West Virginia sides with Virgil Goode on 29% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

More Important

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

Virgil Goode: No, and enact legislation preventing any level of government policing the internetPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Internet Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Internet Source

67% of West Virginia: No

10% of West Virginia: Yes

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

8% of West Virginia: No, and enact legislation preventing any level of government policing the internet

7% of West Virginia: No, industries should address their piracy issues instead of the government

Somewhat Important

Should we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?

Virgil Goode: ReformPassion=3 Goode has a moderate passion score of 3 on Medicare Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Medicare Source

59% of West Virginia: Reform

15% of West Virginia: Keep "as is"

13% of West Virginia: Expand

9% of West Virginia: Transform the system into a Canadian or European style single payer system that can negotiate pricing for medication and treatments

3% of West Virginia: Dismantle

1% of West Virginia: Seniors should embrace responsibility for their own healthcare and leave the government out of it

Somewhat Important

Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?

Virgil Goode: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sourcesPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Oil Drilling Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Oil Drilling Source

46% of West Virginia: Yes

29% of West Virginia: No

13% of West Virginia: Incentivize the private sector to develop alternative forms of energy

5% of West Virginia: No, but maintain our current offshore oil wells

4% of West Virginia: Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources

2% of West Virginia: Nationalize the energy sector

1% of West Virginia: No, end all offshore oil drilling

Somewhat Important

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

Virgil Goode: No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcarePassion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Immigration Healthcare Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Immigration Healthcare Source

58% of West Virginia: No

14% of West Virginia: Yes

9% of West Virginia: Yes, if they pay taxes

5% of West Virginia: Only for life threatening emergencies or infectious diseases

5% of West Virginia: No, but they should be allowed to purchase private healthcare

4% of West Virginia: No, but their children should have access

2% of West Virginia: No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcare

2% of West Virginia: No, the government should not subsidize healthcare

1% of West Virginia: Yes, but they should be deported after treatment

1% of West Virginia: Yes, and grant them citizenship

More Important

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

Virgil Goode: Yes, and only approve future wars through CongressPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Afghanistan Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Afghanistan Source

61% of West Virginia: Yes

15% of West Virginia: Yes, bring a majority of the troops home but maintain a strong diplomatic presence

11% of West Virginia: No, not until all U.S. military leaders are confident the mission has been accomplished

7% of West Virginia: Yes, and only approve future wars through Congress

5% of West Virginia: No

Least Important

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

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

49% of West Virginia: Yes

23% of West Virginia: No

16% of West Virginia: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in place

7% of West Virginia: Yes, allow Americans to travel to any country they choose

4% of West Virginia: Yes, end embargoes with all countries and allow U.S. businesses to do business with any country

Less Important

Should the federal government allow the death penalty?

Virgil Goode: YesPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Death Penalty Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Death Penalty Source

54% of West Virginia: Yes

24% of West Virginia: No

14% of West Virginia: Yes, but only in certain circumstances in which a heinous crime has been committed

7% of West Virginia: Leave it up to the states

Most Important

What is your stance on abortion?

Virgil Goode: Pro-lifePassion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Abortion Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Abortion Source

47% of West Virginia: Pro-choice

25% of West Virginia: Pro-life

10% of West Virginia: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child's health

7% of West Virginia: Pro-choice, I don't agree with it but it's not my right or the government's to ban abortion

6% of West Virginia: Pro-choice, but providing birth control, sex education, and social services could help reduce the number of abortions

2% of West Virginia: Let each state decide

2% of West Virginia: Ban after the first trimester

More Important

Should gay marriage be allowed in the U.S.?

Virgil Goode: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and womanPassion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Gay Marriage Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Gay Marriage Source

59% of West Virginia: Yes

23% of West Virginia: No

7% of West Virginia: No, allow civil unions for same-sex couples but don't call it marriage

7% of West Virginia: Take the government out of marriage and instead make it a religious decision

4% of West Virginia: Let each state decide

1% of West Virginia: No, marriage should be defined as between a man and woman

Somewhat Important

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

Virgil Goode: No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs insteadPassion=3 Goode has a moderate passion score of 3 on Government Mandates Conviction=4 Goode has a high conviction score of 4 on Government Mandates Source

44% of West Virginia: Yes

34% of West Virginia: No

13% of West Virginia: No, it should be covered like any other prescription

5% of West Virginia: No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate

4% of West Virginia: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charities

1% of West Virginia: No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs instead

Somewhat Important

Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?

Virgil Goode: NoPassion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Global Warming Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Global Warming Source

55% of West Virginia: Yes

22% of West Virginia: No

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

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

4% of West Virginia: There is not enough evidence to determine this

2% of West Virginia: 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?

