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James Marter's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Republican for U.S. House (IL) - District 14

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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.
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Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

James Marter is currently being tested through the 2024 Political Courage Test.

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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 2024.

  • "Murderer of the most innocent of human LIFE, the baby in the mother's womb #PROLIFE" (twitter.com)
  • " LOVE ❤ LIFE #RespectLIFE #ChooseLIFE Pray 🙏 for the end of Roe v. Wade, pray 🙏 for LIFE!" (twitter.com)
  • "I am 100% un-apologetically ProLife. I will not rest until we have changed hearts and minds, guaranteed protections for ALL life. I believe that every human being is a unique and unrepeatable gift of God, made in His image and likeness, in order to know, love and serve Him in this life, and to be happy with Him forever in Heaven. I believe that every human life begins at the moment of conception and lasts until natural death, and that all people are endowed by their Creator with the inalienable right to life. Without life, no other rights are possible." (None)
  • "Solemnly marking another anniversary of the unconstitutional and terrible ruling of Roe v. Wade." (twitter.com)
  • "We need to protect Americans who rely on it but reform this program that will fail future generations." (marter4congress.us)
  • "The Social Security system is currently a Ponzi scheme, a FAKE promissory note written on the tax payers backs of future generations not born. If any bank or financial institution were caught selling you an "investment" like social security, they would be arrested and convicted for perpetrating a fraud on their customers. A complete Repeal and Replace is in order. First and foremost, we MUST protect Seniors and all current existing recipients and those close to retirement that have no other options should be ensured their payments will continue. On Medicare. First, repeal Obamacare (PPACA) and restore the funding stolen." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket? "No" justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I will be relentless in the pursuit of cutting the size and scope of government, eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse from government and cutting government bureaucracy and agencies which are neither necessary at the federal level nor constitutional. Balance the Budget. Eliminate the regressive tax code and Fix the tax code, make it flat and simple, and slash the size of the IRS. Stop giving our treasury to foreign countries, crony capitalists, and end the "corporate welfare". I applaud President Trump and Rolling back regulations, at an astonishing rate thereby Unleashing the economy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "In Congress, I will be relentless in my efforts to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. The out of control spending of our political class is robbing future generations of the American Dream. I will fight to end government waste, fraud, abuse and believe that government should live within a balanced budget, just like the working people who pay for it." (marter4congress.us)
  • "Working people and families should pay less in taxes. It’s one way to unleash the economy." (marter4congress.us)
  • "I will be relentless in the pursuit of cutting the size and scope of government, eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse from government and cutting government bureaucracy and agencies which are neither necessary at the federal level nor constitutional. Balance the Budget. Eliminate the regressive tax code and Fix the tax code, make it flat and simple, and slash the size of the IRS. Stop giving our treasury to foreign countries, crony capitalists, and end the "corporate welfare". I applaud President Trump and Rolling back regulations, at an astonishing rate thereby Unleashing the economy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As a Grassroots candidate I would actually like to see the First Amendment practiced, where all American Citizens, organizations, etc. are NOT barred from exercising their First Amendment rights. The Campaign finance laws as written are nothing short of the INCUMBENT PROTECTION program, where UNIONs, and Wealthy Organizations and PACs can funnel money where the wish, but others including individual are barred or severely limited. Let's Practice FREE SPEECH and let's start with the First Amendment and unhinge the limitations imposed on Americans by campaign finance laws designed to protect incumbents." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Thank you to all who dedicate their life to Serve and Protect and to all who Defend The Police. #BackTheBLUE" (twitter.com)
  • "I understand these issues, am supported by experts on them and in Congress I’ll work to secure the border, support law enforcement and protect American jobs and our way of life, from threats foreign and domestic." (marter4congress.us)
