Kurt E. Damrow
Republican | Michigan
Candidate Profile*
Insufficient Information
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Kurt E. Damrow
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 98
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Community College of the Air Force, 1985
WORK & MILITARY
Air Force, SSgt, 13
AFFILIATIONS
Lions Club International, Vice President, Huron County Republican Party
Treasurer, Safari Club SE Michigan Bowhunters Chapter Livonia, Trustee
National Rifle Association, Member, Right To Life of Michigan Huron County
Member, AMVETS, Member
American Legion, Jr Post Commander, We The County, Huron County
Member, Tea Party, Tuscola County, Member
Elkton Community Club, President
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Village Trustee Elkton, Michigan, Personnel Chair, Budget Vice Chair, 2017-2018
State Representative 84th State House, Huron & Tuscola Counties,Chair Military/Veterans Affairs/Homeland Security, Judiciary, DNR/DEQ and Tourism Comm. ,, 2011-2012
Huron County Commissioner, Legislative Chair, Personnel Chair
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
Previous Races
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
2013
|73%
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Mike Green (2012)
State Republican Party Organizations (2012)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (7)
Callton Action Fund (2012)
Common Sense Leadership Fund (2012)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2010)
Mike Green (2010)
Stamas Leadership PAC (2012)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Michigan Association for Justice (2012)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE*
*Additional information was received after the evaluation was assigned and was not considered in the Panel Evaluations, therefore it is for additional educational purposes only.
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I Am and Always have been a Right To LIfe/Pro Life Candidate
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I Am and Always have been a Right To LIfe/Pro Life Candidate
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Codes should be simplified. But this is more than the tax codes, it's about what IS Taxable. We must reduce taxes and which means, we must reduce spending.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Codes should be simplified. But this is more than the tax codes, it's about what IS Taxable. We must reduce taxes and which means, we must reduce spending.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
A large portion of the tax revenue paid from the State to the Fed is unaccountable. We can no longer rely on members of Congress to Balance the Budget it will take intervention by the States to tell the Federal Government just what you will receive. Many contracts with the State and the Federal Government are not honored and one example of that is the Federal Gas Tax and what Michigan has received in the past for road repairs. Michigan is known as a "donor" State to the Fed in this category and we do not fight to get those dollars back. A statement made most years after taxes are paid, is that once again we have a "SURPLUS" and Legislators step on themselves to find new ways to spend millions of dollars and create their legacy. There is NO such thing as a "Surplus" of revenue in government with all the unfunded mandates that we have. I have proposed that the State Legislature create 3 year budgets and mandate that any additional revenue above and beyond what was projected for the budget be solely used for the paying of unfunded mandates and debt.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
A large portion of the tax revenue paid from the State to the Fed is unaccountable. We can no longer rely on members of Congress to Balance the Budget it will take intervention by the States to tell the Federal Government just what you will receive. Many contracts with the State and the Federal Government are not honored and one example of that is the Federal Gas Tax and what Michigan has received in the past for road repairs. Michigan is known as a "donor" State to the Fed in this category and we do not fight to get those dollars back. A statement made most years after taxes are paid, is that once again we have a "SURPLUS" and Legislators step on themselves to find new ways to spend millions of dollars and create their legacy. There is NO such thing as a "Surplus" of revenue in government with all the unfunded mandates that we have. I have proposed that the State Legislature create 3 year budgets and mandate that any additional revenue above and beyond what was projected for the budget be solely used for the paying of unfunded mandates and debt.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
A church operates and required to abide by all State and Federal Laws. If those laws are broken, depending on the severity of the violation, a church or business may be closed by the State or Federal Government to investigate for the safety and concerns of their members. There are a number of examples I could post such as health, structural violations, fire safety in addition to those that may be brought forward by the members of the church for the wellbeing of the congregation and visitors. But we must ensure that Government can NOT simply close a church because of disagreement or the sole decision of an elected official.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
A church operates and required to abide by all State and Federal Laws. If those laws are broken, depending on the severity of the violation, a church or business may be closed by the State or Federal Government to investigate for the safety and concerns of their members. There are a number of examples I could post such as health, structural violations, fire safety in addition to those that may be brought forward by the members of the church for the wellbeing of the congregation and visitors. But we must ensure that Government can NOT simply close a church because of disagreement or the sole decision of an elected official.
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
I have devoted many hours to reviewing healthcare options in Michigan and looking at other creative alternatives in other States. With the amount of taxes that are paid in the United States a Healthcare "Option" could easily be available to help those with low or no income. I have hosted over 240 Free Food Pantries over the past 2 years and spoken with many Senior Citizens that are living on $600 to $800 per month, and their monthly living expenses include a very minimal and emergency only healthcare and meds that they have to pay for either entirely or in part. This is very wrong as we are a rich nation that is poorly managed and highly ripped off. The Obamacare program was beyond horrible and we must never go back to anything even close to that. But several options I would like to put together is regional healthcare alliances with area hospitals participating and residents can pay a low monthly fee instead of these huge premiums providing services they will likely never need. The healthcare alliances would focus on preventative health care and yet allow each hospital to be profitable but focus on certain area's of expertise. Very similar to what I helped create in Michigan in 2011, Specialty Courts. The Hospitals would focus on an assigned or decided upon by the group of participating hospitals, what they want to be experts on. It's a simple program and is in place in other areas across the U.S. and very successful.
