensure grants, (not incentives which shift taxes to small business and families) are available for Idaho businesses to open food manufacturing facilities that create jobs and prosperity in Idaho" to the question: "What three things do you want to accomplish first if elected (or re-elected)?" (c3.thevoterguide.org) Nicole LeFavour. Issue Position: Jobs. 1 January 2012. " I'd ensure grants, (not incentives which shift taxes to small business and families) are available for Idaho businesses to open food manufacturing facilities that create jobs and prosperity in Idaho." (votesmart.org) Nicole LeFavour. 23 March 2012. "Having worked for the past four years on Idaho Budget and Tax Policy issues, I work hard to craft a tax system that enhances our economy by rewarding small businesses and corporations for providing jobs with decent wages, retirement and health care benefits. I will work to expand circuit breaker property tax protections for low income seniors, families and people with disabilities." (www.4idaho.org)
	Do you support spending on infrastructure projects for the purpose of job creation?
	Do you support the temporary extension of unemployment benefits?
	Do you support the 2010 temporary extension of tax relief?
	Other or expanded principles
Following the Great Depression, America learned it had a powerful impact on jobs and economic recovery. Instead of laying people off, we put people to work across the country in communities with their own urgent needs. Today Congress has cut jobs again and again, canceling contracts, stifling growth and recovery. Partly as a result, Idaho communities set records for unemployment.. At the same time tax cuts on the wealthy have stayed in place, costing the nation millions in debt and in lost opportunities to put people to work. We can do better. Much better. And I understand how.

Unknown Position	Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants? Nicole LeFavour. The Voter Guide: 2012 Treasure Valley Voters Guide. Responded "Restore federal funding for our public schools so Tom Luna never again increases class sizes and causes property taxes to rise to balance our state budget" to the question: "What three things do you want to accomplish first if elected (or re-elected)?" Nicole LeFavour. Project Vote Smart: 2012 Idaho Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "NO ANSWER" for: "Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?" Education other or expanded principles. "We should ensure students are given the attention and individualized instruction they need to succeed in the classroom and in our ever-changing economy. Let's put our emphasis on teaching skills and problem solving rather than on testing. To do that, we need to provide state funding to hire more teachers, thus lowering class sizes and student-teacher ratios." Nicole LeFavour. Issue Position: Education. 1 january 2012. "Four years of budget cuts have created fiscal crises in our neighborhood schools, caused property taxes to rise and led to a loss of critical resources teachers need to make sure every child achieves his or her full potential. I strongly oppose forcing kids to learn in crowded classrooms as a result of state and federal budget cuts." (votesmart.org) Nicole LeFavour. Project Vote Smart: 2012 Idaho Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No Answer" for: "Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?" Education other or expanded principles. "We should ensure students are given the attention and individualized instruction they need to succeed in the classroom and in our ever-changing economy. Let's put our emphasis on teaching skills and problem solving rather than on testing. To do that, we need to provide state funding to hire more teachers, thus lowering class sizes and student-teacher ratios. I support using state funds to make a college education affordable for every high school graduate." Nicole LeFavour. Issue Position: Education. 1 January 2012. "Four years of budget cuts have created fiscal crises in our neighborhood schools, caused property taxes to rise and led to a loss of critical resources teachers need to make sure every child achieves his or her full potential. I strongly oppose forcing kids to learn in crowded classrooms as a result of state and federal budget cuts." (votesmart.org)
	Other or expanded principles
We should ensure students are given the attention and individualized instruction they need to succeed in the classroom and in our ever-changing economy. Let�s put our emphasis on teaching skills and problem solving rather than on testing. To do that, we need to provide state funding to hire more teachers, thus lowering class sizes and student-teacher ratios. I support using state funds to make a college education affordable for every high school graduate.

