Illinois sides with Barack Obama on 53% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

Most Important

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

Barack Obama: YesPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Healthcare Conviction=5 Obama has a very high conviction score of 5 on Healthcare Source

39% of Illinois: Yes

29% of Illinois: No

11% of Illinois: Yes, I support a majority of the plan but not all aspects

9% of Illinois: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costs

6% of Illinois: No, institute a universal healthcare system

3% of Illinois: Yes, institute a mandatory single payer system

2% of Illinois: Let each state decide

More Important

Do you believe the theory of Evolution?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Evolution Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Evolution Source

56% of Illinois: Yes

13% of Illinois: No

9% of Illinois: Regardless, all theories should be taught in school

9% of Illinois: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism

5% of Illinois: Yes, Evolution is a fact

4% of Illinois: Yes, and should be required in public schools

4% of Illinois: Up for debate

1% of Illinois: No, and it should not be taught in public schools

More Important

Should the federal government fund stem cell research?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Stem Cell Research Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Stem Cell Research Source

64% of Illinois: Yes

13% of Illinois: Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells

11% of Illinois: No, leave funding and research to the private sector

11% of Illinois: No

More Important

Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Global Warming Conviction=2 Obama has a low conviction score of 2 on Global Warming Source

64% of Illinois: Yes

16% of Illinois: No

11% of Illinois: Regardless, we should incentivize the private sector to develop cleaner and efficient fuels

5% of Illinois: No, global warming and cooling are natural cycles beyond our control

3% of Illinois: There is not enough evidence to determine this

2% of Illinois: Regardless, we should not devote government resources to prevent it

More Important

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

Barack Obama: Yes, and expand the government’s domain to protect more landPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on National Parks Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on National Parks Source

86% of Illinois: Yes

4% of Illinois: Let each state determine which areas to protect

3% of Illinois: Yes, but allow limited logging, drilling, and mining

2% of Illinois: Yes, but allow more public access

2% of Illinois: No

1% of Illinois: Yes, and expand the government’s domain to protect more land

1% of Illinois: No, there is no reason for the government to own so much land

Somewhat Important

Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Oil Drilling Conviction=2 Obama has a low conviction score of 2 on Oil Drilling Source

39% of Illinois: Yes

35% of Illinois: No

16% of Illinois: Incentivize the private sector to develop alternative forms of energy

4% of Illinois: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources

4% of Illinois: No, but maintain our current offshore oil wells

1% of Illinois: Nationalize the energy sector

1% of Illinois: No, end all offshore oil drilling

Less Important

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

Barack Obama: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gasPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Alternative Engery Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Alternative Engery

55% of Illinois: Yes

23% of Illinois: No

9% of Illinois: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gas

8% of Illinois: Yes, the future of our economy relies on the creation of jobs in sustainable energy

5% of Illinois: No, the government should leave the energy sector alone and end support for failed technologies

1% of Illinois: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to come

More Important

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

Barack Obama: Extend only for those making less than $250,000Passion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Taxes Conviction=1 Obama has a very low conviction score of 1 on Taxes Source

41% of Illinois: No

28% of Illinois: Yes

18% of Illinois: Extend only for those making less than $250,000

5% of Illinois: Reform to a flat tax system

3% of Illinois: Abolish the IRS and pass the Fair Tax legislation

2% of Illinois: Yes, and enact more across the board cuts to aid all income levels

2% of Illinois: Abolish all income taxes

More Important

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

Barack Obama: YesPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Welfare Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Welfare Source

60% of Illinois: Yes

23% of Illinois: No, but in order to receive benefits they should be looking for a job or enrolled in education and job training programs

7% of Illinois: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work

4% of Illinois: No

3% of Illinois: No, but their benefits would expire after two years of unemployment

2% of Illinois: Yes, and eliminate welfare all together as it is not authorized in the Constitution

1% of Illinois: No, “workfare” is a form a slave labor

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: Yes, but with more restrictionsPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Financial Regulation Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Financial Regulation Source

40% of Illinois: No

26% of Illinois: Yes

13% of Illinois: Yes, but with more restrictions

11% of Illinois: Regardless, we should instead enact legislation that prevents banks from becoming too big to fail

6% of Illinois: Yes, but only on the condition that top management be fired without compensation

3% of Illinois: No, remove the federal reserve and go back to the gold standard

1% of Illinois: Yes, and nationalize all big banks

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: YesPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Economic Stimulus Conviction=5 Obama has a very high conviction score of 5 on Economic Stimulus Source

44% of Illinois: Yes

37% of Illinois: No

9% of Illinois: Yes, but it was not big enough

4% of Illinois: Yes, and enact legislation to inject the economy with a stimulus every time the GDP falls below a certain level

4% of Illinois: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulus

1% of Illinois: No, and enact legislation preventing any future administration from passing a stimulus

Less Important

Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Farm Subsidies Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Farm Subsidies Source

37% of Illinois: No

36% of Illinois: Yes

17% of Illinois: Yes, but include small and organic farmers

10% of Illinois: Yes, but cut corn and factory farm subsidies

Somewhat Important

Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?

