compiled by Adrianna Ohmes and Lauren Langdon

Even if you cannot vote in the upcoming election Nov. 6, every student at STA can vote in the mock election Nov. 1. If you are still unsure which candidate you agree with the most, take a quiz at isidewith.com to find out. All information, below, about the candidate’s views were taken directly from their official websites. Go here to read about the candidates on the Kansas ballot.

Candidates for President

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Barack Obama

Running mate: Joe Biden

Party: National Democratic Party

Religion: Christian

Views:

• Health care: “President Obama believes that quality, affordable health insurance you can rely on is a key part of middle-class security. By putting a stop to insurance company abuses, Obamacare is giving millions of Americans peace of mind…The health care law that President Obama passed… stops insurance companies from arbitrarily capping and cancelling our coverage, and provides access to recommended preventive care without co-pays or deductibles. It strengthens Medicare for our seniors and it helps young people get the health insurance they need.”
• Foreign policy: “President Obama has restored America’s standing across the globe and kept his promise to be a strong and responsible leader on foreign policy… He has brought together international coalitions to confront shared challenges, such as Iran’s nuclear program… President Obama kept his promise to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home.”
• Energy: “We are less reliant on foreign oil than at any time in the last 20 years, and President Obama has a plan to further cut oil imports in half by 2020. By developing all of our resources, we can create jobs and make America more energy independent.”
• Immigration: “President Obama recognizes that our immigration system is broken, and he’s taking steps to make immigration policy more fair, efficient, and just. He is committed to working with Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act.”
• Taxes: “President Obama cut taxes for every working American, and is fighting to keep taxes for middle-class families low. Now, he’s working to simplify the tax code while asking millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share…President Obama has cut taxes for every working American, saving the typical middle-class family $3,600 in taxes over his first term.”

Mitt Romney

Running mate: Paul Ryan

Party: National Republican Party

Religion: Mormon

Views:

• Health care: “On his first day in office, Mitt Romney will issue an executive order that paves the way for the federal government to issue Obamacare waivers to all fifty states. He will then work with Congress to repeal the full legislation as quickly as possible. In place of Obamacare, Mitt will pursue policies that give each state the power to craft a health care reform plan that is best for its own citizens. The federal government’s role will be to help markets work by creating a level playing field for competition.”
• Foreign policy: “When America is strong, the world is safer. It is only American power—conceived in the broadest terms—that can provide the foundation for an international system that ensures the security and prosperity of the United States and our friends and allies. A Romney foreign policy will proceed with clarity and resolve. Our friends and allies will not have doubts about where we stand and what we will do to safeguard our interests and theirs. Neither will our rivals, competitors, and adversaries. The best ally world peace has ever known is a strong America.”
• Energy: “Mitt Romney will make America an energy superpower, rapidly and responsibly increasing our own production and partnering with our allies Canada and Mexico to achieve energy independence on this continent by 2020. This will require genuine support for increased energy production, a more rational approach to regulation, and a government that facilitates private-sector-led development of new energy technologies by focusing on funding research and removing barriers, rather than chasing fads and picking winners and losers.”
• Immigration: “As president, Mitt Romney will implement a national immigration strategy that bolsters the U.S. economy, ensures our security, keeps nuclear families together, addresses the problem of illegal immigration in a civil and resolute manner, and carries on America’s tradition as a nation of legal immigrants.”
• Taxes: “Reducing and stabilizing federal spending is essential, but breathing life into the present anemic recovery will also require fixing the nation’s tax code to focus on jobs and growth. To repair the nation’s tax code, marginal rates must be brought down to stimulate entrepreneurship, job creation, and investment, while still raising the revenue needed to fund a smaller, smarter, simpler government.”