Unknown Position	Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production? Despite exhaustive research, Project Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
	Other or expanded principles

	Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?
Yes	Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions? Nicole LeFavour. 23 March 2012. "As a legislator I will continue to be a strong voice for conservation. I will fight to protect Idaho's clean air, water and wild lands from the trend toward loosening environmental restrictions and standards for industry and agriculture. To reduce traffic and protect air quality, I will work for legislation that allows voters to choose local option taxes as a way to fund area mass transit, enabling cities like Boise fund greatly expanded routes and schedules to make bus systems more useable." (www.4idaho.org) Nicole LeFavour. Greener Pockets. 30 January 2008. "Today the House Energy, Environment and Technology Committee, which I serve on, approved a bill to require 30% more energy efficiency in the construction of state buildings in coming years. [¦] I am sure Steve and Curtis have reasons for voting against saving state dollars by building structures which use less energy [¦] It may be that deluge of fun publications which offer article after article about the evils of government regulation of everything from day care centers and water quality to building construction, carbon emission and fuel efficiency. [¦] We each have to weigh out how we prioritize human health, our feelings about government regulation, short term vs long term costs and what ever else enters our reasoning from the recesses of our minds." (notesfromthefloor.typepad.com) Nicole LeFavour. Nicole's 2006 Legislative Session Report: Energy Planning and Protecting Idaho's Clean Air, Water and Soils. 7 January 2008. "To simply allow projects such as the coal fired plant near Jerome to proceed, to accept mercury, sulfur, greenhouse and other harmful emissions is unacceptable when so many other options exist." (www.4idaho.org) Nicole LeFavour. Senator Nicole LeFavour won the Democratic nomination for Idaho's Second Congressional District with 84% of the vote in the May Primary Election. 14 March 2012. "Nicole believes that weakening the EPA will only put at risk the clean drinking water and air that the next generation of Idahoans must depend on for a healthy start in life. While we all trust some companies not to pollute our water and air, other corporations we trust less. We feel these companies should be watched by an agency whose job it is to protect human health." (4idaho.org)
	Other or expanded principles

Yes	Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns? Nicole LeFavour. Project Vote Smart: 2012 Idaho Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected NO ANSWER" for: "Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?" Guns other or expanded principls: "I support registration and regulation of handguns and automatic weapons, not hunting riffles." Nicole LeFavour. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Idaho State Legislative Political Courage Test. Selected "" for: "a) Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?" Nicole LeFavour. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Idaho State Legislative Political Courage Test. Selected "Yes" for: "c) Do you support allowing individuals to carry concealed guns?" Gun Issues Other or expanded principles: "I grew up around guns and I support the right of people to keep and bear firearms especially for hunting and for personal safety. I feel that possession of fully automatic weapons like machine guns should be limited and that those carrying lethal hand guns and concealed weapons should register those fire arms so that murderers, rapists and criminals who use them can be more readily caught and prosecuted to improve public safety." Nicole LeFavour. Project Vote Smart: 2012 Idaho Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "NO Answer" for: "Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?" Guns other or expanded principles: "I support registration and regulation of handguns and automatic weapons, not hunting riffles." Nicole LeFavour. What We Fear. 10 February 2008. "What else might we as lawmakers fear? 2. Being without a gun. Unless recent legislation is only about the politics of gun rights, then I suspect that it is frightening for some of my colleagues to picture their own son or daughter on a college campus without a gun. Let's set aside that moments of passion and drunkenness are perhaps the greatest threats to public safety, even for those who remain sober, and to insert guns into such an environment might not help make it safer. Never mind that suicide by a fire arm may be one of the higher risk factors of allowing concealed weapons on campus. I suppose too we had best set aside the notion that a concealed weapons permit is an adequate test for emotional stability or any indicator of its owner's ability keep that gun out of the hands of others on a small campus with shared dorm rooms, open doors, and many parties. This week, as the legislature debates prohibiting colleges from banning concealed weapons on campus, we will contemplate what we fear and what we don't fear. Will a change in the law create more fear or less?" (notesfromthefloor.typepad.com)
	Other or expanded principles
I support registration and regulation of handguns and automatic weapons, not hunting riffles.

