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Virgil Goode vs Mitt Romney on the issues of the 2012 Presidential election

Issues they side on...

Domestic Policy

Do you support the Patriot act?

Their answers: YesPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Patriot Act Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Patriot Act SourcePassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Patriot Act Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 on Patriot Act Source

Should we limit federal funds to public schools that do not meet performance standards?

Virgil Goode: The federal government should not be involved in educationPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Education Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Education Source

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Education Conviction=1 Romney has a very low conviction score of 1 on Education Source

Do you support affirmative action programs?

Virgil Goode: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatmentPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Affirmative Action Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Affirmative Action Source

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Affirmative Action Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 on Affirmative Action Source

Do you support increased gun control?

Virgil Goode: No, and the federal government should pass national “stand your ground” lawsPassion=3 Goode has a moderate passion score of 3 on Gun Control Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Gun Control Source

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Gun Control Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 on Gun Control Source

Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?

Virgil Goode: No, we should pass tougher drug lawsPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Drug Policy Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Drug Policy Source

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Drug Policy Conviction=5 Romney has a very high conviction score of 5 on Drug Policy Source

Should the federal government regulate the internet to deter online piracy?

Virgil Goode: No, and enact legislation preventing any level of government policing the internetPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Internet Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Internet Source

Mitt Romney: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internetPassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Internet Conviction=5 Romney has a very high conviction score of 5 on Internet Source

Should corporations and unions be permitted to fund broadcast advertisements backing political candidates through political action committees (Super PACS)?

Virgil Goode: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendmentPassion=1 Goode has a very low passion score of 1 on Campaign Finance Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Campaign Finance Source

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Campaign Finance Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 on Campaign Finance Source

Social

What is your stance on abortion?

Virgil Goode: Pro-lifePassion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Abortion Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Abortion Source

Mitt Romney: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child's healthPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Abortion Conviction=1 Romney has a very low conviction score of 1 on Abortion Source

Should gay marriage be allowed in the U.S.?

Their answers: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and womanPassion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Gay Marriage Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Gay Marriage SourcePassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Gay Marriage Conviction=1 Romney has a very low conviction score of 1 on Gay Marriage Source

Should the government require health insurance companies to provide free birth control?

Virgil Goode: No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs insteadPassion=3 Goode has a moderate passion score of 3 on Government Mandates Conviction=4 Goode has a high conviction score of 4 on Government Mandates Source

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Government Mandates Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 on Government Mandates Source

Should the federal government allow the death penalty?

Their answers: YesPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Death Penalty Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Death Penalty SourcePassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on Death Penalty Conviction=1 Romney has a very low conviction score of 1 on Death Penalty Source

Immigration

Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?

Virgil Goode: No, all illegal immigrants should be deportedPassion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Immigration Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Immigration Source

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on Immigration Conviction=3 Romney has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Immigration Source

Should illegal immigrants be given access to government-subsidized healthcare?

Virgil Goode: No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcarePassion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Immigration Healthcare Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Immigration Healthcare Source

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Immigration Healthcare Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 on Immigration Healthcare Source

Should illegal immigrants working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty?

Virgil Goode: No, remove them from the U.S.Passion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Immigrant Laborers Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Immigrant Laborers Source

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Immigrant Laborers Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 on Immigrant Laborers Source

the Economy

Do you agree with President Obama's 2009 Stimulus Plan?

Virgil Goode: No, and enact legislation preventing any future administration from passing a stimulusPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Economic Stimulus Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Economic Stimulus Source

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Economic Stimulus Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 on Economic Stimulus Source

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?

Virgil Goode: No, eliminate all federal wage standardsPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Minimum Wage Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Minimum Wage Source

Mitt Romney: Leave it up to the states to decidePassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Minimum Wage Conviction=3 Romney has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Minimum Wage Source

Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?

Their answers: NoPassion=4 Goode has a high passion score of 4 on Debt Ceiling Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Debt Ceiling SourcePassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Debt Ceiling Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 on Debt Ceiling Source

Should the U.S. have bailed out the major banks during the financial crisis of 2008?

Their answers: NoPassion=1 Goode has a very low passion score of 1 on Financial Regulation Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Financial Regulation SourcePassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Financial Regulation Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 on Financial Regulation Source

Should able-bodied, mentally capable adults who receive welfare be required to work?

Their answers: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to workPassion=1 Goode has a very low passion score of 1 on Welfare Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Welfare Source Source

the Environment

Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?

Virgil Goode: NoPassion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Global Warming Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Global Warming Source

Mitt Romney: No, global warming and cooling are natural cycles beyond our controlPassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Global Warming Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 on Global Warming Source

Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?

Virgil Goode: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sourcesPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Oil Drilling Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Oil Drilling Source

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Oil Drilling Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 on Oil Drilling Source

Should U.S. National Parks and Forests continue to be preserved and protected by the federal government?

Virgil Goode: No, there is no reason for the government to own so much landPassion=1 Goode has a very low passion score of 1 on National Parks Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on National Parks Source

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on National Parks Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 on National Parks Source

Should the federal government continue to give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry?

Their answers: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to comePassion=4 Goode has a high passion score of 4 on Alternative Engery Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Alternative EngeryPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Alternative Engery Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 on Alternative Engery

Science

Should the federal government fund stem cell research?

Their answers: NoPassion=4 Goode has a high passion score of 4 on Stem Cell Research Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Stem Cell Research SourcePassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Stem Cell Research Conviction=3 Romney has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Stem Cell Research Source

Foreign Policy

Should the U.S. maintain a presence at the United Nations?

