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John McCain: An Essay, by John Karaagac

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Signature sponsorships (key bills introduced by John McCain)
John McCain on Abortion
Click here for 39 full quotes on Abortion OR 2 older headlines OR other political leaders on Abortion.
  • Defund Planned Parenthood. (Oct 2016)
  • I’ve never imposed a litmus test on Supreme Court nominees. (Oct 2008)
  • Obama voted no on partial-birth ban & born-alive treatment. (Oct 2008)
  • 2000: Pro-lifers attack McCain since CFR limits their power. (Mar 2008)
  • Intentionally fuzzy on abortion; wants no litmus test. (Mar 2008)
  • Pro-life and an advocate for the Rights of Man everywhere. (Feb 2008)
  • GovWatch: 1999: Don’t force women to have illegal operations. (Feb 2008)
  • 1999: Repealing Roe forces dangerous illegal abortions. (Oct 2007)
  • Abortion issue shows what kind of country we are. (Aug 2007)
  • Concerned if women undergo illegal dangerous operations. (May 2007)
  • Supports federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. (May 2007)
  • Prosecute abortion doctors, not women who get them. (Jan 2000)
  • “Family Conference” if daughter wanted an abortion. (Jan 2000)
  • Abortion OK if raped; and no testing for rape. (Jan 2000)
  • Supports fetal tissue research; against over-intensity. (Jan 2000)
  • Overturn Roe v. Wade, but keep incest & rape exceptions. (Jan 2000)
  • Support adoption & foster care; work together on abortion. (Oct 1999)
  • Wants Roe vs. Wade made irrelevant, but would not repeal it. (Aug 1999)
  • Opposes partial-birth abortions & public financing. (Aug 1999)
  • Nominate justices based on experience, and values. (Jun 1999)
  • Restrict abortions; no partial-birth; no public funding. (Jul 1998)

    Voting Record

  • Supports repealing Roe v. Wade. (May 2007)
  • Voted YES on restricting UN funding for population control policies. (Mar 2009)
  • Voted YES on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
  • Voted YES on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions. (Oct 2007)
  • Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
  • Voted YES on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
  • Voted NO on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004)
  • Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003)
  • Voted YES on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions. (Jun 2000)
  • Voted YES on banning human cloning. (Feb 1998)
  • Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Expand embryonic stem cell research. (Jun 2004)
  • Rated 75% by the NRLC, indicating a mixed record on abortion. (Dec 2006)
  • Prohibit transporting minors across state lines for abortion. (Jan 2008)
  • Opposes public funding for abortion services. (Nov 2016)
  • Supports parental notification for abortions by minors. (Nov 2016)
  • Supports judges who strictly interpret Constitution. (Nov 2016)
John McCain on Budget & Economy
Click here for 65 full quotes on Budget & Economy OR other political leaders on Budget & Economy.
  • Pushed GOP platform to adopt Glass-Steagall. (Apr 2017)
  • Obama's new spending is committing generational theft. (Nov 2010)
  • Proposed firing SEC chairman for 2008 economic crisis. (Jan 2010)
  • We’ve laid a $10 trillion debt on our young people. (Oct 2008)
  • Energy independence & tax cuts for all. (Oct 2008)
  • Stabilize mortgage industry so people stay in their homes. (Oct 2008)
  • Cut down on earmarks & establish priorities. (Oct 2008)
  • I have fought against excessive spending my entire career. (Sep 2008)
  • Can’t pass trillions of dollars of debt to our children. (Jul 2008)
  • GovWatch: Specified cuts are $10B, not $100B. (May 2008)
  • 1980s Keating Five: biggest financial scandal in US history. (Mar 2008)
  • Things are tough now, but we’re better off than in 2000. (Jan 2008)
  • May have to go further to fix the subprime lending situation. (Jan 2008)
  • Recession is partly psychological and not inevitable. (Jan 2008)
  • I’m well-versed in economics; I was at the Reagan Revolution. (Jan 2008)
  • FactCheck: Said--then denied--he needed economics education. (Jan 2008)
  • Will be able to reduce war costs & have a stable Middle East. (Jan 2008)
  • Reform insurance to cover violent weather patterns. (Jan 2008)
  • To avoid recession, stop out-of-control spending. (Jan 2008)
  • Loss of economic strength leads to losing military strength. (Dec 2007)
  • Republicans have forgotten how to control spending. (Nov 2007)
  • AdWatch: Outrageous to spend $233M for bridge to nowhere. (Nov 2007)
  • FactCheck:Bridge-to-Nowhere never built; would serve 200,000. (Nov 2007)
  • FactCheck: Criticized “Woodstock museum,” but skipped vote. (Nov 2007)
  • Congress spends money like a drunken sailor. (May 2007)
  • Consistent conservative voting on free-market principles. (Sep 2000)
  • FactCheck: Obama’s new programs cost $286B; McCain’s $211B. (Oct 2008)
  • Use veto power to reduce government spending. (Jan 2000)
  • Distribute surplus: 23% tax cuts; 62% Social Security. (Jan 2000)
  • $9B of pork in current budget bills; cut subsidies. (Oct 1999)
  • For Balanced Budget Amend., & off-budget Social Security. (Jul 1999)
  • List of budgetary spending priorities. (Jul 1998)
  • Supports Balanced Budget Amendment. (Jul 1998)
  • Apply surplus to Social Security, Medicare, tax cuts & debt. (Jul 1998)

    Financial Bailout

  • OpEd: Financial crisis gave best chance for 2008 comeback. (Nov 2010)
  • OpEd: could have single-handedly killed the bailout. (Aug 2010)
  • 2008 financial bailout bill: GOP gets blamed if it fails. (Jan 2010)
  • Suspended campaign to call Sep. 2008 economic summit. (Jan 2010)
  • Americans are innocent victims of Wall Street greed. (Oct 2008)
  • $300B to buy up home mortgages; put a floor under it. (Oct 2008)
  • FactCheck: $300B mortgage plan shifts burden to taxpayers. (Oct 2008)
  • FactCheck: Yes, “fundamentals are strong” but “threatened”. (Oct 2008)
  • Buy up bad mortgages so people can stay in homes. (Oct 2008)
  • I suspended my campaign to help resolve financial crisis. (Oct 2008)
  • FactCheck: Rescue package already has mortgage renegotiation. (Oct 2008)
  • Have no doubt about the magnitude of financial crisis. (Sep 2008)
  • Recoup financial bailout cost by cutting spending. (Sep 2008)
  • Freeze on everything but Defense, Veterans & entitlements. (Sep 2008)
  • These are tough times; we need changes; so keep taxes low. (Aug 2008)
  • Bailing out Bear Stearns necessary to protect economy. (Apr 2008)
  • Key is to not to bail out homeowners who speculated. (Apr 2008)
  • Impose some fiscal discipline to revive the economy. (Jan 2008)

    Voting Record

  • Veto all pork-barrel bills and announce pork spenders. (May 2007)
  • Voted NO on $192B additional anti-recession stimulus spending. (Jul 2009)
  • Voted YES on modifying bankruptcy rules to avoid mortgage foreclosures. (May 2009)
  • Voted NO on additional $825 billion for economic recovery package. (Feb 2009)
  • Voted YES on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)
  • Voted NO on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts. (Apr 2000)
  • Voted YES on 1998 GOP budget. (May 1997)
  • Voted YES on Balanced-budget constitutional amendment. (Mar 1997)
  • Balanced Budget Amendment with 3/5 vote to override. (Jan 2009)
  • Disapprove of increasing the debt limit. (Jan 2012)
  • Supports constitutional amendment for balanced budget. (Nov 2016)
  • Maintain & enforce existing spending caps in the future. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Civil Rights
Click here for 50 full quotes on Civil Rights OR 3 older headlines OR other political leaders on Civil Rights.
  • 2008 concession: Obama helps country heal racial wounds. (Nov 2008)
  • Equal pay for equal work case was a trial lawyer’s dream. (Oct 2008)
  • FactCheck: Pay discrimination still subject to time limits. (Oct 2008)
  • Supports CA Prop. 8: one-man-one-woman marriage. (Jul 2008)
  • Voted against MLK holiday in 1983; now calls that a mistake. (Apr 2008)
  • Supported CA Prop. 209, canceling affirmative action quotas. (Mar 2008)
  • Pro-Confederacy activist continues as top S.C. adviser. (Mar 2008)
  • Private ceremonies fine, but no gay marriage. (Oct 2007)
  • Praised immigrants who join army to advance citizenship. (Oct 2007)
  • Don’t ask, don’t tell is working; don’t tamper with it. (Jun 2007)
  • Confederate flag on top of capitol was wrong; in front is ok. (May 2007)
  • Leave gay marriage to the states. (Jan 2007)
  • John Lewis was as courageous as anyone could ever hope to be. (Apr 2004)
  • Fear did not restrain Dr. King to resist repression. (Apr 2004)
  • 1994: No Senate hiring discrimination by sexual orientation. (Jan 2004)
  • 1987: 1st Senate committee was Indian affairs, crucial to AZ. (Sep 2000)
  • Support evangelism but don’t pander to evangelical leaders. (Feb 2000)
  • Inter-racial dating ban is idiotic and cruel. (Feb 2000)
  • Career-long history of supporting Indian causes. (Jan 2000)
  • Ten Commandments would bring virtue to our schools. (Jan 2000)
  • Confederate flag is a “symbol of heritage”. (Jan 2000)
  • Allow, but not mandate, school prayer. (Jan 2000)
  • Would be “comfortable” with a gay president. (Dec 1999)
  • Flying Confederate flag should be left to states. (Sep 1999)
  • 1st Amend. not a shield for hate groups. (Aug 1999)
  • Indian gambling OK; lottery is not. (Aug 1999)
  • Hollywood should voluntarily self-censor sex and violence. (Jul 1999)
  • Supports Amendment against flag-burning. (Apr 1999)
  • We don’t need laws against Spanish language & culture. (Mar 1999)
  • Affirmative action OK for specific programs, but no quotas. (Jul 1998)

    Voting Record

  • Ban on same-sex marriage is unRepublican; leave it to states. (Nov 2006)
  • Voted YES on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. (Feb 2013)
  • Voted YES on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
  • Voted YES on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping. (Oct 2001)
  • Voted NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)
  • Voted YES on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women. (Mar 1998)
  • Voted NO on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business. (Oct 1997)
  • Voted YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage. (Sep 1996)
  • Voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. (Sep 1996)
  • Voted YES on Amendment to prohibit flag burning. (Dec 1995)
  • Voted YES on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds. (Jul 1995)
  • Supports anti-flag desecration amendment. (Mar 2001)
  • Require 90 day delay for compliance before ADA lawsuits. (May 2002)
  • Limit interstate class-action lawsuits to federal courts . (May 2002)
  • Rated 0% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
  • Rated 33% by the HRC, indicating a mixed record on gay rights. (Dec 2006)
  • Rated 7% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
John McCain on Corporations
Click here for 14 full quotes on Corporations OR other political leaders on Corporations.
  • Businesses need a stable and predictable tax policy. (Aug 2009)
  • Cut taxes for small business so they can thrive. (Oct 2008)
  • Warned about corporate greed & excess; supports bailout. (Sep 2008)
  • Need stricter interpretation and consolidation of regulators. (Sep 2008)
  • Government should be on businesses’ side, not in their way. (Jun 2008)
  • More deductible expensing of equipment investments. (Feb 2008)
  • Cut corporate income taxes to keep jobs here. (Jan 2008)
  • People worry about corporations unduly influencing elections. (Sep 2007)
  • Skilled chair of Senate Commerce Committee since 1997. (Sep 2000)
  • Voted NO on repealing tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted YES on reforming bankruptcy to include means-testing & restrictions. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted YES on restricting rules on personal bankruptcy. (Jul 2001)
  • Rated 61% by the US COC, indicating a mixed business voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Rated 17% by UFCW, indicating a pro-management voting record. (May 2012)
John McCain on Crime
Click here for 18 full quotes on Crime OR other political leaders on Crime.
  • Judges have limited scope under the Constitution. (Nov 2006)
  • More death penalty; stricter sentencing. (Jan 2000)
  • More community policing; enough hate crime laws. (Jan 2000)
  • Prosecute youths as adults, but separately; explore sources. (Jan 2000)
  • Urges hearings on how FBI can deter Hate Crimes. (Aug 1999)
  • 1st Amend. not a shield for hate groups. (Aug 1999)
  • Pro-death penalty; more prisons; increased penalties. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted YES on limiting death penalty appeals. (Apr 1996)
  • Voted YES on limiting product liability punitive damage awards. (Mar 1996)
  • Voted NO on restricting class-action lawsuits. (Dec 1995)
  • Voted YES on repealing federal speed limits. (Jun 1995)
  • Voted YES on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms. (May 1994)
  • Voted YES on rejecting racial statistics in death penalty appeals. (May 1994)
  • Rated 29% by CURE, indicating anti-rehabilitation crime votes. (Dec 2000)
  • Death penalty for killing police officers. (Oct 2015)
  • Rated 45% by the NAPO, indicating a police-the-police stance. (Dec 2014)
  • Establish an FBI registry of sexual offendors. (Oct 1996)
John McCain on Drugs
Click here for 16 full quotes on Drugs OR other political leaders on Drugs.
  • Recuses from alcohol votes because wife owns Anheiser-Busch. (Mar 2008)
  • 1994: Wife Cindy accused of prescription drug abuse. (Sep 2007)
  • Mexico should extradite drug dealers to the US. (Mar 2007)
  • Administration is AWOL on the war on drugs. (Mar 2000)
  • Public/private partnerships for drug treatment. (Jan 2000)
  • Prevention & education apply to alcohol as well as marijuana. (Oct 1999)
  • We’re losing drug war - just say no. (Oct 1999)
  • $1B for detection equipment for more border interdiction. (Mar 1999)
  • Mexico: balancing act between free trade & stopping drugs. (Mar 1999)
  • Restrict methadone treatment programs. (Feb 1999)
  • Stricter penalties; stricter enforcement. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted YES on spending international development funds on drug control. (Jul 1996)
  • Sponsored bill on drug testing for major league sports. (May 2005)
  • Sponsored bill for grants to Indian tribes to fight meth. (Dec 2006)
  • Rated C by NORML, indicating a mixed record on drug reform. (Nov 2016)
John McCain on Education
Click here for 59 full quotes on Education OR 3 older headlines OR other political leaders on Education.
  • Achieved equality in schools; but failing schools don’t help. (Oct 2008)
  • I want schools to answer to parents and students. (Sep 2008)
  • Pay bonuses to teachers in the most troubled schools. (Jul 2008)
  • Target funding to recruit top graduates as teachers. (Jul 2008)
  • Direct $750 million to build virtual schools. (Jul 2008)
  • Give parents easier access to obtain help for their children. (Jul 2008)
  • Shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition. (Jun 2008)
  • View has evolved on intelligent design vs. evolution. (Mar 2008)
  • Endorses teaching intelligent design in schools. (Oct 2007)
  • Teaching creationism should be decided by school districts. (Jun 2007)
  • Believes in evolution, but sees the hand of God in nature. (May 2007)
  • Against nationally imposed standards & funding strings. (Feb 2000)
  • Teach virtues in all schools. (Dec 1999)
  • Enlist retirees for tutoring. (Nov 1999)
  • Good teachers should earn more than bad lawyers. (Oct 1999)
  • Decisions on teaching evolution should be made locally. (Aug 1999)
  • Help unqualified teachers find other lines of work. (Jul 1999)
  • Supports tax-free savings accounts for education expenses. (Jul 1999)
  • Supports “Reading Excellence”; and rewarding good schools. (Jul 1999)
  • Supports at-risk programs; homeless ed.; anti-drop-out ed. (Jul 1999)
  • Internet access, with filters, at every school & library. (Jun 1999)
  • Merit pay & competency testing for teachers. (Jun 1999)
  • Ed-ACT Bill: college plans; language proficiency. (May 1999)

