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

Most 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

62% of North Carolina: Reform

13% of North Carolina: Keep "as is"

11% of North Carolina: Expand

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

4% of North Carolina: Dismantle

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

Most 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

54% of North Carolina: No

15% of North Carolina: Yes

11% of North Carolina: Yes, if they pay taxes

6% of North Carolina: No, but they should be allowed to purchase private healthcare

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

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

2% of North Carolina: No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcare

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

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

1% of North Carolina: Yes, and grant them citizenship

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 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

63% of North Carolina: Yes

21% of North Carolina: No, but in order to receive benefits they should be looking for a job or enrolled in education and job training programs

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

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

3% of North Carolina: No

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

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

Most 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

50% of North Carolina: No

16% of North Carolina: Yes

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

10% of North Carolina: No, cut spending

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

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

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

Most 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

60% of North Carolina: Yes

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

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

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

5% of North Carolina: No

More 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

51% of North Carolina: Yes

21% of North Carolina: No

18% of North Carolina: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in place

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

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

More 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

54% of North Carolina: Yes

24% of North Carolina: No

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

8% of North Carolina: Leave it up to the states

Most 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

59% of North Carolina: Yes

19% of North Carolina: No

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

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

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

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

Most 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

42% of North Carolina: Yes

33% of North Carolina: No

15% of North Carolina: Incentivize the private sector to develop alternative forms of energy

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

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

1% of North Carolina: Nationalize the energy sector

1% of North Carolina: 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 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 North Carolina: Yes

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

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

3% of North Carolina: Yes, but allow more public access

2% of North Carolina: No

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

1% of North Carolina: 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 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

51% of North Carolina: Yes

24% of North Carolina: No

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

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

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

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

Most 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

58% of North Carolina: Yes

14% of North Carolina: No, leave funding and research to the private sector

14% of North Carolina: Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells

13% of North Carolina: No

Most 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

49% of North Carolina: Yes

18% of North Carolina: No

10% of North Carolina: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism

10% of North Carolina: Regardless, all theories should be taught in school

4% of North Carolina: Yes, Evolution is a fact

4% of North Carolina: Up for debate

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

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

More 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

41% of North Carolina: Yes

22% of North Carolina: No

14% of North Carolina: Not during a recession

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

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

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

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

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

34% of North Carolina: No

33% of North Carolina: Yes

11% of North Carolina: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costs

10% of North Carolina: Yes, I support a majority of the plan but not all aspects

5% of North Carolina: No, institute a universal healthcare system

3% of North Carolina: Let each state decide

2% of North Carolina: Yes, institute a mandatory single payer system

More 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

47% of North Carolina: Yes

24% of North Carolina: No

21% of North Carolina: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it

7% of North Carolina: Yes, but only for medical use

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

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

More 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

39% of North Carolina: No

27% of North Carolina: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers

26% of North Carolina: Yes

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

Most 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

52% of North Carolina: No

19% of North Carolina: Yes

16% of North Carolina: Let each state decide

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

3% of North Carolina: 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 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

34% of North Carolina: No

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

26% of North Carolina: Yes

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

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

Most 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

40% of North Carolina: No

34% of North Carolina: Yes

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

7% of North Carolina: Yes, require strict background checks, psychological testing, and training

5% of North Carolina: No, only for assault weapons

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

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

More 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 North Carolina: No

37% of North Carolina: Yes, but not all drugs

12% of North Carolina: Yes

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

4% of North Carolina: 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 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 North Carolina: No

20% of North Carolina: Yes

19% of North Carolina: No, corporations are not people and should not be allowed to finance political campaigns

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

Most 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

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

24% of North Carolina: No

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

11% of North Carolina: Yes

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

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

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

1% of North Carolina: 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 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

42% of North Carolina: Yes

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

13% of North Carolina: No

12% of North Carolina: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.

12% of North Carolina: No, we should be less involved

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

2% of North Carolina: Not the current regime

1% of North Carolina: No, cut all support and aid

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

1% of North Carolina: 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 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

45% of North Carolina: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons

31% of North Carolina: Strategically eliminate their nuclear bomb making capabilities

13% of North Carolina: Isolate through trade embargoes

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

3% of North Carolina: Ignore their threats and cease all contact

1% of North Carolina: 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 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 North Carolina: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military

23% of North Carolina: Do not get involved

3% of North Carolina: 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.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

73% of North Carolina: Yes

9% of North Carolina: Scale back our current involvement

9% of North Carolina: No

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

4% of North Carolina: 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 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

41% of North Carolina: No

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

17% of North Carolina: Yes

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

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

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

More 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

23% of North Carolina: Keep "as is"

18% of North Carolina: Expand

15% of North Carolina: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account

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

9% of North Carolina: Dismantle

9% of North Carolina: Reform the current system into a voluntary “opt-in” program

9% of North Carolina: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longer

7% of North Carolina: Reform the current system to factor inflation rather than wage growth

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 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 North Carolina: No

38% of North Carolina: Yes

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

5% of North Carolina: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulus

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

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

Most 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

35% of North Carolina: No

32% of North Carolina: Yes

17% of North Carolina: Extend only for those making less than $250,000

6% of North Carolina: Reform to a flat tax system

5% of North Carolina: Abolish the IRS and pass the Fair Tax legislation

2% of North Carolina: Abolish all income taxes

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

More 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

38% of North Carolina: No

35% of North Carolina: Yes

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

10% of North Carolina: 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 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

46% of North Carolina: Yes

29% of North Carolina: No

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

9% of North Carolina: Leave it up to the states to decide

3% of North Carolina: No, eliminate all federal wage standards

More 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

43% of North Carolina: No

23% of North Carolina: Yes

13% of North Carolina: Yes, but with more restrictions

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

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

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

1% of North Carolina: Yes, and nationalize all big banks

More 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

34% of North Carolina: Yes

28% of North Carolina: No

13% of North Carolina: Yes, if they were born here

11% of North Carolina: Yes, but after they turn 18 and apply for citizenship

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

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

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

1% of North Carolina: Yes, and abolish all national borders

More 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

34% of North Carolina: No

25% of North Carolina: Yes

17% of North Carolina: Yes, but only if they pay taxes

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

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

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

1% of North Carolina: No, but allow them to stay

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 North Carolina: No