Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, and Gary Johnson are household names both in the Atlanta area and throughout America- but what about the candidates for Senate? For those of you who still have yet to vote, here is a brief guide on 4 key issues for the candidates for Senator in the Walker district.
Candidates for Senate:
Johnny Isakson (Republican):
- Taxes
Isakson opposes any net increase in taxes and retroactive increases in taxes from previous year. He voted in 2001 for a tax plan that would reduce all income taxes, get rid of the death/inheritance tax, and increase tax credits for families with children.
- 2nd Amendment/ Gun Control
Isakson is against gun control, but does support the use of background checks on gun sales to avoid their sales to convicted felons. He does not support firearm registration or waiting periods between purchase and use of guns. He wants to reevaluate policies on school security, mental health, and gun safety in response to mass shootings.
- National Defense
Isakson wants to support troops abroad with government funded resources, continue the war on terror, and increase wages and benefits of soldiers and military reserve members. He wants to ensure that Veterans returning home get proper care and benefits through the Veterans Affairs system.
- Energy/Environment
Isakson wants to reduce US dependence on oil from other countries. He wants to encourage development of energy supplies within the US, such as oil and natural gas reserves, in order to reduce energy prices. He also wants to expand nuclear power and renewable energy sources, and invest in energy sources involving ethanol, biodiesel, and more, to replace the use of fossil fuels. He supports the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline which would funnel oil from Canada to the US.
For more information, learn about Johnny Isakson and his positions on the issues at:
http://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/issues-and-legislation
Jim Barksdale (Democrat):
- Taxes
Jim Barksdale has put forward no official stance on tax reform.
- 2nd Amendment/ Gun Control
Jim Barksdale has not put forward a substantial statement on gun control and 2nd amendment rights, but based on one brief statement from June 12th, 2016, it is clear that he believes in at least some basic forms of gun control.
- National Defense
Barksdale believes the U.S should help in ensuring that Israel is secure. He supports the current Iranian Nuclear Deal created in 2015, and believes that Iran should not obtain nuclear weapons. Barksdale was against the Iraq War and wants to avoid wars when possible due to increased debt and loss of life that could be caused by them.
- Energy/Environment
Barksdale believes in the existence of climate change and says that it must be addressed. Barksdale wants to work towards cleaner energy sources while using nuclear power while these cleaner sources develop.
For more information, learn about Jim Barksdale and his positions on the issues at:
https://jimbarksdale.com/issues
or
http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Jim_Barksdale_Gun_Control.htm
Allen Buckley (Libertarian):
- Taxes
Buckley wants to eliminate the Federal Income Tax, while increasing some other taxes to balance the budget. He would adjust these other taxes during recessions or depressions. One tax (the VAT) would be paid by everyone and another tax (FICA/SECA) would only be paid by the top half of the middle class and higher.
- 2nd Amendment/ Gun Control
Buckley believes that the 2nd amendment must be upheld, and that bad people will always have guns. He believes that every adult except for those who have been identified by state-certified doctors to be likely to cause harm to others, people under investigation for terrorist involvement, those who have been admitted in a mental facility, illegal immigrants, and people convicted of felonies involving physical harm to others. He also believes that background checks should be used on all gun purchases and that judges should be able to restrict the rights to gun ownership in cases of domestic violence, but that no other restriction should be implemented.
- National Defense
Buckley wants to maintain the strength and size of the military and ensure that returning soldiers get the health and mental care they need, while reducing intervention in foreign affairs, reducing the number of foreign military bases, and bringing the soldiers in those bases home. He wants to eventually get the military out of the middle east, when possible, and make America no longer dependent on other countries for energy sources. Buckley is against the use of torture.
- Energy/Environment
Buckley wants to create an energy tax, instead of the current gas tax, that will vary in size based on how environmentally friendly the energy source (such as gas, electric, etc.) is. He wants a tax such as this not only for car fuels but also for other energy sources. He believes in the existence of global warming but believes that its significance is uncertain at this time.
For more information, learn about Allen Buckley and his positions on the issues at:
http://www.buckleyforsenate.com/problems-solutions
The Wolverine 