Unknown Position	Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act? Nicole LeFavour. Project Vote Smart: 2012 Idaho Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected "No Answer" for "Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?" Health Care other or expanded principles: "No nation should allow its healthcare to become so broken that citizens go bankrupt paying medical bills. I'm not a fan of the Mitt Romney-style mandate to buy private insurance as it has been written into the nation's health care law. While I think there are enormously important new consumer protections in the law, we need to hold insurance companies accountable, not make them more powerful by mandating that everyone buy private coverage. States should have been able to buy into a not-for-profit federal public option for those unable to afford private insurance." Nicole LeFavour. Project Vote Smart: 2012 Idaho Congressional Political Courage Test. Selected NO ANSWER for "Do you support repealing the Affordable Care Act (HR 3590)?" Health Care other or expanded principles: "No nation should allow its healthcare to become so broken that citizens go bankrupt paying medical bills. I'm not a fan of the Mitt Romney-style mandate to buy private insurance as it has been written into the nation's health care law. While I think there are enormously important new consumer protections in the law, we need to hold insurance companies accountable, not make them more powerful by mandating that everyone buy private coverage. States should have been able to buy into a not-for-profit federal public option for those unable to afford private insurance." Nicole LeFavour. Issue Position: Health Insurance. 1 January 2012. "I was never a fan of the Mitt Romney-style mandate to buy private insurance as it was included in the nation's health care law. Sadly Congress made the industry more powerful by mandating that everyone buy private insurance. A strong nationwide non-profit program would be far more affordable and could simplify the current system which has created endless administrative costs in every doctor's office and hospital. There are some important new consumer protections in the Affordable Care Act or 'Obamacare.' Telling insurers they can't deny coverage to Americans because of pre-existing conditions has saved many families and individuals from going without any insurance. I also support the provision which allows young people to stay on their parents plans until age 26. There's still much work to do and it's time for congress members to start proposing solutions and stop playing politics with people's lives. It's time to fix the law to ensure no American goes bankrupt over medical bills or fear that the cost having of insurance is out of their reach." (votesmart.org) Nicole LeFavour. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Idaho State Legislative 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: "Our current system of private insurance is over-priced and sending families and businesses into bankruptcy and debt. We must far better regulate, reform or eliminate insurance companies. Medical care should be affordable so no family goes bankrupt paying bills for cancer treatment or a major medical crisis. If a plant has compounds that have medical value, those compounds should be prescribe-able. However, overuse of legal drugs such as alcohol is already harming communities. Addressing self esteem and the mental and physical health of young people and adults must be more of a priority in order to address substance abuse. " Nicole LeFavour. The Voter Guide: 2012 Treasure Valley Voters Guide. Responded "While generally I think there are hugely important new consumer protections in the law, no one should go bankrupt over medical bills or fear that the cost having of insurance is out of their reach. We needed to hold insurance companies accountable for increasing health care costs and making the system so complex. Congress should not have made the industry more powerful by mandating that everyone buy private insurance. Using Medicaid as the public option for those unable to afford private insurance is sadly going to drive up medical costs and insurance rates. A strong nationwide non-profit insurance program would be far more affordable and could simplify the current system which has created endless administrative costs in every doctor's office and hospital" to the question: "What should Congress do if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the 2010 health-care reform law?" (c3.thevoterguide.org) Nicole LeFavour. Issue Position: Health Insurance. 1 January 2012. "I was never a fan of the Mitt Romney-style mandate to buy private insurance as it was included in the nation's health care law. Sadly Congress made the industry more powerful by mandating that everyone buy private insurance. A strong nationwide non-profit program would be far more affordable and could simplify the current system which has created endless administrative costs in every doctor's office and hospital. There are some important new consumer protections in the Affordable Care Act or "Obamacare." Telling insurers they can't deny coverage to Americans because of pre-existing conditions has saved many families and individuals from going without any insurance. I also support the provision which allows young people to stay on their parents plans until age 26. There's still much work to do and it's time for congress members to start proposing solutions and stop playing politics with people's lives. It's time to fix the law to ensure no American goes bankrupt over medical bills or fear that the cost having of insurance is out of their reach." (votesmart.org) Nicole LeFavour. Twitter: @nicolelefavour. 11 August 2009. "Thinking I don't like health care managed by giant insurance Corps who deny/ration coverage, raise rates randomly & cut the sick from care." (twitter.com) Nicole LeFavour. Twitter: @nicolelefavour. 16 December 2009. "Federal Heath Reform is looking more like Mass's mandate to buy private insurance with no alternative for those who can't afford it." (twitter.com)
	Should individuals be required to purchase health insurance, as mandated in the 2010 Affordable Care Act?
	Other or expanded principles
No nation should allow its healthcare to become so broken that citizens go bankrupt paying medical bills. I�m not a fan of the Mitt Romney-style mandate to buy private insurance as it has been written into the nation�s health care law. While I think there are enormously important new consumer protections in the law, we need to hold insurance companies accountable, not make them more powerful by mandating that everyone buy private coverage. States should have been able to buy into a not-for-profit federal public option for those unable to afford private insurance.

