Rhode Island sides with Mitt Romney on 33% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

Somewhat Important

Should illegal immigrants be given access to government-subsidized healthcare?

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Immigration Healthcare Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 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 we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?

Mitt Romney: ReformPassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on Medicare Conviction=3 Romney 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?

Mitt Romney: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internetPassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Internet Conviction=5 Romney has a very high conviction score of 5 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

Do you support the Patriot act?

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Patriot Act Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 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

Less Important

Do you support affirmative action programs?

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Affirmative Action Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 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

More Important

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

Mitt Romney: Only if there is a direct threat to our national securityPassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on Foreign Intervention Conviction=3 Romney has a moderate conviction score of 3 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

How should the U.S. handle the genocide in Sudan?

Mitt Romney: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese militaryPassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Sudan Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 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

Less Important

Should the federal government allow the death penalty?

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on Death Penalty Conviction=1 Romney has a very low conviction score of 1 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

Less Important

Should the United States increase our space exploration efforts and budget?

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Space Exploration Conviction=3 Romney 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

Most Important

Do you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)?

Mitt Romney: Yes, I support a majority of the plan but not all aspectsPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Healthcare Conviction=1 Romney has a very low conviction score of 1 on Healthcare Source

42% of Rhode Island: Yes

25% of Rhode Island: No

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

9% of Rhode Island: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costs

7% of Rhode Island: No, institute a universal healthcare system

3% of Rhode Island: Yes, institute a mandatory single payer system

3% of Rhode Island: Let each state decide

Somewhat Important

Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Marijuana Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 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

More Important

Should the federal government fund stem cell research?

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Stem Cell Research Conviction=3 Romney 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

More Important

Do you believe the theory of Evolution?

Mitt Romney: Yes, and I believe it is a part of CreationismPassion=1 Romney has a very low passion score of 1 on Evolution Conviction=3 Romney 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?

Mitt Romney: No, global warming and cooling are natural cycles beyond our controlPassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Global Warming Conviction=4 Romney 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?

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Oil Drilling Conviction=4 Romney 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

More Important

Should U.S. National Parks and Forests continue to be preserved and protected by the federal government?

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on National Parks Conviction=2 Romney 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?

Mitt Romney: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to comePassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Alternative Engery Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 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

Should we limit federal funds to public schools that do not meet performance standards?

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Education Conviction=1 Romney has a very low conviction score of 1 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?

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Gun Control Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 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

Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Drug Policy Conviction=5 Romney has a very high conviction score of 5 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

Somewhat Important

Should corporations and unions be permitted to fund broadcast advertisements backing political candidates through political action committees (Super PACS)?

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Campaign Finance Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 on Campaign Finance 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?

Mitt Romney: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longerPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Social Security Conviction=4 Romney 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?

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Economic Stimulus Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 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?

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Taxes Conviction=5 Romney has a very high conviction score of 5 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

Somewhat Important

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?

Mitt Romney: Leave it up to the states to decidePassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Minimum Wage Conviction=3 Romney has a moderate conviction score of 3 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?

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Financial Regulation Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 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

Somewhat Important

Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on Immigration Conviction=3 Romney has a moderate conviction score of 3 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 working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty?

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Immigrant Laborers Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 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?

Mitt Romney: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplishedPassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on Afghanistan Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 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

Less Important

Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?

Mitt Romney: YesPassion=5 Romney has a very high passion score of 5 on Israel Conviction=5 Romney has a very high conviction score of 5 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

Somewhat Important

How should the U.S. deal with Iran?

Mitt Romney: Isolate through trade embargoesPassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on Iran Conviction=2 Romney has a low conviction score of 2 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?

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=2 Romney has a low passion score of 2 on Cuba Conviction=3 Romney 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

Somewhat Important

Should the U.S. maintain a presence at the United Nations?

Mitt Romney: Scale back our current involvementPassion=3 Romney has a moderate passion score of 3 on United Nations Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 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?

Mitt Romney: No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods 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