The Topeka Capital-Journal Sunday, July 15, 2018 C3
2018 PRIMARY VOTERS GUIDE D E M O C R AT
U.S. HOUSE — 2ND DISTRICT: PAUL DAVIS Why are you running for a seat in the U.S. House? The dysfunction of Washington has spiraled out of control, and I can’t sit back and do nothing. When bipartisanship becomes something that’s threatened by leaders as a last resort — rather than relied upon as the foundation for sound policymaking — the system has lost touch with America and no longer serves the public good. One person cannot change Congress alone, but every seat matters. I have a long history of building relationships across the aisle, finding compromise, and getting things done as an elected official here in Kansas. We need more with that mindset in the United States House of Representatives. Do you believe the 2nd Amendment should be modified? If so, how? If not, should there be new gun restrictions to deal with what appears to be an epidemic of mass shootings? I support the 2nd amendment and the individual right to bear arms. I’m also a dad, with a second grader who must practice “active shooter drills” with her classmates. Elected leaders have a responsibility to do more to keep our children safe, but they keep letting partisan politics get in the way. There are many commonsense, bipartisan ideas worthy of consideration to enhance gun safety without hampering constitutional rights. Some include strengthening the background check system so fewer violent criminals and domestic abusers get access to weapons, or laws to prevent individuals on terrorist watch lists from buying a gun. How would you respond if President Trump fired special counsel Robert Mueller? Generally, what do you think of the Russiaelection inquiry? Robert Mueller is a respected prosecutor and should be allowed to complete his investigation; I would be seriously concerned if any president intervened, regardless of party. I support bipartisan proposals in Congress to prevent this potential outcome, but I feel further politicization of the matter — before the investigation
concludes or evidence officially made public — is unhelpful. I’m focused on the issues I hear about every day in Kansas, which include the skyrocketing cost of healthcare, the rigged nature of our tax code to benefit corporations and the wealthy, and the dangerous stranglehold lobbyists and special interests currently have on Washington. Has NAFTA done more to help or hurt the U.S. economy? How would you modify such trade agreements to protect the Kansas economy? I convened an agricultural advisory group early in my campaign, and I’ve hosted roundtable discussions with Kansas producers and suppliers throughout the district. Without question, they are more worried about the President’s trade war than anything else. I am very supportive of renegotiating NAFTA to protect Kansas jobs, with the caveat that it does not cost Kansas market access. Our state ranks seventh in the nation for agricultural exports, and we cannot grow if trade tensions continue to escalate. It is critical that trade policy protect Kansas producers, retain existing foreign markets, and develop new and emerging markets. Can you outline how Congress should reform the Affordable Care Act? A healthy America is a strong America, which is why access to healthcare is so vital to our prosperity. The ACA isn’t perfect, but we cannot fix its problems until the Republican Congress stops sabotaging the system. Allowing Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies would lower skyrocketing drug prices. Enforcing the law’s cost-sharing reductions would help stabilize the market and prevent massive premium spikes. Encouraging states like Kansas to expand Medicaid would give thousands more access to care. These are popular ideas that would tackle challenges I hear about most. Kansans are just waiting on Congress to stop playing politics. What is your view of the federal tax reform bill signed in late 2017 by President Trump? I support tax reform that helps middle class
Kansans who have been left behind as corporations raked in record profits. Instead, Congress passed a Brownback-style giveaway for special interests and campaign donors. It is exploding the national debt, stripping healthcare from 30,000 Kansans in this district, and ultimately raises taxes on Kansans earning less than $75,000 — all to pay for permanent corporate tax cuts. Under Brownback, Kansas learned the hard way that we couldn’t create jobs or move our state forward with a tax code that was upside down and backwards. The same holds true for our nation. How should transgender troops be integrated into the military? Or, should they be blocked from serving? I agree with John McCain, the Republican Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee: any American who meets current medical and readiness standards should be allowed to continue serving in our armed forces. All of our service members — and those who wish to serve — should be treated with dignity and respect. What do you think about including a citizenship question on the U.S. Census? Former census bureau directors, census experts, and nonpartisan analysts have expressed grave concern about this issue and its impact on the accuracy of the next census. We should defer to the data experts. The Census is the foundation for nearly every policy decision because it shapes the redistricting process, ultimately determining who is elected to serve in Congress and state legislatures. It also impacts the distribution of billions of dollars in federal aide around the country. This is far too important to politicize. Should Congress move to end all federal funding to Planned Parenthood? No. I have never politicized women’s health and I never will. Planned Parenthood is one of our nation’s largest healthcare providers for women. They provide affordable
PAUL DAVIS
Town of residence: Lawrence Party affiliation: Democrat Age: 45 Job: Attorney Prior elected offices: Kansas House
birth control, vaccinations, lifesaving cancer screenings, testing and treatment for STDS, HIV screenings, miscarriage management, and other essential care to 2.5 million women each year. How would you reform federal drug policy — from legalization of marijuana to the access to addictive pharmaceutical medicines? Washington’s gridlock hurts everyone, including state governments. In the last two decades, nearly 40 states have enacted some form of marijuana legalization — whether it be medicinal, recreational, or both. At the same time, pharmaceutical addictions have reached a level of crisis. Combined, this has created an increased urgency for federal policy change. States need both resources and guidance to respond to new crises and to regulate their own laws responsibly and safely. Instead, Washington does nothing, leaving states subject to the political whims of presidential administrations, which have tremendous leeway in how federal drug policies are enforced.