Virgil Goode: No, there is no reason for the government to own so much landPassion=1 Goode has a very low passion score of 1 on National Parks Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on National Parks Source

82% of West Virginia: Yes

5% of West Virginia: Let each state determine which areas to protect

4% of West Virginia: Yes, but allow limited logging, drilling, and mining

3% of West Virginia: No

3% of West Virginia: Yes, but allow more public access

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

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

Somewhat Important

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

Virgil Goode: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to comePassion=4 Goode has a high passion score of 4 on Alternative Engery Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Alternative Engery

47% of West Virginia: Yes

26% of West Virginia: No

9% of West Virginia: Yes, the future of our economy relies on the creation of jobs in sustainable energy

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

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

3% of West Virginia: No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to come

Somewhat Important

Do you support the Patriot act?

Virgil Goode: YesPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Patriot Act Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Patriot Act Source

41% of West Virginia: No

25% of West Virginia: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers

25% of West Virginia: Yes

9% of West Virginia: No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillance

Somewhat Important

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

Virgil Goode: The federal government should not be involved in educationPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Education Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Education Source

50% of West Virginia: No

21% of West Virginia: Yes

15% of West Virginia: Let each state decide

10% of West Virginia: The federal government should not be involved in education

3% of West Virginia: The federal government should take over control of schools from the states

Less Important

Do you support affirmative action programs?

Virgil Goode: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatmentPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Affirmative Action Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Affirmative Action Source

34% of West Virginia: No

29% of West Virginia: No, but we should offer social programs to address poverty regardless of race or ethnicity

26% of West Virginia: Yes

10% of West Virginia: No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment

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

More Important

Do you support increased gun control?

Virgil Goode: No, and the federal government should pass national “stand your ground” lawsPassion=3 Goode has a moderate passion score of 3 on Gun Control Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Gun Control Source

45% of West Virginia: No

29% of West Virginia: Yes

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

6% of West Virginia: Yes, require strict background checks, psychological testing, and training

5% of West Virginia: No, only for assault weapons

3% of West Virginia: No, but increase penalties for gun-related crimes

3% of West Virginia: No, and the federal government should pass national “stand your ground” laws

Somewhat Important

Are you in favor of decriminalizing all drugs?

Virgil Goode: No, we should pass tougher drug lawsPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Drug Policy Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Drug Policy Source

43% of West Virginia: No

33% of West Virginia: Yes, but not all drugs

13% of West Virginia: Yes

6% of West Virginia: Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug use

5% of West Virginia: 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)?

Virgil Goode: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendmentPassion=1 Goode has a very low passion score of 1 on Campaign Finance Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Campaign Finance Source

51% of West Virginia: No

22% of West Virginia: Yes

19% of West Virginia: No, corporations are not people and should not be allowed to finance political campaigns

8% of West Virginia: Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment

Somewhat Important

Should we expand or dismantle our Social Security program?

Virgil Goode: Keep "as is"Passion=3 Goode has a moderate passion score of 3 on Social Security Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Social Security Source

26% of West Virginia: Keep "as is"

20% of West Virginia: Expand

14% of West Virginia: Privatize the current system by allowing younger workers to contribute a portion of their payroll tax obligation to a private investment account

11% of West Virginia: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfall

8% of West Virginia: Dismantle

8% of West Virginia: Reform the current system to factor inflation rather than wage growth

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

7% of West Virginia: Reform and raise the retirement age to account for people living longer

Somewhat Important

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

Virgil Goode: No, and enact legislation preventing any future administration from passing a stimulusPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Economic Stimulus Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Economic Stimulus Source

45% of West Virginia: No

37% of West Virginia: Yes

7% of West Virginia: Yes, but it was not big enough

5% of West Virginia: Yes, and enact legislation to inject the economy with a stimulus every time the GDP falls below a certain level

4% of West Virginia: No, I'm against any type of federal stimulus

2% of West Virginia: 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?

Virgil Goode: Reform to a flat tax systemPassion=3 Goode has a moderate passion score of 3 on Taxes Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Taxes Source

34% of West Virginia: No

33% of West Virginia: Yes

16% of West Virginia: Extend only for those making less than $250,000

7% of West Virginia: Reform to a flat tax system

5% of West Virginia: Abolish the IRS and pass the Fair Tax legislation

3% of West Virginia: Abolish all income taxes

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

Less Important

Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?

Virgil Goode: NoPassion=1 Goode has a very low passion score of 1 on Farm Subsidies Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Farm Subsidies Source

39% of West Virginia: No

35% of West Virginia: Yes

18% of West Virginia: Yes, but include small and organic farmers

8% of West Virginia: Yes, but cut corn and factory farm subsidies

Somewhat Important

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?

