Utah sides with Mitt Romney on 44% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.
Issues they side on...
Social
Most Important
What is your stance on abortion?
Mitt Romney: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child's health
34% of Utah: Pro-life
33% of Utah: Pro-choice
19% of Utah: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child's health
6% of Utah: Pro-choice, I don't agree with it but it's not my right or the government's to ban abortion
5% of Utah: Pro-choice, but providing birth control, sex education, and social services could help reduce the number of abortions
2% of Utah: Let each state decide
1% of Utah: Ban after the first trimester
Somewhat Important
Should the government require health insurance companies to provide free birth control?
Mitt Romney: No
42% of Utah: No
32% of Utah: Yes
14% of Utah: No, it should be covered like any other prescription
7% of Utah: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate
3% of Utah: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charities
1% of Utah: No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs instead
Less Important
Should the federal government allow the death penalty?
Mitt Romney: Yes
58% of Utah: Yes
18% of Utah: No
15% of Utah: Yes, but only in certain circumstances in which a heinous crime has been committed
9% of Utah: Leave it up to the states
the Economy
More Important
Should able-bodied, mentally capable adults who receive welfare be required to work?
Mitt Romney: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work
63% of Utah: Yes
19% of Utah: No, but in order to receive benefits they should be looking for a job or enrolled in education and job training programs
9% of Utah: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work
3% of Utah: Yes, and eliminate welfare all together as it is not authorized in the Constitution
3% of Utah: No
2% of Utah: No, but their benefits would expire after two years of unemployment
1% of Utah: No, “workfare” is a form a slave labor
More Important
Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?
Mitt Romney: No
55% of Utah: No
13% of Utah: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending
13% of Utah: No, cut spending
12% of Utah: Yes
5% of Utah: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich
2% of Utah: Yes, raise the debt ceiling during a recession
1% of Utah: The Federal Reserve should destroy the $1.6 trillion in government bonds it now holds
Somewhat Important
Do you agree with President Obama's 2009 Stimulus Plan?
Mitt Romney: No
53% of Utah: No
30% of Utah: Yes
6% of Utah: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulus
5% of Utah: Yes, but it was not big enough
3% of Utah: Yes, and enact legislation to inject the economy with a stimulus every time the GDP falls below a certain level
2% of Utah: No, and enact legislation preventing any future administration from passing a stimulus
Less Important
Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?
Mitt Romney: Yes
44% of Utah: No
32% of Utah: Yes
15% of Utah: Yes, but include small and organic farmers
9% of Utah: Yes, but cut corn and factory farm subsidies
the Environment
Somewhat Important
Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?
Mitt Romney: Yes
45% of Utah: Yes
27% of Utah: No
15% of Utah: Incentivize the private sector to develop alternative forms of energy
7% of Utah: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources
4% of Utah: No, but maintain our current offshore oil wells
1% of Utah: Nationalize the energy sector
1% of Utah: No, end all offshore oil drilling
Healthcare
Somewhat Important
Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?
Mitt Romney: Reform
64% of Utah: Reform
12% of Utah: Keep "as is"
9% of Utah: Expand
8% of Utah: Transform the system into a Canadian or European style single payer system that can negotiate pricing for medication and treatments
5% of Utah: Dismantle
2% of Utah: Seniors should embrace responsibility for their own healthcare and leave the government out of it
Immigration
Somewhat Important
Should illegal immigrants be given access to government-subsidized healthcare?
Mitt Romney: No
53% of Utah: No
14% of Utah: Yes
12% of Utah: Yes, if they pay taxes
7% of Utah: No, but they should be allowed to purchase private healthcare
5% of Utah: Only for life threatening emergencies or infectious diseases
3% of Utah: No, but their children should have access
2% of Utah: No, the government should not subsidize healthcare
2% of Utah: No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcare
1% of Utah: Yes, but they should be deported after treatment
1% of Utah: Yes, and grant them citizenship
Domestic Policy
Somewhat Important
Do you support the Patriot act?
Mitt Romney: Yes
41% of Utah: No
28% of Utah: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers
23% of Utah: Yes
8% of Utah: 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 internet
65% of Utah: No
10% of Utah: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internet
10% of Utah: Yes
9% of Utah: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the government
6% of Utah: No, and enact legislation preventing any level of government policing the internet
Somewhat Important
Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?
Mitt Romney: No
51% of Utah: No
27% of Utah: Yes, but not all drugs
11% of Utah: Yes
6% of Utah: No, we should pass tougher drug laws
5% of Utah: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug use
Somewhat Important
Do you support increased gun control?