Unknown Position	Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship? Dustin Hurst. Idaho Reporter: Protesters denounce Arizona immigration law. 2 May 2010."LeFavour told that crowd government officials in Arizona need to remember that the U.S. consists entirely of immigrants from other countries. She said that the immigrants today are not criminals, but rather hard working, family-oriented people who came to the U.S. looking to better themselves and their families. The law passed in Arizona, LeFavour said, will spread fear among racial minorities, regardless of their immigration status. She, like Hopkins and Morales, called for immigration reform to take place on the federal level. "Other nations have managed to craft sensible immigration policies that allow people to live and work across borders." said LeFavour. 'Why can't we?'" (www.idahoreporter.com) Nicole LeFavour. Issue Position: Respect and Human Dignity. 1 January 2012. "I have worked for decades to advance human rights and respect across Idaho. In contrast, Mike Simpson has refused to address our broken immigration system in a way that unites families and best serves Idaho communities, agriculture, commerce and our economy" (votesmart.org) Nicole LeFavour. Nicole's Report on Human Rights in the 2005 Legislative Session. 2 January 2006. "The second discriminatory proposal the legislature faced this year would have denied county medical assistance for major illnesses like cancer treatment to undocumented immigrant residents of Idaho. Farms, ranches, restaurants, hotels and many other businesses of all kinds in our state, employ over 16,000 such workers each year. These workers typically pay state sales taxes, state and federal withholding as well as renters and other taxes, yet these individuals or their family members may not yet have the proper papers for citizenship or legal residence in the United States. Fortunately, the Senate State Affairs Committee unanimously defeated this proposal." (www.4idaho.org) Nishi Gupta. KTVB.com: Idaho senator vows to push for immigration reform. 30 April 2012. "Sen. Nicole LeFavour says immigration laws will hurt the state economy more than they will help. The Boise Democrat says many immigrants do pay taxes, and contribute to society. She believes that immigration is a federal issue, not a state issue. And if Jorgenson was to sponsor a bill to make E-Verify a requirement, LeFavour would not support it." (www.ktvb.com)
	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?
	Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration law by state and local police?
	Other or expanded principles

