West Virginia sides with Barack Obama on 48% of issues in the 2012 Presidential election.

Most Important

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

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

66% of West Virginia: Yes

17% of West Virginia: No, but in order to receive benefits they should be looking for a job or enrolled in education and job training programs

7% of West Virginia: Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work

3% of West Virginia: No

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

3% of West Virginia: No, but their benefits would expire after two years of unemployment

1% of West Virginia: No, “workfare” is a form a slave labor

More Important

Do you believe the 2001 and 2003 George W Bush tax cuts should be extended?

Barack Obama: Extend only for those making less than $250,000Passion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Taxes Conviction=1 Obama has a very low conviction score of 1 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?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Farm Subsidies Conviction=3 Obama 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

Most Important

What is your stance on abortion?

Barack Obama: Pro-choicePassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Abortion Conviction=5 Obama 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.?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Gay Marriage Conviction=5 Obama 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

Less Important

Should the federal government allow the death penalty?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Death Penalty Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 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

More Important

Do you believe the theory of Evolution?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Evolution Conviction=3 Obama 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

Somewhat Important

Should the federal government fund stem cell research?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Stem Cell Research Conviction=3 Obama 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

Should U.S. National Parks and Forests continue to be preserved and protected by the federal government?

Barack Obama: Yes, and expand the government’s domain to protect more landPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on National Parks Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 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

Is Global Warming a threat to the environment?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Global Warming Conviction=2 Obama has a low conviction score of 2 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

Somewhat Important

Should we expand our offshore oil drilling?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Oil Drilling Conviction=2 Obama has a low conviction score of 2 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 the federal government continue to give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry?

Barack Obama: Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gasPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Alternative Engery Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 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

More Important

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

Barack Obama: No, the government should prosecute copyright violators but not regulate the internetPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Internet Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 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 limit federal funds to public schools that do not meet performance standards?

Barack Obama: NoPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Education Conviction=5 Obama has a very high conviction score of 5 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?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Affirmative Action Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 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

Somewhat Important

Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?

Barack Obama: Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenshipPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Immigration Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 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 be given access to government-subsidized healthcare?

Barack Obama: No, but their children should have accessPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Immigration Healthcare Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 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

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: YesPassion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Immigrant Laborers Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 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. continue to support Israel?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Israel Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 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

Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?

Barack Obama: No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torturePassion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Terrorism Conviction=3 Obama 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

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on United Nations Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 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 the U.S. intervene in the affairs of other countries?

Barack Obama: Only in matters of national security, human rights violations, or specifically asked by the international communityPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Foreign Intervention Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 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

How should the U.S. deal with Iran?

Barack Obama: Isolate through trade embargoesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Iran Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 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?

Barack Obama: Support a NATO effort to contain the Sudanese militaryPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Sudan Conviction=3 Obama 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

Least Important

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

Barack Obama: Yes, lift the travel ban but keep some provisions of the embargo in placePassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Cuba Conviction=3 Obama 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

Somewhat Important

Do you support the Patriot act?

Barack Obama: Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powersPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Patriot Act Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 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

More Important

Do you support increased gun control?

Barack Obama: No, only for assault weapons Passion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Gun Control Conviction=2 Obama 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?

Barack Obama: NoPassion=1 Obama has a very low passion score of 1 on Drug Policy Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 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)?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Campaign Finance Conviction=1 Obama has a very low conviction score of 1 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?

Barack Obama: Expand and increase the payroll tax on individuals making more than $250K to make up for the budget shortfallPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Social Security Conviction=2 Obama has a low conviction score of 2 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?

Barack Obama: YesPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Economic Stimulus Conviction=5 Obama has a very high conviction score of 5 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

Somewhat Important

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?

Barack Obama: NoPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Minimum Wage Conviction=1 Obama has a very low conviction score of 1 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

More Important

Should Congress raise the debt ceiling?

Barack Obama: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spendingPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Debt Ceiling Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Debt Ceiling Source

51% of West Virginia: No

16% of West Virginia: Yes

14% of West Virginia: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich and reduced spending

9% of West Virginia: No, cut spending

8% of West Virginia: Offset the debt by raising taxes on the rich

2% of West Virginia: Yes, raise the debt ceiling during a recession

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

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: Yes, but with more restrictionsPassion=4 Obama has a high passion score of 4 on Financial Regulation Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 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 we expand or dismantle our Medicare program?

Barack Obama: ExpandPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Medicare Conviction=3 Obama 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 marijuana be legalized in the U.S.?

Barack Obama: NoPassion=2 Obama has a low passion score of 2 on Marijuana Conviction=4 Obama has a high conviction score of 4 on Marijuana Source

46% of West Virginia: Yes

24% of West Virginia: No

20% of West Virginia: Yes. Legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it

7% of West Virginia: Yes, but only for medical use

2% of West Virginia: Yes, and immediately free all citizens jailed for drug offenses

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

Somewhat Important

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

Barack Obama: Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charitiesPassion=5 Obama has a very high passion score of 5 on Government Mandates Conviction=5 Obama has a very high conviction score of 5 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

Less Important

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

Barack Obama: NoPassion=3 Obama has a moderate passion score of 3 on Space Exploration Conviction=3 Obama has a moderate conviction score of 3 on Space Exploration Source

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