South Carolina sides with Gary Johnson on 46% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

Most Important

Should able-bodied, mentally capable adults who receive welfare be required to work?

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

65% of South Carolina: Yes

18% of South Carolina: No, but in order to receive benefits they should be looking for a job or enrolled in education and job training programs

8% of South Carolina: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work

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

2% of South Carolina: No

2% of South Carolina: No, but their benefits would expire after two years of unemployment

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

Most 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

55% of South Carolina: No

14% of South Carolina: Yes

12% of South Carolina: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending

10% of South Carolina: No, cut spending

5% of South Carolina: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich

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

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

More Important

Should the U.S. have bailed out the major banks during the financial crisis of 2008?

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Financial Regulation Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Financial Regulation Source

47% of South Carolina: No

21% of South Carolina: Yes

12% of South Carolina: Yes, but with more restrictions

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

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

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

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

More Important

Do you agree with President Obama's 2009 Stimulus Plan?

Gary Johnson: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulusPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Economic Stimulus Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Economic Stimulus Source

50% of South Carolina: No

33% of South Carolina: Yes

6% of South Carolina: Yes, but it was not big enough

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

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

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

Most Important

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

Gary Johnson: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costsPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Healthcare Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Healthcare Source

41% of South Carolina: No

27% of South Carolina: Yes

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

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

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

3% of South Carolina: Let each state decide

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

More Important

Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?

Gary Johnson: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing itPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Marijuana Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Marijuana Source

44% of South Carolina: Yes

27% of South Carolina: No

20% of South Carolina: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it

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

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

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

More Important

Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?

Gary Johnson: ReformPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Medicare Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Medicare Source

64% of South Carolina: Reform

13% of South Carolina: Keep "as is"

9% of South Carolina: Expand

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

4% of South Carolina: Dismantle

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

Most 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

45% of South Carolina: No

29% of South Carolina: Yes

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

6% of South Carolina: Yes, require strict background checks, psychological testing, and training

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

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

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

More Important

Do you support affirmative action programs?

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=1 Johnson has a very low passion score of 1 on Affirmative Action Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Affirmative Action Source

38% of South Carolina: No

30% of South Carolina: No, but we should offer social programs to address poverty regardless of race or ethnicity

22% of South Carolina: Yes

9% of South Carolina: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment

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

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the governmentPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Internet Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Internet Source

66% of South Carolina: No

10% of South Carolina: Yes

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

9% of South Carolina: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the government

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

More Important

Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?

Gary Johnson: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug usePassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Drug Policy Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Drug Policy Source

45% of South Carolina: No

35% of South Carolina: Yes, but not all drugs

12% of South Carolina: Yes

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

4% of South Carolina: No, we should pass tougher drug laws

More Important

Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?

Gary Johnson: Yes, if they were born herePassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Immigration Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Immigration Source

34% of South Carolina: No

29% of South Carolina: Yes

12% of South Carolina: Yes, if they were born here

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

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

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

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

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: No, the government should not subsidize healthcarePassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Immigration Healthcare Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Immigration Healthcare Source

61% of South Carolina: No

12% of South Carolina: Yes

9% of South Carolina: Yes, if they pay taxes

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

5% of South Carolina: No, but they should be allowed to purchase private healthcare

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

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

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

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

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

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

43% of South Carolina: Yes

22% of South Carolina: No

12% of South Carolina: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism

11% of South Carolina: Regardless, all theories should be taught in school

4% of South Carolina: Up for debate

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

3% of South Carolina: Yes, and should be required in public schools

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

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

51% of South Carolina: Yes

24% of South Carolina: No

12% of South Carolina: Regardless, we should incentivize the private sector to develop cleaner and efficient fuels

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

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

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

More Important

Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?

Gary Johnson: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sourcesPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Oil Drilling Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Oil Drilling Source

50% of South Carolina: Yes

26% of South Carolina: No

14% of South Carolina: Incentivize the private sector to develop alternative forms of energy

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

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

1% of South Carolina: Nationalize the energy sector

More Important

How should the U.S. deal with Iran?

Gary Johnson: Iran does not threaten our national security and there is no proof they are building a nuclear weaponPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Iran Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Iran Source

41% of South Carolina: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons

35% of South Carolina: Strategically eliminate their nuclear bomb making capabilities

13% of South Carolina: Isolate through trade embargoes

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

4% of South Carolina: Ignore their threats and cease all contact

1% of South Carolina: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Yes, and only approve future wars through CongressPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Afghanistan Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Afghanistan Source

58% of South Carolina: Yes

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

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

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

5% of South Carolina: No

Somewhat Important

Should the United States end its trade embargo and travel ban on Cuba?

Gary Johnson: Yes, end embargoes with all countries and allow U.S. businesses to do business with any countryPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Cuba Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Cuba Source

50% of South Carolina: Yes

22% of South Carolina: No

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

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

4% of South Carolina: 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

82% of South Carolina: Yes

6% of South Carolina: Let each state determine which areas to protect

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

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

3% of South Carolina: No

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

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

More Important

Should the federal government continue to give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry?