REPUBLICAN
U.S. HOUSE — 2ND DISTRICT: VERNON FIELDS Why are you running for a seat in the U.S. House? It is my firm belief that the 2nd Congressional District of Kansas deserves a representative who will be held personally responsible for limiting the impact of government on our choices and freedoms, defending our great constitution, and improving the quality of life for all residents of Kansas. As this campaign continues to move forward, you will find my platform will always be grounded and guided by my faith in humanity, supporting the sanctity of life, encouraging personal responsibility, limiting government, and in support of our State and Federal Constitutions. Do you believe the 2nd Amendment should be modified? If so, how? If not, should there be new gun restrictions to deal with what appears to be an epidemic of mass shootings? I believe the 2nd Amendment is as important today as it was when it was first adopted. I do not believe the Amendment should be altered at this time. There are reasons that an individual may elect to bear Arms, which may include protecting their lives and livelihoods. Owning arms is a right afforded to Americans. I have avid family members who are hunters. I am a sportsman and enjoy safely participating in shooting activities. I truly believe our Second Amendment rights should not be infringed upon and I will work toward keeping any infringements from occurring for citizens of the 2nd Congressional District of Kansas. How would you respond if President Trump fired special counsel Robert Mueller? Generally, what do you think of the Russia-election inquiry?
I believe it is important to continue the work of the special counsel. I also believe at the end of the inquiry, answers will be provided. At the end of the day, I believe the Russia-election inquiry will not result in a significant finding that will change the results of the election. Has NAFTA done more to help or hurt the U.S. economy? How would you modify such trade agreements to protect the Kansas economy? Initially, NAFTA was helpful to the U.S. economy. While NAFTA was established (passed), time has evolved and demonstrated that NAFTA has not been a fair approach to keeping our U.S. economy strong and vibrant. The unintended consequences for our country must be addressed. Removing the restriction and tariff quotas on agriculture product would be a great start for Kansans. Can you outline how Congress should reform the Affordable Care Act? The overarching goal is to make health care available to individuals that need health care. As a health care provider, the Affordable Care Act could be improved by streamlining access to health care providers. As a Registered Nurse (RN), there is no doubt that healthcare is in bad shape in this country. We never know when we (or a person) get sick or will need health care services. I believe health care reform is important. With that being said, I believe any type of health care reform must include limiting governmental involvement in our (or your) health care choices. I want you to be in charge of your health care choices with the focus being on obtaining (and having) access
to health care services for all people. I will work toward improving access and more availability to health care facilities throughout the entire district and our great country. What is your view of the federal tax reform bill signed in late 2017 by President Trump? The Federal Tax Reform has been helpful in returning monies to citizens. How should transgender troops be integrated into the military? Or, should they be blocked from serving? I believe every American (if fit) can and should be able to serve. Serving in our great military services is an honor, keeping our military strong is important. Individuals serving in our military must comply with current military standards. Again, if the individual is fit for service, then they should be able to serve. What do you think about including a citizenship question on the U.S. Census? Citizenship has always been important in determining if a person is a citizen of a specific country. If the intent is to measure (or count) the number of individuals living in this country, then the citizenship question is not necessary. However, if the intent is to measure (or count) the number of citizens, then the citizenship question is valid. Should Congress move to end all federal funding to Planned Parenthood? I believe funding abortions is not a good use of federal funding. There are other
VERNON FIELDS
Town of residence: Basehor Party affiliation: Republican Age: 61 Job: Retired Prior elected offices: Basehor City Council
valuable services (women’s health issues) that federal funding could be used, I do not believe using federal funding for abortion is a good use of federal funding. How would you reform federal drug policy — from legalization of marijuana to the access to addictive pharmaceutical medicines? As a health care provider, I have been against the legalization of marijuana. While medical marijuana is appropriate for the treatment of some medical conditions, I do not support the overall legalization of marijuana.