    School Choice

  • Vouchers in DC work; parents wait in line for them. (Oct 2008)
  • Vouchers and school choice for all. (Jul 2008)
  • Offer more choices to those who wish to become teachers. (Jul 2008)
  • Place parents & children at the center of education. (Feb 2008)
  • We need more choice and competition in education. (Dec 2007)
  • Charters, homeschooling, & vouchers are key to success. (Dec 2007)
  • Local charters are the best Arizona schools. (Mar 2000)
  • Let states decide if they link vouchers to student testing. (Feb 2000)
  • Use sugar, oil, and ethanol subsidies to finance vouchers. (Jan 2000)
  • Tax breaks for charters - not from public school funds. (Dec 1999)
  • Vouchers & charters will improve our school system. (Oct 1999)
  • Nationwide test of school vouchers. (Sep 1999)
  • $5B program for 3-year test of school vouchers. (Jul 1999)
  • Tax-funded vouchers for private schools or charter schools. (Jun 1999)
  • Shift policy-making from bureaucrats to parents. (May 1999)
  • Vouchers needed where teachers fail. (May 1999)
  • Vouchers for any schools; more charter schools. (Jul 1998)

    Voting Record

  • Unrestricted block grants--let states decide spending. (Feb 2000)
  • Voted NO on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
  • Voted NO on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
  • Voted NO on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted NO on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
  • Voted NO on funding student testing instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
  • Voted NO on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction. (Apr 2001)
  • Voted YES on declaring memorial prayers and religious symbols OK at schools. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules. (Mar 1999)
  • Voted YES on education savings accounts. (Jun 1998)
  • Voted YES on school vouchers in DC. (Sep 1997)
  • Voted YES on $75M for abstinence education. (Jul 1996)
  • Voted YES on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer. (Jul 1994)
  • Voted NO on national education standards. (Feb 1994)
  • Focus educational resources to help those with greatest need. (Jul 2001)
  • Require state standards, regular assessments, and sanctions. (Jul 2001)
  • Support Ed-Flex: more flexibility if more accountable. (Jul 2001)
  • Rated 45% by the NEA, indicating a mixed record on public education. (Dec 2003)
John McCain on Energy & Oil
Click here for 64 full quotes on Energy & Oil OR other political leaders on Energy & Oil.
  • FactCheck: Pushed cap-and-trade bill in 2009, but not since. (Feb 2013)
  • FactCheck: No, Obama voted for $300M oil tax INCREASE. (Oct 2008)
  • FactCheck: Obama not opposed to nuclear energy; just Yucca. (Sep 2008)
  • GovWatch: Build 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030. (Jun 2008)
  • GovWatch: Gas tax cut goes to oil companies, not consumers. (Jun 2008)
  • Ethanol subsidy OK at $40/bbl oil; opposed it at $60/bbl. (Mar 2008)
  • Public pressure on oil industry to invest in alternatives. (Oct 2007)
  • Supports ethanol but opposes subsidies for it. (Oct 2007)
  • Reinvest oil profits in nuclear power. (Jun 2007)
  • Ethanol made no sense in ‘05 but with $60/bbl it makes sense. (May 2007)
  • Supports alternative fuels, emission controls, & CWA. (Jul 1998)

    Energy Independence

  • Energy independence will create millions of jobs. (Oct 2008)
  • Use alternative energy, including nuclear, coal, gas, solar. (Oct 2008)
  • All of the above: nuclear, wind, tide, solar, gas, coal. (Oct 2008)
  • Offshore drilling & nuke power instead of $700B to enemies. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: Voted against new investments in renewable energy. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: US sends $357B to hostile countries, not $700B. (Sep 2008)
  • Attack the energy problem on every front. (Sep 2008)
  • Job creation program with alternate energy & nuclear power. (Aug 2008)
  • Address both the supply and demand sides of imported oil. (Jun 2008)
  • Lexington Project: invest to achieve energy security. (Jun 2008)
  • AdWatch: Obama is the “Dr. No” of energy security. (Jun 2008)
  • GovWatch: No, Obama supported $150B in energy innovation. (Jun 2008)
  • End moratorium on offshore oil drilling. (Jun 2008)
  • GovWatch: Favors wind & solar in ad; favors nuclear in bills. (Jun 2008)
  • GovWatch: 2003: Ethanol doesn’t increase energy independence. (Feb 2008)
  • End reliance on petro-dictators with market-based reform. (Feb 2008)
  • FactCheck: Oil independence will take 25 years, not 5 years. (Dec 2007)

    Global Warming

  • Dramatic Arctic changes might be man-made; might be natural. (Oct 2016)
  • The snows of Kilimanjaro may soon exist only in literature. (Feb 2012)
  • Nuclear power is the best way to fix climate change. (Oct 2008)
  • AdWatch: Realistic climate plan that clashes with GOP. (Jun 2008)
  • Be more active in addressing the issue of climate change. (Jan 2008)
  • In favor of cap-and-trade. (Jan 2008)
  • Climate change is real and must be addressed. (Dec 2007)
  • Climate change is real; nuclear power is solution. (Oct 2007)
  • Led delegation with Hillary, to see effects of polar warming. (Sep 2007)
  • FactCheck: nuclear plants do emit no GHGs, but do have waste. (Jun 2007)
  • Utility lobbyists influence White House climate policy. (Sep 2006)
  • 2000: Held hearings on mounting evidence of climate change. (Jan 2004)
  • 2000: Criticized Bush’s withdrawal from the Kyoto Treaty. (Jan 2004)
  • Energy 2001: 1st Republican to sign onto reducing GHGS. (May 2002)
  • Strength Clean Air & Water Acts; but not Kyoto. (Jan 2000)

    Voting Record

  • GovWatch: Yes, his cap-and-trade bill is mandatory. (Jun 2008)
  • Voted YES on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. (Apr 2011)
  • Voted YES on protecting middle-income taxpayers from a national energy tax. (Apr 2009)
  • Voted YES on requiring full Senate debate and vote on cap-and-trade. (Apr 2009)
  • Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
  • Voted NO on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
  • Voted NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
  • Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted NO on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003)
  • Voted YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010. (Jun 2003)
  • Voted YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill. (Mar 2003)
  • Voted NO on drilling ANWR on national security grounds. (Apr 2002)
  • Voted NO on terminating CAFE standards within 15 months. (Mar 2002)
  • Voted YES on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling. (Apr 2000)
  • Voted YES on defunding renewable and solar energy. (Jun 1999)
  • Voted YES on approving a nuclear waste repository. (Apr 1997)
  • Voted NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline. (Aug 1994)
  • Sponsored bill for greenhouse gas tradeable allowances. (Feb 2005)
  • Rated 17% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence. (Dec 2006)
  • Gas tax holiday for the summer. (Apr 2008)
  • Supports immediate reductions in greenhouse gases. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Environment
Click here for 31 full quotes on Environment OR other political leaders on Environment.
  • Attacked ethanol subsidies in Iowa, to ne heard in N.H. (Mar 2010)
  • Create green jobs to help economy & environment. (Oct 2008)
  • GovWatch: Voted for one Congressional Katrina investigation. (Jun 2008)
  • Support much tougher regulations on emission requirements. (Jan 2008)
  • FactCheck: Criticized $3M “bear DNA” study, but voted for it. (Nov 2007)
  • Economic & environmental interests not mutually exclusive. (Sep 2007)
  • Scored 40% on Humane Society Scorecard on animal protection. (Jan 2007)
  • 1996: Put 3.5B acres of land into wilderness protection. (Jan 2004)
  • Preserving wilderness among proudest achievements. (Sep 2002)
  • 1980s: 1st House committee was water rights, crucial to AZ. (Sep 2000)
  • Preserve and help our National Parks. (Jan 2000)
  • Repeal ban on new roads in wilderness due to bad process. (Dec 1999)
  • Use park visitor fees for park development bonds. (Dec 1999)
  • Preserve natural resources for future. (Jul 1999)
  • Voted YES on protecting ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems. (May 2013)
  • Voted NO on $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers program. (Aug 2009)
  • Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
  • Voted YES on confirming Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior. (Jan 2001)
  • Voted YES on transportation demo projects. (Mar 1998)
  • Voted NO on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests. (Sep 1997)
  • Voted NO on continuing desert protection in California. (Oct 1994)
  • Voted YES on requiring EPA risk assessments. (May 1994)
  • End commercial whaling and illegal trade in whale meat. (Jun 2001)
  • Supports grants for brownfields remediation. (May 2002)
  • Make EPA into a Cabinet department. (May 2002)
  • Rated 53% by the LCV, indicating a mixed record on environment. (Dec 2003)
  • EPA must do better on mercury clean-up. (Apr 2004)
  • Rated 20% by HSLF, indicating an anti-animal welfare voting record. (Jan 2012)
  • Loosen restrictions on predator control in Alaska. (Mar 2017)
  • Focus on results, not regulation. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Families & Children
Click here for 10 full quotes on Families & Children OR other political leaders on Families & Children.
  • Adopted daughter from Mother Teresa's Bangladesh orphanage. (Mar 2010)
  • Supports flex-time & unpaid family leave. (Nov 2004)
  • Unfiltered Internet robs our children of their innocence. (Dec 1999)
  • Parents should be active in media kids are exposed to. (Jul 1999)
  • Label violent media products like we label cigarettes. (Jun 1999)
  • Media Responsibility Act requires video & music labeling. (Jun 1999)
  • Violence in media caused Littleton shootings. (Apr 1999)
  • Voted YES on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors. (May 1999)
  • Rated 83% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-Family-Value voting record. (Dec 2003)
John McCain on Foreign Policy
Click here for 59 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR 4 older headlines OR other political leaders on Foreign Policy.
  • Mistake to ban immigrants from Iraq; they're our allies. (Mar 2017)
  • Russian election tampering could destroy democracy. (Feb 2017)
  • Create League of Democracies, instead of UN with dictators. (Nov 2010)
  • Preconditions required for talks with rogue states. (Sep 2008)
  • I’m prepared for the dangerous threats in this world. (Sep 2008)
  • No circumstances where president can disregard treaties. (Dec 2007)
  • Maintain Cuban embargo; indict Castro. (Dec 2007)
  • We need bigger army for more militaristic foreign policy. (Oct 2007)
  • Somalia: alleviating starvation OK; nation-building not. (Oct 2007)
  • 1994: Led opposition to Haiti intervention. (Sep 2007)
  • We have good reason to expect solidarity of our allies. (Aug 2004)
  • 2000: Internationalist vision with populist caution. (Sep 2000)
  • Sit down with any leader, but only with pre-conditions. (Sep 2008)
  • Overthrow “rogue” governments to keep Americans safe. (Feb 2000)
  • Our conscience influences US intervention, as in Rwanda. (Feb 2000)
  • Africa: Money for AIDS would be lost to corruption. (Jan 2000)
  • Cuba: No diplomatic and trade relations. (Jul 1998)

    Asia

  • 1994: Worked with John Kerry to normalize Vietnam relations. (Mar 2008)
  • 1970s: Vietnam justified because of Domino Theory. (Oct 2007)
  • Suu Kyi and the people of Burma will rule themselves someday. (Apr 2004)
  • Support the One-China policy, don’t weaken it. (Mar 2000)
  • $1M political donations by Chinese Army should not be legal. (Jan 2000)
  • China: Advocate for political reforms, and guard Taiwan. (Jun 1999)
  • Inaction on spying led to Chinese nuclear improvement. (May 1999)
  • Urge Japan to open economy to ensure Asian recovery. (May 1999)
  • Korea: ease starvation, but avoid war during death throes. (Apr 1999)
  • Engage with China as they become a great power. (Apr 1999)

    Mideast

  • Nuclear Iran is an existential threat to Israel. (Sep 2008)
  • Situation in Pakistan very serious, but not nuclear threat. (Oct 2007)
  • 1983: Called for rapid withdrawal of Marines from Lebanon. (Sep 2007)
  • Naive to exclude nukes; naive to exclude attacking Pakistan. (Aug 2007)

    Russia

  • 2001: Publicly rebuke Uzbekistan for human rights violations. (Feb 2011)
  • Ukraine now in Putin’s sights; penalize Russian aggression. (Oct 2008)
  • Russian aggression in Georgia is wrong; I see KGB in Putin. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: Obama sought restraint in Georgia; so did Bush. (Sep 2008)
  • Concern over Chechnya spreads to Caucasus oil reserves. (Jan 2000)
  • Russia: Sanctions until Putin exits Chechnya. (Jan 2000)
  • IMF’s Russia policies bad, but agency is OK. (Oct 1999)

