New York sides with Virgil Goode on 19% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.
Issues they side on...
the Economy
Most 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 work
58% of New York: Yes
24% of New York: 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 York: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work
5% of New York: No
3% of New York: No, but their benefits would expire after two years of unemployment
2% of New York: Yes, and eliminate welfare all together as it is not authorized in the Constitution
1% of New York: No, “workfare” is a form a slave labor
Domestic Policy
More 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 internet
65% of New York: No
11% of New York: Yes
10% of New York: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internet
8% of New York: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the government
6% of New York: No, and enact legislation preventing any level of government policing the internet
Healthcare
More Important
Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?
Virgil Goode: Reform
57% of New York: Reform
14% of New York: Keep "as is"
13% of New York: Expand
12% of New York: Transform the system into a Canadian or European style single payer system that can negotiate pricing for medication and treatments
3% of New York: Dismantle
1% of New York: Seniors should embrace responsibility for their own healthcare and leave the government out of it
Social
More Important
Should the federal government allow the death penalty?
Virgil Goode: Yes
42% of New York: Yes
33% of New York: No
17% of New York: Yes, but only in certain circumstances in which a heinous crime has been committed
7% of New York: Leave it up to the states
Foreign Policy
More Important
Should the U.S. end the war in Afghanistan?
Virgil Goode: Yes, and only approve future wars through Congress
64% of New York: Yes
17% of New York: Yes, bring a majority of the troops home but maintain a strong diplomatic presence
9% of New York: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplished
7% of New York: Yes, and only approve future wars through Congress
4% of New York: No
Somewhat 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 country
59% of New York: Yes
16% of New York: No
16% of New York: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in place
6% of New York: Yes, allow Americans to travel to any country they choose
3% of New York: Yes, end embargoes with all countries and allow U.S. businesses to do business with any country
Issues they do not side on...
Social
Most Important
What is your stance on abortion?
Virgil Goode: Pro-life
66% of New York: Pro-choice
12% of New York: Pro-life
7% of New York: Pro-choice, but providing birth control, sex education, and social services could help reduce the number of abortions
6% of New York: Pro-choice, I don't agree with it but it's not my right or the government's to ban abortion
6% of New York: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child's health
2% of New York: Let each state decide
2% of New York: Ban after the first trimester
Most Important
Should gay marriage be allowed in the U.S.?
Virgil Goode: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and woman
77% of New York: Yes
10% of New York: No
4% of New York: No, allow civil unions for same-sex couples but don't call it marriage
4% of New York: Take the government out of marriage and instead make it a religious decision
3% of New York: Let each state decide
1% of New York: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and woman
More Important
Should the government require health insurance companies to provide free birth control?
Virgil Goode: No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs instead
52% of New York: Yes
26% of New York: No
13% of New York: No, it should be covered like any other prescription
5% of New York: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate
4% of New York: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charities
1% of New York: No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs instead
Healthcare
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 costs
44% of New York: Yes
23% of New York: No
11% of New York: Yes, I support a majority of the plan but not all aspects
8% of New York: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costs
7% of New York: No, institute a universal healthcare system
4% of New York: Yes, institute a mandatory single payer system
3% of New York: Let each state decide
More Important
Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?
Virgil Goode: No, and increase penalties for all non-violent drug offenders
52% of New York: Yes
20% of New York: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it
18% of New York: No
7% of New York: Yes, but only for medical use
2% of New York: Yes, and immediately free all citizens jailed for drug offenses
the Environment
Most Important
Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?
Virgil Goode: No
71% of New York: Yes
11% of New York: No
10% of New York: Regardless, we should incentivize the private sector to develop cleaner and efficient fuels
4% of New York: No, global warming and cooling are natural cycles beyond our control
3% of New York: There is not enough evidence to determine this
1% of New York: Regardless, we should not devote government resources to prevent it
More Important
Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?