REPUBLICAN
U.S. HOUSE — 2ND DISTRICT: STEVE FITZGERALD Why are you running for a seat in the U.S. House? I am running to help implement the agenda that the American people approved in 2016. The United States must rebuild our military to restore American security and we must continue to grow our economy to ensure a secure and prosperous future for America. Do you believe the 2nd Amendment should be modified? If so, how? If not, should there be new gun restrictions to deal with what appears to be an epidemic of mass shootings? The 2nd amendment is a fundamental right guaranteed to all Americans, it should not be unjustly limited by the government. I’m proud to have been a sponsor of Kansas Senate Bill 45 that resulted in constitutional carry and to be a long-term life member of the NRA. Unfortunately, more work remains to be done as the federal government continues to exercise unwarranted and intrusive powers within the states. We need the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, so your right to self-defense is respected across state lines. How would you respond if President Trump fired special counsel Robert Mueller? Generally, what do you think of the Russia-election inquiry? So far, no compelling evidence of wrongdoing by the President has been introduced. Our elections must be secure, especially from foreign
and devious actors. If the President fired Robert Mueller, I would examine the evidence to ensure that it was on appropriate grounds. Has NAFTA done more to help or hurt the U.S. economy? How would you modify such trade agreements to protect the Kansas economy? Every trade deal can be said to hurt and help certain aspects of our economy. I am always open to ways to improve our trade deals, especially to protect the Kansas worker and farmer. Can you outline how Congress should reform the Affordable Care Act? Congress must use common-sense to reform our broken healthcare system. Obamacare has doubled premiums for many Kansas families, helped some, and hurt many small businesses. We need to restore our private market system of healthcare so that we can begin to lower barriers preventing high quality and affordable healthcare. What is your view of the federal tax reform bill signed in late 2017 by President Trump? The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a great accomplishment of our current administration. Most families will be able to keep more of their money. Although I was concerned at first about the reports that the bill would raise taxes on the middle class, the bill lowers taxes, creates jobs, and grows the economy.
How should transgender troops be integrated into the military? Or, should they be blocked from serving? Many medical and psychological conditions prevent citizens from serving in the military. I leave the decision of whether those suffering from such disorders are eligible to serve in active duty to the Surgeon General. Our military must be combat ready, not a place for social experiments. What do you think about including a citizenship question on the U.S. Census? I fully support adding a citizenship question to the U.S. Census. “Sanctuary” states should not be rewarded with additional congressman for disregarding the rule of law. Should Congress move to end all federal funding to Planned Parenthood? Absolutely. The nation’s largest abortion provider makes its money from killing innocent children, at times selling their body parts. Instead, we should support local women’s health clinics that provide needed care. How would you reform federal drug policy — from legalization of marijuana to the access to addictive pharmaceutical medicines? We need to make sure our laws distinguish between non-intoxicating medicinal use and recreational marijuana. I fought for industrial hemp here in Kansas. We need more
STEVE FITZGERALD
Town of residence: Leavenworth Party affiliation: Republican Age: 73 Job: Retired Prior elected offices: Kansas Senate
research into cannabis’s effectiveness, impacts on patients, and side effects. The federal government has limited the ability of researchers to study medical cannabis. If the research shows it is effective I would fully support the ability of patients with a prescription from their doctor to receive medical cannabis from a licensed pharmacy. It should be treated as any other drug with the protocols that we have already.