    Voting Record

  • Pay dues to UN after UN reforms. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted YES on cooperating with India as a nuclear power. (Oct 2008)
  • Voted NO on killing a bill for trade sanctions if China sells weapons. (Sep 2000)
  • Voted YES on capping foreign aid at only $12.7 billion. (Oct 1999)
  • Voted YES on limiting the President's power to impose economic sanctions. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted NO on limiting NATO expansion to only Poland, Hungary & Czech. (Apr 1998)
  • Voted YES on $17.9 billion to IMF. (Mar 1998)
  • Voted YES on Strengthening of the trade embargo against Cuba. (Mar 1996)
  • Voted YES on ending Vietnam embargo. (Jan 1994)
  • Sponsored bill suspending Russia's participation in the G-8. (Feb 2005)
  • Libyan disarmament was a CIA success story. (Mar 2005)
  • Impose sanctions and an import ban on Burma. (Oct 2007)
  • Rated +1 by AAI, indicating a mixed Arab/Palestine voting record. (May 2012)
  • Supports standing with the nation of israel. (Nov 2016)
  • Two-state solution despite Israeli settlements on West Bank. (Jan 2017)
  • Urge Venezuela to re-open dissident radio & TV stations. (May 2007)
  • Call for Burma's junta to release political prisoners. (Jun 2007)
  • Let Ukraine & Georgia enter NATO. (Jan 2008)
  • Sponsored bill supporting demonstrations against Iran. (Jun 2009)
  • Pressure friendly Arab states to end Israeli boycott. (Oct 2007)
John McCain on Free Trade
Click here for 37 full quotes on Free Trade OR 2 older headlines OR other political leaders on Free Trade.
  • Free trade with Colombia is something that’s a no-brainer. (Oct 2008)
  • When have Americans ever been afraid of foreign competition? (Jun 2008)
  • Globalization is an opportunity--reduce barriers to trade. (Feb 2008)
  • Consider subsidies a mistake, and oppose them. (Dec 2007)
  • Every time US went protectionist, we paid heavy price. (Oct 2007)
  • Supports ethanol, but by exporting, not by subsidies. (Oct 2007)
  • No environmental provisions in trade agreements. (Nov 2004)
  • Supports opening border to Mexican trucks. (May 2002)
  • Against foreign sales corporations (offshore tax breaks). (Feb 2000)
  • Substitute trade treaties for protectionism. (Jan 2000)
  • Admit China to WTO based on their concessions. (Jun 1999)
  • Free trade with any country except security risks. (May 1999)
  • Retaliatory protectionism is a “murder-suicide pact”. (May 1999)
  • Chile in NAFTA is good, but Fast Track isn’t. (May 1999)
  • China: Keep open trade & diplomacy; but keep eyes open. (Apr 1999)
  • Mexico: balancing act between free trade & stopping drugs. (Mar 1999)
  • NAFTA has had unambiguously positive impact on US. (Mar 1999)

    Voting Record

  • Pro-NAFTA, pro-GATT, pro-MFN, pro-Fast Track. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted YES on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)
  • Voted YES on establishing free trade between US & Singapore. (Jul 2003)
  • Voted YES on establishing free trade between the US and Chile. (Jul 2003)
  • Voted YES on extending free trade to Andean nations. (May 2002)
  • Voted YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam. (Oct 2001)
  • Voted NO on removing common goods from national security export rules. (Sep 2001)
  • Voted YES on permanent normal trade relations with China. (Sep 2000)
  • Voted YES on expanding trade to the third world. (May 2000)
  • Voted YES on renewing 'fast track' presidential trade authority. (Nov 1997)
  • Voted NO on imposing trade sanctions on Japan for closed market. (May 1995)
  • Promote the Andean Free Trade Agreement. (May 2002)
  • Rated 100% by CATO, indicating a pro-free trade voting record. (Dec 2002)
  • Sponsored bill for trade with post-Orange Revolution Ukraine. (Apr 2005)
  • Extend trade restrictions on Burma to promote democracy. (Jun 2007)
  • Sponsored sugar quotas & import tariffs to stabilize prices. (Feb 2013)
  • Voted YES to kill reauthorization of Ex-Im Bank. (Oct 2015)
  • Rated 75% by the USAE, indicating support for trade engagement. (Dec 2012)
John McCain on Government Reform
Click here for 97 full quotes on Government Reform OR 17 older headlines OR other political leaders on Government Reform.
  • Hayworth was unethical lobbyist hawking infomercials. (Jul 2010)
  • Considered one-term pledge to address age issue. (Jan 2010)
  • Picked Palin because she took on entrenched bureaucracy. (Nov 2009)
  • Led bipartisan "Gang of 14" on judicial nominee standoff. (Aug 2009)
  • Partisan rancor isn’t a cause, it’s a symptom. (Sep 2008)
  • Fought corruption and the big spenders in both parties. (Sep 2008)
  • Share the credit for good ideas instead of fighting over it. (Sep 2008)
  • Eliminate broken government programs--20% of all program. (Feb 2008)
  • More sunshine on the Working Group on Financial Markets. (Jan 2008)
  • No signing statements: either sign or veto bills. (Dec 2007)
  • Focus on homeland safety, restoring trust, and fiscal policy. (Dec 2007)
  • Authored line-item veto law; struck down by Supreme Court. (Oct 2007)
  • Keating Five mea culpa established openness to press. (Oct 2007)
  • Skepticism in government can lead to chaos. (Oct 2007)
  • As usual, responsible for none of 309 earmarks in 2007. (Oct 2007)
  • There’s only one president; V.P. sticks to official duties. (Aug 2007)
  • OpEd: Led campaign finance reform because of Keating Five. (Oct 2005)
  • McCain-Feingold is latest in line of 200 years of CFR. (Oct 2001)
  • Infuriates fellow senators by battling pork-barrel spending. (Oct 2001)
  • Reform called incumbent protection, but fought by incumbents. (Oct 2001)
  • Reform election system, and get rid of electors. (Nov 2000)
  • 2000: Theme "reformer & outsider" attacked as Senate insider. (Sep 2000)
  • Early Congressional races included large war chests. (Sep 2000)
  • McCain-Feingold reforms never appealed to GOP base. (Sep 2000)
  • Reform focus endears him to many, but alienates GOP insiders. (Sep 2000)
  • Reform was a lonely message in 2000. (Sep 2000)
  • No term limits; they throw away the good with the bad. (Jan 2000)
  • Influence peddling helps the Chinese Army. (Sep 1999)
  • Politicans poll, posture, & influence-peddle. (Jun 1999)
  • Supports Line-Item Veto and Balanced Budget. (May 1999)
  • Supports term limits on Congress. (Jul 1998)

    Campaign Finance Reform

  • Citizens United was worst decision ever, but don't overturn. (Oct 2016)
  • Alleged affair with lobbyist hurt image as reformer. (Jan 2010)
  • 5-year struggle for CFR portrayed in press as epic tale. (Mar 2008)
  • CFR cut soft money & increased hard money; both helped GOP. (Mar 2008)
  • 1993: Proposed barring campaign funds for personal expenses. (Mar 2008)
  • No litmus test for Supreme Court nominees on McCain-Feingold. (Feb 2008)
  • The 527s need to be eliminated. (Oct 2007)
  • OpEd: McCain-Feingold chilled grassroots political speech. (Oct 2007)
  • 527s are clearly illegal; reform intended for small donors. (Apr 2007)
  • Supported then opposed transparency in grassroots reporting. (Jan 2007)
  • Profile in Courage award for preserving integrity of system. (Apr 2003)
  • Campaign finance reform needed to restore faith in politics. (May 2002)
  • Finance reform will prevail if we have the votes & the guts. (May 2002)
  • Supported non-severability as key component of CFR. (May 2002)
  • CFR passes Senate; focus on House, not court challenges. (Apr 2001)
  • Differentiate “electioneering” from real issue ads. (Mar 2001)
  • Clearer rules about campaign finance; no soft money. (Jan 2001)
  • Replace battle of bucks with battle of ideas. (Feb 2000)
  • Fight iron triangle: special interests, money, & legislation. (Feb 2000)
  • Campaign reform that’s best for country, not for GOP. (Jan 2000)
  • Take away soft money & “hurt the unions bad”. (Jan 2000)
  • Money corrupts politics, and soft money corrupts absolutely. (Dec 1999)
  • Campaign Finance: ban both labor union & corporate donations. (May 1999)

    Earmarks & Pork

  • Save $30M just by ending duplicative catfish regulation. (Apr 2012)
  • Authorized earmarks OK; unauthorized earmarks not. (Feb 2012)
  • Would fight for line-item veto, and veto pork. (Oct 2008)
  • We need a reformer because system in Washington is broken. (Oct 2008)
  • I fought earmarks even in defense spending. (Oct 2008)
  • FactCheck: Killed corrupt $6.8B contract, but reinstated it. (Oct 2008)
  • Get earmarks under control to deal with the financial crisis. (Sep 2008)
  • Obama requested for $932M of pork projects; I fought pork. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: Earmarks have gone down in last 5 years. (Sep 2008)
  • Earmarks are terrible and pernicious; Palin learned that. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: $35B in pork meant $484 per child, not $1000. (Jan 2008)
  • I’m “the sheriff”, not Miss Congeniality, about pork bills. (Jan 2008)
  • FactCheck: Claim of “24 years with no earmarks” mostly true. (Jan 2008)
  • Close corporate loopholes; veto pork-barrel spending. (Jan 2000)
  • Drain the big money swamp to kill lobbyist mosquitoes. (Dec 1999)
  • End sugar subsidy; corporate welfare at its worst. (Aug 1999)

    Voting Record

  • Gets legislation passed despite lack of congeniality. (Mar 2000)
  • Voted NO on Congressional pay raise. (Jul 2009)
  • Voted NO on providing a US House seat for the District of Columbia. (Feb 2009)
  • Voted NO on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
  • Voted YES on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007)
  • Voted YES on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
  • Voted YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
  • Voted YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads. (Mar 2002)
  • Voted YES on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration. (Feb 2002)
  • Voted YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations. (Apr 2001)
  • Voted NO on funding for National Endowment for the Arts. (Aug 1999)
  • Voted YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance. (Oct 1997)
  • Voted YES on Approving the presidential line-item veto. (Mar 1996)
  • Voted NO on banning more types of Congressional gifts. (Jul 1995)
  • Supports Shays-Meehan Campaign Finance Reform. (Jul 2001)
  • Sponsored bill subjecting 527s to political committee rules. (Feb 2005)
  • Sponsored bill prohibiting non-legislated earmarks. (Jul 2005)
  • Sponsored bill disclosing lobbyist info & gifts on Internet. (Dec 2005)
  • Rethink flawed Presidential daily intelligence briefings. (Mar 2005)
  • CIA yielded to conventional wisdom, not political pressure. (Mar 2005)
  • Sponsored bill allowing individual votes on each earmark. (Feb 2006)
  • Require Internet disclosure of all earmarks. (May 2010)
  • Prohibit IRS audits targeting Tea Party political groups. (Feb 2014)
  • Ban paid voter registration. (May 2009)
  • Require all laws to cite Constitutional authorization. (Jun 2009)
  • Reduce federal government size & scope, including military. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Gun Control
Click here for 27 full quotes on Gun Control OR other political leaders on Gun Control.
  • I know how to use guns; but I don’t own one. (Nov 2007)
  • Prosecute criminals, not citizens for gun ownership. (Sep 2007)
  • Don’t hold gun manufacturers liable for crimes. (Sep 2007)
  • Opposes restrictions on assault weapons and ammunition types. (Sep 2007)
  • Calls for GOP “tolerance” of closing gun show loopholes. (May 2002)
  • Ban cheap guns; require safety locks; for gun show checks. (Aug 1999)
  • Supports ban on certain assault weapons. (Aug 1999)
  • Voted against Brady Bill & assault weapon ban. (Aug 1999)
  • Guns are a problem, but so are violent web sites & videos. (Aug 1999)
  • Punish criminals who abuse 2nd Amendment rights. (May 1999)
  • Youth Violence Prevention Act restricts guns for kids. (May 1999)
  • Repeal existing gun restrictions; penalize criminal use. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted NO on banning high-capacity magazines of over 10 bullets. (Apr 2013)
  • Voted YES on allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains. (Apr 2009)
  • Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
  • Voted YES on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
  • Voted NO on background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks. (Jul 1998)
  • Allow veterans to register unlicensed guns acquired abroad. (Apr 2011)
  • Oppose the United Nations' Arms Trade Treaty. (Sep 2013)
  • Opposes restrictions on right to bear arms. (Nov 2016)
  • Reciprocity across state lines for concealed carry. (Apr 2018)
  • Ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC. (Mar 2007)
  • Allow firearms in National Parks. (Feb 2008)
John McCain on Health Care
Click here for 69 full quotes on Health Care OR other political leaders on Health Care.
  • Repeal & replace, but don't throw anyone off healthcare. (Mar 2017)
  • Get healthcare records online to reduce costs. (Oct 2008)
  • 50% credit for businesses who provide employees insurance. (Oct 2008)
  • Put health records online, to reduce medical errors. (Oct 2008)
  • 1997: Give FDA more regulatory powers over tobacco. (Mar 2008)
  • Preserve quality of health care by individual responsibility. (Dec 2007)
  • Give individuals $2500 refundable tax credits for healthcare. (Oct 2007)
  • Control health costs so manufacturers stay competitive. (Oct 2007)
  • Stumped by whether contraceptives prevent spread of AIDS. (Oct 2007)
  • 1997: Led fight for anti-tobacco legislation. (Sep 2007)
  • No mandated universal system; no mandated insurance coverage. (Jun 2006)
  • We should be able to reimport drugs from Canada. (Jan 2006)
  • Include a health savings account in healthcare reform. (Jan 2006)
  • Supports tax-free medical savings accounts & tax credits. (Nov 2004)
  • Greater consumer access to generic drugs. (May 2002)
  • 1998 tobacco bill attempted regulation via $1.10/pack tax. (Sep 2000)
  • Favorite cause: Cleft-palate surgery for children. (Oct 2007)
  • Higher taxes on cigarettes. (Jan 2000)
  • Matching funds for seniors citizens’ prescription drugs. (Dec 1999)
  • Expand health insurance to 11 million uninsured children. (Dec 1999)
  • Keep health care promises to aging veterans. (Nov 1999)
  • Address powerlessness when faced with health care crises. (Jul 1999)
  • “Patient rights” means value human life over dollars. (Jul 1999)
  • Expand medical savings; community health; & tax deductions. (Jul 1999)
  • Patient Rights: access; MDs over HMOs; grievance process. (Jul 1999)
  • Allow paying extra for choice of doctors & care. (Jul 1999)
  • Full doctor-patient discussion even when it costs HMO. (Jul 1999)
  • Supports patient rights; regulate nicotine as a drug. (Jul 1998)
  • More tax-deductible health costs; limits on malpractice. (Jul 1998)