Virgil Goode: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources
41% of New York: No
31% of New York: Yes
18% of New York: Incentivize the private sector to develop alternative forms of energy
4% of New York: No, but maintain our current offshore oil wells
4% of New York: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources
1% of New York: Nationalize the energy sector
1% of New York: No, end all offshore oil drilling
Most 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 land
86% of New York: Yes
4% of New York: Let each state determine which areas to protect
3% of New York: Yes, but allow limited logging, drilling, and mining
3% of New York: Yes, but allow more public access
2% of New York: No
2% of New York: Yes, and expand the government’s domain to protect more land
1% of New York: No, there is no reason for the government to own so much land
More 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 come
60% of New York: Yes
17% of New York: No
10% of New York: Yes, the future of our economy relies on the creation of jobs in sustainable energy
8% of New York: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gas
4% of New York: No, the government should leave the energy sector alone and end support for failed technologies
1% of New York: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to come
Science
More Important
Should the federal government fund stem cell research?
Virgil Goode: No
72% of New York: Yes
10% of New York: Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells
10% of New York: No, leave funding and research to the private sector
8% of New York: No
Most Important
Do you believe the theory of Evolution?
Virgil Goode: No, and it should not be taught in public schools
66% of New York: Yes
7% of New York: No
7% of New York: Regardless, all theories should be taught in school
6% of New York: Yes, Evolution is a fact
5% of New York: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism
5% of New York: Yes, and should be required in public schools
3% of New York: Up for debate
More Important
Should the United States increase our space exploration efforts and budget?
Virgil Goode:
47% of New York: Yes
19% of New York: No
14% of New York: Not during a recession
10% of New York: Incentivize the private sector to develop space technology
4% of New York: Leave funding and research to the private sector
3% of New York: Regardless, we should only use government funds for national defense purposes and leave exploration to the private sector
2% of New York: Regardless, we should not use space-based technology for military purposes
Domestic Policy
More Important
Do you support the Patriot act?
Virgil Goode: Yes
44% of New York: No
26% of New York: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers
23% of New York: Yes
7% of New York: 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?
Virgil Goode: The federal government should not be involved in education
54% of New York: No
20% of New York: Yes
15% of New York: Let each state decide
7% of New York: The federal government should not be involved in education
4% of New York: The federal government should take over control of schools from the states
More Important
Do you support affirmative action programs?
Virgil Goode: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment
33% of New York: No, but we should offer social programs to address poverty regardless of race or ethnicity
32% of New York: Yes
28% of New York: No
5% of New York: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment
1% of New York: 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” laws
51% of New York: Yes
26% of New York: No
9% of New York: Yes, require strict background checks, psychological testing, and training
6% of New York: No, only for individuals with mental health issues and convicted felons
4% of New York: No, only for assault weapons
2% of New York: No, but increase penalties for gun-related crimes
1% of New York: No, and the federal government should pass national “stand your ground” laws
1% of New York: Yes, and ban all guns from public use
More Important
Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?
Virgil Goode: No, we should pass tougher drug laws
39% of New York: No
38% of New York: Yes, but not all drugs
14% of New York: Yes
6% of New York: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug use
3% of New York: No, we should pass tougher drug laws
More 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 amendment
55% of New York: No
21% of New York: No, corporations are not people and should not be allowed to finance political campaigns
19% of New York: Yes
6% of New York: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment
Foreign Policy
More Important
Should the U.S. intervene in the affairs of other countries?
Virgil Goode: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry about
41% of New York: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international community
23% of New York: No
16% of New York: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security
12% of New York: Yes
4% of New York: Only with non-violent diplomatic solutions such as sanctions and peace talks
2% of New York: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry about
1% of New York: Yes, and use the military to preemptively strike any hostile nations perceived as a threat
1% of New York: No, and dramatically decrease our military while abolishing the CIA and NSA
More Important
Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?
Virgil Goode: No, cut all support and aid
37% of New York: Yes
15% of New York: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.
14% of New York: No
14% of New York: No, we should be less involved
11% of New York: Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors
3% of New York: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nations
2% of New York: Not the current regime
2% of New York: No, cut all support and aid
1% of New York: Yes, and increase funding to support the Israeli government’s decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem
1% of New York: Yes, and with more aid and support
More Important
How should the U.S. deal with Iran?
Virgil Goode: Ignore their threats and cease all contact
49% of New York: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons
27% of New York: Strategically eliminate their nuclear bomb making capabilities
14% of New York: Isolate through trade embargoes
7% of New York: Iran does not threaten our national security and there is no proof they are building a nuclear weapon
3% of New York: Ignore their threats and cease all contact
1% of New York: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy
More Important
How should the U.S. handle the genocide in Sudan?