Barack Obama: Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenshipPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Immigration Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Immigration Source

38% of Illinois: Yes

25% of Illinois: No

13% of Illinois: Yes, if they were born here

10% of Illinois: Yes, but after they turn 18 and apply for citizenship

6% of Illinois: Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenship

5% of Illinois: Yes, but after 4 years of military service or earning a college degree

2% of Illinois: No, all illegal immigrants should be deported

1% of Illinois: Yes, and abolish all national borders

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: No, but their children should have accessPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Immigration Healthcare Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Immigration Healthcare Source

51% of Illinois: No

18% of Illinois: Yes

12% of Illinois: Yes, if they pay taxes

6% of Illinois: No, but they should be allowed to purchase private healthcare

5% of Illinois: Only for life threatening emergencies or infectious diseases

3% of Illinois: No, but their children should have access

1% of Illinois: No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcare

1% of Illinois: No, the government should not subsidize healthcare

1% of Illinois: Yes, but they should be deported after treatment

1% of Illinois: Yes, and grant them citizenship

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: YesPassion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Immigrant Laborers Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Immigrant Laborers Source

31% of Illinois: No

28% of Illinois: Yes

16% of Illinois: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminals

16% of Illinois: Yes, but only if they pay taxes

6% of Illinois: No, fine companies that employ illegal immigrants

2% of Illinois: No, remove them from the U.S.

1% of Illinois: No, but allow them to stay

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: NoPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Education Conviction=5 Obama has a very high conviction score of 5 on Education Source

53% of Illinois: No

21% of Illinois: Yes

14% of Illinois: Let each state decide

8% of Illinois: The federal government should not be involved in education

3% of Illinois: The federal government should take over control of schools from the states

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internetPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Internet Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Internet Source

65% of Illinois: No

11% of Illinois: Yes

10% of Illinois: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internet

8% of Illinois: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the government

6% of Illinois: No, and enact legislation preventing any level of government policing the internet

Less Important

Do you support affirmative action programs?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Affirmative Action Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Affirmative Action Source

32% of Illinois: No, but we should offer social programs to address poverty regardless of race or ethnicity

31% of Illinois: No

29% of Illinois: Yes

7% of Illinois: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment

1% of Illinois: Yes, and laws should be passed requiring all federal agencies to give favorable treatments to minorities

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on United Nations Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on United Nations Source

76% of Illinois: Yes

8% of Illinois: Scale back our current involvement

7% of Illinois: No

5% of Illinois: Yes, and use the U.N. peacekeeping forces to protect U.S. interests

3% of Illinois: No, and remove the U.N. headquarters from the U.S.

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international communityPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Foreign Intervention Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Foreign Intervention Source

40% of Illinois: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international community

24% of Illinois: No

17% of Illinois: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security

12% of Illinois: Yes

3% of Illinois: Only with non-violent diplomatic solutions such as sanctions and peace talks

2% of Illinois: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry about

1% of Illinois: Yes, and use the military to preemptively strike any hostile nations perceived as a threat

1% of Illinois: No, and dramatically decrease our military while abolishing the CIA and NSA

Somewhat Important

Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?

Barack Obama: No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torturePassion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Terrorism Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Terrorism Source

38% of Illinois: No

22% of Illinois: No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torture

20% of Illinois: Yes

8% of Illinois: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay

7% of Illinois: Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courts

5% of Illinois: No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods

Somewhat Important

How should the U.S. deal with Iran?

Barack Obama: Isolate through trade embargoesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Iran Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Iran Source

48% of Illinois: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons

28% of Illinois: Strategically eliminate their nuclear bomb making capabilities

13% of Illinois: Isolate through trade embargoes

6% of Illinois: Iran does not threaten our national security and there is no proof they are building a nuclear weapon

3% of Illinois: Ignore their threats and cease all contact

1% of Illinois: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy

Less Important

Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Israel Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Israel Source

39% of Illinois: Yes

15% of Illinois: No

14% of Illinois: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.

13% of Illinois: No, we should be less involved

12% of Illinois: Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors

3% of Illinois: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nations

2% of Illinois: Not the current regime

1% of Illinois: No, cut all support and aid

Less Important

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

Barack Obama: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese militaryPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Sudan Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Sudan Source

77% of Illinois: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military

21% of Illinois: Do not get involved

2% of Illinois: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy

Least Important

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

Barack Obama: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in placePassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Cuba Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Cuba Source

56% of Illinois: Yes

19% of Illinois: No

16% of Illinois: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in place

6% of Illinois: Yes, allow Americans to travel to any country they choose

4% of Illinois: Yes, end embargoes with all countries and allow U.S. businesses to do business with any country

Somewhat Important

Do you support the Patriot act?