    ObamaCare

  • Voted against repealing ObamaCare's individual mandate. (Nov 2018)
  • Repeal and replace the massive federal health-care law. (Sep 2010)
  • Healthcare reform requires cultural change over a generation. (Nov 2008)
  • Mandated heath insurance is Big Government at its best. (Oct 2008)
  • Health care is a responsibility: just make it available. (Oct 2008)
  • FactCheck: Plan is $5,000 per family, not $5,000 per person. (Oct 2008)
  • Bring together smart Americans to solve Medicare. (Oct 2008)
  • $5,000 refundable tax credit for every family. (Sep 2008)
  • Family should make health decisions, not federal government. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: Obama’s plan is voluntary for adults. (Sep 2008)
  • Tax credits to address crisis of health insurance. (Aug 2008)
  • FactCheck: McCain’s $5,000 health tax credit would be taxed. (Aug 2008)
  • Large tax credit for families to buy their health care. (Jul 2008)
  • Harness market competition for comprehensive reform. (Feb 2008)
  • The problem with health care in America is inflation. (Jan 2006)
  • 1989: No mandatory catastrophic Medicare coverage. (Jan 2004)
  • 1993: To socialize healthcare would be to ruin it. (Jan 2004)

    Voting Record

  • Allow appealing HMO decisions externally & in court. (Jul 1999)
  • Voted YES on the Ryan Budget: Medicare choice, tax & spending cuts. (May 2011)
  • Voted YES on regulating tobacco as a drug. (Jun 2009)
  • Voted NO on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program. (Jan 2009)
  • Voted NO on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
  • Voted YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
  • Voted YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted NO on $40 billion per year for limited Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Jun 2003)
  • Voted YES on allowing reimportation of Rx drugs from Canada. (Jul 2002)
  • Voted YES on allowing patients to sue HMOs & collect punitive damages. (Jun 2001)
  • Voted YES on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Apr 2001)
  • Voted NO on including prescription drugs under Medicare. (Jun 2000)
  • Voted YES on limiting self-employment health deduction. (Jul 1999)
  • Voted YES on increasing tobacco restrictions. (Jun 1998)
  • Voted NO on Medicare means-testing. (Jun 1997)
  • Voted NO on blocking medical savings acounts. (Apr 1996)
  • Tax credits for those without employee health insurance. (May 2002)
  • Tax deduction for long-term care insurance. (May 2002)
  • Support telemedicine for underserved areas. (May 2002)
  • $350 billion for prescriptions for poor seniors. (May 2002)
  • Rated 25% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Supports repealing mandated health insurance. (Nov 2016)
John McCain on Homeland Security
Click here for 115 full quotes on Homeland Security OR 6 older headlines OR other political leaders on Homeland Security.
  • Long-time foe of LCS, littoral combat ship. (Aug 2018)
  • 3% increase in military is not enough; we need more. (Mar 2017)
  • Vietnam POW: Ashamed of signing false confession. (Nov 2010)
  • Obama opposed surge even after it appeared effective. (Jan 2010)
  • 2008: guaranteed college for vets creates retention problems. (Jan 2010)
  • FactCheck: Pushed for immediate withdrawal from Somalia. (Oct 2008)
  • FactCheck: Voted against Lebanon deployment, but post-hoc. (Oct 2008)
  • Credit Bush, troops, & luck, for not another 9/11. (Sep 2008)
  • I hate war; it’s terrible beyond imagination. (Sep 2008)
  • Clinton & Bush missed opportunities to get bin Laden. (Sep 2008)
  • Disagrees with Bush often; but credits no attacks since 9/11. (Aug 2008)
  • Applying habeas to Guantanamo let 30 terrorists attack US. (Jun 2008)
  • GovWatch: Only 13 Gitmo recidivists & none attacked US. (Jun 2008)
  • Improve human intelligence to get Osama bin Laden. (Jan 2008)
  • Surveillance of overseas communications is ok. (Dec 2007)
  • Ok to hold even US citizens as enemy combatants. (Dec 2007)
  • Consult lawyers on war decisions; no half-cocked war basis. (Oct 2007)
  • Ran the largest squadron in the US Navy. (Oct 2007)
  • After 9/11, ask Americans to join military or AmeriCorps. (Oct 2007)
  • Let loose smart, tough spies to catch Bin Laden. (Oct 2007)
  • His Military Commissions Act ended up denying habeas corpus. (Oct 2007)
  • 1973: Spokesperson for Operation Homecoming. (Oct 2007)
  • 1977:Appointed as Navy liaison to Congress. (Oct 2007)
  • 1970s: Communists negotiate when faced with force. (Oct 2007)
  • I admire TR's zest for combat & pugnacious vitality. (Oct 2007)
  • Leading proponent for drastically expanding National Service. (Oct 2007)
  • Boost standing army from 750,000 to 900,000. (Oct 2007)
  • Half of world's defense spending should be US as global cop. (Oct 2007)
  • I’ve spent my life leading on national security issues. (Sep 2007)
  • Radical Islamic extremism is a hydra-headed challenge. (Aug 2007)
  • I support the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive war. (Jan 2006)
  • We must provide our children a strong, better country. (Aug 2004)
  • A lack of complacency shouldn’t provoke a lack of confidence. (Aug 2004)
  • We don’t have as much to fear as we had in the past. (Apr 2004)
  • Those who gave their lives deserve to be remembered. (Apr 2004)
  • First reaction to Sept 11: “This is war”. (May 2002)
  • Argued for base closings even in the wake of 9/11. (May 2002)
  • Channel fear into productive missions and activities. (May 2002)
  • 1993: Led effort to normalize relations with Vietnam. (Oct 2001)
  • Accused in 2000 SC primary of ignoring veterans' groups. (Oct 2001)
  • Focuses on issue-specific waste, not overall Pentagon reform. (Sep 2000)
  • “Rogue state rollback” avoids use of US troops. (Mar 2000)
  • Accepts gays in military under current policy. (Jan 2000)
  • Military’s political leaders need military backgrounds. (Jan 2000)
  • Women have proven themselves in combat-no restrictions. (Dec 1999)
  • Bombing useless targets in Vietnam destroyed US morale. (Nov 1999)
  • Pres. needs experience more than briefing books. (Sep 1999)
  • Discard ABM Treaty and develop a missile defense. (Apr 1999)
  • Use force, with US control, only for vital interests. (Apr 1999)

    Defense Spending

  • Make all defense contracts fixed-cost; costs out of control. (Sep 2008)
  • Cited 245 pork projects, or $3.5M waste in defense bill. (Oct 2007)
  • Clean up waste in defense acquisition. (May 2007)
  • Eliminate defense pork, but increase most other defense. (Nov 2004)
  • Terminate C-130, B-2, and Seawolf; use funds to modernize. (Dec 1999)
  • Politicians keep unneeded bases open for political purposes. (Dec 1999)
  • Keep health care promises to aging veterans. (Nov 1999)
  • $6.4B of military spending waste is a disgrace. (Oct 1999)
  • Raise military pay to avoid military draft. (Aug 1999)
  • Military personnel on food stamps is a national disgrace. (Aug 1999)
  • Europeans should spend more on defense, within NATO. (Apr 1999)

    Torture

  • 2005: interrogations must follow US Army Field Manual rules. (Aug 2011)
  • Bush administration’s waterboarding was torture. (Aug 2008)
  • McCain Amendment: Torture ban passed by veto-proof majority. (Jul 2008)
  • Hiding torture is wrong, and harms US credibility abroad. (Dec 2007)
  • Waterboarding is torture; we’re not going to torture people. (Nov 2007)
  • Waterboarding is torture; & as A.G., Mukasey will declare it. (Nov 2007)
  • Torture supported only by people without military experience. (Sep 2007)
  • Torture is ineffective as interrogation & for world opinion. (May 2007)
  • Close Guantanamo Bay prison; announce no-torture policy. (Apr 2007)
  • Torture has never worked throughout history. (Apr 2007)
  • Abusing prisoners hurts America's cause in War on Terror. (Sep 2006)

    Vietnam

  • Experience has taught me: the US military must not fail. (Sep 2008)
  • Inappropriate to lie to public; tell Americans what we face. (Sep 2008)
  • 1973: America is better country than when I left 6 years ago. (Mar 2008)
  • Vietnam generation still haunted by specter of Vietnam. (Oct 2007)
  • Casualty of Vietnam was loss of America’s faith in herself. (Oct 2007)
  • Worked with John Kerry on Vietnam POWs. (Oct 2007)
  • Immutable principle of war: luck is unreliable. (Aug 2007)
  • Vietnam not wrong, but how it was fought and led was. (Sep 2002)
  • Disagrees with Perot: No more POWs in Vietnam. (Feb 2000)
  • Vietnam was a worthy cause despite losing. (Nov 1999)

    Voting Record

  • Keep “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy - it works. (Jan 2000)
  • Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's roving wiretaps. (Feb 2011)
  • Voted NO on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
  • Voted NO on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
  • Voted NO on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
  • Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
  • Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
  • Voted NO on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
  • Voted NO on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted NO on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. (Oct 1999)
  • Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP. (Mar 1999)
  • Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8%. (Feb 1999)
  • Voted NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training. (Jun 1998)
  • Voted NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects. (Oct 1997)
  • Voted YES on banning chemical weapons. (Apr 1997)
  • Voted YES on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty. (Jun 1996)
  • Voted NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations. (Sep 1995)
  • Federalize aviation security. (Nov 2001)
  • Rated 0% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record. (Dec 2003)
  • Sponsored bill giving higher priority to rail security. (Jul 2005)
  • Sponsored bill banning torture of terrorists in US custody. (Jul 2005)
  • Innovate intelligence-gathering for future hard targets. (Mar 2005)
  • Assessments of al Qaida in Afghanistan in 2001 were accurate. (Mar 2005)
  • CIA needs more focus on counterterrorism. (Mar 2005)
  • So-called Legal Issues are myths; not real CIA hindrances. (Mar 2005)
  • Intelligence community shares information poorly. (Mar 2005)
  • CIA should work more with scientists to understand WMDs. (Mar 2005)
  • Sponsored bill for Iraq budget to be part of defense budget. (Jun 2006)
  • Improve educational assistance for veterans. (Apr 2008)
  • No transfers of Gitmo prisoners to US or abroad. (Jan 2015)
  • $515B for military plus $89B off sequester for wars. (Oct 2015)
John McCain on Immigration
Click here for 51 full quotes on Immigration OR other political leaders on Immigration.
  • Municipalities cannot exempt themselves from immigration law. (Mar 2017)
  • Exclude our interpreters in Iraq from Muslim travel ban. (Feb 2017)
  • 2005: guest worker program & path to citizenship. (Mar 2013)
  • Campaign ad: "Complete the danged fence!". (Nov 2010)
  • TV ad: Obama makes protecting AZ border incredibly difficult. (Nov 2010)
  • 10-point plan to secure border; then try legal-worker deal. (Sep 2010)
  • 2007 immigration bill split Republican Party. (Jan 2010)
  • Doing nothing on immigration is really de facto amnesty. (Aug 2009)
  • Party that attracts immigrants becomes the ruling party. (Aug 2009)
  • Restart comprehensive reform only after securing borders. (Jun 2008)
  • Other aspects only after consensus that borders are secure. (Feb 2008)
  • Deport 2 million illegal immigrants who committed crimes. (Jan 2008)
  • Would no longer push his own 2006 immigration proposal. (Jan 2008)
  • Certify border is secure; only then allow guest workers. (Jan 2008)
  • 2003 “amnesty” didn’t mean rewarding illegal behavior. (Jan 2008)
  • Round up and deport two million aliens who committed crimes. (Jan 2008)
  • FactCheck: Yes, he has used the word “amnesty” in the past. (Jan 2008)
  • Do everything I can to help all immigrants learn English. (Dec 2007)
  • Illegal immigrants are God’s children as well. (Nov 2007)
  • Absences from negotiations hurt reform bill’s chances. (Oct 2007)
  • 12 million illegals in country now is de facto amnesty. (Sep 2007)
  • Amnesty is forgiveness; we offer fines; lines; & long waits. (Sep 2007)
  • No official English; Native Americans use own languages. (Jun 2007)
  • Immigration reform needed for national security. (Jun 2007)
  • Hispanics serve our country, like every wave of immigrants. (Jun 2007)
  • America expects us to work on immigration together. (May 2007)
  • Bipartisanship shows preparedness for presidency. (May 2007)
  • Change rule barring immigrants from running for president. (May 2007)
  • Comprehensive reform requires temporary worker program. (May 2007)
  • Comprehensive reform must include border security first. (Apr 2007)
  • McCain-Kennedy bill: balanced alternative to HR.4437. (Jul 2006)
  • I’ve never supported amnesty. (Jan 2006)
  • We have to secure the borders first. (Jan 2006)
  • Make possible for immigrants to do a job Americans won’t do. (Oct 2004)
  • Give everyone in the world an opportunity to come to America. (Oct 2004)
  • 1988: Honored by La Raza for opposing official English. (Jan 2004)
  • More help for legal immigrants when immigrating & once here. (Jul 1998)

