South Dakota sides with Mitt Romney on 42% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

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

61% of South Dakota: Reform

15% of South Dakota: Keep "as is"

10% of South Dakota: Expand

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

5% of South Dakota: Dismantle

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

46% of South Dakota: Yes

31% of South Dakota: No

13% of South Dakota: Incentivize the private sector to develop alternative forms of energy

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

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

1% of South Dakota: Nationalize the energy sector

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

61% of South Dakota: No

13% of South Dakota: Yes

8% of South Dakota: Yes, if they pay taxes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

50% of South Dakota: No

26% of South Dakota: Yes

8% of South Dakota: No, only for individuals with mental health issues and convicted felons

5% of South Dakota: Yes, require strict background checks, psychological testing, and training

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

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

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

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

39% of South Dakota: No

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

25% of South Dakota: Yes

9% of South Dakota: No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillance

Somewhat 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

67% of South Dakota: No

11% of South Dakota: Yes

9% of South Dakota: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internet

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

5% of South Dakota: No, and enact legislation preventing any level of government policing the internet

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

34% of South Dakota: No

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

26% of South Dakota: Yes

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

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

Less 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

48% of South Dakota: No

31% of South Dakota: Yes, but not all drugs

12% of South Dakota: Yes

5% of South Dakota: No, we should pass tougher drug laws

4% of South Dakota: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug use

Somewhat 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

42% of South Dakota: No

37% of South Dakota: Yes

12% of South Dakota: No, it should be covered like any other prescription

6% of South Dakota: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate

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

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

57% of South Dakota: Yes

24% of South Dakota: No

12% of South Dakota: Yes, but only in certain circumstances in which a heinous crime has been committed

7% of South Dakota: Leave it up to the states

Somewhat 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

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

24% of South Dakota: No

20% of South Dakota: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security

12% of South Dakota: Yes

3% of South Dakota: Only with non-violent diplomatic solutions such as sanctions and peace talks

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

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

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

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

42% of South Dakota: Yes

14% of South Dakota: No

14% of South Dakota: Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors

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

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

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

1% of South Dakota: Not the current regime

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

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

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

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

73% of South Dakota: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military

25% of South Dakota: Do not get involved

2% of South Dakota: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy

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

43% of South Dakota: Yes

24% of South Dakota: No

13% of South Dakota: Not during a recession

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

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

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

1% of South Dakota: 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

38% of South Dakota: No

31% of South Dakota: Yes

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

10% of South Dakota: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costs

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

4% of South Dakota: Let each state decide

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

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

41% of South Dakota: Yes

32% of South Dakota: No

19% of South Dakota: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it

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

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

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

Somewhat 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

52% of South Dakota: Yes

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

17% of South Dakota: No

14% of South Dakota: 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 Dakota: Yes

21% of South Dakota: No

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

10% of South Dakota: Regardless, all theories should be taught in school

5% of South Dakota: Up for debate

3% of South Dakota: Yes, Evolution is a fact

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

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

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

26% of South Dakota: Keep "as is"

18% of South Dakota: Expand

15% of South Dakota: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account

10% of South Dakota: Dismantle

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

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

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

7% of South Dakota: 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

35% of South Dakota: No

34% of South Dakota: Yes

17% of South Dakota: Extend only for those making less than $250,000

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

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

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

2% of South Dakota: Abolish all income taxes

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

44% of South Dakota: Yes

31% of South Dakota: No

11% of South Dakota: Yes, and adjust the wage level according to inflation every year

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

3% of South Dakota: 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

50% of South Dakota: No

20% of South Dakota: Yes

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

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

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

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

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

Somewhat 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

52% of South Dakota: Yes

24% of South Dakota: No

11% of South Dakota: Regardless, we should incentivize the private sector to develop cleaner and efficient fuels

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

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

2% of South Dakota: 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 Dakota: Yes

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

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

3% of South Dakota: No

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

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

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

Less Important

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

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

51% of South Dakota: Yes

28% of South Dakota: No

10% of South Dakota: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gas

6% of South Dakota: Yes, the future of our economy relies on the creation of jobs in sustainable energy

4% of South Dakota: No, the government should leave the energy sector alone and end support for failed technologies

1% of South Dakota: 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

52% of South Dakota: No

18% of South Dakota: Yes

17% of South Dakota: Let each state decide

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

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

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

53% of South Dakota: No

20% of South Dakota: Yes

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

9% of South Dakota: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment

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

33% of South Dakota: No

32% of South Dakota: Yes

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

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

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

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

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

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

40% of South Dakota: No

23% of South Dakota: Yes

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

13% of South Dakota: Yes, but only if they pay taxes

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

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

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

Somewhat 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 Dakota: Yes

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

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

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

5% of South Dakota: No

Less 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

45% of South Dakota: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons

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

14% of South Dakota: Isolate through trade embargoes

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

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

1% of South Dakota: 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

50% of South Dakota: Yes

24% of South Dakota: No

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

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

3% of South Dakota: 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

70% of South Dakota: Yes

11% of South Dakota: No

10% of South Dakota: Scale back our current involvement

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

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

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

42% of South Dakota: No

21% of South Dakota: No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torture

18% of South Dakota: Yes

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

7% of South Dakota: Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courts

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