South Carolina sides with Mitt Romney on 44% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

Most 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

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 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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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?

Mitt Romney: NoPassion=4 Romney has a high passion score of 4 on Government Mandates Conviction=4 Romney has a high conviction score of 4 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?

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

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 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

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 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

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?

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

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. 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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.?

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

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 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

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

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

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?

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

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 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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 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

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?

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

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 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

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

More 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

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

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

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 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

40% of South Carolina: No

21% of South Carolina: Yes

15% of South Carolina: Yes, but only if they pay taxes

13% of South Carolina: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminals

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

3% of South Carolina: No, remove them from the U.S.

1% of South Carolina: 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

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

More 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

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

Somewhat 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

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 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

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.

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?

Mitt Romney:

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