  • "I will Stand & Fight to protect the 2nd Amendment, Parents Rights: stop CRT & sexual indoctrination of our children, Medical Freedom against illegal mandates, fund the Police and Military, and stop BigTech censorship. #SAVE_AMERICA" (twitter.com)
  • "Today we honor our brave law enforcement men and women today (and everyday.) They are putting their lives on the line everyday to keep our communities safe and we must have their backs! Very shocking and sad report out of Chicago..." (twitter.com)
  • "We need a strong military for National Defense vs nation state entities and Terrorist organizations, as well as for protection of Trade and Shipping (Air, Land, Sea) and enforcement of American Interests in agreements both supporting allies and trade partners. President Trump got the United States out of the un-constitutional Obama Iran Deal pouring billions of Dollars into the largest state sponsor of terrorism under the guise of a peaceful nuclear program with Iran, an unmitigated disaster, not only for the United States, but all of our friends and allies in the region and around the world." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Congress has a duty to put America first. We need people of integrity representing us, who can set aside their desire for political power and personal enrichment, and advance the interests and security of the United States of America." (l5t.124.myftpupload.com)
  • "I support a strong military and the brave men and women who serve. We must honor, care for and improve the lives of our vets." (l5t.124.myftpupload.com)
  • Do you support increasing defense spending? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I will be relentless in the pursuit of cutting the size and scope of government, eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse from government and cutting government bureaucracy and agencies which are neither necessary at the federal level nor constitutional. Balance the Budget. Eliminate the regressive tax code and Fix the tax code, make it flat and simple, and slash the size of the IRS. Stop giving our treasury to foreign countries, crony capitalists, and end the "corporate welfare". I applaud President Trump and Rolling back regulations, at an astonishing rate thereby Unleashing the economy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "I will work to proactively dismantle the policies that have robbed us of our energy independence, disadvantaged the American worker, raised inflation, lowered productivity, put small businesses at risk and suffocated innovation. The market needs less self-enriching politicians meddling in it and more everyday Americans prospering in it." (marter4congress.us)
  • "In Congress, I will be relentless in my efforts to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. The out of control spending of our political class is robbing future generations of the American Dream. I will fight to end government waste, fraud, abuse and believe that government should live within a balanced budget, just like the working people who pay for it." (marter4congress.us)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "In Congress, I will be relentless in my efforts to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. The out of control spending of our political class is robbing future generations of the American Dream. I will fight to end government waste, fraud, abuse and believe that government should live within a balanced budget, just like the working people who pay for it." (marter4congress.us)
  • "Rep Lauren Underwood who support BIDEN 100%, thinks spending Trillions and calling that "inflation reduction" solves the problem, we know it's a Tax on your paycheck, hard working Americans need inflation tax relief!" (twitter.com)
  • "I will work to proactively dismantle the policies that have robbed us of our energy independence, disadvantaged the American worker, raised inflation, lowered productivity, put small businesses at risk and suffocated innovation. The market needs less self-enriching politicians meddling in it and more everyday Americans prospering in it." (marter4congress.us)
  • "I will be relentless in the pursuit of cutting the size and scope of government, eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse from government and cutting government bureaucracy and agencies which are neither necessary at the federal level nor constitutional. Balance the Budget. Eliminate the regressive tax code and Fix the tax code, make it flat and simple, and slash the size of the IRS. Stop giving our treasury to foreign countries, crony capitalists, and end the "corporate welfare". I applaud President Trump and Rolling back regulations, at an astonishing rate thereby Unleashing the economy." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Voter ID. Paper ballots. Monitored chain of custody for all voting, early, mailed, and election day. Mandatory full audits within 30 days, with no connection to clerk's office and every step of audit fully documented and available for public review. Including ballots & systems" (twitter.com)
  • "77% of Americans support Voter ID. The list of things the government won't let you do without a valid government issued Id is way to long to put in a Tweet. What do you say? How 🤔 about we require VOTER ID❓ And how 🤔 about stopping ✋HR1 !" (twitter.com)
