Rhode Island sides with Gary Johnson on 46% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

More 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 Rhode Island: Yes

24% of Rhode Island: No, but in order to receive benefits they should be looking for a job or enrolled in education and job training programs

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

4% of Rhode Island: No

4% of Rhode Island: No, but their benefits would expire after two years of unemployment

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

1% of Rhode Island: No, “workfare” is a form a slave labor

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

45% of Rhode Island: No

21% of Rhode Island: Yes

15% of Rhode Island: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending

8% of Rhode Island: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich

8% of Rhode Island: No, cut spending

3% of Rhode Island: Yes, raise the debt ceiling during a recession

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

More 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

64% of Rhode Island: Yes

8% of Rhode Island: No

8% of Rhode Island: Regardless, all theories should be taught in school

6% of Rhode Island: Yes, Evolution is a fact

6% of Rhode Island: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism

4% of Rhode Island: Yes, and should be required in public schools

4% of Rhode Island: Up for debate

More 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

69% of Rhode Island: Yes

12% of Rhode Island: No

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

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

3% of Rhode Island: There is not enough evidence to determine this

2% of Rhode Island: Regardless, we should not devote government resources to prevent it

Somewhat 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

38% of Rhode Island: No

35% of Rhode Island: Yes

17% of Rhode Island: Incentivize the private sector to develop alternative forms of energy

4% of Rhode Island: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources

4% of Rhode Island: No, but maintain our current offshore oil wells

1% of Rhode Island: Nationalize the energy sector

1% of Rhode Island: No, end all offshore oil drilling

Somewhat 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

53% of Rhode Island: Yes

19% of Rhode Island: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it

18% of Rhode Island: No

7% of Rhode Island: Yes, but only for medical use

2% of Rhode Island: Yes, and immediately free all citizens jailed for drug offenses

Somewhat 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

58% of Rhode Island: Reform

14% of Rhode Island: Keep "as is"

12% of Rhode Island: Expand

12% of Rhode Island: Transform the system into a Canadian or European style single payer system that can negotiate pricing for medication and treatments

3% of Rhode Island: Dismantle

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

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

64% of Rhode Island: No

11% of Rhode Island: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internet

11% of Rhode Island: Yes

8% of Rhode Island: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the government

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

Somewhat 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

41% of Rhode Island: No

38% of Rhode Island: Yes, but not all drugs

13% of Rhode Island: Yes

6% of Rhode Island: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug use

2% of Rhode Island: No, we should pass tougher drug laws

Less 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

31% of Rhode Island: No, but we should offer social programs to address poverty regardless of race or ethnicity

31% of Rhode Island: Yes

30% of Rhode Island: No

7% of Rhode Island: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment

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

Somewhat 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

37% of Rhode Island: Yes

24% of Rhode Island: No

14% of Rhode Island: Yes, if they were born here

11% of Rhode Island: Yes, but after they turn 18 and apply for citizenship

6% of Rhode Island: Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenship

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

2% of Rhode Island: No, all illegal immigrants should be deported

1% of Rhode Island: Yes, and abolish all national borders

Somewhat 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

50% of Rhode Island: No

18% of Rhode Island: Yes

11% of Rhode Island: Yes, if they pay taxes

6% of Rhode Island: No, but they should be allowed to purchase private healthcare

6% of Rhode Island: Only for life threatening emergencies or infectious diseases

4% of Rhode Island: No, but their children should have access

2% of Rhode Island: No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcare

1% of Rhode Island: No, the government should not subsidize healthcare

1% of Rhode Island: Yes, and grant them citizenship

1% of Rhode Island: Yes, but they should be deported after treatment

Somewhat 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

31% of Rhode Island: No

28% of Rhode Island: Yes

17% of Rhode Island: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminals

15% of Rhode Island: Yes, but only if they pay taxes

7% of Rhode Island: No, fine companies that employ illegal immigrants

2% of Rhode Island: No, remove them from the U.S.

1% of Rhode Island: No, but allow them to stay

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

65% of Rhode Island: Yes

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

9% of Rhode Island: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplished

7% of Rhode Island: Yes, and only approve future wars through Congress

3% of Rhode Island: No

Somewhat 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

48% of Rhode Island: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons

27% of Rhode Island: Strategically eliminate their nuclear bomb making capabilities

14% of Rhode Island: Isolate through trade embargoes

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

3% of Rhode Island: Ignore their threats and cease all contact

1% of Rhode Island: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy

Least 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

60% of Rhode Island: Yes

16% of Rhode Island: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in place

15% of Rhode Island: No

5% of Rhode Island: Yes, allow Americans to travel to any country they choose

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

More 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 Rhode Island: Yes

4% of Rhode Island: Let each state determine which areas to protect

3% of Rhode Island: Yes, but allow limited logging, drilling, and mining

2% of Rhode Island: Yes, but allow more public access

2% of Rhode Island: No

2% of Rhode Island: Yes, and expand the government’s domain to protect more land

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

Somewhat 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

56% of Rhode Island: Yes

19% of Rhode Island: No

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

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

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

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

Somewhat Important

Do you support the Patriot act?

