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Patricia 'Patsy' R. Keever

Patricia 'Patsy' R. Keever's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Patricia Keever
Full Name: Patricia 'Patsy' R. Keever
Gender: Female
Family: Husband: Jim; 2 Children: Jenny, Betsy
Birth Date: 12/20/1947
Birth Place: Charlotte, NC
Home City: Asheville, NC
Religion: Unitarian/Universalist
Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.
Patricia Keever refused to tell citizens where she stands on any of the issues addressed in the 2012 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 2012, are provided below as a courtesy to voters.

Pro-choice Inferred Answer Abortion: Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Patsy Keever. The Smoky Mountain News: 2012 Q&A of Patsy Keever. Responded "Clearly no one is for either one of those. Abortion is such a personal decision and I think it can only be made between a woman and her doctor. It's not a government decision. Government, I think, does need to be looking for a way to eliminate the need for anyone to have to make that kind of decision, and we do that through better health and safety education for our women. On partial birth abortion I support a ban that takes into account the life and safety of the mother. " to the question: "Explain your position on abortion and partial birth abortion." (www.smokymountainnews.com)
  • Nicole Belle. Blue America: Blue America Welcomes Patsy Keever (D-NC). 20 March 2012. "Women all across North Carolina are disgusted with the Republican treatment of women. My campaign launched a petition drive protesting the GOP's assault on women and collected over 850 petitions in a few days. I'm not just talking about Democratic women. Whether it's the radical right-wing conservatives in Raleigh or in Washington, the women I've spoken to are ready to take action to confront this extremism. I faced this issue at the state level as well. GOP members in the State House proposed legislation curtailing women's choice. Well I fought against this bill and worked to uphold Governor Perdue's veto. I am angry, and needless to say, women across the state are angry too." (blueamerica.crooksandliars.com)
No Inferred Answer Afghanistan: Do you support United States' combat operations in Afghanistan? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Patsy Keever. The Smoky Mountain News: 2012 Q&A of Patsy Keever. Responded "I think the point is that we are there, we can't backtrack. We need to protect our soldiers and get them home as soon as possible. We need a clear exit strategy, and that exit strategy has to include allies, and right now we have a rather weak coalition of people who are helping us with a little bit of money or a little bit of military. We need a lot of help, a much stronger coalition to help us with the military burden and financial burden of this war. " to the question: "How do you feel about this country attacking Afghanistan and Iraq?" (www.smokymountainnews.com)
  • Nicole Belle. Blue America: Blue America Welcomes Patsy Keever (D-NC). 20 March 2012. "The massacre in Afghanistan shows that we need to be funding our troops' mental health resources much more than we are now. As for troop withdrawal, the sooner the better. We have spent too much 'blood and treasure' in the Middle East, and it's time to bring our troops home." (blueamerica.crooksandliars.com)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Despite exhaustive research, Project Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
Yes Inferred Answer Budget: In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Patricia Keever. Gaston Gazette: 2012 Q&A of Patsy Keever. Responsed "There are a number of ways we can increase federal revenue without increasing taxes. If corporate tax breaks for the oil and gas industry were eliminated, $41 billion would be saved. Eliminating the special depreciation rules for corporate jet purchases would save $5 billion. Some estimate total savings of $425 billion over 10 years are possible through these and similar actions." to the question: "Would you support a tax increase of any kind, or for any reason, during your term in office?" (local.gastongazette.com)
  • Patsy Keever. The Smoky Mountain News: 2012 Q&A of Patsy Keever. Responded "I would repeal the tax cuts to the wealthiest 1 percent. I think that is just wrong." to the question: "Would you have supported President Bush's tax cut package? " (www.smokymountainnews.com)
Yes Inferred Answer Economy: Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Jake Frankel. Mountain Xpress: Game on: Keever and Bellamy compete in 10th Congressional District Democratic primary. 26 April 2012. "For her part, Keever says that she agrees on the need for more federal spending on infrastructure improvements, noting that she strongly supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and President Barack Obama's $447 billion jobs bill that Congress denied last year. 'The federal stimulus has made a huge difference. It's kept our schools going. I would love to see us do more stimulus if we can,' she says. 'There's so much infrastructure that needs to be done " and we could be creating jobs as government.'" (www.mountainx.com)