    Voting Record

  • No more ballot initiatives against immigration. (Mar 1999)
  • Voted YES on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
  • Voted YES on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
  • Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
  • Voted YES on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
  • Voted YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
  • Voted YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
  • Voted YES on allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted YES on visas for skilled workers. (May 1998)
  • Voted YES on limit welfare for immigrants. (Jun 1997)
  • English immersion over bilingual education. (Jul 2001)
  • Sponsored comprehensive immigration reform, without amnesty. (May 2005)
  • Rated 18% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)
  • Supports additional border infrastructure. (Nov 2016)
John McCain on Jobs
Click here for 22 full quotes on Jobs OR other political leaders on Jobs.
  • 2007 candor in Michigan: Those jobs aren't coming back. (Jan 2010)
  • Cut business taxes so companies will keep jobs in US. (Sep 2008)
  • Help workers find new jobs that won’t go away. (Sep 2008)
  • Voted against minimum wage 19 times, when in pork bills. (Aug 2008)
  • Raising taxes eliminates jobs. (Jul 2008)
  • Produce jobs by producing America’s own energy. (Jul 2008)
  • Overhaul unemployment insurance as a retraining program. (Feb 2008)
  • Straight talk: some jobs aren’t coming back. (Jan 2008)
  • Unions are monopolies; don’t compel people to join. (Oct 2007)
  • Family farms: Crop insurance; reduce inheritance tax. (Jan 2000)
  • Ethanol is not worth it, even in Iowa. (Dec 1999)
  • Ethanol bad for environment & bad for consumers. (Nov 1999)
  • End sugar subsidy; it hurts consumers & helps only tycoons. (Aug 1999)
  • Ethanol subsidy is outdated; use funds for education. (Jul 1999)
  • Voted YES on extending unemployment benefits from 39 weeks to 59 weeks. (Nov 2008)
  • Voted NO on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
  • Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
  • Voted NO on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005)
  • Voted YES on repealing Clinton's ergonomic rules on repetitive stress. (Mar 2001)
  • Voted YES on allowing workers to choose between overtime & comp-time. (May 1997)
  • Voted YES on replacing farm price supports. (Feb 1996)
  • Rated 15% by the AFL-CIO, indicating an anti-union voting record. (Dec 2003)
John McCain on Principles & Values
Click here for 133 full quotes on Principles & Values OR 31 older headlines OR other political leaders on Principles & Values.
  • Bush: "I didn't campaign for McCain because he didn't ask". (Nov 2010)
  • OpEd: Sought Christian endorsements, then rejected them. (Nov 2008)
  • I am not President Bush; so don’t run against him!. (Oct 2008)
  • Identified with Wright brothers, for tenacity & resolve. (Oct 2008)
  • America is an idea and a cause worth fighting for. (Sep 2008)
  • I’m running for president because my country saved me. (Sep 2008)
  • Serve a cause greater than yourself. (Sep 2008)
  • I’m a proud citizen of the greatest country on Earth. (Sep 2008)
  • Reform, prosperity, and peace. (Aug 2008)
  • 1980s: Paid back $112,000 in donations from Charles Keating. (Mar 2008)
  • Keating scandal made McCain averse to partisanship. (Mar 2008)
  • My most basic conservative principle: liberty comes from God. (Feb 2008)
  • Disagrees with his mom; he can unite the party. (Feb 2008)
  • Anticipates spirited debate on differences with Democrats. (Feb 2008)
  • Proud of Justice O’Connor; favor Roberts and Alito. (Jan 2008)
  • Reagan knows that I stick with my principles. (Jan 2008)
  • GovWatch: No, Constitution says we’re not a Christian nation. (Jan 2008)
  • Able to work with others with own set of principles. (Dec 2007)
  • OpEd: congenital contrarian on numerous conservative issues. (Dec 2007)
  • Op-Ed: Unexamined as both straight-talker and as maverick. (Oct 2007)
  • Emulates TR on vigor, nationalism, common good, intervention. (Oct 2007)
  • Published 5 books over period of 8 years. (Oct 2007)
  • Considers his heroes as one of his qualifications to lead. (Oct 2007)
  • Praises Teddy Roosevelt's expansion of executive power. (Oct 2007)
  • Focus on what America COULD do; not what gov't SHOULDN'T do. (Oct 2007)
  • 1999: Voted to convict Pres. Clinton of lying under oath. (Sep 2007)
  • 1987: Association with Keating 5 worse than any culpability. (Sep 2007)
  • 1991: Rebuked for "poor judgment" in Keating 5; & vindicated. (Sep 2007)
  • Most important part of decision-making is self-awareness. (Aug 2007)
  • If I lose capacity for anger, I lose capacity to serve. (Apr 2007)
  • Courage is the capacity for action despite our fears. (Apr 2004)
  • Humility from surviving veterans is remarkable. (Apr 2004)
  • Just government is derived from the consent of the governed. (Apr 2004)
  • We need moral courage to be honest all the time. (Apr 2004)
  • Do the thing you think you cannot do. (Apr 2004)
  • The allure of pride affects adults like it affects children. (Apr 2004)
  • We are indebted to those who shed blood for us. (Apr 2004)
  • It’s love that makes courage necessary. (Apr 2004)
  • 2000: Decried "incumbency protection racket" then lost to it. (Oct 2002)
  • Political style is to be straightforward. (Sep 2002)
  • Principles are more important than personal happiness. (Sep 2002)
  • Temper is same as other senators--he’s just more famous. (May 2002)
  • Keep tight reign on emotions--not to high nor too depressed. (May 2002)
  • Reputation of volcanic temper shared even within GOP. (Oct 2001)
  • Re-adjusted to civilian life after POW years: no "imbalance". (Sep 2000)
  • Secret Pledge of Allegiance: most meaning of POW's day. (Jul 1971)
  • Fight to restore the pride and principles of our party. (Sep 2008)
  • Faith bridges unbridgeable gaps in humanity. (Feb 2000)
  • Calls himself conservative who attracts political center. (Feb 2000)
  • Foreign policy should not be shaped by photo-ops & polls. (Jan 2000)
  • Restore, renew, reform, & reinvigorate government. (Sep 1999)
  • “New Patriotic Challenge”: stand against cynicism. (Sep 1999)
  • Public officials have failed to set example for society. (Aug 1999)

    Campaign Themes

  • Palin is a reformer and a role model. (Oct 2008)
  • I fight for Americans; I fight for you. (Sep 2008)
  • Warning to Washington crowd: Change is coming. (Sep 2008)
  • Fight for what’s right for our country. (Sep 2008)
  • I’m a mainstream conservative; judge my record as a whole. (Feb 2008)
  • This 2008 election is about hugely consequential things. (Feb 2008)
  • The vision, knowledge, and background to be president. (Jan 2008)
  • People want the truth, even if they disagree. (Jan 2008)
  • I didn’t manage for profit, I led for patriotism. (Oct 2007)
  • Philosophy of worthy sacrifice from For Whom the Bell Tolls. (Oct 2007)
  • Hard Calls: consider stakes; time; preparedness; confidence. (Aug 2007)
  • Reform gov’t, fight Islamic extremism; & restore integrity. (Apr 2007)
  • I am here to serve, but not necessarily as president. (Apr 2007)
  • Looks to Reagan, Teddy Roosevelt, & Eisenhower as models. (Apr 2007)
  • Loyalty is important, but performance should come first. (Apr 2007)
  • Man of the People: happy to be a Republican and a Reaganite. (Jan 2004)
  • Straight Talk focuses on appeal via authenticity. (May 2002)

    Past Campaigns

  • July 2007: Stalled campaign seemed hopeless. (Aug 2009)
  • Obama broke his word on public campaign financing. (Oct 2008)
  • 2000: Positioned himself as anti-establishment underdog. (Mar 2008)
  • 2004: Press speculated about Kerry-McCain, but McCain didn't. (Mar 2008)
  • Known as a "staunch conservative" until 1999. (Mar 2008)
  • GovWatch: 2002: Religious Right are “agents of intolerance”. (Feb 2008)
  • FactCheck: Won NH & SC via independents, but lost GOP vote. (Jan 2008)
  • 1983: Claiming Hanoi residency ended carpetbagger accusation. (Oct 2007)
  • Keating Five scandal converted him to champion of reform. (Oct 2007)
  • Keating Five: investigated during 90s Savings & Loan scandal. (Oct 2007)
  • 1982: Won House seat by personally knocking on 20,000 doors. (Sep 2007)
  • 1983: Flew to Phoenix every weekend in 1st year in Congress. (Sep 2007)
  • Absent from Values Voter Presidential Debate. (Sep 2007)
  • GOP lost 2006 due to corrupt spending, spending, spending. (Jun 2007)
  • Straight Talk America PAC endorses 60 House candidates. (Dec 2006)
  • McCain’s PAC endorses 19 Senate & 17 governor candidates. (Dec 2006)
  • Denounces “Swift Boat Vets” ads as dishonest. (Aug 2004)
  • 2000 race: More grass-roots populism than Republicanism. (Jan 2004)
  • 2000 race: Maverick positions became threat to GOP. (Jan 2004)
  • Residual bitterness at Bush from 2000 campaign. (May 2002)
  • Time for closure on a bizarre situation. (Nov 2000)
  • 1990: McCain & Glenn exonerated in Keating 5 scandal. (Sep 2000)
  • Won 1992 AZ House election as newcomer & confident war hero. (Sep 2000)
  • Suspends campaign, citing Republican preference for Bush. (Mar 2000)
  • Will take reform crusade back to the Senate. (Mar 2000)
  • Leaves race, urging service to country. (Mar 2000)
  • Reagan Republican: simplify taxes, stop waste, pay down debt. (Mar 2000)
  • Support conservative issues, not far-right leaders. (Mar 2000)
  • The GOP should be inclusive. (Feb 2000)
  • Campaigning to return government to the people. (Sep 1999)

    Personal History

  • Favorite movie: “Viva Zapata”, a heroic tale of sacrifice. (Sep 2008)
  • OpEd: Senator Hothead nickname is well-earned. (Mar 2008)
  • 1980: Second marriage only 3 months after first divorce. (Mar 2008)
  • Inspired by Reagan while in the North Vietnam prison camps. (Jan 2008)
  • Spent 10 years “doing everything I can to control my temper”. (Oct 2007)
  • As teenager, inherited obligation to attend Annapolis. (Sep 2007)
  • Admiral Slew McCain set John’s standard for grit & courage. (Sep 2007)
  • Born at a Naval Air Station in the Panama Canal Zone. (Sep 2007)
  • Relationship with father was one of respect, more than love. (Sep 2007)
  • 1969: Wife Carol crippled in car crash while John was POW. (Sep 2007)
  • 1974: First marriage ended in wake of return from POW camp. (Sep 2007)
  • 1978: Married Cindy, 25 years younger, started over post-POW. (Sep 2007)
  • Not youngest candidate, but certainly the most prepared. (May 2007)
  • Admiral McCain’s health failed after retiring from the Navy. (Sep 2002)
  • Spent nearly 23 years on active duty in the Navy. (Sep 2002)
  • To understand McCain, understand grandfather Slew. (Sep 2000)
  • Community of origin is the Navy, not a geographic community. (Sep 2000)
  • Described himself as a "jock," but not exceptional. (Sep 2000)
  • Temper usually directed at those higher; seldom at underling. (Sep 2000)
  • From Hanoi to C.F.R., never chose path of least resistance. (Sep 2000)
  • War injuries left him unable to raise arms above head. (Sep 2000)
  • Survived as POW by faith to a higher cause. (Nov 1999)
  • Refused release to hurt Vietnamese & remain loyal to POWs. (Nov 1999)
  • Graduated 5th from bottom of Naval Academy class. (Nov 1999)
  • “Profligate rake” during Academy and Junior Officer years. (Nov 1999)

    Voting Record

  • Voted with Republican Party 87.3% of 165 votes. (Sep 2007)
  • Vote based on character, not issues. (Jan 2000)
  • Voted NO on confirming of Sonia Sotomayor to Supreme Court. (Aug 2009)
  • Voted YES on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice. (Jan 2006)
  • Voted YES on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Sep 2005)
  • Religious affiliation: Episcopalian. (Nov 2000)
  • Member of the Republican Main Street Partnership . (Jan 2001)
John McCain on Social Security
Click here for 25 full quotes on Social Security OR 2 older headlines OR other political leaders on Social Security.
  • Future retirees cannot get what current ones get. (Oct 2008)
  • It’s not that tough to fix Social Security, if bipartisan. (Oct 2008)
  • Looming challenges of entitlements need personal accounts. (Feb 2008)
  • We need personal savings accounts. (Oct 2007)
  • Willing to compromise on raising cap above $90K. (May 2007)
  • Save benefits by bipartisan agreement; but without new tax. (Apr 2007)
  • Trust Fund is a ticking time bomb, set to go off in 2014. (Jan 2000)
  • More believe in Elvis than in getting Social Security check. (Jan 2000)
  • Option to invest 20% of payroll taxes in private accounts. (Jan 2000)
  • Every dollar off-budget - no ifs, ands, or excuses. (Sep 1999)
  • Disallow using Trust Fund for “emergency” spending. (Jun 1999)
  • Allow workers to invest privately. (Jun 1999)
  • Earnings test penalizes productivity in retirees. (Jun 1999)
  • Eliminate the “earnings test” which taxes benefits. (May 1999)
  • Lock up Trust Fund; devote 62% of budget surplus to it. (May 1999)
  • Put surplus into Trust Fund; fulfill promised benefits. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted YES on using the Social Security Surplus to fund tax reductions. (Jul 1999)
  • Voted YES on Social Security Lockbox & limiting national debt. (Apr 1999)
  • Voted YES on allowing Roth IRAs for retirees. (May 1998)
  • Voted YES on allowing personal retirement accounts. (Apr 1998)
  • Voted YES on deducting Social Security payments on income taxes. (May 1996)
  • Rated 40% by the ARA, indicating a mixed record on senior issues. (Dec 2003)
  • Rated 21% by ARA, indicating a mixed record on senior issues. (Jan 2013)
  • Supports individual savings accounts and work incentives. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Tax Reform
Click here for 68 full quotes on Tax Reform OR 10 older headlines OR other political leaders on Tax Reform.
  • Tap unused stimulus funds to declare a payroll tax holiday. (Sep 2010)
  • Keep tax rates the same; let’s not raise anybody’s taxes. (Oct 2008)
  • FactCheck: Obama voted for taxes 76 times, not 94 times. (Oct 2008)
  • Worst thing in bad economic climate is to raise taxes. (Sep 2008)
  • Double the child tax exemption from $3,500 to $7,000. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: $7,000-per-child tax EXEMPTION, not tax CREDIT. (Aug 2008)
  • Double the personal tax exemption for every dependent. (Jul 2008)
  • Terrible mistake to raise taxes during an economic downturn. (Jun 2008)
  • Veto any tax increase; worst thing now is to raise taxes. (Feb 2008)
  • 2001: tax package with spending restraint, against Bush cuts. (Feb 2008)
  • Require a 3/5 majority vote in Congress to raise taxes. (Feb 2008)
  • FactCheck: Against Bush tax cuts in 2003; for them in 2006. (Jan 2008)
  • Romney raising fees a quarter-billion dollars is a tax hike. (Jan 2008)
  • Opposed to the Bush tax cuts as spending got out of control. (Jan 2008)
  • Supported Reagan tax cuts because matched by spending cuts. (Jan 2008)
  • Reform the tax code that nobody trusts and believes in. (Dec 2007)
  • We need a simpler, fairer tax code, but not FairTax. (Nov 2007)
  • Tax system is fair; wealthy pay bulk of taxes. (Oct 2007)
  • Opposed Bush tax cuts in 2001 & 2003; but now extend them. (Oct 2007)
  • Won’t sign no-tax pledge; focus on cutting spending. (Sep 2007)
  • Make tax reform commission & vote yes-or-no on outcome. (Aug 2007)
  • FactCheck: Families spend $20B on tax prep, not $140B. (Aug 2007)
  • Opposed Bush tax cuts, but must extend them now. (May 2007)
  • New tax cuts account for contingencies and over-spending. (May 2007)
  • Alternative minimum tax is eating Americans alive. (May 2007)
  • Bush tax cuts fiscally reckless & favored rich;but keep them. (Apr 2007)
  • Consistent on focusing tax cuts more toward middle class. (May 2002)
  • Tax plan: $238B over 5 years; $500B over 10 years. (Feb 2000)
  • Double child tax credit; add family incentives. (Feb 2000)
  • “Balanced approach”, and starts a flat tax system. (Feb 2000)
  • Reagan Republican: simplify taxes; cut waste. (Feb 2000)
  • Big money interests fear closing loopholes. (Jan 2000)
  • Remove charitable deduction; it only benefits rich. (Jan 2000)
  • Replace employer-provided benefits with a tax cut. (Jan 2000)
  • Middle-class tax cut: expand 15% tax bracket. (Jan 2000)
  • Don’t promise tax cuts from future surpluses we may not have. (Jan 2000)
  • 1st step to simplify taxes: close special interest loopholes. (Dec 1999)
  • Supports flat tax; stop complexity by special interests. (Oct 1999)
  • Keep lump-sum earned income tax credit. (Oct 1999)
  • Cut marriage tax, inheritance tax, & earnings test. (Sep 1999)
  • Taxes should be flatter, lower, and simpler. (Apr 1999)