Virgil Goode: No, eliminate all federal wage standardsPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Minimum Wage Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Minimum Wage Source

49% of West Virginia: Yes

27% of West Virginia: No

12% of West Virginia: Yes, and adjust the wage level according to inflation every year

9% of West Virginia: Leave it up to the states to decide

3% of West Virginia: No, eliminate all federal wage standards

Somewhat Important

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

Virgil Goode: NoPassion=1 Goode has a very low passion score of 1 on Financial Regulation Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Financial Regulation Source

48% of West Virginia: No

21% of West Virginia: Yes

11% of West Virginia: Yes, but with more restrictions

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

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

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

1% of West Virginia: Yes, and nationalize all big banks

Somewhat Important

Should the federal government fund stem cell research?

Virgil Goode: NoPassion=4 Goode has a high passion score of 4 on Stem Cell Research Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Stem Cell Research Source

57% of West Virginia: Yes

16% of West Virginia: Yes, as long as they are non-fetal stem cells

14% of West Virginia: No

12% of West Virginia: No, leave funding and research to the private sector

More Important

Do you believe the theory of Evolution?

Virgil Goode: No, and it should not be taught in public schoolsPassion=4 Goode has a high passion score of 4 on Evolution Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Evolution Source

43% of West Virginia: Yes

21% of West Virginia: No

11% of West Virginia: Yes, and I believe it is a part of Creationism

10% of West Virginia: Regardless, all theories should be taught in school

5% of West Virginia: Yes, Evolution is a fact

5% of West Virginia: Up for debate

4% of West Virginia: Yes, and should be required in public schools

1% of West Virginia: No, and it should not be taught in public schools

Less Important

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

Virgil Goode: Passion=1 Goode has a very low passion score of 1 on Space Exploration Conviction=2 Goode has a low conviction score of 2 on Space Exploration

45% of West Virginia: Yes

21% of West Virginia: No

14% of West Virginia: Not during a recession

9% of West Virginia: Incentivize the private sector to develop space technology

6% of West Virginia: Leave funding and research to the private sector

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

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

Somewhat Important

Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?

Virgil Goode: No, all illegal immigrants should be deportedPassion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Immigration Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Immigration Source

33% of West Virginia: Yes

31% of West Virginia: No

13% of West Virginia: Yes, if they were born here

9% of West Virginia: Yes, but after they turn 18 and apply for citizenship

6% of West Virginia: Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenship

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

2% of West Virginia: No, all illegal immigrants should be deported

1% of West Virginia: Yes, and abolish all national borders

Somewhat Important

Should illegal immigrants working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty?

Virgil Goode: No, remove them from the U.S.Passion=5 Goode has a very high passion score of 5 on Immigrant Laborers Conviction=5 Goode has a very high conviction score of 5 on Immigrant Laborers Source

38% of West Virginia: No

24% of West Virginia: Yes

15% of West Virginia: Yes, but only if they pay taxes

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

7% of West Virginia: No, fine companies that employ illegal immigrants

2% of West Virginia: No, remove them from the U.S.

1% of West Virginia: No, but allow them to stay

Somewhat Important

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

Virgil Goode: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry aboutPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Foreign Intervention Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Foreign Intervention Source

36% of West Virginia: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international community

27% of West Virginia: No

20% of West Virginia: Only if there is a direct threat to our national security

10% of West Virginia: Yes

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

2% of West Virginia: No, we have more important domestic issues to worry about

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

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

Somewhat Important

Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?

Virgil Goode: No, cut all support and aidPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Israel Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Israel Source

44% of West Virginia: Yes

14% of West Virginia: No

13% of West Virginia: Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors

12% of West Virginia: No, we should be less involved

10% of West Virginia: We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.

4% of West Virginia: No, we should not give aid to any foreign nations

2% of West Virginia: Not the current regime

1% of West Virginia: No, cut all support and aid

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

Somewhat Important

How should the U.S. deal with Iran?

Virgil Goode: Ignore their threats and cease all contactPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Iran Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Iran Source

43% of West Virginia: Maintain diplomacy while discouraging use of nuclear weapons

32% of West Virginia: Strategically eliminate their nuclear bomb making capabilities

13% of West Virginia: Isolate through trade embargoes

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

4% of West Virginia: Ignore their threats and cease all contact

1% of West Virginia: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy

Less Important

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

Virgil Goode: Do not get involvedPassion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on Sudan Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Sudan Source

69% of West Virginia: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese military

28% of West Virginia: Do not get involved

3% of West Virginia: Overthrow the current government and instill a democracy

Somewhat Important

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

Virgil Goode: No, and remove the U.N. headquarters from the U.S.Passion=2 Goode has a low passion score of 2 on United Nations Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on United Nations Source

71% of West Virginia: Yes

10% of West Virginia: Scale back our current involvement

10% of West Virginia: No

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

4% of West Virginia: No, and remove the U.N. headquarters from the U.S.

Somewhat Important

Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?

Virgil Goode: Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courtsPassion=4 Goode has a high passion score of 4 on Terrorism Conviction=3 Goode has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Terrorism Source

43% of West Virginia: No

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

16% of West Virginia: Yes

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

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

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