  • "America’s elections need dramatically better protection from foreign and domestic meddling, criminal activity and abuse." (marter4congress.us)
  • "Election Integrity is needed! Voter Id, cleanup of voter rolls, end 40 days of early voting in Illinois make it a week, opt in versus opt out motor voter. Positive citizenship verification... just a few things must be done." (twitter.com)
  • "We need to stop calling "weather" climate change, we do need conservation of resources. Smart, scientific use of all available energy sources, including Nuclear. Stop government subsidies, let sustainable energy compete!" (twitter.com)
  • "That's right ✅ AMERICAN energy, an AMERICAN Pipeline, and restore drilling rights on American lands!" (twitter.com)
  • "We need free market principles and smart trade policy. The government should not politicize industries, picking winners and threatening competition." (marter4congress.us)
  • Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "That's right ✅ AMERICAN energy, an AMERICAN Pipeline, and restore drilling rights on American lands!" (twitter.com)
  • "To the extent that the government has a role, it is appropriately at the State level, via-a-via the 10th amendment to ensure clean air and clean water, to that end we should have common sense and applicable controls on emissions to ensure a clean and healthy environment for all Americans. Powers not delegated to Congress via the enumerated powers, must be left to the states, and we need to get Washington out of the business of "saving the planet" and start actually focusing on its limited federal roles and functions." (justfacts.votesmart.org) (None)
  • "I firmly support your Second Amendment rights" (marter4congress.us)
  • "Congress's job is to firmly support and defend the 2nd Amendment against all efforts to infringe upon it. The right to bear arms as unequivocally stated in the Bill of Rights: "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." It is the 2nd Amendment which protects the 1st Amendment and all other Rights of the American Citizen. To reduce violence by any means, a well-armed and regular citizenry has proven time again, to reduce crime and violence wherever it is protected." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The second amendment right to bear arms shall not be infringed..." (twitter.com)
  • "The unconstitutional un-Affordable Care Act needs to be repealed. The formerly free Private insurance market has been devastated by the PPACA with exorbitant increasing prices, deductibles, no working American can afford. Prices soared affecting millions of American Families, like mine, now in excess of 300% since passage. Constitutional and market-based reforms need to be enacted: a) restoring free markets (e.g. prescription drugs) b) portability of insurance across state lines; from employer plans to employee c) tort reform d) equalized tax-free treatment of health care costs individuals. e) allow all Americans to directly participate in tax-free Health Savings Accounts." justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Obamacare or as I know it, the unaffordable care act (PPACA), neither protects patients nor does it make anything affordable, in fact now healthcare is 300% higher cost for many. And they say 24M will die if repealed, Good grief !!!" (twitter.com)
  • "The Affordable Care Act gave us less choice and dramatically higher prices. We need to repeal it." (marter4congress.us)
  • "Yes this is the travesty of Obamacare, time to end it!" (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "We need this within our borders, at our border and beyond our borders. Bad policies have created a humanitarian crisis for immigrants, a disaster for American workers and increased threats to our national security. There are risks to our health, the integrity of our elections, the safety of our neighborhoods and even terrorism. With widespread sex trafficking, drug smuggling, gang violence and opioid addiction, we need leaders with courage. I understand these issues, am supported by experts on them and in Congress I’ll work to secure the border, support law enforcement and protect American jobs and our way of life, from threats foreign and domestic." (marter4congress.us)
  • "1. Enforce existing Immigration law. 2. No DACA and No Amnesty 3. End LBJ's Chain migration immigration. 4. End birthright citizenship for illegal aliens, foreign visitors. 5. Enforce the Border, deport illegal immigrant when detained. End catch-and-release. Require state & local law enforcement to report affirmatively all non-citizens in custody to ICE, make ICE detainers mandatory, and require ICE to pick up, remove deportable aliens. 6. End Sanctuary Cities, hold elected officials in violation of federal law accountable. 7. Enforce the law against employers breaking the law hiring illegals. 8. Cap and reduce all Immigration levels, End Diversity Visa Program." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Our southern border must be secured, the wall must be built, and the invasion must be halted." (twitter.com)