Gary Johnson: No, the government should leave the energy sector alone and end support for failed technologiesPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Alternative Engery Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Alternative Engery

47% of South Carolina: Yes

29% of South Carolina: No

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

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

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

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

More Important

Do you support the Patriot act?

Gary Johnson: No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillancePassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Patriot Act Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Patriot Act Source

36% of South Carolina: No

29% of South Carolina: Yes

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

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

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: The federal government should not be involved in educationPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Education Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Education Source

48% of South Carolina: No

22% of South Carolina: Yes

16% of South Carolina: Let each state decide

11% of South Carolina: The federal government should not be involved in education

3% of South Carolina: The federal government should take over control of schools from the states

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment Source

53% of South Carolina: No

22% of South Carolina: Yes

18% of South Carolina: No, corporations are not people and should not be allowed to finance political campaigns

8% of South Carolina: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment

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

54% of South Carolina: Yes

16% of South Carolina: No

15% of South Carolina: Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells

15% of South Carolina: No, leave funding and research to the private sector

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Leave funding and research to the private sectorPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Space Exploration Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Space Exploration Source

43% of South Carolina: Yes

22% of South Carolina: No

13% of South Carolina: Not during a recession

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

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

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

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

More Important

Should the government require health insurance companies to provide free birth control?

Gary Johnson: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandatePassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Government Mandates Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Government Mandates Source

41% of South Carolina: No

36% of South Carolina: Yes

13% of South Carolina: No, it should be covered like any other prescription

5% of South Carolina: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate

3% of South Carolina: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charities

1% of South Carolina: No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs instead

More Important

Should the federal government allow the death penalty?

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Death Penalty Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Death Penalty Source

60% of South Carolina: Yes

19% of South Carolina: No

13% of South Carolina: Yes, but only in certain circumstances in which a heinous crime has been committed

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

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Only if there is a direct threat to our national securityPassion=5 Johnson has a very high passion score of 5 on Foreign Intervention Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Foreign Intervention Source

37% of South Carolina: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international community

24% of South Carolina: No

21% of South Carolina: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security

12% of South Carolina: Yes

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

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

2% of South Carolina: Yes, and use the military to preemptively strike any hostile nations perceived as a threat

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

More Important

Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?

Gary Johnson: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nationsPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Israel Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Israel Source

46% of South Carolina: Yes

15% of South Carolina: Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors

12% of South Carolina: No

11% of South Carolina: No, we should be less involved

9% of South Carolina: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.

4% of South Carolina: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nations

1% of South Carolina: Not the current regime

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

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

1% of South Carolina: Yes, and with more aid and support

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Do not get involvedPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Sudan Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Sudan Source

71% of South Carolina: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military

26% of South Carolina: Do not get involved

3% of South Carolina: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy

More Important

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

Gary Johnson: Scale back our current involvementPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on United Nations Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on United Nations Source

69% of South Carolina: Yes

11% of South Carolina: No

10% of South Carolina: Scale back our current involvement

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

5% of South Carolina: No, and remove the U.N. headquarters from the U.S.

More Important

Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?

Gary Johnson: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo BayPassion=4 Johnson has a high passion score of 4 on Terrorism Conviction=3 Johnson has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Terrorism Source

46% of South Carolina: No

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

14% of South Carolina: Yes

7% of South Carolina: No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods

6% of South Carolina: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay

5% of South 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?

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

23% of South Carolina: Keep "as is"

17% of South Carolina: Expand

17% of South Carolina: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account

11% of South Carolina: Dismantle

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

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

9% of South Carolina: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall

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

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

37% of South Carolina: Yes

31% of South Carolina: No

15% of South Carolina: Extend only for those making less than $250,000

6% of South Carolina: Abolish the IRS and pass the Fair Tax legislation

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

2% of South Carolina: Abolish all income taxes

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

More Important

Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?

Gary Johnson: NoPassion=2 Johnson has a low passion score of 2 on Farm Subsidies Conviction=4 Johnson has a high conviction score of 4 on Farm Subsidies Source

40% of South Carolina: No

35% of South Carolina: Yes

16% of South Carolina: Yes, but include small and organic farmers

9% of South Carolina: Yes, but cut corn and factory farm subsidies

More Important

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?

Gary Johnson: No, eliminate all federal wage standardsPassion=3 Johnson has a moderate passion score of 3 on Minimum Wage Conviction=5 Johnson has a very high conviction score of 5 on Minimum Wage Source

42% of South Carolina: Yes

33% of South Carolina: No

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

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

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

Least Important

Should the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers adjust its Missouri River flood plan to prevent recent flooding that forced the evacuation of thousands of Iowans last summer?

Gary Johnson:

50% of South Carolina: Yes

50% of South Carolina: No, this year’s flood was an anamoly and the water systems in place are fine