  • Patricia Keever. Issue Position: Jobs and the Economy. 4 June 2012. "Patsy knows that we are living in extremely difficult times for too many people. It is essential to concentrate on creating more living wage jobs in the region and supporting the businesses which we now have. There are some clear choices to be made. Invest in the green job market." (votesmart.org)
Yes Inferred Answer Economy: Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Patsy Keever. Issue Position: Jobs & the Economy. 20 April 2012. "Support small businesses through tax incentives and community college training programs for their employees." (votesmart.org)
  • Corey Friedman. Shelby Star: Patsy Keever challenges McHenry for U.S. House seat. 29 January 2012. "I'd like to see small-business incubators and encourage banks to lend money to small businesses. I also think on the local levels, we need to support our businesses who are already here instead of just giving the incentives to big businesses coming in." (www.shelbystar.com)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer Education: Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Patricia Keever. 01_26_12_HR3. 26 January 2012. "Education is the most important thing that government does. That's going to be the key to our economic futures. So, you know, at a very early age we need to be investing in our children, and we need to support them... We can't say 'I don't want to pay taxes because I don't have kids' [¦] We need to be looking at children from the time of birth to the end of their lives really [¦] We need to invest in our young children [¦] Do we need to change the whole system? No. But one thing that we need to change is that we need parent support." (radio interview-start at 10:20.) (www.wwnc.com)
  • Patricia Keever. Gaston Gazette: 2012 Q&A of Patsy Keever. Responsed "We must stand up for the Department of Education and for teachers and continue to invest in child-hood education, especially early childhood" to the question: "Name your top three priorities if elected. Please be specific." (local.gastongazette.com)
  • Patricia Keever. 01_26_12_HR3. 26 January 2012. "Education is the most important thing that government does. That's going to be the key to our economic futures. So, you know, at a very early age we need to be investing in our children, and we need to support them... We can't say 'I don't want to pay taxes because I don't have kids' [¦] We need to be looking at children from the time of birth to the end of their lives really [¦] We need to invest in our young children [¦] Do we need to change the whole system? No. But one thing that we need to change is that we need parent support." (radio interview-start at 10:20.) (www.wwnc.com)
  • Patricia Keever. Public Education-- The Path To Social Justice. 4 June 2012. "For 25 years I have watched the Republican party pick away at our public education system. They have tried to treat our schools as a business which turns out a product. It is not a business! It is a service our government provides in order to maintain a just society. The question is how do we develop each individual to reach his or her potential to be a functioning, successful member of the community. Vouchers and charter schools are not the answer. Defunding good programs and instituting unfunded mandates are not the answer. Adding more students to each classroom while decreasing support systems for teachers is not the answer. Teachers, parents, students, businesses, elected officials and entire communities must find ways to work together for the good of all. Our lives depend on it." (downwithtyranny.blogspot.com)
  • Patricia Keever. Mountain Xpress - Meet Patsy Keever, Democrat, 10th Congressional District Candidate. 30 April 2012. "I will introduce a bill in support of the Department of Education and fully funding early education programs. A quality education is the birthright of every child from early childhood on, and I believe it must be a top priority at all levels of government...Public education. A well-educated citizenry is the backbone of democracy and the key to our economic future. Ensuring that every child has the opportunity for a quality education will be my highest priority when I get to Washington." (votesmart.org)
No Inferred Answer Energy: Do you support reducing restrictions on offshore energy production? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Patricia Keever. Facebook: Timeline. 27 June 2010. "Patsy stands in solidarity with the people of Buncombe County against offshore drilling. Check out the WLOS story below." (www.facebook.com)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer Environment: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Sierra Club. Project Vote Smart: Interest Group Endorsements. 04/18/2012. Sierra Club endorsed Patricia Keever in the 2012 general election. (votesmart.org)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer Guns: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Patsy Keever. The Smoky Mountain News: 2012 Q&A of Patsy Keever. Responded "I support the Second Amendment. Guns are very much a part of Western North Carolina culture." to the question: "How about gun control?" (www.smokymountainnews.com)