Mitt Romney: No
46% of Utah: No
27% of Utah: Yes
10% of Utah: No, only for individuals with mental health issues and convicted felons
6% of Utah: Yes, require strict background checks, psychological testing, and training
5% of Utah: No, only for assault weapons
4% of Utah: No, but increase penalties for gun-related crimes
2% of Utah: No, and the federal government should pass national “stand your ground” laws
Less Important
Do you support affirmative action programs?
Mitt Romney: No
34% of Utah: No
33% of Utah: No, but we should offer social programs to address poverty regardless of race or ethnicity
24% of Utah: Yes
8% of Utah: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment
1% of Utah: Yes, and laws should be passed requiring all federal agencies to give favorable treatments to minorities
Science
Somewhat Important
Should the federal government fund stem cell research?
Mitt Romney: No
48% of Utah: Yes
19% of Utah: No, leave funding and research to the private sector
18% of Utah: Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells
15% of Utah: No
Less Important
Should the United States increase our space exploration efforts and budget?
Mitt Romney: Yes
42% of Utah: Yes
20% of Utah: No
13% of Utah: Not during a recession
11% of Utah: Incentivize the private sector to develop space technology
7% of Utah: Leave funding and research to the private sector
6% of Utah: Regardless, we should only use government funds for national defense purposes and leave exploration to the private sector
1% of Utah: Regardless, we should not use space-based technology for military purposes
Foreign Policy
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 security
43% of Utah: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international community
20% of Utah: No
18% of Utah: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security
13% of Utah: Yes
2% of Utah: Only with non-violent diplomatic solutions such as sanctions and peace talks
1% of Utah: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry about
1% of Utah: No, and dramatically decrease our military while abolishing the CIA and NSA
1% of Utah: Yes, and use the military to preemptively strike any hostile nations perceived as a threat
Less Important
Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?
Mitt Romney: Yes
43% of Utah: Yes
14% of Utah: Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors
14% of Utah: No
12% of Utah: No, we should be less involved
10% of Utah: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.
3% of Utah: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nations
2% of Utah: Not the current regime
1% of Utah: No, cut all support and aid
1% of Utah: Yes, and increase funding to support the Israeli government’s decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem
1% of Utah: 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 military
76% of Utah: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military
21% of Utah: Do not get involved
3% of Utah: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy
Issues they do not side on...
Social
Most Important
Should gay marriage be allowed in the U.S.?
Mitt Romney: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and woman
41% of Utah: Yes
34% of Utah: No
10% of Utah: No, allow civil unions for same-sex couples but don't call it marriage
8% of Utah: Take the government out of marriage and instead make it a religious decision
3% of Utah: Let each state decide
3% of Utah: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and woman
Healthcare
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 aspects
40% of Utah: No
25% of Utah: Yes
13% of Utah: No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costs
10% of Utah: Yes, I support a majority of the plan but not all aspects
5% of Utah: Let each state decide
4% of Utah: No, institute a universal healthcare system
2% of Utah: Yes, institute a mandatory single payer system
Somewhat Important
Should marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?
Mitt Romney: No
40% of Utah: No
33% of Utah: Yes
16% of Utah: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it
8% of Utah: Yes, but only for medical use
1% of Utah: Yes, and immediately free all citizens jailed for drug offenses
1% of Utah: No, and increase penalties for all non-violent drug offenders
the Environment
Somewhat Important
Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?
Mitt Romney: No, global warming and cooling are natural cycles beyond our control
48% of Utah: Yes
24% of Utah: No
15% of Utah: Regardless, we should incentivize the private sector to develop cleaner and efficient fuels
7% of Utah: No, global warming and cooling are natural cycles beyond our control
4% of Utah: There is not enough evidence to determine this
3% of Utah: 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: No
77% of Utah: Yes
9% of Utah: Let each state determine which areas to protect
4% of Utah: Yes, but allow limited logging, drilling, and mining
4% of Utah: Yes, but allow more public access
4% of Utah: No
2% of Utah: No, there is no reason for the government to own so much land
1% of Utah: 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 come
46% of Utah: Yes
28% of Utah: No
9% of Utah: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gas
8% of Utah: Yes, the future of our economy relies on the creation of jobs in sustainable energy
7% of Utah: No, the government should leave the energy sector alone and end support for failed technologies
2% of Utah: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to come
Science
Somewhat Important
Do you believe the theory of Evolution?