Yes	Do you support same-sex marriage? Gay & Lesbian Political Victory Fund. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Gay & Lesbian Political Victory Fund endorsed Nicole LeFavour in the 2010 general election. (votesmart.org) Nicole LeFavour. Project Vote Smart: 2010 Idaho State Legislative Political Courage Test. Selected "No" for: "a) Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?" Social Issues Other or expanded principles: "--Idaho funds little scientific research. Universities should fund projects on the merits of the science and ethics of the projects as accepted by each academic institution. --Idaho doesn't use quotas in hiring but should ensure that it's not inappropriately failing to hire or recruit women, Latinos, people of differing religions, ages and racial backgrounds. If hiring and recruitment is unbiased then the representation of women and minorities in state government should be similar to their representation in Idaho's population. --Like 64% of Idahoans, I believe it should be against Idaho law to fire people from their jobs because they're gay." Nicole LeFavour. Facebook: Wall. 10 February 2012. "Today I'm ashamed to be a member of the Senate. What body of decent people will not even vote to hear the stories of tens of thousands of families affected by discrimination? To think those I work with, so many of whom agree that discrimination is wrong, today still wouldn't make a statement that discrimination against gay & transgender people should end. So sorry & so sad. Thank you to the thousands who've stood with Add the Words." (www.facebook.com) Nicole LeFavour. Legislavtive Session Reports. 2 January 2010. "I also worked to oppose the anti-gay marriage amendment." (www.4idaho.org) Nicole LeFavour. Legislavtive Session Reports: Protect Your Family In Case of an Emergency 7 January 2010. "In November 2006 Idaho passed a constitutional amendment banning marriage, civil unions and similar protections for same gender couples. In fact the amendment passed with a far lower vote total than many expected. With little campaign on either side of the issue, Idahoans were far more fair minded than voters in many states across the nation. However this constitutional amendment created serious challenges for any unmarried couple in the state of Idaho. As long as the Constitutional Amendment remains in place and has not yet been overturned by voters or the courts, any couple needing to address issues of hospital visitation, inheritance, custody, burial, social security, and other survivorship issues, will be at a staggering legal disadvantage. (www.4idaho.org) Nicole LeFavour. A Statement from Nicole LeFavour. 1 March 2006. "Tonight I mourn with you the loss of reason, the failure of the backbone and conviction to which so many of us clung these past few years, hoping the gay marriage amendment would not pass. Today the State Senate voted to pass the Gay Marriage Constitutional Amendment. It will go to the ballot in November now. Today, Idaho's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities became nothing but a tool for the Republican Party to turn more voters out at election time. In debate today, Republican senators actually used their ability to turn out voters in November as a reason their Republican colleagues should vote yes. They used religion. They said it would cost taxpayers millions of dollars to allow our communities to have equal access to Social Security benefits if we were allowed to marry. As if we are not taxpayers who have been subsidizing their partner benefits for decades. Today they used an amendment that hurts our community for their own political gain." (www.boiseweekly.com)
	Other or expanded principles

Unknown Position	Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict? Despite exhaustive research, Project Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
	Should the U.S use military force in order to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon?
	Other or expanded principles

Unknown Position	Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts? Nicole LeFavour. The Voter Guide: 2012 Treasure Valley Voters Guide. Responded "No. Reductions of these programs hurt the economy and the nation's seniors. They violate a promise our nation makes to each American who pays taxes or funds these programs that we will have some level of security in providing for ourselves and living out our lives in our communities as we age" to the question: "Would you cut entitlement spending " mostly Social Security and Medicare " to reduce the federal government's $1-trillion-plus annual deficits and the nation's ballooning debt? Why or why not?" (c3.thevoterguide.org)
	Other or expanded principles

Spending
Indicate 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.
	a) Agriculture
	b) Arts
	c) Defense
	d) Education
	e) Environment
	f) Homeland Security
	g) International aid
	h) Medical Research
	i) Scientific Research
	j) Space exploration
	k) United Nations
	l) Welfare
	m) Other or expanded categories

Taxes
Indicate 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.
	a) Capital gains taxes
	b) Corporate taxes
	c) Excise taxes (alcohol)
	d) Excise taxes (cigarettes)
	e) Excise taxes (transportation fuel)
	f) Income taxes (low-income families)
	g) Income taxes (middle-income families)
	h) Income taxes (high-income families)
	i) Inheritance taxes
	j) Payroll taxes
	k) Other or expanded categories

Please explain in a total of 100 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.

Jobs. Idaho lags the nation in economic recovery. We export many Idaho products as raw materials, gaining no economic benefit or jobs in producing final products for sale. Poor banking regulations have made it nearly impossible for businesses to get loans to reinvest in our communities. Sadly, Congress has done little to remove this obstacle.

I have four years experience balancing Idaho�s budget. Budgeting is about cutting spending abd about understanding how cuts affect jobs, families, the economy, and next year�s budget. Some cuts don�t make economic or human sense because we create greater costs. Congress needs to recognize this.

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Nicole LeFavour

Nicole LeFavour's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Idaho Congressional Election 2012 Political Courage Test

Key

Abortion

Afghanistan

Budget

Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing the federal budget.

In order to balance the budget,

Campaign Finance

Capital Punishment

Economy

Education

Energy

Environment

Guns

Health Care

Immigration

Marriage

National Security

Social Security

Spending and Taxes

Spending

Indicate 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.

Taxes

Indicate 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.

Administrative Priorities

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