This afternoon, the Lexington Herald Leader issued state House candidate questions for a pre-primary voter guide to be printed on May 18, 2014. Each question must be answered in 45 or fewer words. Here they are, with my answers.
1. Should the Kentucky Constitution be changed to allow casino gambling?
Kentucky shouldn't prohibit gambling, but must forbid governments owning, managing or regulating, selling or giving licenses or taxing any business engaged in gambling differently than other businesses. Government officials must not project future revenues from gambling or spend revenues on non-debt items.
2. Should the Kentucky Constitution be changed to automatically restore voting rights to most felons who have completed their sentences and terms of probation?
Yes, but only in conjunction with stronger voter identification requirements.
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2. Should the Kentucky Constitution be changed to automatically restore voting rights to most felons who have completed their sentences and terms of probation?
Yes, but only in conjunction with stronger voter identification requirements.
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3. Do you support or oppose Gov. Steve Beshear’s decision to expand Medicaid eligibility in Kentucky under the federal Affordable Care Act?
Oppose. The legislature did not approve the expansion of Medicaid under ObamaCare and has prohibited necessary state funds from being spent on the expansion.
Oppose. The legislature did not approve the expansion of Medicaid under ObamaCare and has prohibited necessary state funds from being spent on the expansion.
4. Should the state provide $80 million to help pay for a proposed redesign of Rupp Arena and an attached convention center?
No, it should be funded privately.
No, it should be funded privately.
5. Do you support or oppose a statewide ban on smoking in public places and places of employment?
No, property owners are capable of implementing smoking bans should they choose to do so. Protecting that choice is the proper role of government.
No, property owners are capable of implementing smoking bans should they choose to do so. Protecting that choice is the proper role of government.
6. Do you support or oppose a statewide prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation?
No, sexual orientation is a private matter. Individuals and businesses should not be subjected to further government interference regarding sexual orientation.
No, sexual orientation is a private matter. Individuals and businesses should not be subjected to further government interference regarding sexual orientation.
7. Do you support or oppose a proposal that would require a doctor to present the results of an ultrasound to a pregnant woman prior to an abortion?
Beshear administration policies now provide funding for elective abortions in violation of state law, which means taxpayers could be required to fund these ultrasounds. I support clarifying legislation first and then requiring a doctor to present the results of an ultrasound before performing an abortion.
Beshear administration policies now provide funding for elective abortions in violation of state law, which means taxpayers could be required to fund these ultrasounds. I support clarifying legislation first and then requiring a doctor to present the results of an ultrasound before performing an abortion.