Gary Johnson

Running mate: James P. Gray

Party: National Libertarian Party

Religion: non-practicing Lutheran

Views:

• Health care: “Reduced costs and better service are what a free, functional marketplace will provide – if the government stays out of the way. Health care is no exception. Competition, price transparency, and the innovation that will result from a robust marketplace will accomplish the fundamental goals of affordability and access in ways the government cannot possibly accomplish.”
• Foreign policy: “Maintaining a strong national defense is the most basic of the federal government’s responsibilities. However, building schools, roads, and hospitals in other countries are not among those basic obligations. Yet that is exactly what we have been doing for much of the past 10 years. Given trillion-dollar deficits, America simply cannot afford to be engaged in foreign policy programs that are not clearly protecting U.S. interests. There is nation-building and rebuilding to be done right here at home.”
• Energy: “Affordable energy is critical not only to our quality of life, but to economic prosperity…The government should simply stay out of the business of trying to promote or “manage” energy development. The marketplace will meet our energy needs in the most economical and efficient manner possible – if government will stay out of the way.”
• Immigration: “Legal immigration should focus on making it easier and simpler for willing workers to come here with a temporary work visa, pay taxes, contribute to society, and fill jobs as the market demands…With workable employer verification systems, smarter border enforcement, and common sense, a national problem can be turned into a national benefit.”
• Taxes: “Balancing the budget will mean making some serious changes in Washington, but these will be the corrections America needs to remain a free, prosperous, and secure nation.”

Virgil H. Goode Jr.

Running mate: James M. Clymer

Party: National Constitution Party

Religion: Baptist

Views:

• Health care: “A big factor in medical costs is the high cost of malpractice insurance for our physicians and other health care providers. I support tort reform that will limit attorney fees and the amount of damages recoverable for non-economic losses…I support ending Obamacare.”
• Foreign Policy: “We need a strong national defense.  However, reckless federal spending which has given us a deficit in excess of one trillion dollars necessitates cutting defense spending.  We must now come home from Afghanistan and reduce our expenditures around the globe…We need to curtail expenditures to the UN, the World Bank, the IMF, and to foreign nations.”
• Energy:“The United States must be free of foreign fossil fuel….The United States must develop its own resources and alternative fuel sources.  Hydrogen, biodiesel, and other alternative energy sources have potential in making us less dependent on foreign fossil fuels. I also support the utilization of nuclear power and expanded drilling opportunities for natural gas and oil in this country so that our energy needs are met by domestic and not foreign sources. I have supported and will continue supporting drilling in Alaska and the continental United States. If President, I would support the drilling off our coasts where it can be done safely and where the states, such as Virginia, have passed legislation requesting offshore drilling.”
• Immigration: “In Congress, I supported and cosponsored legislation to stop illegal aliens, terrorists, drug smugglers, and other criminals from coming across our Southern border. We need to utilize troops, fences, and other measures to stop the invasion from Mexico…We must continue to fight for funding and for adequacy of the fence. Illegal immigration costs the United States taxpayers billions every year through increased health care costs, social service utilization, emergency room fees, prison expenses, and in other areas…We must end the anchor baby situation, whereby a child of illegal aliens is an automatic citizen of the United States.”
• Taxes: “I support and have voted to terminate the current IRS Code at a date determined in the future so it can be replaced with something simpler and fairer.  There are several alternatives to the current Code and include the Fair Tax, the Flat Tax, the Transaction Tax, and others. Between the current IRS code and the Fair Tax, I would support the Fair Tax with certain modifications…I support the elimination of the Death Tax.”

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Candidates for Senator

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Claire McCaskill

Party: Missouri Democratic Party

Religion: Catholic

Views:

• Health care: “Has fought for expanded health insurance for all Missourians, from children to seniors. In her first term, Claire helped protect children with pre-existing conditions from being refused insurance and saved seniors from paying too much for prescription drugs by helping to close the Medicare Part D “donut hole.” Claire strongly believes that affordable health care is necessary in a successful economy and will continue to fight to make sure all Missourians have access to it, while also fighting to ensure those who chose not to be insured don’t pass along their medical costs to other Missourians.
• Foreign Policy: “Whether it’s preventing terrorist attacks or responding to natural disasters, Claire understands the importance of strengthening our national security in Missouri, around the country, and overseas. That’s why she’s fought to protect first responders and secure more funding for state and local municipalities. Claire will continue her work to ensure that America is safe for our children.”
• Energy: “Claire knows that rising energy prices are a significant burden on Missouri’s families. That’s why Claire hasn’t been afraid to break with members of her own party to protect Missouri’s coal-fired power plants and fight back against unnecessary EPA regulations. She’ll continue to fight for an energy policy that protects Missouri families from unreasonably high energy costs while promoting new energy solutions that will reduce our dependency on foreign oil.”
• Immigration: “Although Missouri’s not a border state, Claire understands the importance of protecting American jobs and our national security from those who enter our country illegally. In addition to calling for the prosecution of employers who knowingly hire illegal workers, Claire’s fought for greater security measures along our country’s border with Mexico.”
• Taxes: “Supports tax credits for families and small businesses in order to spur investment and get the economy moving again, McCaskill voted for the Small Business Jobs Act, and Extended and expanded tax cuts for small businesses and American workers.”

