New York sides with Gary Johnson on 43% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

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

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

Most Important

Do you believe the theory of Evolution?

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

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

Most 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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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?

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

Most 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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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. 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

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?

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

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?

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

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

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

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?

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

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?

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

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?

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

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?

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

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?

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

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?

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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 New York: Yes