Maine sides with Virgil Goode on 24% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

Somewhat Important

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

67% of Maine: No

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

10% of Maine: Yes

7% of Maine: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the government

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

Somewhat Important

Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?

Virgil Goode: ReformPassion=3 Goode has a moderate passion score of 3 on Medicare Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Medicare Source

56% of Maine: Reform

14% of Maine: Keep "as is"

13% of Maine: Expand

12% of Maine: Transform the system into a Canadian or European style single payer system that can negotiate pricing for medication and treatments

3% of Maine: Dismantle

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

Somewhat Important

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

52% of Maine: No

18% of Maine: Yes

10% of Maine: Yes, if they pay taxes

6% of Maine: Only for life threatening emergencies or infectious diseases

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

4% of Maine: No, but their children should have access

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

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

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

1% of Maine: Yes, and grant them citizenship

Somewhat Important

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

64% of Maine: Yes

15% of Maine: Yes, bring a majority of the troops home but maintain a strong diplomatic presence

10% of Maine: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplished

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

4% of Maine: No

Least Important

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

60% of Maine: Yes

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

16% of Maine: No

5% of Maine: Yes, allow Americans to travel to any country they choose

3% of Maine: Yes, end embargoes with all countries and allow U.S. businesses to do business with any country

Less Important

Should the federal government allow the death penalty?

Virgil Goode: 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 Source

47% of Maine: Yes

32% of Maine: No

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

7% of Maine: Leave it up to the states

More Important

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

66% of Maine: Yes

14% of Maine: No

9% of Maine: Regardless, we should incentivize the private sector to develop cleaner and efficient fuels

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

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

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

Somewhat Important

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

39% of Maine: No

36% of Maine: Yes

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

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

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

1% of Maine: Nationalize the energy sector

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

More Important

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

84% of Maine: Yes

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

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

3% of Maine: No

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

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

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

Less Important

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

Virgil Goode: 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 Engery

55% of Maine: Yes

25% of Maine: No

9% of Maine: Yes, the future of our economy relies on the creation of jobs in sustainable energy

6% of Maine: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gas

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

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

More Important

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

41% of Maine: Yes

28% of Maine: No

9% of Maine: Yes, I support a majority of the plan but not all aspects

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

7% of Maine: No, institute a universal healthcare system

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

2% of Maine: Let each state decide

Less Important

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

54% of Maine: Yes

19% of Maine: No

18% of Maine: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it

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

2% of Maine: Yes, and immediately free all citizens jailed for drug offenses

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

Somewhat Important

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

26% of Maine: Keep "as is"

20% of Maine: Expand

12% of Maine: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall

11% of Maine: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account

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

8% of Maine: Dismantle

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

6% of Maine: Reform the current system into a voluntary “opt-in” program

Somewhat Important

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

46% of Maine: Yes

37% of Maine: No

8% of Maine: Yes, but it was not big enough

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

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

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

More Important

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

43% of Maine: No

24% of Maine: Yes

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

6% of Maine: Reform to a flat tax system

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

2% of Maine: Abolish all income taxes

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

Less Important

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

36% of Maine: No

33% of Maine: Yes

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

13% of Maine: Yes, but cut corn and factory farm subsidies

Somewhat Important

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

52% of Maine: Yes

25% of Maine: No

11% of Maine: Yes, and adjust the wage level according to inflation every year

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

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

Somewhat Important

Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?

Virgil Goode: 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 Source

46% of Maine: No

22% of Maine: Yes

13% of Maine: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending

9% of Maine: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich

8% of Maine: No, cut spending

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

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

Somewhat Important

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

Virgil Goode: 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 Source

44% of Maine: No

23% of Maine: Yes

12% of Maine: Yes, but with more restrictions

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

5% of Maine: Yes, but only on the condition that top management be fired without compensation

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

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

Somewhat Important

Should the federal government fund stem cell research?

Virgil Goode: 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 Source

66% of Maine: Yes

12% of Maine: No, leave funding and research to the private sector

11% of Maine: No

10% of Maine: Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells

More Important

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

64% of Maine: Yes

10% of Maine: No

7% of Maine: Regardless, all theories should be taught in school

6% of Maine: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism

5% of Maine: Yes, Evolution is a fact

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

3% of Maine: Up for debate

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

Less Important

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

Virgil Goode: Passion=1 Goode has a very low passion score of 1 on Space Exploration Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Space Exploration

43% of Maine: Yes

22% of Maine: No

13% of Maine: Not during a recession

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

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

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

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

Somewhat Important

Do you support the Patriot act?

Virgil Goode: 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 Source

46% of Maine: No

24% of Maine: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers

21% of Maine: Yes

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

Somewhat Important

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

54% of Maine: No

19% of Maine: Yes

15% of Maine: Let each state decide

9% of Maine: The federal government should not be involved in education

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

Less Important

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

33% of Maine: Yes

29% of Maine: No

29% of Maine: No, but we should offer social programs to address poverty regardless of race or ethnicity

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

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

More Important

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

39% of Maine: Yes

37% of Maine: No

8% of Maine: No, only for individuals with mental health issues and convicted felons

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

5% of Maine: No, only for assault weapons

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

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

Less Important

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

43% of Maine: No

36% of Maine: Yes, but not all drugs

13% of Maine: Yes

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

3% of Maine: 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)?

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

57% of Maine: No

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

17% of Maine: Yes

5% of Maine: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment

Somewhat Important

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

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

25% of Maine: No

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

10% of Maine: Yes

4% of Maine: Only with non-violent diplomatic solutions such as sanctions and peace talks

1% of Maine: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry about

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

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

Less Important

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

38% of Maine: Yes

16% of Maine: No

15% of Maine: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.

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

11% of Maine: Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors

4% of Maine: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nations

2% of Maine: Not the current regime

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

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

Less Important

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

49% of Maine: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons

25% of Maine: Strategically eliminate their nuclear bomb making capabilities

13% of Maine: Isolate through trade embargoes

8% of Maine: Iran does not threaten our national security and there is no proof they are building a nuclear weapon

4% of Maine: Ignore their threats and cease all contact

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

Less Important

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

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

23% of Maine: Do not get involved

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

Somewhat Important

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

75% of Maine: Yes

9% of Maine: No

8% of Maine: Scale back our current involvement

4% of Maine: Yes, and use the U.N. peacekeeping forces to protect U.S. interests

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

Somewhat Important

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

38% of Maine: No

21% of Maine: No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torture

21% of Maine: Yes

9% of Maine: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay

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

4% of Maine: No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods

Less Important

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

37% of Maine: Yes

26% of Maine: No

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

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

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

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

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

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

Less Important

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

33% of Maine: No

29% of Maine: Yes

15% of Maine: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminals

13% of Maine: Yes, but only if they pay taxes

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

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

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