Virgil Goode: No, and remove the U.N. headquarters from the U.S.Passion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on United Nations Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on United Nations Source

Mitt Romney: Scale back our current involvementPassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on United Nations Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 on United Nations Source

Should the U.S. military fly unmanned drones over foreign countries to gain intelligence and kill suspected terrorists?

Virgil Goode: Yes

Mitt Romney: Yes, the U.S. needs to use all means necessary to combat terrorism

Healthcare

Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?

Their answers: ReformPassion=3 Goode has a moderate passion score of 3 on Medicare Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Medicare SourcePassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on Medicare Conviction=3 Romney has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Medicare Source

Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?

Virgil Goode: No, and increase penalties for all non-violent drug offendersPassion=4 Goode has a high passion score of 4 on Marijuana Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Marijuana Source

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Marijuana Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 on Marijuana Source

Issues they do not side on...

Science

Do you believe the theory of Evolution?

Virgil Goode: No, and it should not be taught in public schoolsPassion=4 Goode has a high passion score of 4 on Evolution Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Evolution Source

Mitt Romney: Yes, and I believe it is a part of CreationismPassion=1 Romney has a very low passion score of 1 on Evolution Conviction=3 Romney has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Evolution Source

Should the United States increase our space exploration efforts and budget?

Virgil Goode has not given a stance on this issue

You: Yes

Healthcare

Do you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)?

Virgil Goode: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costsPassion=3 Goode has a moderate passion score of 3 on Healthcare Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Healthcare Source

Mitt Romney: Yes, I support a majority of the plan but not all aspectsPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Healthcare Conviction=1 Romney has a very low conviction score of 1 on Healthcare Source

Foreign Policy

Should the U.S. intervene in the affairs of other countries?

Virgil Goode: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry aboutPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Foreign Intervention Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Foreign Intervention Source

Mitt Romney: Only if there is a direct threat to our national securityPassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on Foreign Intervention Conviction=3 Romney has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Foreign Intervention Source

Should the U.S. end the war in Afghanistan?

Virgil Goode: Yes, and only approve future wars through CongressPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Afghanistan Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Afghanistan Source

Mitt Romney: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplishedPassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on Afghanistan Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 on Afghanistan Source

Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?

Virgil Goode: No, cut all support and aidPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Israel Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Israel Source

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Israel Conviction=5 Romney has a very high conviction score of 5 on Israel Source

How should the U.S. deal with Iran?

Virgil Goode: Ignore their threats and cease all contactPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Iran Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Iran Source

Mitt Romney: Isolate through trade embargoesPassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on Iran Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 on Iran Source

How should the U.S. handle the genocide in Sudan?

Virgil Goode: Do not get involvedPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Sudan Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Sudan Source

Mitt Romney: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese militaryPassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Sudan Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 on Sudan Source

Should the United States end its trade embargo and travel ban on Cuba?

Virgil Goode: Yes, end embargoes with all countries and allow U.S. businesses to do business with any countryPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Cuba Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Cuba Source

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Cuba Conviction=3 Romney has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Cuba Source

Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?

Virgil Goode: Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courtsPassion=4 Goode has a high passion score of 4 on Terrorism Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Terrorism Source

Mitt Romney: No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods Source

Should the government cut military spending?

Virgil Goode: YesPassion=1 Goode has a very low passion score of 1 on Military Spending Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Military Spending

Mitt Romney: Increase the military budgetPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Military Spending Conviction=3 Romney has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Military Spending

the Economy

Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?

Virgil Goode: Keep "as is"Passion=3 Goode has a moderate passion score of 3 on Social Security Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Social Security Source

Mitt Romney: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longerPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Social Security Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 on Social Security Source

Do you believe the 2001 and 2003 George W Bush tax cuts should be extended?

Virgil Goode: Reform to a flat tax systemPassion=3 Goode has a moderate passion score of 3 on Taxes Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Taxes Source

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Taxes Conviction=5 Romney has a very high conviction score of 5 on Taxes Source

Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?

Virgil Goode: NoPassion=1 Goode has a very low passion score of 1 on Farm Subsidies Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Farm Subsidies Source

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Farm Subsidies Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 on Farm Subsidies Source

Discuss these results...

Romney has a more neo-conservative defense minded approach, making the country safer through military spending for the nation against our enemies, than Virgil Goode. But Goode has more of a lets cut foreign aid approach to terrorist nations, like Obama has been doing, and even to friendly nations like Israel because the US needs to balance its books first. Goode agrees with Rand Paul that waste should be gutted from the military and costs lowered in defense spending. On Healthcare, Romney has sent mixed signals. But sounds like he will repeal and replace Obamacare. But he likes parts of the plan that he will incorporate into his new plan. Goode is all about ending it period. I would say in a way they don't disagree, but in reality they disagree on the replace part. So they disagree on the solution to healthcare, but they agree Obamacare is bad and should be ended. They seem to agree on most everything else, but the real challenge will be to see if Romney is going to really uphold social conservative values because he was liberal to moderate as Governor of Massachusetts.

Alan Vallazza

I think I need to quit reading because I am even more confused on who to vote for.

Sue Ann Stacy Hezlep

I'm not, I wish Governor Goode had received more publicity, he sounds like a man with a sure plan, and he stands for something.

Jacqueline Moore

See which candidate you side with!