Kentucky sides with Gary Johnson on 45% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

Most Important

What is your stance on abortion?

Gary Johnson: Ban after the first trimesterPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Abortion Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Abortion Source

45% of Kentucky: Pro-choice

30% of Kentucky: Pro-life

9% of Kentucky: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child's health

7% of Kentucky: Pro-choice, I don't agree with it but it's not my right or the government's to ban abortion

6% of Kentucky: Pro-choice, but providing birth control, sex education, and social services could help reduce the number of abortions

2% of Kentucky: Let each state decide

1% of Kentucky: Ban after the first trimester

Most Important

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

Gary Johnson: YesPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Gay Marriage Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Gay Marriage Source

57% of Kentucky: Yes

24% of Kentucky: No

7% of Kentucky: No, allow civil unions for same-sex couples but don't call it marriage

6% of Kentucky: Take the government out of marriage and instead make it a religious decision

4% of Kentucky: Let each state decide

2% of Kentucky: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and woman

Most Important

Do you support increased gun control?

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Gun Control Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Gun Control Source

43% of Kentucky: No

31% of Kentucky: Yes

9% of Kentucky: No, only for individuals with mental health issues and convicted felons

6% of Kentucky: Yes, require strict background checks, psychological testing, and training

5% of Kentucky: No, only for assault weapons

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

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

More Important

Do you support affirmative action programs?

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=1 Johnson has a very low passion score of 1 on Affirmative Action Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Affirmative Action Source

34% of Kentucky: No

31% of Kentucky: No, but we should offer social programs to address poverty regardless of race or ethnicity

26% of Kentucky: Yes

8% of Kentucky: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment

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

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the governmentPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Internet Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Internet Source

66% of Kentucky: No

10% of Kentucky: Yes

9% of Kentucky: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internet

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

7% of Kentucky: No, and enact legislation preventing any level of government policing the internet

Most Important

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

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

65% of Kentucky: Yes

19% of Kentucky: No, but in order to receive benefits they should be looking for a job or enrolled in education and job training programs

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

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

3% of Kentucky: Yes, and eliminate welfare all together as it is not authorized in the Constitution

3% of Kentucky: No

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

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Financial Regulation Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Financial Regulation Source

47% of Kentucky: No

21% of Kentucky: Yes

12% of Kentucky: Yes, but with more restrictions

10% of Kentucky: Regardless, we should instead enact legislation that prevents banks from becoming too big to fail

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

4% of Kentucky: No, remove the federal reserve and go back to the gold standard

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

More Important

Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?

Gary Johnson: No, cut spendingPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Debt Ceiling Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Debt Ceiling Source

52% of Kentucky: No

15% of Kentucky: Yes

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

9% of Kentucky: No, cut spending

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

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

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

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulusPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Economic Stimulus Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Economic Stimulus Source

44% of Kentucky: No

38% of Kentucky: Yes

7% of Kentucky: Yes, but it was not big enough

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

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

2% of Kentucky: No, and enact legislation preventing any future administration from passing a stimulus

More Important

Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?

Gary Johnson: Yes, if they were born herePassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Immigration Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Immigration Source

33% of Kentucky: Yes

30% of Kentucky: No

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: No, the government should not subsidize healthcarePassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Immigration Healthcare Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Immigration Healthcare Source

57% of Kentucky: No

14% of Kentucky: Yes

10% of Kentucky: Yes, if they pay taxes

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

5% of Kentucky: No, but they should be allowed to purchase private healthcare

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

2% of Kentucky: No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcare

2% of Kentucky: No, the government should not subsidize healthcare

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

1% of Kentucky: Yes, and grant them citizenship

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminalsPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Immigrant Laborers Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Immigrant Laborers Source

36% of Kentucky: No

24% of Kentucky: Yes

15% of Kentucky: Yes, but only if they pay taxes

14% of Kentucky: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminals

7% of Kentucky: No, fine companies that employ illegal immigrants

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

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

More Important

Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?

Gary Johnson: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing itPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Marijuana Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Marijuana Source

45% of Kentucky: Yes

26% of Kentucky: No

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

7% of Kentucky: Yes, but only for medical use

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

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

More Important

Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?

Gary Johnson: ReformPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Medicare Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Medicare Source

62% of Kentucky: Reform

13% of Kentucky: Keep "as is"

11% of Kentucky: Expand

9% of Kentucky: Transform the system into a Canadian or European style single payer system that can negotiate pricing for medication and treatments

4% of Kentucky: Dismantle

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

More Important

Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?

Gary Johnson: Regardless, we should incentivize the private sector to develop cleaner and efficient fuelsPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Global Warming Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Global Warming Source

55% of Kentucky: Yes

21% of Kentucky: No

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

6% of Kentucky: No, global warming and cooling are natural cycles beyond our control

4% of Kentucky: There is not enough evidence to determine this

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

More Important

Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?

Gary Johnson: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sourcesPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Oil Drilling Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Oil Drilling Source

45% of Kentucky: Yes

30% of Kentucky: No

14% of Kentucky: Incentivize the private sector to develop alternative forms of energy

5% of Kentucky: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources

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

1% of Kentucky: Nationalize the energy sector

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

More Important

How should the U.S. deal with Iran?

Gary Johnson: Iran does not threaten our national security and there is no proof they are building a nuclear weaponPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Iran Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Iran Source

46% of Kentucky: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons

31% of Kentucky: Strategically eliminate their nuclear bomb making capabilities

13% of Kentucky: Isolate through trade embargoes

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

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

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

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Yes, and only approve future wars through CongressPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Afghanistan Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Afghanistan Source

61% of Kentucky: Yes

16% of Kentucky: Yes, bring a majority of the troops home but maintain a strong diplomatic presence

12% of Kentucky: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplished

7% of Kentucky: Yes, and only approve future wars through Congress

5% of Kentucky: No

Somewhat Important

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

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

51% of Kentucky: Yes

22% of Kentucky: No

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

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

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

More Important

Do you support the Patriot act?