Virgil Goode: Do not get involved
78% of New York: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military
20% of New York: Do not get involved
2% of New York: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy
More 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.
81% of New York: Yes
7% of New York: Scale back our current involvement
5% of New York: No
5% of New York: Yes, and use the U.N. peacekeeping forces to protect U.S. interests
2% of New York: No, and remove the U.N. headquarters from the U.S.
More 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 courts
34% of New York: No
23% of New York: No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torture
22% of New York: Yes
10% of New York: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay
6% of New York: Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courts
5% of New York: No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods
the Economy
More Important
Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?
Virgil Goode: Keep "as is"
25% of New York: Keep "as is"
21% of New York: Expand
12% of New York: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall
11% of New York: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account
10% of New York: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longer
7% of New York: Dismantle
7% of New York: Reform the current system to factor inflation rather than wage growth
7% of New York: Reform the current system into a voluntary “opt-in” program
More Important
Do you agree with President Obama's 2009 Stimulus Plan?
Virgil Goode: No, and enact legislation preventing any future administration from passing a stimulus
47% of New York: Yes
32% of New York: No
12% of New York: Yes, but it was not big enough
5% of New York: Yes, and enact legislation to inject the economy with a stimulus every time the GDP falls below a certain level
3% of New York: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulus
1% of New York: 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 system
46% of New York: No
24% of New York: Yes
19% of New York: Extend only for those making less than $250,000
5% of New York: Reform to a flat tax system
3% of New York: Abolish the IRS and pass the Fair Tax legislation
2% of New York: Yes, and enact more across the board cuts to aid all income levels
2% of New York: Abolish all income taxes
More Important
Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?
Virgil Goode: No
36% of New York: Yes
33% of New York: No
19% of New York: Yes, but include small and organic farmers
12% of New York: Yes, but cut corn and factory farm subsidies
More Important
Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?
Virgil Goode: No, eliminate all federal wage standards
53% of New York: Yes
22% of New York: No
13% of New York: Yes, and adjust the wage level according to inflation every year
9% of New York: Leave it up to the states to decide
2% of New York: No, eliminate all federal wage standards
More Important
Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?
Virgil Goode: No
41% of New York: No
23% of New York: Yes
15% of New York: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending
9% of New York: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich
8% of New York: No, cut spending
3% of New York: Yes, raise the debt ceiling during a recession
1% of New York: The Federal Reserve should destroy the $1.6 trillion in government bonds it now holds
More Important
Should the U.S. have bailed out the major banks during the financial crisis of 2008?
Virgil Goode: No
35% of New York: No
29% of New York: Yes
15% of New York: Yes, but with more restrictions
12% of New York: Regardless, we should instead enact legislation that prevents banks from becoming too big to fail
6% of New York: Yes, but only on the condition that top management be fired without compensation
3% of New York: No, remove the federal reserve and go back to the gold standard
1% of New York: Yes, and nationalize all big banks
Immigration
More Important
Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?
Virgil Goode: No, all illegal immigrants should be deported
43% of New York: Yes
20% of New York: No
14% of New York: Yes, if they were born here
10% of New York: Yes, but after they turn 18 and apply for citizenship
6% of New York: Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenship
5% of New York: Yes, but after 4 years of military service or earning a college degree
1% of New York: No, all illegal immigrants should be deported
1% of New York: Yes, and abolish all national borders
More Important
Should illegal immigrants be given access to government-subsidized healthcare?
Virgil Goode: No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcare
43% of New York: No
23% of New York: Yes
14% of New York: Yes, if they pay taxes
6% of New York: No, but they should be allowed to purchase private healthcare
6% of New York: Only for life threatening emergencies or infectious diseases
4% of New York: No, but their children should have access
1% of New York: No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcare
1% of New York: Yes, and grant them citizenship
1% of New York: No, the government should not subsidize healthcare
1% of New York: Yes, but they should be deported after treatment
More Important
Should illegal immigrants working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty?
Virgil Goode: No, remove them from the U.S.
32% of New York: Yes
25% of New York: No
18% of New York: Yes, but only if they pay taxes
17% of New York: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminals
5% of New York: No, fine companies that employ illegal immigrants
2% of New York: No, remove them from the U.S.
1% of New York: No, but allow them to stay
Local
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?
Virgil Goode:
100% of New York: Yes