  • "We need to enforce existing law, secure the border and end harmful practices putting us at risk." (marter4congress.us)
  • "We need to enforce existing law, secure the border and end harmful practices putting us at risk." (marter4congress.us)
  • "1. Enforce existing Immigration law. 2. No DACA and No Amnesty 3. End LBJ's Chain migration immigration. 4. End birthright citizenship for illegal aliens, foreign visitors. 5. Enforce the Border, deport illegal immigrant when detained. End catch-and-release. Require state & local law enforcement to report affirmatively all non-citizens in custody to ICE, make ICE detainers mandatory, and require ICE to pick up, remove deportable aliens. 6. End Sanctuary Cities, hold elected officials in violation of federal law accountable. 7. Enforce the law against employers breaking the law hiring illegals. 8. Cap and reduce all Immigration levels, End Diversity Visa Program." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Build the wall. Fund the border agents, end catch and release, no Amnesty." (twitter.com)
  • Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "In Congress, we have my opponent, Rep. Lauren Underwood voting with the Terrorist State of IRAN 🇮🇷 and VOTING to continue the chaos and Invasion at our Southern Border and the Illegal immigration crisis! I will vote to DEFUND TERRORIST, SECURE our border, and end invasion!" (twitter.com)
  • "If North Korea thinks doing these sorts of low-level provocations to apply pressure on the US to agree to reduce crushing international sanctions, he may be sadly..." (twitter.com)
  • "I stand with the people of Ukraine. I need to be clear; I am not supporting any corrupt government. The people of Ukraine, like all God’s people, have a right to LIFE, LIBERTY and the Pursuit of Happiness." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
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-life Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
I am 100% un-apologetically ProLife. I will not rest until we have changed hearts and minds, guaranteed protections for ALL life. I believe that every human being is a unique and unrepeatable gift of God, made in His image and likeness, in order to know, love and serve Him in this life, and to be happy with Him forever in Heaven. I believe that every human life begins at the moment of conception and lasts until natural death, and that all people are endowed by their Creator with the inalienable right to life. Without life, no other rights are possible.
No In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
No Do you support expanding federal funding to support entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare?
The Social Security system is currently a Ponzi scheme, a FAKE promissory note written on the tax payers backs of future generations not born. If any bank or financial institution were caught selling you an "investment" like social security, they would be arrested and convicted for perpetrating a fraud on their customers. A complete Repeal and Replace is in order. First and foremost, we MUST protect Seniors and all current existing recipients and those close to retirement that have no other options should be ensured their payments will continue. On Medicare. First, repeal Obamacare (PPACA) and restore the funding stolen.
No Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
As a Grassroots candidate I would actually like to see the First Amendment practiced, where all American Citizens, organizations, etc. are NOT barred from exercising their First Amendment rights. The Campaign finance laws as written are nothing short of the INCUMBENT PROTECTION program, where UNIONs, and Wealthy Organizations and PACs can funnel money where the wish, but others including individual are barred or severely limited. Let's Practice FREE SPEECH and let's start with the First Amendment and unhinge the limitations imposed on Americans by campaign finance laws designed to protect incumbents.
Yes Do you support increasing defense spending?
We need a strong military for National Defense vs nation state entities and Terrorist organizations, as well as for protection of Trade and Shipping (Air, Land, Sea) and enforcement of American Interests in agreements both supporting allies and trade partners. President Trump got the United States out of the un-constitutional Obama Iran Deal pouring billions of Dollars into the largest state sponsor of terrorism under the guise of a peaceful nuclear program with Iran, an unmitigated disaster, not only for the United States, but all of our friends and allies in the region and around the world.
No Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
I will be relentless in the pursuit of cutting the size and scope of government, eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse from government and cutting government bureaucracy and agencies which are neither necessary at the federal level nor constitutional. Balance the Budget. Eliminate the regressive tax code and Fix the tax code, make it flat and simple, and slash the size of the IRS. Stop giving our treasury to foreign countries, crony capitalists, and end the "corporate welfare". I applaud President Trump and Rolling back regulations, at an astonishing rate thereby Unleashing the economy.
No Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
No, end Federal manipulation of the Education system, eliminate all federal funding and involvement in Common Core, eliminate the Department of Education. This should be a state and local issue, not a federal one.
No Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, geo-thermal)?
No Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
To the extent that the government has a role, it is appropriately at the State level, via-a-via the 10th amendment to ensure clean air and clean water, to that end we should have common sense and applicable controls on emissions to ensure a clean and healthy environment for all Americans. Powers not delegated to Congress via the enumerated powers, must be left to the states, and we need to get Washington out of the business of "saving the planet" and start actually focusing on its limited federal roles and functions.
No Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
Congress's job is to firmly support and defend the 2nd Amendment against all efforts to infringe upon it. The right to bear arms as unequivocally stated in the Bill of Rights: "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." It is the 2nd Amendment which protects the 1st Amendment and all other Rights of the American Citizen. To reduce violence by any means, a well-armed and regular citizenry has proven time again, to reduce crime and violence wherever it is protected.
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
The unconstitutional un-Affordable Care Act needs to be repealed. The formerly free Private insurance market has been devastated by the PPACA with exorbitant increasing prices, deductibles, no working American can afford. Prices soared affecting millions of American Families, like mine, now in excess of 300% since passage. Constitutional and market-based reforms need to be enacted: a) restoring free markets (e.g. prescription drugs) b) portability of insurance across state lines; from employer plans to employee c) tort reform d) equalized tax-free treatment of health care costs individuals. e) allow all Americans to directly participate in tax-free Health Savings Accounts.
Yes Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
Yes Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
1. Enforce existing Immigration law. 2. No DACA and No Amnesty 3. End LBJ's Chain migration immigration. 4. End birthright citizenship for illegal aliens, foreign visitors. 5. Enforce the Border, deport illegal immigrant when detained. End catch-and-release. Require state & local law enforcement to report affirmatively all non-citizens in custody to ICE, make ICE detainers mandatory, and require ICE to pick up, remove deportable aliens. 6. End Sanctuary Cities, hold elected officials in violation of federal law accountable. 7. Enforce the law against employers breaking the law hiring illegals. 8. Cap and reduce all Immigration levels, End Diversity Visa Program.
Yes Should the United States use military force to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a weapon of mass destruction (for example: nuclear, biological, chemical)?
Yes Do you support reducing military intervention in Middle East conflicts?
Can we use military force to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a weapon of mass destruction? YES, should we engage in every single action possible? NO. We should carefully assess each enemy nation and terrorist threats, and be ready to engage always, but taking a hard look at lessons learned from past efforts that started as a military action and ended in nation building and never ending police like action in foreign lands.
Yes Do you generally support removing barriers to international trade (for example: tariffs, quotas, etc.)?
First and foremost we should seek Free and fair Trade, a tariffs is simply a tax on the consumer who ultimately pays the price. Congress and past Presidents have supported completely lopsided trade deals which are bad for America in favor of global corporatists and even hostile regimes which don't respect America's sovereignty, nor American patents or Intellectual property. President Trump has properly and effectively imposed tariffs to re-negotiate Trade deals to put America first. A good deal in business is one where both sides benefit, more competition in global markets for American made goods and services is good!
1) Jobs, 2) High Taxes, and 3) Government abuse of individual land and property rights, affecting farmers and all property owners. Unleash the economy by eliminating regulations, lower taxes on individuals and businesses, eliminate the regressive tax code, implement flat and fair taxes at significantly lower rates than current. Repeal the un-Constitutional and un-Affordable Care Act. Thereby repealing the largest tax increase in American History. End both unnecessary and unconstitutional bureaucracies and functions of government, end the vast majority of foreign aid, cut the size and scope of the federal government, pass a real balanced budget and a BBA.

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