    Voting Record

  • GovWatch: 2001: against tax cut that went to rich. (Feb 2008)
  • Voting against Bush cuts then for them: not a mistake. (Jan 2008)
  • Voted against Bush tax cuts for not reining in spending. (May 2007)
  • Voted YES on allowing AMT reduction without budget offset. (Mar 2008)
  • Voted YES on raising the Death Tax exemption to $5M from $1M. (Feb 2008)
  • Voted YES on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax. (Mar 2007)
  • Voted YES on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million. (Mar 2007)
  • Voted YES on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts. (Aug 2006)
  • Voted YES on permanently repealing the `death tax`. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted NO on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut. (Feb 2006)
  • Voted YES on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Feb 2006)
  • Voted YES on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends. (Nov 2005)
  • Voted NO on $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years. (May 2003)
  • Voted YES on reducing marriage penalty instead of cutting top tax rates. (May 2001)
  • Voted NO on increasing tax deductions for college tuition. (May 2001)
  • Voted YES on eliminating the 'marriage penalty'. (Jul 2000)
  • Voted YES on phasing out the estate tax ("death tax"). (Jul 2000)
  • Voted NO on across-the-board spending cut. (Oct 1999)
  • Voted YES on requiring super-majority for raising taxes. (Apr 1998)
  • Rated 72% by NTU, indicating "Satisfactory" on tax votes. (Dec 2003)
  • Rated 50% by CTJ, indicating a mixed record on progressive taxation. (Dec 2006)
  • Taxpayer Protection Pledge: no new taxes. (Aug 2010)
  • Supports the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. (Jan 2012)
  • Opposes increasing income tax rates. (Nov 2016)
  • Supports eliminating the death tax. (Nov 2016)
  • Implement socially fair, broad-based tax cuts. (Sep 1998)
John McCain on Technology
Click here for 31 full quotes on Technology OR 3 older headlines OR other political leaders on Technology.
  • I don't use email so I won't write things I later regret. (Mar 2015)
  • $686K in donations from telecoms as chair of telecom cmte. (Mar 2008)
  • Ban Internet taxes & new cell phone taxes. (Feb 2008)
  • Don’t police Internet crime; go after money to reduce crime. (Oct 2007)
  • Ban TV boxing; college football betting; & online gambling. (Oct 2007)
  • Veto pork barrel; focus transportation spending on repairs. (Aug 2007)
  • Special interest influence corruptly took HDTV frequencies. (May 2007)
  • FactCheck: Special interests only delayed HDTV transfer. (May 2007)
  • Provide unused spectrum to emergency officials. (Mar 2007)
  • 1996 Telecomm Bill: public interest was not at the table. (May 2002)
  • Uses Internet to read news & to get donations. (Mar 2000)
  • Digital Divide requires tax credits for equipment & teachers. (Jan 2000)
  • Internet tax ban saved consumers $600M this Xmas. (Jan 2000)
  • Free TV & radio to candidates as a public interest. (Dec 1999)
  • Make Internet tax moratorium permanent. (Dec 1999)
  • Encourage teachers to learn high tech. (Oct 1999)
  • Technology can hasten end of haves vs. have-nots. (Sep 1999)
  • Get more government documents on-line. (Aug 1999)
  • Telecommuncations Act was an influence-peddling scheme. (Jul 1999)
  • Internet access, with filters, at every school & library. (Jun 1999)
  • No government control over computer encryption. (Apr 1999)
  • Voted YES on authorizing states to collect Internet sales taxes. (May 2013)
  • Voted NO on restoring $550M in funding for Amtrak for 2007. (Mar 2006)
  • Voted NO on disallowing FCC approval of larger media conglomerates. (Sep 2003)
  • Voted YES on Internet sales tax moratorium. (Oct 1998)
  • Voted NO on telecomm deregulation. (Feb 1996)
  • Sponsored bill requiring text on TV for visually-impaired. (Apr 2005)
  • Permanent ban on state & local taxation of Internet access. (Oct 2007)
  • Require websites to police for copyrighted materials. (May 2011)
  • Website for competitive federal awards. (Jun 2008)
John McCain on War & Peace
Click here for 135 full quotes on War & Peace OR 9 older headlines OR other political leaders on War & Peace.
  • We're in an Afghan stalemate & a Russian EU destruction. (Mar 2017)
  • Putin is a thug; Russia understands only our strength. (Mar 2017)
  • Mandate a three-part process to start war. (Jan 2015)
  • Putin in Crimea: it's delusional to think Cold War is over. (Mar 2014)
  • Chief Senate proponent of military intervention in Syria. (Jun 2013)
  • 2007: No guarantee with surge; but no surge surely fails. (Nov 2010)
  • Obama "an uncertain trumpet" for Afghan & Iraqi withdrawal. (Nov 2010)
  • 2008: No one has supported Bush in Iraq more than I have. (Oct 2010)
  • Bush mismanaged Iraq; until the surge. (Jan 2010)
  • McCain Doctrine: when we go to war, complete the mission. (Aug 2009)
  • Proudest moment: opposing Reagan on Lebanon deployment. (Mar 2008)
  • Consistent opponent of involving US in civil wars abroad. (Oct 2007)
  • 1983: Questioned US military presence in Lebanon. (Oct 2007)
  • 1999: Kosovo: We are in it; now we must win it. (Sep 2007)
  • 2000: Air bombing in Kosovo was immoral: it "wins ugly". (Feb 2003)

    Global War on Terror

  • In Afghanistan, employ same winning strategy as in Iraq. (Sep 2008)
  • Don’t threaten Pakistan; it’s part of Afghan strategy. (Sep 2008)
  • We face transcendent evil of radical Islamic extremism. (Sep 2008)
  • Since 1998, championed policy of “rogue-state rollback”. (Oct 2007)
  • Follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell. (May 2007)
  • Prefers not to take troops out of Afghanistan. (Jan 2007)
  • The War on Terror is the overriding and transcendent issue. (Oct 2004)
  • The War on Terror is a fight between good and evil. (Aug 2004)
  • The War on Terror a war we must fight. (Aug 2004)
  • Avoiding the War on Terror has cost us dearly. (Aug 2004)
  • Bush promised enemies would soon hear from us and they did. (Aug 2004)
  • Our adversaries express a hatred for all good in humanity. (Aug 2004)
  • 2000: Warned against radical Islamic terrorism. (May 2002)
  • 2001: No pinprick responses to 9/11; it’s a long haul. (May 2002)
  • 2001: Nuclear weapons unnecessary against terrorists. (May 2002)
  • Palestine: Against declaration of statehood. (Feb 1999)

    Iran

  • Don’t wait for UN if Iran attacks Israel. (Oct 2008)
  • FactCheck: Obama did declare Republican Guard terrorists. (Sep 2008)
  • Strategic bombing of Iran OK only if imminent threat. (Dec 2007)
  • Congress can only declare war; not micromanage wars. (Dec 2007)
  • Keep military option open against Iran, even if no nukes. (Dec 2007)
  • No direct talk with Iran; talk is over-rated. (Dec 2007)
  • Iran & Syria must not get nukes; they’ll exterminate Israel. (Nov 2007)
  • Iran is state sponsor of terrorism; no more evidence needed. (Nov 2007)
  • Congressional consultation before attacking Iran’s nukes. (Oct 2007)
  • Sanctions to prevent Iranian nukes; but don’t count on UN. (Sep 2007)
  • Iran is sponsor of terrorism; US strike if they get nukes. (May 2007)

    Iraq War

  • 2007: Visited Iraq with Lieberman; led to endorsement. (Jan 2010)
  • No Surrender Tour: Stop Democrats from Iraqi withdrawal. (Jan 2010)
  • 2006: No good options in Iraq, but we can't afford to lose. (Aug 2009)
  • Waving a white flag in Iraq will cause chaos and genocide. (Aug 2009)
  • 2004: Iraq War was "necessary, achievable, and noble". (Aug 2009)
  • Biden’s plan to partition Iraq was a cockamamie idea. (Oct 2008)
  • FactCheck: Biden’s plan decentralized Iraq; not 3 countries. (Oct 2008)
  • Bring our troops home with victory and with honor. (Oct 2008)
  • 2007: Encouraging signs of normalcy in Iraq. (Oct 2008)
  • FactCheck: Bush vetoed troop bill that Obama voted against. (Sep 2008)
  • We now have a great strategy & are winning in Iraq. (Sep 2008)
  • The next president has to decide how and when to leave Iraq. (Sep 2008)
  • FactCheck: Admiral did not call Obama’s plan dangerous. (Sep 2008)
  • Obama would lose a war to win a political campaign. (Sep 2008)
  • Quoting “100 years in Iraq” is out-of-context. (Apr 2008)
  • Despite deserters & Basra loss, Iraqi military doing better. (Apr 2008)
  • 1998: Remove Saddam by force without UN approval. (Mar 2008)
  • Costs will be far greater should we fail in Iraq. (Feb 2008)
  • Not a matter of how long in Iraq, but a matter of casualties. (Feb 2008)
  • Don’t let enemy lay in the weeds until we leave. (Jan 2008)
  • Support the surge and bring troops home with honor. (Jan 2008)
  • Timetable for withdrawal is a white flag of surrender. (Jan 2008)
  • Staying for 100 years OK, if US casualties are low. (Jan 2008)
  • The Iraq war was worth the price in blood and treasure. (Jan 2008)
  • Ok with American presence in Iraq for 100 years. (Jan 2008)
  • FactCheck: Yes, criticized Rumsfeld, but not before invasion. (Jan 2008)
  • Help Maliki government move forward as rapidly as possible. (Nov 2007)
  • I would much rather lose a campaign than lose a war. (Oct 2007)
  • Stategy in Iraq: defeat al-Qaeda; limit Iran’s influence. (Sep 2007)
  • Iraq is now the central front in the war against al-Qaeda. (Sep 2007)
  • Americans want to win; bin Laden thinks he’s winning now. (Sep 2007)
  • Democrats proposing failure in Iraq by withdrawing. (Sep 2007)
  • Reducing military presence has never in history won a war. (Sep 2007)
  • Bring troops home the right way: home with honor. (Sep 2007)
  • Surge is working; let it continue until it succeeds. (Sep 2007)
  • Tragic mistake of Iraq: no plan to deal with success. (Aug 2007)
  • Support the surge even if benchmarks are not met. (Aug 2007)
  • Did not read NIE before war vote, but was fully briefed. (Jun 2007)
  • If new strategy not working by Sept., we still must succeed. (Jun 2007)
  • Willing to be last man standing for US involvement in Iraq. (May 2007)
  • Consequences of failure: regional chaos & we must come back. (May 2007)
  • In hindsight, Iraq invasion was still justified. (May 2007)
  • Timetable would be catastrophe, even if Iraq wants it. (May 2007)
  • Advocated leaving Somalia, but no comparison to Iraq. (May 2007)
  • War has been mismanaged, but we are now on the right track. (May 2007)
  • War in Iraq has not gone well: dire but not hopeless. (Mar 2007)
  • Al Qaeda may take over Iraqi oilwells. (Mar 2007)
  • Prefers more troops for surge, but 20,000 is sufficient. (Jan 2007)
  • Bush now has the right strategy, and it’s our last chance. (Jan 2007)
  • Generals advising “no more troops” was a failed policy. (Jan 2007)
  • McCain Principle: Committing troops means completing mission. (Jan 2007)
  • If we leave Iraq, terrorists will follow us home. (Jan 2007)
  • Send in a heavy wave of troops to Iraq to establish order. (Nov 2006)
  • Looting, terrorism in Iraq a result of US mistakes. (Sep 2004)
  • The Iraqi war was necessary after years of failed diplomacy. (Aug 2004)
  • Saddam would have acquired terrible weapons again. (Aug 2004)
  • The Iraqi war was necessary, achievable and noble. (Aug 2004)
  • The cause of the Iraqi war was just. (Apr 2004)
  • 1991: Urged formally declaring war on Iraq over Kuwait. (Jan 2004)

    Vietnam

  • OpEd: As war pilot, no remorse for dropping bombs on Hanoi. (Nov 2008)
  • Vietnam's greatest injustice: burden of service on the poor. (Sep 2007)
  • 1967: POW son of admiral was propaganda coup for N. Vietnam. (Sep 2000)
  • 1966: Part of no-win situation in Operation Rolling Thunder. (Sep 2000)
  • 1967: Survived USS Forrestal fire that killed over 100. (Sep 2000)
  • 1967: Shot down on first mission over central Hanoi. (Sep 2000)
  • 1967:Refused making propaganda film in exchange for medicine. (Sep 2000)
  • 1968: Under torture, wrote coerced "confession". (Sep 2000)
  • Silent about origins & necessity of Vietnam. (Sep 2000)

