2012 SelectSmart.com Presidential Candidate Selector Positions Mike Pence (born June 7, 1959) A Republican, he is the U.S. Representative for Indiana's 6th congressional district.

Foreign policy and war issues: Pence is a staunch opponent of setting a public withdrawal date from Iraq.

Security/liberties: Pence is strongly opposed to shutting down Guantanamo Bay and trying the suspected terrorists in the US. In May 2007 Pence publicly opposed expanding federal hate crimes protection to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Pence supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 18 percent in 2007-2008.

Social Security: Supports privatizing elements of Social Security.

Stem cell research: He has voted against federal subsidies for embryonic stem cell research.

Budget issues: Opposed Obama's Stimulus package. Pence voted for the tax cuts in 2001 and 2003, and advocates making them permanent. Representative Pence supported the interests of the National Taxpayers Union 92 percent in 2009.

Abortion issues: Pence supported the interests of NARAL Pro-Choice America 0 percent in 2009. Pence supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 100 percent in 2007-2008.

Same sex issues: Believes marriage only be between one man and one woman.

Trade issues: In 2007-2008 USA Engage gave Pence a grade of B. USA ENGAGE believes that unilateral sanctions are counterproductive. They believe in the importance of exports and overseas investment for American competitiveness and jobs.

Business & labor issues: Pence supported the interests of the Business-Industry Political Action Committee 80 percent in 2008. Pence supported the interests of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 81 percent in 2008.

Capital punishment: Supports capital punishment

Marijuana: The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws gave Pence a rating of -3.

Gun control: Opposes restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.

Minimum Wage: Voted NO on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Jan 2007)

Health care: Opposes publicly-administered health insurance.

Environmental issues/Climate change: Pence supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 0 percent in 2009.

Immigration issues: Opposes a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants. In June 2006, Pence unveiled a plan he describes as "no amnesty immigration reform" consisting of increased border security, followed by strict enforcement of laws against hiring illegal aliens, and a guest worker program. This guest worker program requires potential participants to apply from their home country.
Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., said on "Meet the Press" that federal officials should tone down their criticism of Arizona lawmakers. "I don't know if this law if perfect, but I do know that it is wrong for officials in this government to throw stones at the people of Arizona as they're trying to re-assert the rule of law," he said. Source

Education issues: Rated 17% by the NEA, indicating anti-public education votes. (Dec 2003)

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