No Inferred Answer Health Care: Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Patsy Keever. Issue Position: Health Care. 20 April 2012. "Patsy will continue to [...] Support health insurance for all citizens, especially children; expand SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program). Support access to primary care for all citizens and prevent the need for emergency rooms as a source of primary care. Support a public option as part of national health care reform." (votesmart.org)
  • Patricia Keever. Gaston Gazette: 2012 Q&A of Patsy Keever. Responsed "Yes, we need to continue to improve the health care system to ensure quality care for everyone and control costs. I think the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a good step in this direction. Ultimately, we need a comprehensive health-care program that covers every citizen in the U.S." to the question: "Do you believe that the United States' health care system needs to be reformed, and if so, how?" (local.gastongazette.com)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer Immigration: Do you support requiring illegal immigrants to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Despite exhaustive research, Project Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
Yes Inferred Answer Marriage: Do you support same-sex marriage? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Larry Clark. Hickory Daily Record: Hickory Daily Record - McHenry Wins Easily; Will Face Keever for 10th District Seat. 8 May 2012. "Keever and McHenry took opposing positions on North Carolina's constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Keever said Tuesday night she is not surprised the amendment passed, but 'I am disappointed.' 'It think it is poorly written and not necessary. I don't think most people realized the unintended consequences of the amendment. It's not as simple as it sounds. It's more than stating a definition.'" (www2.hickoryrecord.com)
  • Corey Friedman. Shelby Star: Patsy Keever challenges McHenry for U.S. House seat. 29 January 2012. "Another issue is equality " every human being has the right to be treated equally under the law." (www.shelbystar.com)
  • Jake Frankel. Mountain Xpress: Game on: Keever and Bellamy compete in 10th Congressional District Democratic primary. 26 April 2012. "In contrast, Keever goes further than just opposing the amendment, casting the issue of same-sex marriage as a civil-rights issue. 'What people choose to do with their religious rights, their religious rituals, is one thing, but marriage is a contract with the state, and everybody should have the same right to that contract,' she argues." (www.mountainx.com)
  • Patricia Keever. Issue Position: Equal Rights. 4 June 2012. "Patsy Keever supports equal rights for all citizens regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, socio-economic status, political beliefs, religious/spiritual faith, age, or lifestyle... In our march toward equality for all, Patsy is a staunch advocate for equal rights for our gay and lesbian community members. She supports the move by the Asheville City Council to provide domestic partner benefits for city employees with same-sex partners. Patsy believes that every citizen has equal rights and responsibilities in our community." (votesmart.org)
Unknown Position Unknown Answer National Security: Do you support targeting suspected terrorists outside of official theaters of conflict? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Despite exhaustive research, Project Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
No Inferred Answer Social Security: Do you support allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts? View Citations

Vote Smart's Research

  • Nicole Belle. Blue America: Blue America Welcomes Patsy Keever (D-NC). 20 March 2012. "As you know, Social Security taxes are levied on earnings up to a maximum level. In 2012, the cap is set at $110,100 dollars. Thus higher-income individuals pay a smaller share of their income in Social Security taxes than middle-class employees. I would raise or even eliminate the cap to ensure the money is there to pay benefits in the future. One thing I will never stand for is privatization of any part of Social Security. We saw how volatile the financial markets can be. Social Security should be a guarantee, not a gamble." (blueamerica.crooksandliars.com)
  • Patricia Keever. Social Security. 6 June 2012. "Social Security: I will never stand for the privatization of any part of Social Security. We saw how volatile the financial markets can be in 2008. Social Security should be a guarantee to those who have earned it, not a gamble." (www.google.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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