Illinois Family Institute Releases Candidate Rankings on 8th Congressional District
The group that made robo-calls on behalf of the successful fight ban on video poker in unincorporated McHenry County to county board members has released its rankings.
They are not endorsements. They are lists of how people either responded to questionnaires or what the public record shows a candidate’s positions are.
Let’s look at the contested 8th District race for the Republican nomination for Congress.
First, let’s point out that Republican Gregory Jacobs and Green Party candidate Bill Scheurer did not return a questionnaire. It appears that Melissa Bean did not either, but answers have been pulled from her public record.
So, the following prospective challengers answered the IFI questionnaire:
- Dirk Beveridge
- John Dawson
- Christopher Geissler
- Maria Rodriguez
- Joe Walsh
Disagreement among these Republicans was found on giving homosexual and transsexual individuals protected class status in the workplace on which Dawson disagreed with the opposition of the others and repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which Geissler opposed, with the others in favor.
The first issue was
“Tax Increase/Cap and Trade — will tax energy consumption to combat “global warming.” (American Clean Energy and Security Act – 2009).”
All the Republican candidates providing answers opposed the measure. Incumbent Democrat Melissa Bean supported it.
The second issue involved
H.R 1913–”Hate Crimes” legislation — allows 2 identical crimes to be prosecuted differently if one victim is homosexual, a cross dresser or transsexual.”
All the Republican candidates answering opposed the measure. Incumbent Democrat Melissa Bean supported it.
Third was H.R.3017 & S.1584:
“Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009 (ENDA) — gives homosexual and transsexual individuals protected class status in the workplace.”
Four of the six candidates replying opposed this concept. John Dawson joined Bean in supporting it, the voter guide reports.
Fourth on the questionnaire was
“REPEAL of Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) — the repeal of the only federal law that prevents homosexual “marriage” from becoming legal across the country (H.R.3567 – 2009)”
Again the five replying opposed repeal, while Bean’s position remains unknown to IFI.
The fifth question was
“Government Health Care — A government managed insurance plan that includes a “Public Option” similar to Medicare. (H.R.3200, H.R.3962 or U.S. Senator Max Baucus’ plan – 2009).”
Again, it was Republicans opposed, Bean in favor.
Sixth issue on the list was
“Defund A.C.O.R.N. Act (H.R.3571 – 2009).”
Everyone supported that.
Question number seven concerns the
“Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act of 2006 — requires abortionists to tell mothers about fetal development and the capacity of preborn children to feel pain. (H.R.6099 – 2006).”
This is supported by the five responding candidates in the GOP primary. Bean’s position is unknown.
Eighth on the list of issues was
“REPEAL of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” — would repeal the law that prohibits openly practicing homosexuals from serving in the military. (H.R.1283 – 2009).”
our of the five Republicans said, “No.” Christopher Geissler is reported opposing repeal. No position is reported for Bean.
“Requiring the 2010 census to include the question “Are you a citizen of the United States of America?” (Senate Amendment 2644 to H.R.2847 – 2009)”
is ninth on the IFI questionnaire.
Bean’s position is not known, but the five Re;publicans agreed.
Last on the list of ten questions is
“Transfer of prisoners from Guantanamo Bay to U.S. facilities. (H.R.2647, Sec. 1041 of Conference Report – 2009).”
Democrat Bean supports the move, while the Republican candidates replying were in opposition.