Barack Obama: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powersPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Patriot Act Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Patriot Act Source

41% of Illinois: No

26% of Illinois: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers

25% of Illinois: Yes

8% of Illinois: No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillance

More Important

Do you support increased gun control?

Barack Obama: No, only for assault weapons Passion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Gun Control Conviction=2 Obama has a low conviction score of 2 on Gun Control Source

41% of Illinois: Yes

35% of Illinois: No

8% of Illinois: Yes, require strict background checks, psychological testing, and training

7% of Illinois: No, only for individuals with mental health issues and convicted felons

4% of Illinois: No, only for assault weapons

3% of Illinois: No, but increase penalties for gun-related crimes

2% of Illinois: No, and the federal government should pass national “stand your ground” laws

1% of Illinois: Yes, and ban all guns from public use

Somewhat Important

Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?

Barack Obama: NoPassion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Drug Policy Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Drug Policy Source

41% of Illinois: No

37% of Illinois: Yes, but not all drugs

13% of Illinois: Yes

5% of Illinois: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug use

3% of Illinois: No, we should pass tougher drug laws

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Campaign Finance Conviction=1 Obama has a very low conviction score of 1 on Campaign Finance Source

54% of Illinois: No

20% of Illinois: Yes

20% of Illinois: No, corporations are not people and should not be allowed to finance political campaigns

6% of Illinois: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment

Somewhat Important

Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?

Barack Obama: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfallPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Social Security Conviction=2 Obama has a low conviction score of 2 on Social Security Source

23% of Illinois: Keep "as is"

20% of Illinois: Expand

13% of Illinois: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account

11% of Illinois: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall

9% of Illinois: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longer

9% of Illinois: Dismantle

8% of Illinois: Reform the current system into a voluntary “opt-in” program

7% of Illinois: Reform the current system to factor inflation rather than wage growth

Somewhat Important

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?

Barack Obama: NoPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Minimum Wage Conviction=1 Obama has a very low conviction score of 1 on Minimum Wage Source

46% of Illinois: Yes

29% of Illinois: No

13% of Illinois: Yes, and adjust the wage level according to inflation every year

9% of Illinois: Leave it up to the states to decide

3% of Illinois: No, eliminate all federal wage standards

More Important

Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?

Barack Obama: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spendingPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Debt Ceiling Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Debt Ceiling Source

47% of Illinois: No

20% of Illinois: Yes

14% of Illinois: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending

8% of Illinois: No, cut spending

7% of Illinois: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich

2% of Illinois: Yes, raise the debt ceiling during a recession

1% of Illinois: The Federal Reserve should destroy the $1.6 trillion in government bonds it now holds

Somewhat Important

Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?

Barack Obama: ExpandPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Medicare Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Medicare Source

60% of Illinois: Reform

13% of Illinois: Keep "as is"

12% of Illinois: Expand

10% of Illinois: Transform the system into a Canadian or European style single payer system that can negotiate pricing for medication and treatments

3% of Illinois: Dismantle

1% of Illinois: Seniors should embrace responsibility for their own healthcare and leave the government out of it

Somewhat Important

Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?

Barack Obama: NoPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Marijuana Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Marijuana Source

50% of Illinois: Yes

22% of Illinois: No

20% of Illinois: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it

6% of Illinois: Yes, but only for medical use

1% of Illinois: Yes, and immediately free all citizens jailed for drug offenses

1% of Illinois: No, and increase penalties for all non-violent drug offenders

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charitiesPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Government Mandates Conviction=5 Obama has a very high conviction score of 5 on Government Mandates Source

44% of Illinois: Yes

33% of Illinois: No

14% of Illinois: No, it should be covered like any other prescription

5% of Illinois: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate

4% of Illinois: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charities

1% of Illinois: No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs instead

Less Important

Should the federal government allow the death penalty?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Death Penalty Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Death Penalty Source

48% of Illinois: Yes

30% of Illinois: No

15% of Illinois: Yes, but only in certain circumstances in which a heinous crime has been committed

7% of Illinois: Leave it up to the states

Less Important

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

Barack Obama: NoPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Space Exploration Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Space Exploration Source

45% of Illinois: Yes

21% of Illinois: No

14% of Illinois: Not during a recession

10% of Illinois: Incentivize the private sector to develop space technology

5% of Illinois: Leave funding and research to the private sector

4% of Illinois: Regardless, we should only use government funds for national defense purposes and leave exploration to the private sector

2% of Illinois: Regardless, we should not use space-based technology for military purposes