    Voting Record

  • Congress has no authority to cut off funds for Iraqi use. (Jan 2007)
  • Voted NO on redeploying non-essential US troops out of Iraq in 9 months. (Dec 2007)
  • Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)
  • Voted NO on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)
  • Voted YES on requiring on-budget funding for Iraq, not emergency funding. (Apr 2005)
  • Voted YES on $86 billion for military operations in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Oct 2003)
  • Voted YES on authorizing use of military force against Iraq. (Oct 2002)
  • Voted NO on allowing all necessary force in Kosovo. (May 1999)
  • Voted YES on authorizing air strikes in Kosovo. (Mar 1999)
  • Voted YES on ending the Bosnian arms embargo. (Jul 1995)
  • Supports $48 billion in new spending for anti-terrorism. (Jan 2002)
  • CIA assessments ib Iraqi WMDs were all wrong. (Mar 2005)
  • Belief in Iraqi nukes was poor analysis of aluminum tubes. (Mar 2005)
  • Belief in Iraqi BWs was based on one unreliable person. (Mar 2005)
  • Belief in Iraqi CWs was based on flawed imagery. (Mar 2005)
  • Iraq never had delivery systems to attack US mainland. (Mar 2005)
  • CIA never questioned assumption that Saddam had WMDs. (Mar 2005)
  • Conclusions on Iran and North Korea are all classified. (Mar 2005)
  • Iranian nuclear weapons: prevention instead of containment. (May 2012)
  • Iran must accept long-term intrusive nuke inspection. (Mar 2014)
  • No nuclear deal with Iran without Congressional input. (Mar 2015)
  • Support the completion of the US mission in Iraq. (Feb 2007)
  • Sanctions on Iran to end nuclear program. (Apr 2009)
  • Move the US Embassy to Jerusalem. (Nov 1995)
John McCain on Welfare & Poverty
Click here for 15 full quotes on Welfare & Poverty OR other political leaders on Welfare & Poverty.
  • Lower and middle income Americans need more help. (Jan 2008)
  • Require 40 hours work per week from welfare recipients. (Nov 2004)
  • Supports block grants, welfare-to-work, state control. (Jan 2000)
  • Anti-poverty shared by gov’t & faith-based orgs. (Jan 2000)
  • List unoccupied HUD-owned homes, & give them away. (Feb 1999)
  • Use tax code to address unemployment & working conditions. (Jul 1998)
  • More housing assistance; tax breaks against homelessness. (Jul 1998)
  • Pro-block grants; pro-welfare-to-work. (Jul 1998)
  • Voted YES on instituting National Service as a new social invention. (Mar 2009)
  • Voted YES on welfare block grants. (Aug 1996)
  • Voted NO on eliminating block grants for food stamps. (Jul 1996)
  • Voted YES on allowing state welfare waivers. (Jul 1996)
  • Voted YES on welfare overhaul. (Sep 1995)
  • Fully fund AmeriCorps. (Jun 2003)