Jonathan Dine

Party: Missouri Libertarian Party

Religion: unknown

Views: 

• Health care: “Make it Available & Make it Affordable. I am against any type of government run HealthCare. National HealthCare means combining the efficiency of the Postal Service with the compassion of the I.R.S and the cost accounting of the Pentagon. I favor restoring and reviving a free market health care system.”
• Foreign Policy: “I believe the role of the military is to provide a strong national defense, but the optimum word is defense not offense.  I support the maintenance of a sufficient military to defend the United States against aggression. I support the offensive efforts to combat terrorism when attacked, but do not support the occupation and nation building of other countries.”
• Taxes: “I believe the role of the military is to provide a strong national defense, but the optimum word is defense not offense.  I support the maintenance of a sufficient military to defend the United States against aggression. I support the offensive efforts to combat terrorism when attacked, but do not support the occupation and nation building of other countries.”

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Todd Akin

Party: Missouri Republican Party

Religion: Christian

Views: 

• Health care: “I stand against ObamaCare and have pursued two strategies in Congress to help Americans regain control of their healthcare decisions. Specifically, I have co-sponsored legislation like H.R. 2 which completely repeals the Affordable Healthcare Act (ObamaCare) and I have supported legislation that chips away at pieces of it.”
• Foreign Policy: “As a former Army officer and the father of three Marines, and as the Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I am committed to defending our country….A strong national defense keeps our economy strong, our country safe and is vital to Missouri, I have worked tirelessly to promote a strong national defense.”
• Energy: “The regulations imposed on the energy industry have stifled investment and stalled our ability to keep up with the needs of our nation. As a result, we continue a growing dependence on foreign energy sources…We must, without delay, expand our access to domestic sources of energy. Today’s technologies allow for greater efficiencies in resource extraction and greater environmental protections. Concurrently, we should continue to explore and invest in new technologies that will help power our cars and light our homes in the future.”
• Immigration: “Congressman Akin has long opposed illegal immigration.  We must secure our borders to prevent illegal immigration, stop the flow of drugs, and prevent terrorists from entering our country.  Congressman Akin has repeatedly voted to build a fence on the border with Mexico as well as other efforts to increase the capability of the Border Patrol and local authorities.”
• Taxes: “We are increasingly burdened by a tax system that is unfair, complicated and oppressive. One solution to our tax problem which I strongly support is the FairTax (HR 25) of which I am a co-sponsor. Under this legislation, taxpayers and businesses wouldn’t pay corporate and individual income taxes, payroll taxes, self-employment taxes, capital gains taxes, death taxes and gift taxes. The FairTax would replace the previous list of taxes with a revenue-neutral national sales tax on all new products you buy. Business-to-business transactions and used products (which have already been taxed) would not be subject to the sales tax. Learn more about the FairTax here. ‘I believe that a tax system where only half the people pay taxes creates incentives for one group to expand government at the expense of another. We need a system where more people would pay some taxes and, thus, have “skin in the game.'”

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Candidates for U.S. Representatives

District 5

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Emmanuel Cleaver II

Party: Missouri Democratic Party

Religion: United Methodist

Views:

• Health care: “For all Americans, Republicans and Democrats, the states and the federal government must continue to work together to make sure healthcare is functional, full, and fair.”
• Energy: “As other nations continue to develop and the global demand for energy rises, we must work to ensure reliable energy sources so our children and grandchildren can enjoy the same quality of life that we do,  Families should not have to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table; that is why I have continually supported the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  LIHEAP provides assistance for heating and cooling to almost 9 million households.”
• Taxes: “We must make sure middle class families will not face higher taxes…We must extend and expand the payroll tax cuts. This would put $1,500 into the pockets of 160 million middle class families. At least 400,000 jobs will be lost if the payroll tax cut is blocked.”

