New Jersey sides with Virgil Goode on 23% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

More Important

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

Virgil Goode: 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

60% of New Jersey: Yes

22% of New Jersey: No, but in order to receive benefits they should be looking for a job or enrolled in education and job training programs

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

4% of New Jersey: No

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

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

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

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

57% of New Jersey: Reform

16% of New Jersey: Keep "as is"

12% of New Jersey: Expand

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

3% of New Jersey: Dismantle

1% of New Jersey: 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

50% of New Jersey: No

18% of New Jersey: Yes

12% of New Jersey: Yes, if they pay taxes

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

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

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

2% of New Jersey: No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcare

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

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

1% of New Jersey: Yes, and grant them citizenship

More 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

63% of New Jersey: Yes

17% of New Jersey: Yes, bring a majority of the troops home but maintain a strong diplomatic presence

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

6% of New Jersey: Yes, and only approve future wars through Congress

4% of New Jersey: 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

55% of New Jersey: Yes

19% of New Jersey: No

17% of New Jersey: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in place

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

4% of New Jersey: 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

48% of New Jersey: Yes

27% of New Jersey: No

17% of New Jersey: Yes, but only in certain circumstances in which a heinous crime has been committed

7% of New Jersey: Leave it up to the states

Most 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

39% of New Jersey: Yes

28% of New Jersey: No

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

10% of New Jersey: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costs

6% of New Jersey: No, institute a universal healthcare system

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

3% of New Jersey: Let each state decide

Somewhat 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

50% of New Jersey: Yes

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

19% of New Jersey: No

9% of New Jersey: Yes, but only for medical use

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

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

More 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

68% of New Jersey: Yes

11% of New Jersey: Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells

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

9% of New Jersey: No

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

62% of New Jersey: Yes

9% of New Jersey: No

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

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

5% of New Jersey: Yes, Evolution is a fact

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

4% of New Jersey: Up for debate

1% of New Jersey: 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

46% of New Jersey: Yes

19% of New Jersey: No

14% of New Jersey: Not during a recession

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

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

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

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

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 New Jersey: Yes

14% of New Jersey: No

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

4% of New Jersey: No, global warming and cooling are natural cycles beyond our control

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

2% of New Jersey: 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

37% of New Jersey: Yes

36% of New Jersey: No

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

5% of New Jersey: No, but maintain our current offshore oil wells

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

1% of New Jersey: Nationalize the energy sector

1% of New Jersey: 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

85% of New Jersey: Yes

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

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

3% of New Jersey: Yes, but allow more public access

2% of New Jersey: No

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

1% of New Jersey: 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

56% of New Jersey: Yes

19% of New Jersey: No

10% of New Jersey: Yes, the future of our economy relies on the creation of jobs in sustainable energy

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

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

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

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

38% of New Jersey: No

28% of New Jersey: Yes

27% of New Jersey: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers

8% of New Jersey: 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

48% of New Jersey: No

25% of New Jersey: Yes

16% of New Jersey: Let each state decide

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

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

Somewhat 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

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

32% of New Jersey: No

29% of New Jersey: Yes

6% of New Jersey: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment

1% of New Jersey: 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

46% of New Jersey: Yes

29% of New Jersey: No

9% of New Jersey: Yes, require strict background checks, psychological testing, and training

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

4% of New Jersey: No, only for assault weapons

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

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

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

Somewhat 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

40% of New Jersey: No

37% of New Jersey: Yes, but not all drugs

14% of New Jersey: Yes

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

3% of New Jersey: 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

53% of New Jersey: No

21% of New Jersey: Yes

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

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

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

27% of New Jersey: Keep "as is"

20% of New Jersey: Expand

12% of New Jersey: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account

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

10% of New Jersey: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longer

7% of New Jersey: Dismantle

7% of New Jersey: Reform the current system into a voluntary “opt-in” program

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

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

44% of New Jersey: Yes

36% of New Jersey: No

10% of New Jersey: Yes, but it was not big enough

5% of New Jersey: Yes, and enact legislation to inject the economy with a stimulus every time the GDP falls below a certain level

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

1% of New Jersey: 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

40% of New Jersey: No

28% of New Jersey: Yes

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

5% of New Jersey: Reform to a flat tax system

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

3% of New Jersey: Yes, and enact more across the board cuts to aid all income levels

2% of New Jersey: Abolish all income taxes

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

37% of New Jersey: Yes

34% of New Jersey: No

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

10% of New Jersey: 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

51% of New Jersey: Yes

24% of New Jersey: No

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

10% of New Jersey: Leave it up to the states to decide

2% of New Jersey: No, eliminate all federal wage standards

More 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

45% of New Jersey: No

21% of New Jersey: Yes

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

9% of New Jersey: No, cut spending

8% of New Jersey: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich

3% of New Jersey: Yes, raise the debt ceiling during a recession

1% of New Jersey: 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

38% of New Jersey: No

27% of New Jersey: Yes

14% of New Jersey: Yes, but with more restrictions

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

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

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

1% of New Jersey: Yes, and nationalize all big banks

More 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

38% of New Jersey: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international community

24% of New Jersey: No

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

12% of New Jersey: Yes

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

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

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

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

Somewhat 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

40% of New Jersey: Yes

14% of New Jersey: No

13% of New Jersey: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.

13% of New Jersey: No, we should be less involved

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

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

2% of New Jersey: Not the current regime

2% of New Jersey: No, cut all support and aid

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

1% of New Jersey: Yes, and with more aid and support

Somewhat 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

46% of New Jersey: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons

30% of New Jersey: Strategically eliminate their nuclear bomb making capabilities

14% of New Jersey: Isolate through trade embargoes

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

3% of New Jersey: Ignore their threats and cease all contact

1% of New Jersey: 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 New Jersey: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military

23% of New Jersey: Do not get involved

3% of New Jersey: 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

77% of New Jersey: Yes

7% of New Jersey: Scale back our current involvement

7% of New Jersey: No

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

3% of New Jersey: 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

40% of New Jersey: No

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

17% of New Jersey: Yes

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

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

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

Somewhat 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 New Jersey: Yes

25% of New Jersey: No

13% of New Jersey: Yes, if they were born here

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

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

6% of New Jersey: Yes, but after 4 years of military service or earning a college degree

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

1% of New Jersey: Yes, and abolish all national borders

Somewhat 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

30% of New Jersey: No

28% of New Jersey: Yes

18% of New Jersey: Yes, but only if they pay taxes

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

5% of New Jersey: No, fine companies that employ illegal immigrants

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

1% of New Jersey: No, but allow them to stay