The Race to the RNC
Sunday, 22 January 2012 03:37
Guadalupe Ruelas
A LOOK AT THE GOP CANDIDATES Guadalupe Ruelas, Contributor
Illustration by Daniel Kramer Mitt "Mittens" Romney The former Massachusetts governor won the New Hampshire primary by a 16% margin and almost tied with fellow candidate Rick Santorum at the Iowa caucus, establishing himself as the Republican frontrunner.Criticized by Democrats and Republicans alike for his “consistent inconsistencies” on issues such as abortion and gay rights, Romney’s biggest challenge is proving himself a steadfast conservative.
Background Worked for management consulting firm Bain and later headed his own private equity company, Bain Capital. Criticized for “destroying jobs” in the buyout business, although not all companies Bain took charge of, such as Dominoes and Staples, went bankrupt.
Political Experience Served as Massachusetts Governor from 2003 to 2007.
On Issues Has voiced strong opposition to gay marriage and abortion during debates. In an interview with the Boston Herald in December, Romney proposed a three-tier approach to gay marriage: to support “traditional” marriage and allow past same-sex marriages to remain valid, but to bar new same-sex marriages. Although Romney opposes abortion, he is not on Susan B. Anthony’s list, a group of pro-life candidates who pledge to nominate only pro-life judges and cabinet members.
Economics Plans to reduce corporate tax from 35% to 25%. Supports repealing ObamaCare and Dodd-Frank. Proposes issuing visas to foreigners who studied in the United States to promote human capital. One of the co-authors of “Contract with America”, Gringrich is negatively characterized by the government shutdown of 1995 and 1996. The 84 ethics charges brought against him as Speaker of the House, among them the misuse of tax exempt donations, could harm his bid.
Newt Gringrich
Background History professor at West Georgia College in the 1970s.
Political Experience Represented Georgia’s 6th congressional district from 1979 to 1999. Was House Minority Whip from 1989 to 1995 and Speaker of the House from 1995 until his resignation in 1999.
On Issues Supports strong border policy with a guest worker program. Pro-life and against gay marriage. Opposes limits on campaign contributions. Against the Kyoto Protocol on the basis that Europe and Asia benefit more than the United States. Does not endorse cap and trade systems for climate control, instead supporting flex fuel automobiles. Has attacked President Obama for being too lenient on North Korea and Iran.
Economics Proposes a flat rate tax of 15% on all Americans, regardless of income. Supports a balanced budget, and claims that the 1997 Balanced Budget Act kept the budget neutral four times, although a variety of economic factors, such as Clinton tax increases, boosted government revenue.
Ron Paul
“Dr. Ron Paul”, who ran under the Libertarian party in the 1988 election, is known for defying both party norms and mainstream political attitudes. In order to secure delegates, he must win over conservatives wary of his proposals to legalize prostitution and illegal drugs, which conversely make him popular with young voters.
Background Physician. Was a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force and and established an obstetrics and gynecology private practice in Texas. Refused to take Medicare and Medicaid as a physician.
Political Experience Represented Texas’s 14th congressional district intermittently since 1976, and uninterruptedly since 1997. Part of the House Committee of Foreign Affairs and House Committee of Financial Services and on the Joint Economic Committee.
On Issues Nonintervention in foreign policy; for example, Paul voted against the Iraq War Resolution in 2002 and advocates U.S. withdrawal from the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Considers global warming a hoax. Believes states have the right to decide matters not specified in the constitution. Opposes welfare and amnesty for illegal immigrants, and birthright citizenship.
Economics Regularly votes against government spending, taxes, and initiatives. Calls for a return to the gold standard. Although he doesn’t necessarily advocate eradicating the dollar, he supports a parallel currency economy with gold-backed money competing against Federal Reserve notes.
Rick Santorum Unexpectedly tying with Romney at the Iowa Caucus—although officially winning by a couple votes—Santorum is now vying with Gringrich to establish himself as Mitt Romney’s conservative alternative.
Background Lawyer at Pittsburgh firm K&L Gates.
Political Experience Represented Pennsylvania’s 18th congressional district from 1991 to 1997 and served as Senator of Pennsylvania from 1991 to 1997. As a congressmen, he was known for his frequent use of earmarks; Taxpayers for Common Sense estimated that as senator alone, Santorum secured $1 billion in earmarks. When confronted about earmarks, Santorum said he would oppose them as president.
On Issues Sponsored the Iran Freedom and Support Act, and supports continued occupation of Iraq. Believes issues such as gay marriage should be decided by elected officials and the American public, not the Supreme Court. Known for supporting family values, although often at the expense of privacy; believes adultery, polygamy, and sodomy should be outlawed. Against Plan B, citing it as an abortifacient during a 2006 Senate debate.
Economics Like Mitt Romney, Santorum proposes repealing Dodd-Frank and ObamaCare. Wants to abolish green regulations in favor of utilizing domestic resources. |
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