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Jacob Turk

Party: Missouri Republican Party

Religion: Christian

Views:

• Health care: “Our country has the highest quality medical care in the world – yet ever climbing costs and lack of availability in many areas are hurting millions of Americans. ‘Obamacare’ –, which my opponent supported – is already a disaster. It must be repealed. Instead, to solve the health insurance access issue and control costs, I propose a patient-centered solution based on patient-owned Major Medical policies, tax-free Health Savings Accounts, public outreach health education, and health coverage which encourage disease prevention through lifestyle choices.”
• Immigration: “The porous southern border MUST be closed, our northern border security beefed up, and our ports secured. For our southern border, I would insist that the 700 miles of double layer fence that was mandated by Congress in 2006 be built.”
• Taxes: “I support permanent tax cuts for working families. Tax cuts – both personal and business – produce the environment for consumers to boost the economy through their purchases and businesses to create new jobs. Business owners also need relief from government regulations and the burden of the new health care legislation…When the fence is built and the border secured, we can move forward on retooling our immigration system.”

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District 6

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Kyle Yarber

Party: Missouri Democratic Party

Religion: unknown

Views:

• Energy: “So, as we transition from 19th and 20th century sources to those of the 21st century, northern Missouri has the right elements — wind, sun, and biomass — to become a leader in the future of energy production, not just in the country but in the world.”
• Immigration: “If we are serious about doing something about illegal immigration, we need to attack the problem, not from the supply side, but at the source of demand, those who exploit and profit from it.  We need to crack down and prosecute individuals and companies who, to save on wages and benefits, hire illegal immigrants.  We need to crack down and prosecute individuals and firms that profit from transporting, housing, and supplying illegal immigrants.  And we need to end subsidies and other favorable policies to companies whose practices in other countries contribute to the unemployment and economic upheaval that end up on our doorstep as illegal immigration.”

Sam B. Graves

Party: Missouri Republican Party

Religion: Baptist

Views:

• Health care: “The health care law isn’t about reforming our health care system, it’s about a government takeover of the health care industry. Instead of reining in costs and improving access, this law would result in fewer jobs, higher taxes and more unconstitutional big government mandates.”
• Energy: “We must aggressively, and safely, increase our nation’s domestic energy production.”
• Taxes: “Addressing our debt through cutting federal spending and pro-growth tax reform will help create a better environment for small business job creation – not more deficit spending and not more unfair tax increases.”

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Russ Lee Monchil

Party: Missouri Libertarian Party

Religion: unknown

Views:

• Foreign Policy: “The United States must protect the Republic. We must keep our commitments to our veterans. We must also stop nation building and stop being an empire that uses force to command change around the globe. We must stop being the world’s police. We make more enemies than friends with this policy. I believe the 16th amendment needs to be repealed. This would finally put the IRS out of business. You should keep the fruits of your labor.”
• Taxes: “We must have lower taxes and less regulation on business to stimulate growth and jobs in our country.”

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Candidates for Governor

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Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon

Party: Missouri Democratic Party

Religion: Methodist

Views:

• Health care: “As Governor, Jay Nixon has been a tireless advocate for Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens – helping Missourians with disabilities live more independent lives, ensuring children with autism can get the treatments they need, and fighting cuts to health coverage for the blind…every Missourian should have access to quality health care”
• Energy: “Boosting Missouri’s energy security by developing more domestic energy sources. Strengthening Missouri’s position as a hub for high-tech energy jobs and innovation. Ensuring clean, affordable, and abundant energy for Missouri families and businesses.”
• Taxes: “Here in Missouri, we’re doing things differently than Washington by working together to balance the budget without raising taxes, create jobs and move our economy forward.”

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David (Dave) Spence

Party: Missouri Republican Party

Religion: Catholic

Views:

• Health care: “opposes Obamacare”
• Energy: “Aims to build more plants and increase the extraction of natural gases in the state.”
• Taxes:“Spence wants to protect Missourians’ hard-earned tax dollars by making it more difficult to ever raise your taxes. Spence will work to require at least two-thirds support from the legislature to put any tax measure on the ballot.

  • • We need to modernize the tax code by creating a tax system that is fair to employers and employees alike. Onerous taxes shouldn’t discourage productivity. Spence also believes a more competitive tax system would encourage business start-ups, help small businesses grow, and lure companies looking to relocate. Upon election, he will immediately appoint an independent panel of experts to look at our outdated tax system and make recommendations for reforms that encourage expansion and the creation of new high-paying jobs.”

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