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

42% of Rhode Island: No

26% of Rhode Island: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers

24% of Rhode Island: Yes

8% of Rhode Island: 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?

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 Rhode Island: No

20% of Rhode Island: Yes

15% of Rhode Island: Let each state decide

8% of Rhode Island: The federal government should not be involved in education

3% of Rhode Island: 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

44% of Rhode Island: Yes

31% of Rhode Island: No

9% of Rhode Island: Yes, require strict background checks, psychological testing, and training

6% of Rhode Island: No, only for individuals with mental health issues and convicted felons

4% of Rhode Island: No, only for assault weapons

3% of Rhode Island: No, but increase penalties for gun-related crimes

1% of Rhode Island: No, and the federal government should pass national “stand your ground” laws

1% of Rhode Island: Yes, and ban all guns from public use

Somewhat 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 Rhode Island: No

21% of Rhode Island: No, corporations are not people and should not be allowed to finance political campaigns

18% of Rhode Island: Yes

6% of Rhode Island: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment

Somewhat 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 Rhode Island: Keep "as is"

20% of Rhode Island: Expand

12% of Rhode Island: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall

11% of Rhode Island: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account

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

8% of Rhode Island: Dismantle

8% of Rhode Island: Reform the current system to factor inflation rather than wage growth

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

Somewhat 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

46% of Rhode Island: Yes

34% of Rhode Island: No

10% of Rhode Island: Yes, but it was not big enough

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

4% of Rhode Island: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulus

1% of Rhode Island: 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

42% of Rhode Island: No

25% of Rhode Island: Yes

19% of Rhode Island: Extend only for those making less than $250,000

6% of Rhode Island: Reform to a flat tax system

3% of Rhode Island: Abolish the IRS and pass the Fair Tax legislation

2% of Rhode Island: Abolish all income taxes

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

Less 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 Rhode Island: Yes

33% of Rhode Island: No

19% of Rhode Island: Yes, but include small and organic farmers

12% of Rhode Island: Yes, but cut corn and factory farm subsidies

Somewhat 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

52% of Rhode Island: Yes

23% of Rhode Island: No

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

10% of Rhode Island: Leave it up to the states to decide

2% of Rhode Island: No, eliminate all federal wage standards

Somewhat 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

39% of Rhode Island: No

25% of Rhode Island: Yes

14% of Rhode Island: Yes, but with more restrictions

12% of Rhode Island: Regardless, we should instead enact legislation that prevents banks from becoming too big to fail

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

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

1% of Rhode Island: Yes, and nationalize all big banks

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

40% of Rhode Island: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international community

25% of Rhode Island: No

18% of Rhode Island: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security

10% of Rhode Island: Yes

4% of Rhode Island: Only with non-violent diplomatic solutions such as sanctions and peace talks

2% of Rhode Island: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry about

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

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

Less 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

38% of Rhode Island: Yes

15% of Rhode Island: No

14% of Rhode Island: No, we should be less involved

14% of Rhode Island: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.

11% of Rhode Island: Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors

4% of Rhode Island: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nations

2% of Rhode Island: Not the current regime

1% of Rhode Island: No, cut all support and aid

1% of Rhode Island: Yes, and with more aid and support

Less 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

75% of Rhode Island: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military

23% of Rhode Island: Do not get involved

2% of Rhode Island: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy

Somewhat 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

79% of Rhode Island: Yes

7% of Rhode Island: Scale back our current involvement

6% of Rhode Island: No

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

2% of Rhode Island: No, and remove the U.N. headquarters from the U.S.

Somewhat 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

38% of Rhode Island: No

23% of Rhode Island: No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torture

20% of Rhode Island: Yes

9% of Rhode Island: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay

5% of Rhode Island: Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courts

5% of Rhode Island: No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods

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

68% of Rhode Island: Yes

11% of Rhode Island: No, leave funding and research to the private sector

11% of Rhode Island: Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells

10% of Rhode Island: No

Less 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

45% of Rhode Island: Yes

20% of Rhode Island: No

15% of Rhode Island: Not during a recession

10% of Rhode Island: Incentivize the private sector to develop space technology

4% of Rhode Island: Leave funding and research to the private sector

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

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

Somewhat 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

47% of Rhode Island: Yes

30% of Rhode Island: No

15% of Rhode Island: No, it should be covered like any other prescription

5% of Rhode Island: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate

4% of Rhode Island: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charities

1% of Rhode Island: No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs instead

Less 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

45% of Rhode Island: Yes

32% of Rhode Island: No

16% of Rhode Island: Yes, but only in certain circumstances in which a heinous crime has been committed

7% of Rhode Island: Leave it up to the states