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North Dakota sides with Virgil Goode on 30% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

Issues they side on...

the Economy

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

64% of North Dakota: Yes

18% of North Dakota: 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 Dakota: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work

4% of North Dakota: No

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

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

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

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

54% of North Dakota: No

14% of North Dakota: Yes

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

9% of North Dakota: No, cut spending

6% of North Dakota: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich

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

1% of North Dakota: 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

50% of North Dakota: No

20% of North Dakota: Yes

10% of North Dakota: Yes, but with more restrictions

10% of North Dakota: Regardless, we should instead enact legislation that prevents banks from becoming too big to fail

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

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

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

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

48% of North Dakota: No

35% of North Dakota: Yes

6% of North Dakota: Yes, but it was not big enough

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

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

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

Domestic Policy

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

48% of North Dakota: No

28% of North Dakota: Yes

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

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

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

4% of North Dakota: No, but increase penalties for gun-related crimes

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

Somewhat Important

Should the federal government regulate the internet to deter online piracy?

Virgil Goode: No, and enact legislation preventing any level of government policing the internetPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Internet Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Internet Source

65% of North Dakota: No

11% of North Dakota: Yes

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

8% of North Dakota: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the government

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

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

47% of North Dakota: No

34% of North Dakota: Yes, but not all drugs

11% of North Dakota: Yes

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

4% of North Dakota: No, we should pass tougher drug laws

Healthcare

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

60% of North Dakota: Reform

15% of North Dakota: Keep "as is"

10% of North Dakota: Expand

8% of North Dakota: Transform the system into a Canadian or European style single payer system that can negotiate pricing for medication and treatments

5% of North Dakota: Dismantle

2% of North Dakota: Seniors should embrace responsibility for their own healthcare and leave the government out of it

Immigration

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

60% of North Dakota: No

12% of North Dakota: Yes

9% of North Dakota: Yes, if they pay taxes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

40% of North Dakota: No

21% of North Dakota: Yes

14% of North Dakota: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminals

14% of North Dakota: Yes, but only if they pay taxes

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

3% of North Dakota: No, remove them from the U.S.

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

Social

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

53% of North Dakota: Yes

25% of North Dakota: No

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

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

Foreign Policy

Somewhat Important

Should the U.S. end the war in Afghanistan?

Virgil Goode: Yes, and only approve future wars through CongressPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Afghanistan Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Afghanistan Source

58% of North Dakota: Yes

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

14% of North Dakota: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplished

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

5% of North Dakota: 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

52% of North Dakota: Yes

22% of North Dakota: No

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

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

4% of North Dakota: 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-lifePassion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Abortion Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Abortion Source

44% of North Dakota: Pro-choice

31% of North Dakota: Pro-life

9% of North Dakota: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child's health

6% of North Dakota: Pro-choice, I don't agree with it but it's not my right or the government's to ban abortion

5% of North Dakota: Pro-choice, but providing birth control, sex education, and social services could help reduce the number of abortions

3% of North Dakota: Let each state decide

1% of North Dakota: Ban after the first trimester

More Important

Should gay marriage be allowed in the U.S.?

Virgil Goode: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and womanPassion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Gay Marriage Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Gay Marriage Source

57% of North Dakota: Yes

26% of North Dakota: No

7% of North Dakota: Take the government out of marriage and instead make it a religious decision

6% of North Dakota: No, allow civil unions for same-sex couples but don't call it marriage

4% of North Dakota: Let each state decide

1% of North Dakota: 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 insteadPassion=3 Goode has a moderate passion score of 3 on Government Mandates Conviction=4 Goode has a high conviction score of 4 on Government Mandates Source

40% of North Dakota: No

39% of North Dakota: Yes

13% of North Dakota: No, it should be covered like any other prescription

5% of North Dakota: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate

3% of North Dakota: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charities

1% of North Dakota: 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 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

37% of North Dakota: No

30% of North Dakota: Yes

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

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

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

3% of North Dakota: Let each state decide

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

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

40% of North Dakota: Yes

30% of North Dakota: No

20% of North Dakota: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it

8% of North Dakota: Yes, but only for medical use

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

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

the Economy

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

23% of North Dakota: Keep "as is"

19% of North Dakota: Expand

13% of North Dakota: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account

12% of North Dakota: Dismantle

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

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

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

8% of North Dakota: Reform the current system into a voluntary “opt-in” program

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

38% of North Dakota: No

32% of North Dakota: Yes

15% of North Dakota: Extend only for those making less than $250,000

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

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

2% of North Dakota: Abolish all income taxes

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

Less Important

Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?