Mitt Romney: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism
36% of Utah: Yes
22% of Utah: No
19% of Utah: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism
11% of Utah: Regardless, all theories should be taught in school
4% of Utah: Up for debate
3% of Utah: Yes, Evolution is a fact
3% of Utah: Yes, and should be required in public schools
1% of Utah: No, and it should not be taught in public schools
the Economy
Somewhat Important
Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?
Mitt Romney: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longer
21% of Utah: Keep "as is"
17% of Utah: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account
16% of Utah: Expand
13% of Utah: Dismantle
9% of Utah: Reform the current system into a voluntary “opt-in” program
9% of Utah: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longer
8% of Utah: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall
7% of Utah: Reform the current system to factor inflation rather than wage growth
Somewhat Important
Do you believe the 2001 and 2003 George W Bush tax cuts should be extended?
Mitt Romney: Yes
35% of Utah: Yes
32% of Utah: No
15% of Utah: Extend only for those making less than $250,000
10% of Utah: Reform to a flat tax system
4% of Utah: Abolish the IRS and pass the Fair Tax legislation
3% of Utah: Abolish all income taxes
3% of Utah: 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 decide
39% of Utah: Yes
32% of Utah: No
13% of Utah: Leave it up to the states to decide
12% of Utah: Yes, and adjust the wage level according to inflation every year
4% of Utah: 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: No
49% of Utah: No
19% of Utah: Yes
12% of Utah: Yes, but with more restrictions
9% of Utah: Regardless, we should instead enact legislation that prevents banks from becoming too big to fail
6% of Utah: Yes, but only on the condition that top management be fired without compensation
5% of Utah: No, remove the federal reserve and go back to the gold standard
1% of Utah: Yes, and nationalize all big banks
Immigration
Somewhat Important
Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?
Mitt Romney: No
33% of Utah: Yes
24% of Utah: No
13% of Utah: Yes, but after they turn 18 and apply for citizenship
13% of Utah: Yes, if they were born here
7% of Utah: Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenship
7% of Utah: Yes, but after 4 years of military service or earning a college degree
2% of Utah: No, all illegal immigrants should be deported
1% of Utah: Yes, and abolish all national borders
Somewhat Important
Should illegal immigrants working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty?
Mitt Romney: No
29% of Utah: No
24% of Utah: Yes
19% of Utah: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminals
17% of Utah: Yes, but only if they pay taxes
7% of Utah: No, fine companies that employ illegal immigrants
2% of Utah: No, remove them from the U.S.
1% of Utah: No, but allow them to stay
Domestic Policy
Somewhat Important
Should we limit federal funds to public schools that do not meet performance standards?
Mitt Romney: Yes
49% of Utah: No
19% of Utah: Let each state decide
18% of Utah: Yes
13% of Utah: The federal government should not be involved in education
2% of Utah: The federal government should take over control of schools from the states
Less Important
Should corporations and unions be permitted to fund broadcast advertisements backing political candidates through political action committees (Super PACS)?
Mitt Romney: Yes
51% of Utah: No
23% of Utah: Yes
19% of Utah: No, corporations are not people and should not be allowed to finance political campaigns
8% of Utah: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment
Foreign Policy
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 accomplished
53% of Utah: Yes
17% of Utah: Yes, bring a majority of the troops home but maintain a strong diplomatic presence
16% of Utah: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplished
8% of Utah: Yes, and only approve future wars through Congress
6% of Utah: No
Less Important
How should the U.S. deal with Iran?
Mitt Romney: Isolate through trade embargoes
47% of Utah: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons
31% of Utah: Strategically eliminate their nuclear bomb making capabilities
12% of Utah: Isolate through trade embargoes
6% of Utah: Iran does not threaten our national security and there is no proof they are building a nuclear weapon
3% of Utah: Ignore their threats and cease all contact
1% of Utah: 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: No
44% of Utah: Yes
25% of Utah: No
20% of Utah: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in place
5% of Utah: Yes, end embargoes with all countries and allow U.S. businesses to do business with any country
5% of Utah: Yes, allow Americans to travel to any country they choose
Somewhat Important
Should the U.S. maintain a presence at the United Nations?
Mitt Romney: Scale back our current involvement
70% of Utah: Yes
11% of Utah: Scale back our current involvement
9% of Utah: No
5% of Utah: Yes, and use the U.N. peacekeeping forces to protect U.S. interests
4% of Utah: 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
37% of Utah: No
26% of Utah: No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torture
18% of Utah: Yes
8% of Utah: Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay
7% of Utah: Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courts
5% of Utah: No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods
I am optomistic about what lies ahead. One famous president said, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself".
Jon Sellers