Gary Johnson: No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillancePassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Patriot Act Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Patriot Act Source

39% of Kentucky: No

26% of Kentucky: Yes

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

9% of Kentucky: No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillance

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: The federal government should not be involved in educationPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Education Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Education Source

50% of Kentucky: No

22% of Kentucky: Yes

15% of Kentucky: Let each state decide

10% of Kentucky: The federal government should not be involved in education

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

More Important

Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?

Gary Johnson: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug usePassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Drug Policy Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Drug Policy Source

45% of Kentucky: No

34% of Kentucky: Yes, but not all drugs

11% of Kentucky: Yes

5% of Kentucky: No, we should pass tougher drug laws

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

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment Source

53% of Kentucky: No

20% of Kentucky: Yes

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

7% of Kentucky: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment

More Important

Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?

Gary Johnson: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment accountPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Social Security Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Social Security Source

23% of Kentucky: Keep "as is"

20% of Kentucky: Expand

14% of Kentucky: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account

10% of Kentucky: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall

9% of Kentucky: Dismantle

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

8% of Kentucky: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longer

8% of Kentucky: Reform the current system to factor inflation rather than wage growth

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Abolish the IRS and pass the Fair Tax legislationPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Taxes Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Taxes Source

35% of Kentucky: No

32% of Kentucky: Yes

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

6% of Kentucky: Reform to a flat tax system

4% of Kentucky: Abolish the IRS and pass the Fair Tax legislation

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

2% of Kentucky: Abolish all income taxes

More Important

Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Farm Subsidies Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Farm Subsidies Source

37% of Kentucky: Yes

37% of Kentucky: No

18% of Kentucky: Yes, but include small and organic farmers

9% of Kentucky: Yes, but cut corn and factory farm subsidies

More Important

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?

Gary Johnson: No, eliminate all federal wage standardsPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Minimum Wage Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Minimum Wage Source

47% of Kentucky: Yes

29% of Kentucky: No

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

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

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

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Let each state determine which areas to protectPassion=1 Johnson has a very low passion score of 1 on National Parks Conviction=2 Johnson has a low conviction score of 2 on National Parks Source

84% of Kentucky: Yes

5% of Kentucky: Let each state determine which areas to protect

4% of Kentucky: Yes, but allow limited logging, drilling, and mining

3% of Kentucky: Yes, but allow more public access

2% of Kentucky: No

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

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

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: No, the government should leave the energy sector alone and end support for failed technologiesPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Alternative Engery Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Alternative Engery

50% of Kentucky: Yes

25% of Kentucky: No

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

8% of Kentucky: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gas

6% of Kentucky: No, the government should leave the energy sector alone and end support for failed technologies

2% of Kentucky: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to come

More Important

Should the federal government fund stem cell research?

Gary Johnson: No, leave funding and research to the private sectorPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Stem Cell Research Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Stem Cell Research Source

56% of Kentucky: Yes

16% of Kentucky: Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells

14% of Kentucky: No

13% of Kentucky: No, leave funding and research to the private sector

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Leave funding and research to the private sectorPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Space Exploration Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Space Exploration Source

42% of Kentucky: Yes

23% of Kentucky: No

14% of Kentucky: Not during a recession

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

6% of Kentucky: Leave funding and research to the private sector

5% of Kentucky: Regardless, we should only use government funds for national defense purposes and leave exploration to the private sector

1% of Kentucky: Regardless, we should not use space-based technology for military purposes

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandatePassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Government Mandates Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Government Mandates Source

41% of Kentucky: Yes

37% of Kentucky: No

13% of Kentucky: No, it should be covered like any other prescription

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

3% of Kentucky: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charities

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

More Important

Should the federal government allow the death penalty?

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Death Penalty Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Death Penalty Source

56% of Kentucky: Yes

23% of Kentucky: No

14% of Kentucky: Yes, but only in certain circumstances in which a heinous crime has been committed

7% of Kentucky: Leave it up to the states

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Only if there is a direct threat to our national securityPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Foreign Intervention Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Foreign Intervention Source

39% of Kentucky: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international community

25% of Kentucky: No

19% of Kentucky: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security

11% of Kentucky: Yes

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

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

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

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

More Important

Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?

Gary Johnson: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nationsPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Israel Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Israel Source

43% of Kentucky: Yes

14% of Kentucky: No

14% of Kentucky: Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors

12% of Kentucky: No, we should be less involved

10% of Kentucky: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.

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

1% of Kentucky: Not the current regime

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

1% of Kentucky: Yes, and increase funding to support the Israeli government’s decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem

1% of Kentucky: Yes, and with more aid and support

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Do not get involvedPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Sudan Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Sudan Source

74% of Kentucky: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military

24% of Kentucky: Do not get involved

3% of Kentucky: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy

More Important

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

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

72% of Kentucky: Yes

9% of Kentucky: No

9% of Kentucky: Scale back our current involvement

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

4% of Kentucky: No, and remove the U.N. headquarters from the U.S.

More Important

Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?

Gary Johnson: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo BayPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Terrorism Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Terrorism Source

43% of Kentucky: No

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

16% of Kentucky: Yes

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

6% of Kentucky: Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courts

6% of Kentucky: No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods

Least Important

Should the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers adjust its Missouri River flood plan to prevent recent flooding that forced the evacuation of thousands of Iowans last summer?

Gary Johnson:

100% of Kentucky: Yes