Virgil Goode: NoPassion=1 Goode has a very low passion score of 1 on Farm Subsidies Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Farm Subsidies Source

40% of North Dakota: Yes

36% of North Dakota: No

16% of North Dakota: Yes, but include small and organic farmers

9% of North Dakota: 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

46% of North Dakota: Yes

28% of North Dakota: No

12% of North Dakota: Yes, and adjust the wage level according to inflation every year

11% of North Dakota: Leave it up to the states to decide

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

Science

Somewhat Important

Should the federal government fund stem cell research?

Virgil Goode: NoPassion=4 Goode has a high passion score of 4 on Stem Cell Research Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Stem Cell Research Source

53% of North Dakota: Yes

17% of North Dakota: Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells

16% of North Dakota: No

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

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

44% of North Dakota: Yes

20% of North Dakota: No

12% of North Dakota: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism

11% of North Dakota: Regardless, all theories should be taught in school

4% of North Dakota: Up for debate

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

3% of North Dakota: Yes, and should be required in public schools

1% of North Dakota: 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

44% of North Dakota: Yes

23% of North Dakota: No

13% of North Dakota: Not during a recession

9% of North Dakota: Incentivize the private sector to develop space technology

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

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

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

the Environment

Somewhat 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

51% of North Dakota: Yes

25% of North Dakota: No

10% of North Dakota: Regardless, we should incentivize the private sector to develop cleaner and efficient fuels

7% of North Dakota: No, global warming and cooling are natural cycles beyond our control

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

2% of North Dakota: 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

44% of North Dakota: Yes

32% of North Dakota: No

11% of North Dakota: Incentivize the private sector to develop alternative forms of energy

5% of North Dakota: No, but maintain our current offshore oil wells

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

1% of North Dakota: Nationalize the energy sector

1% of North Dakota: 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

83% of North Dakota: Yes

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

5% of North Dakota: Yes, but allow limited logging, drilling, and mining

3% of North Dakota: No

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

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

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

51% of North Dakota: Yes

27% of North Dakota: No

8% of North Dakota: Yes, the future of our economy relies on the creation of jobs in sustainable energy

7% of North Dakota: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gas

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

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

Immigration

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

34% of North Dakota: No

30% of North Dakota: Yes

12% of North Dakota: Yes, if they were born here

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

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

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

3% of North Dakota: No, all illegal immigrants should be deported

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

Domestic Policy

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

39% of North Dakota: No

26% of North Dakota: Yes

26% of North Dakota: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers

9% of North Dakota: 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

53% of North Dakota: No

18% of North Dakota: Let each state decide

18% of North Dakota: Yes

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

2% of North Dakota: The federal government should take over control of schools from the states

Less Important

Do you support affirmative action programs?

Virgil Goode: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatmentPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Affirmative Action Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Affirmative Action Source

33% of North Dakota: No

28% of North Dakota: No, but we should offer social programs to address poverty regardless of race or ethnicity

27% of North Dakota: Yes

11% of North Dakota: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment

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

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

54% of North Dakota: No

21% of North Dakota: Yes

17% of North Dakota: No, corporations are not people and should not be allowed to finance political campaigns

8% of North Dakota: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment

Foreign Policy

Somewhat Important

Should the U.S. intervene in the affairs of other countries?

Virgil Goode: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry aboutPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Foreign Intervention Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Foreign Intervention Source

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

26% of North Dakota: No

18% of North Dakota: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security

11% of North Dakota: Yes

2% of North Dakota: Only with non-violent diplomatic solutions such as sanctions and peace talks

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

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

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

Less Important

Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?

Virgil Goode: No, cut all support and aidPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Israel Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Israel Source

40% of North Dakota: Yes

17% of North Dakota: No

13% of North Dakota: Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors

11% of North Dakota: No, we should be less involved

11% of North Dakota: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.

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

2% of North Dakota: Not the current regime

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

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

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 North Dakota: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons

29% of North Dakota: Strategically eliminate their nuclear bomb making capabilities

12% of North Dakota: Isolate through trade embargoes

7% of North Dakota: Iran does not threaten our national security and there is no proof they are building a nuclear weapon

4% of North Dakota: Ignore their threats and cease all contact

2% of North Dakota: 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

71% of North Dakota: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military

25% of North Dakota: Do not get involved

3% of North Dakota: 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

70% of North Dakota: Yes

10% of North Dakota: No

10% of North Dakota: Scale back our current involvement

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

5% of North Dakota: 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

42% of North Dakota: No

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

18% of North Dakota: Yes

7% of North Dakota: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay

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

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

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