VoteMatch Responses
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VoteMatch Question & Answer
(Click on question for explanation and background)
Based on these stances:
(Click on topic for excerpt & citation)
Opposes topic 1:
Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right
(-3 points on Social scale)
Defund Planned Parenthood: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Pro-life and an advocate for the Rights of Man everywhere: Strongly Opposes topic 1
GovWatch: 1999: Don’t force women to have illegal operations: Favors topic 1
1999: Repealing Roe forces dangerous illegal abortions: Favors topic 1
Concerned if women undergo illegal dangerous operations: Favors topic 1
Prosecute abortion doctors, not women who get them: Opposes topic 1
Overturn Roe v. Wade, but keep incest & rape exceptions: Opposes topic 1
Wants Roe vs. Wade made irrelevant, but would not repeal it: Favors topic 1
Opposes partial-birth abortions & public financing: Opposes topic 1
Supports repealing Roe v. Wade: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Expand embryonic stem cell research: Favors topic 1
Rated 75% by the NRLC, indicating a mixed record on abortion: Neutral on topic 1
Prohibit transporting minors across state lines for abortion: Opposes topic 1
Opposes public funding for abortion services: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Supports parental notification for abortions by minors: Strongly Opposes topic 1
Supports judges who strictly interpret Constitution: Strongly Favors topic 1
YES on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP: Opposes topic 1
YES on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions: Opposes topic 1
YES on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life: Strongly Opposes topic 1
YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime: Opposes topic 1
NO on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives: Opposes topic 1
YES on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions: Opposes topic 1
YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines: Favors topic 1
YES on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions: Opposes topic 1
YES on restricting UN funding for population control policies: Opposes topic 1
Favors topic 2:
Legally require hiring women & minorities
(-3 points on Economic scale)
Equal pay for equal work case was a trial lawyer’s dream: Opposes topic 2
Inter-racial dating ban is idiotic and cruel: Favors topic 2
Affirmative action OK for specific programs, but no quotas: Favors topic 2
Rated 7% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance: Strongly Opposes topic 2
YES on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act: Favors topic 2
YES on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds: Strongly Opposes topic 2
NO on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business: Strongly Favors topic 2
NO on prohibiting same-sex basic training: Favors topic 2
YES on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women: Favors topic 2
Favors topic 3:
Comfortable with same-sex marriage
(+2 points on Social scale)
Supports CA Prop. 8: one-man-one-woman marriage: Strongly Opposes topic 3
Leave gay marriage to the states: Favors topic 3
1994: No Senate hiring discrimination by sexual orientation: Strongly Favors topic 3
Accepts gays in military under current policy: Favors topic 3
Would be “comfortable” with a gay president: Favors topic 3
1st Amend. not a shield for hate groups: Neutral on topic 3
Ban on same-sex marriage is unRepublican; leave it to states: Strongly Favors topic 3
Keep “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy - it works: Favors topic 3
Rated 33% by the HRC, indicating a mixed record on gay rights: Neutral on topic 3
YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage: Strongly Opposes topic 3
NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation: Strongly Opposes topic 3
NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation: Opposes topic 3
NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes: Strongly Opposes topic 3
NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage: Strongly Favors topic 3
Favors topic 4:
Keep God in the public sphere
(-3 points on Social scale)
Secret Pledge of Allegiance: most meaning of POW's day: Favors topic 4
Support evangelism but don’t pander to evangelical leaders: Opposes topic 4
Faith bridges unbridgeable gaps in humanity: Neutral on topic 4
Ten Commandments would bring virtue to our schools: Strongly Favors topic 4
Allow, but not mandate, school prayer: Favors topic 4
Supports block grants, welfare-to-work, state control: Favors topic 4
Anti-poverty shared by gov’t & faith-based orgs: Strongly Favors topic 4
Pro-block grants; pro-welfare-to-work: Favors topic 4
Supports anti-flag desecration amendment: Favors topic 4
Rated 83% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-Family-Value voting record: Strongly Favors topic 4
YES on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer: Favors topic 4
YES on $75M for abstinence education: Strongly Favors topic 4
YES on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors: Opposes topic 4
YES on declaring memorial prayers and religious symbols OK at schools: Favors topic 4
YES on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration: Favors topic 4
Opposes topic 5:
Expand ObamaCare
(+2 points on Economic scale)
Repeal & replace, but don't throw anyone off healthcare: Opposes topic 5
Include a health savings account in healthcare reform: Opposes topic 5
Matching funds for seniors citizens’ prescription drugs: Favors topic 5
Expand health insurance to 11 million uninsured children: Strongly Favors topic 5
Allow paying extra for choice of doctors & care: Favors topic 5
More tax-deductible health costs; limits on malpractice: Favors topic 5
Repeal and replace the massive federal health-care law: Strongly Opposes topic 5
Mandated heath insurance is Big Government at its best: Strongly Favors topic 5
Family should make health decisions, not federal government: Opposes topic 5
Harness market competition for comprehensive reform: Strongly Opposes topic 5
1989: No mandatory catastrophic Medicare coverage: Opposes topic 5
1993: To socialize healthcare would be to ruin it: Strongly Opposes topic 5
Tax credits for those without employee health insurance: Strongly Favors topic 5
$350 billion for prescriptions for poor seniors: Favors topic 5
Rated 25% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 5
Supports repealing mandated health insurance: Strongly Opposes topic 5
YES on the Ryan Budget: Medicare choice, tax & spending cuts: Opposes topic 5
NO on blocking medical savings acounts: Opposes topic 5
NO on Medicare means-testing: Favors topic 5
YES on limiting self-employment health deduction: Opposes topic 5
NO on including prescription drugs under Medicare: Opposes topic 5
YES on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit: Opposes topic 5
NO on $40 billion per year for limited Medicare prescription drug benefit: Opposes topic 5
YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics: Favors topic 5
YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug: Strongly Favors topic 5
NO on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D: Opposes topic 5
NO on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program: Opposes topic 5
YES on regulating tobacco as a drug: Favors topic 5
Strongly Favors topic 6:
Privatize Social Security
(+5 points on Economic scale)
Looming challenges of entitlements need personal accounts: Strongly Favors topic 6
We need personal savings accounts: Strongly Favors topic 6
More believe in Elvis than in getting Social Security check: Favors topic 6
Option to invest 20% of payroll taxes in private accounts: Strongly Favors topic 6
Allow workers to invest privately: Strongly Favors topic 6
Rated 40% by the ARA, indicating a mixed record on senior issues: Neutral on topic 6
Rated 21% by ARA, indicating a mixed record on senior issues: Neutral on topic 6
Supports individual savings accounts and work incentives: Favors topic 6
YES on deducting Social Security payments on income taxes: Favors topic 6
YES on allowing Roth IRAs for retirees: Favors topic 6
YES on allowing personal retirement accounts: Favors topic 6
YES on using the Social Security Surplus to fund tax reductions: Favors topic 6
Strongly Favors topic 7:
Vouchers for school choice
(+5 points on Economic scale)
I want schools to answer to parents and students: Favors topic 7
Let local school boards decide hiring and spending: Strongly Favors topic 7
Vouchers and school choice for all: Strongly Favors topic 7
Place parents & children at the center of education: Strongly Favors topic 7
We need more choice and competition in education: Strongly Favors topic 7
Charters, homeschooling, & vouchers are key to success: Strongly Favors topic 7
Vouchers & charters will improve our school system: Strongly Favors topic 7
Nationwide test of school vouchers: Strongly Favors topic 7
$5B program for 3-year test of school vouchers: Strongly Favors topic 7
Tax-funded vouchers for private schools or charter schools: Strongly Favors topic 7
Vouchers for any schools; more charter schools: Strongly Favors topic 7
Unrestricted block grants--let states decide spending: Strongly Favors topic 7
Support Ed-Flex: more flexibility if more accountable: Favors topic 7
Rated 45% by the NEA, indicating a mixed record on public education: Neutral on topic 7
YES on school vouchers in DC: Strongly Favors topic 7
YES on education savings accounts: Favors topic 7
YES on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules: Strongly Favors topic 7
NO on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors: Favors topic 7
NO on funding student testing instead of private tutors: Favors topic 7
NO on $5B for grants to local educational agencies: Favors topic 7
Opposes topic 8:
Fight EPA regulatory over-reach
(+2 points on Social scale)
Create green jobs to help economy & environment: Opposes topic 8
Support much tougher regulations on emission requirements: Favors topic 8
Economic & environmental interests not mutually exclusive: Opposes topic 8
Scored 40% on Humane Society Scorecard on animal protection: Favors topic 8
1996: Put 3.5B acres of land into wilderness protection: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Preserving wilderness among proudest achievements: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Preserve and help our National Parks: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Preserve natural resources for future: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Led delegation with Hillary, to see effects of polar warming: Strongly Opposes topic 8
2000: Held hearings on mounting evidence of climate change: Strongly Opposes topic 8
End commercial whaling and illegal trade in whale meat: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Supports grants for brownfields remediation: Strongly Opposes topic 8
Rated 53% by the LCV, indicating a mixed record on environment: Neutral on topic 8
EPA must do better on mercury clean-up: Opposes topic 8
Loosen restrictions on predator control in Alaska: Strongly Favors topic 8
YES on protecting ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems: Opposes topic 8
NO on continuing desert protection in California: Strongly Favors topic 8
NO on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests: Opposes topic 8
Favors topic 9:
Stricter punishment reduces crime
(-3 points on Social scale)
More death penalty; stricter sentencing: Favors topic 9
Pro-death penalty; more prisons; increased penalties: Strongly Favors topic 9
Rated 29% by CURE, indicating anti-rehabilitation crime votes: Strongly Favors topic 9
Death penalty for killing police officers: Favors topic 9
Rated 45% by the NAPO, indicating a police-the-police stance: Strongly Opposes topic 9
YES on rejecting racial statistics in death penalty appeals: Favors topic 9
YES on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms: Strongly Favors topic 9
YES on limiting death penalty appeals: Favors topic 9
YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations: Favors topic 9
Strongly Favors topic 10:
Absolute right to gun ownership
(+5 points on Economic scale)
Prosecute criminals, not citizens for gun ownership: Strongly Favors topic 10
Don’t hold gun manufacturers liable for crimes: Favors topic 10
Opposes restrictions on assault weapons and ammunition types: Strongly Favors topic 10
Ban cheap guns; require safety locks; for gun show checks: Opposes topic 10
Voted against Brady Bill & assault weapon ban: Strongly Favors topic 10
Punish criminals who abuse 2nd Amendment rights: Favors topic 10
Repeal existing gun restrictions; penalize criminal use: Strongly Favors topic 10
Allow veterans to register unlicensed guns acquired abroad: Favors topic 10
Opposes restrictions on right to bear arms: Strongly Favors topic 10
Reciprocity across state lines for concealed carry: Strongly Favors topic 10
Ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC: Strongly Favors topic 10
Allow firearms in National Parks: Strongly Favors topic 10
NO on banning high-capacity magazines of over 10 bullets: Strongly Favors topic 10
YES on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks: Strongly Favors topic 10
YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows: Favors topic 10
NO on background checks at gun shows: Strongly Favors topic 10
YES on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence: Strongly Favors topic 10
YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers: Strongly Favors topic 10
YES on allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains: Favors topic 10
Opposes topic 11:
Higher taxes on the wealthy
(+2 points on Economic scale)
Require a 3/5 majority vote in Congress to raise taxes: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Tax system is fair; wealthy pay bulk of taxes: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Remove charitable deduction; it only benefits rich: Favors topic 11
Middle-class tax cut: expand 15% tax bracket: Favors topic 11
Tax cuts should go to middle- & lower-income people: Favors topic 11
Cut marriage tax, inheritance tax, & earnings test: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Taxes should be flatter, lower, and simpler: Strongly Opposes topic 11
GovWatch: 2001: against tax cut that went to rich: Strongly Favors topic 11
Voted against Bush tax cuts for not reining in spending: Opposes topic 11
Rated 72% by NTU, indicating "Satisfactory" on tax votes: Neutral on topic 11
Rated 50% by CTJ, indicating a mixed record on progressive taxation: Neutral on topic 11
Taxpayer Protection Pledge: no new taxes: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Supports the Taxpayer Protection Pledge: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Opposes increasing income tax rates: Opposes topic 11
Supports eliminating the death tax: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Implement socially fair, broad-based tax cuts: Favors topic 11
YES on raising the Death Tax exemption to $5M from $1M: Strongly Opposes topic 11
YES on allowing AMT reduction without budget offset: Opposes topic 11
YES on Internet sales tax moratorium: Opposes topic 11
YES on requiring super-majority for raising taxes: Opposes topic 11
YES on phasing out the estate tax ("death tax"): Opposes topic 11
YES on eliminating the 'marriage penalty': Opposes topic 11
NO on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts: Favors topic 11
YES on reducing marriage penalty instead of cutting top tax rates: Favors topic 11
NO on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction: Opposes topic 11
NO on $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years: Strongly Favors topic 11
YES on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends: Strongly Opposes topic 11
NO on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut: Opposes topic 11
YES on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends: Strongly Opposes topic 11
YES on permanently repealing the `death tax`: Strongly Opposes topic 11
YES on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts: Strongly Opposes topic 11
YES on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million: Strongly Opposes topic 11
YES on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax: Strongly Opposes topic 11
Favors topic 12:
Pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens
(+2 points on Social scale)
Municipalities cannot exempt themselves from immigration law: Strongly Opposes topic 12
Exclude our interpreters in Iraq from Muslim travel ban: Favors topic 12
Campaign ad: "Complete the danged fence!": Strongly Opposes topic 12
Party that attracts immigrants becomes the ruling party: Strongly Favors topic 12
Deport 2 million illegal immigrants who committed crimes: Favors topic 12
Certify border is secure; only then allow guest workers: Opposes topic 12
Praised immigrants who join army to advance citizenship: Favors topic 12
12 million illegals in country now is de facto amnesty: Favors topic 12
12 million illegals in country now is de facto amnesty: Strongly Favors topic 12
Immigration reform needed for national security: Strongly Favors topic 12
Give everyone in the world an opportunity to come to America: Favors topic 12
1988: Honored by La Raza for opposing official English: Favors topic 12
More help for legal immigrants when immigrating & once here: Strongly Favors topic 12
No more ballot initiatives against immigration: Strongly Favors topic 12
English immersion over bilingual education: Opposes topic 12
Sponsored comprehensive immigration reform, without amnesty: Strongly Favors topic 12
Rated 18% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance: Strongly Favors topic 12
Supports additional border infrastructure: Strongly Favors topic 12
YES on limit welfare for immigrants: Strongly Opposes topic 12
YES on visas for skilled workers: Favors topic 12
YES on allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work: Favors topic 12
YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security: Strongly Favors topic 12
YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship: Strongly Favors topic 12
YES on establishing a Guest Worker program: Favors topic 12
YES on building a fence along the Mexican border: Strongly Opposes topic 12
YES on declaring English as the official language of the US government: Strongly Opposes topic 12
YES on comprehensive immigration reform: Strongly Favors topic 12
Strongly Favors topic 13:
Support & expand free trade
(+5 points on Economic scale)
Globalization is an opportunity--reduce barriers to trade: Strongly Favors topic 13
Consider subsidies a mistake, and oppose them: Strongly Favors topic 13
Every time US went protectionist, we paid heavy price: Strongly Favors topic 13
Supports ethanol, but by exporting, not by subsidies: Strongly Favors topic 13
No environmental provisions in trade agreements: Strongly Favors topic 13
Free trade with any country except security risks: Favors topic 13
Free trade is indispensable to our prosperity: Strongly Favors topic 13
NAFTA has had unambiguously positive impact on US: Strongly Favors topic 13
Pro-NAFTA, pro-GATT, pro-MFN, pro-Fast Track: Strongly Favors topic 13
Promote the Andean Free Trade Agreement: Strongly Favors topic 13
Rated 100% by CATO, indicating a pro-free trade voting record: Strongly Favors topic 13
Sponsored bill for trade with post-Orange Revolution Ukraine: Favors topic 13
Sponsored sugar quotas & import tariffs to stabilize prices: Strongly Opposes topic 13
Voted YES to kill reauthorization of Ex-Im Bank: Opposes topic 13
Rated 75% by the USAE, indicating support for trade engagement: Strongly Favors topic 13
YES on renewing 'fast track' presidential trade authority: Favors topic 13
YES on permanent normal trade relations with China: Strongly Favors topic 13
YES on expanding trade to the third world: Favors topic 13
NO on removing common goods from national security export rules: Opposes topic 13
YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam: Favors topic 13
YES on extending free trade to Andean nations: Strongly Favors topic 13
YES on establishing free trade between US & Singapore: Favors topic 13
YES on establishing free trade between the US and Chile: Favors topic 13
YES on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade: Strongly Favors topic 13
YES on free trade agreement with Oman: Strongly Favors topic 13
Favors topic 14:
Support American Exceptionalism
(+2 points on Economic scale)
Mistake to ban immigrants from Iraq; they're our allies: Opposes topic 14
Russian election tampering could destroy democracy: Opposes topic 14
Create League of Democracies, instead of UN with dictators: Favors topic 14
Half of world's defense spending should be US as global cop: Strongly Favors topic 14
Overthrow “rogue” governments to keep Americans safe: Favors topic 14
UN is useful but cannot replace US world leadership: Favors topic 14
Don’t wait for UN if Iran attacks Israel: Strongly Favors topic 14
Sanctions to prevent Iranian nukes; but don’t count on UN: Opposes topic 14
Pay dues to UN after UN reforms: Favors topic 14
Sponsored bill banning torture of terrorists in US custody: Opposes topic 14
Oppose the United Nations' Arms Trade Treaty: Favors topic 14
No transfers of Gitmo prisoners to US or abroad: Strongly Favors topic 14
Supports standing with the nation of israel: Favors topic 14
Two-state solution despite Israeli settlements on West Bank: Favors topic 14
YES on $17.9 billion to IMF: Opposes topic 14
YES on capping foreign aid at only $12.7 billion: Strongly Favors topic 14
NO on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees: Strongly Favors topic 14
NO on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods: Strongly Favors topic 14
Favors topic 15:
Expand the military
(-3 points on Social scale)
Long-time foe of LCS, littoral combat ship: Strongly Opposes topic 15
3% increase in military is not enough; we need more: Strongly Favors topic 15
We need bigger army for more militaristic foreign policy: Strongly Favors topic 15
Half of world's defense spending should be US as global cop: Strongly Favors topic 15
Clean up waste in defense acquisition: Opposes topic 15
Eliminate defense pork, but increase most other defense: Strongly Favors topic 15
Terminate C-130, B-2, and Seawolf; use funds to modernize: Opposes topic 15
Politicians keep unneeded bases open for political purposes: Opposes topic 15
Raise military pay to avoid military draft: Favors topic 15
Supports $48 billion in new spending for anti-terrorism: Favors topic 15
Rated 0% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record: Strongly Favors topic 15
Sponsored bill for Iraq budget to be part of defense budget: Opposes topic 15
$515B for military plus $89B off sequester for wars: Favors topic 15
Reduce federal government size & scope, including military: Opposes topic 15
NO on 1996 Defense Appropriations: Opposes topic 15
YES on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty: Favors topic 15
NO on favoring 36 vetoed military projects: Strongly Opposes topic 15
YES on allowing another round of military base closures: Opposes topic 15
YES on military pay raise of 4.8%: Strongly Favors topic 15
YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP: Strongly Favors topic 15
YES on requiring on-budget funding for Iraq, not emergency funding: Opposes topic 15
NO on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months: Favors topic 15
Strongly Favors topic 16:
Make voter registration easier
(+5 points on Social scale)
Big money interests fear closing loopholes: Favors topic 16
Limit campaign contributions, not free speech: Favors topic 16
Citizens United was worst decision ever, but don't overturn: Favors topic 16
OpEd: McCain-Feingold chilled grassroots political speech: Strongly Favors topic 16
527s are clearly illegal; reform intended for small donors: Strongly Favors topic 16
Campaign finance reform needed to restore faith in politics: Strongly Favors topic 16
Finance reform will prevail if we have the votes & the guts: Strongly Favors topic 16
CFR passes Senate; focus on House, not court challenges: Favors topic 16
Clearer rules about campaign finance; no soft money: Favors topic 16
Soft money makes gov’t work for special interests: Favors topic 16
Campaign Finance: ban both labor union & corporate donations: Favors topic 16
Supports multiple restrictions on campaign finance: Strongly Favors topic 16
Cozying up to big donors makes big problems: Favors topic 16
Supports Shays-Meehan Campaign Finance Reform: Favors topic 16
Sponsored bill subjecting 527s to political committee rules: Strongly Favors topic 16
Require Internet disclosure of all earmarks: Favors topic 16
Ban paid voter registration: Opposes topic 16
YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance: Favors topic 16
YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations: Favors topic 16
YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads: Favors topic 16
YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity: Favors topic 16
YES on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress: Strongly Opposes topic 16
Strongly Opposes topic 17:
Avoid foreign entanglements
(-5 points on Social scale)
We're in an Afghan stalemate & a Russian EU destruction: Favors topic 17
Putin is a thug; Russia understands only our strength: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Obama "an uncertain trumpet" for Afghan & Iraqi withdrawal: Strongly Opposes topic 17
I support the Bush doctrine of pre-emptive war: Strongly Opposes topic 17
China: Advocate for political reforms, and guard Taiwan: Strongly Favors topic 17
Costs will be far greater should we fail in Iraq: Opposes topic 17
Timetable for withdrawal is a white flag of surrender: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Staying for 100 years OK, if US casualties are low: Strongly Opposes topic 17
The Iraq war was worth the price in blood and treasure: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Support the surge even if benchmarks are not met: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Willing to be last man standing for US involvement in Iraq: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Send in a heavy wave of troops to Iraq to establish order: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Russia: Sanctions until Putin exits Chechnya: Opposes topic 17
IMF’s Russia policies bad, but agency is OK: Favors topic 17
Iranian nuclear weapons: prevention instead of containment: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Iran must accept long-term intrusive nuke inspection: Opposes topic 17
No nuclear deal with Iran without Congressional input: Opposes topic 17
Support the completion of the US mission in Iraq: Strongly Opposes topic 17
Sanctions on Iran to end nuclear program: Opposes topic 17
YES on authorizing use of military force against Iraq: Strongly Opposes topic 17
NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007: Strongly Opposes topic 17
NO on redeploying non-essential US troops out of Iraq in 9 months: Opposes topic 17
Favors topic 18:
Prioritize green energy
(-3 points on Economic scale)
GovWatch: Build 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030: Strongly Opposes topic 18
Ethanol bad for environment & bad for consumers: Opposes topic 18
Supports alternative fuels, emission controls, & CWA: Favors topic 18
Dramatic Arctic changes might be man-made; might be natural: Strongly Opposes topic 18
The snows of Kilimanjaro may soon exist only in literature: Strongly Favors topic 18
Climate change is real and must be addressed: Favors topic 18
Utility lobbyists influence White House climate policy: Strongly Favors topic 18
2000: Criticized Bush’s withdrawal from the Kyoto Treaty: Strongly Favors topic 18
Strength Clean Air & Water Acts; but not Kyoto: Strongly Opposes topic 18
Make EPA into a Cabinet department: Strongly Favors topic 18
Sponsored bill for greenhouse gas tradeable allowances: Strongly Favors topic 18
Rated 17% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence: Opposes topic 18
Gas tax holiday for the summer: Opposes topic 18
Supports immediate reductions in greenhouse gases: Strongly Favors topic 18
YES on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases: Opposes topic 18
NO on do not require ethanol in gasoline: Favors topic 18
YES on defunding renewable and solar energy: Strongly Opposes topic 18
YES on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling: Opposes topic 18
NO on terminating CAFE standards within 15 months: Strongly Favors topic 18
YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010: Strongly Favors topic 18
YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill: Favors topic 18
NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%): Strongly Opposes topic 18
YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR: Strongly Favors topic 18
YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Favors topic 18
YES on requiring full Senate debate and vote on cap-and-trade: Opposes topic 18
YES on protecting middle-income taxpayers from a national energy tax: Opposes topic 18
NO on $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers program: Opposes topic 18
Strongly Favors topic 19:
Marijuana is a gateway drug
(-5 points on Social scale)
Administration is AWOL on the war on drugs: Strongly Favors topic 19
We’re losing drug war - just say no: Strongly Favors topic 19
$1B for detection equipment for more border interdiction: Strongly Favors topic 19
Stricter penalties; stricter enforcement: Strongly Favors topic 19
Sponsored bill for grants to Indian tribes to fight meth: Strongly Favors topic 19
Rated C by NORML, indicating a mixed record on drug reform: Neutral on topic 19
YES on spending international development funds on drug control: Strongly Favors topic 19
YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations: Favors topic 19
Opposes topic 20:
Stimulus better than market-led recovery
(+2 points on Economic scale)
Worst thing in bad economic climate is to raise taxes: Strongly Opposes topic 20
Can’t pass trillions of dollars of debt to our children: Opposes topic 20
Lower and middle income Americans need more help: Strongly Favors topic 20
Cut corporate income taxes to keep jobs here: Strongly Opposes topic 20
Loss of economic strength leads to losing military strength: Strongly Favors topic 20
Republicans have forgotten how to control spending: Opposes topic 20
Won’t sign no-tax pledge; focus on cutting spending: Favors topic 20
Opposed Bush tax cuts, but must extend them now: Strongly Opposes topic 20
Use veto power to reduce government spending: Opposes topic 20
Supports Balanced Budget Amendment: Opposes topic 20
Recoup financial bailout cost by cutting spending: Opposes topic 20
Impose some fiscal discipline to revive the economy: Opposes topic 20
Disapprove of increasing the debt limit: Opposes topic 20
Rated 17% by UFCW, indicating a pro-management voting record: Opposes topic 20
Supports constitutional amendment for balanced budget: Favors topic 20
NO on additional $825 billion for economic recovery package: Strongly Opposes topic 20
NO on $192B additional anti-recession stimulus spending: Strongly Opposes topic 20

John McCain is a Libertarian Conservative
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