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
I have devoted many hours to reviewing healthcare options in Michigan and looking at other creative alternatives in other States. With the amount of taxes that are paid in the United States a Healthcare "Option" could easily be available to help those with low or no income. I have hosted over 240 Free Food Pantries over the past 2 years and spoken with many Senior Citizens that are living on $600 to $800 per month, and their monthly living expenses include a very minimal and emergency only healthcare and meds that they have to pay for either entirely or in part. This is very wrong as we are a rich nation that is poorly managed and highly ripped off. The Obamacare program was beyond horrible and we must never go back to anything even close to that. But several options I would like to put together is regional healthcare alliances with area hospitals participating and residents can pay a low monthly fee instead of these huge premiums providing services they will likely never need. The healthcare alliances would focus on preventative health care and yet allow each hospital to be profitable but focus on certain area's of expertise. Very similar to what I helped create in Michigan in 2011, Specialty Courts. The Hospitals would focus on an assigned or decided upon by the group of participating hospitals, what they want to be experts on. It's a simple program and is in place in other areas across the U.S. and very successful.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
The Government should NOT have the authority to force any type of vaccination. Even in the Military, options should be allowed.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
The Government should NOT have the authority to force any type of vaccination. Even in the Military, options should be allowed.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Secure our Borders and bring back Donald Trump as the U.S. President.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Secure our Borders and bring back Donald Trump as the U.S. President.
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Strongly Disagree
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Strongly Disagree
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Only those who do not have violent criminal backgrounds, those who do not pose a health risk to Americans, those who are mentally stable, and those who understand there is a legal process to go thru by applying for citizenship in to the U.S. and that process must be followed.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Only those who do not have violent criminal backgrounds, those who do not pose a health risk to Americans, those who are mentally stable, and those who understand there is a legal process to go thru by applying for citizenship in to the U.S. and that process must be followed.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Everyone is equal in all laws regardless of sex, being that of a Man or Woman.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Everyone is equal in all laws regardless of sex, being that of a Man or Woman.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Agree
Government actually has not place in Marriage and should solely be at the discretion of the Church. Marriage licenses were put in place, in part, to address divorces and assist with the separation of assets and custody of the children which ended up in the courts. If you look years back, at one time government required a "blood test" before you could get married and were only recently abolished, in 2019.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Agree
Government actually has not place in Marriage and should solely be at the discretion of the Church. Marriage licenses were put in place, in part, to address divorces and assist with the separation of assets and custody of the children which ended up in the courts. If you look years back, at one time government required a "blood test" before you could get married and were only recently abolished, in 2019.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian and have a close relationship with my Lord and Savior. My mother was a Lay Minister in our Church and our family was raised and baptized in the Church.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian and have a close relationship with my Lord and Savior. My mother was a Lay Minister in our Church and our family was raised and baptized in the Church.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I created a law in Michigan in 2011 that basically made it possible for anyone in Michigan to get a photo I.D. with an expanded option of documents. For years you could only get a Michigan I.D. with a birth certificate. This has changed.
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I created a law in Michigan in 2011 that basically made it possible for anyone in Michigan to get a photo I.D. with an expanded option of documents. For years you could only get a Michigan I.D. with a birth certificate. This has changed.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Return to a paper ballot and same day voting. I would not allow for Township Clerks to have the authority to hand deliver absentee ballots and increase the fines and penalties for those who do this practice, make it illegal by law, and increase the penalties for those who violate voting laws. I would also increase the compensation for those working on elections/election day.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Return to a paper ballot and same day voting. I would not allow for Township Clerks to have the authority to hand deliver absentee ballots and increase the fines and penalties for those who do this practice, make it illegal by law, and increase the penalties for those who violate voting laws. I would also increase the compensation for those working on elections/election day.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is a threat to everything. We are one people and one nation under God.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is a threat to everything. We are one people and one nation under God.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
I have worked in and owned an Environmental and HAZMAT filtration and consulting business. There is common ground and common sense in everything related to manufacturing and the environment. Government all too often does it's best to over regulate, over fine and create ridiculous policies that are not helpful to the environment and simply drive businesses overseas where they have NO regulations. With a smart conservative group of Legislators, good decisions can be made for our Environment and Energy production. This is actually a simple fix item.
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
I have worked in and owned an Environmental and HAZMAT filtration and consulting business. There is common ground and common sense in everything related to manufacturing and the environment. Government all too often does it's best to over regulate, over fine and create ridiculous policies that are not helpful to the environment and simply drive businesses overseas where they have NO regulations. With a smart conservative group of Legislators, good decisions can be made for our Environment and Energy production. This is actually a simple fix item.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Neutral
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Neutral
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Sadly the General Purpose of Government as it operates now, is not as it was intended to be. I support the definition of government by our founding fathers with no modification on authority. We must return to the guidelines of the Constitution of the Federal Government and the States. This will require substantial downsizing of the Federal Government, increased responsibility by State Government and returning the power of Government to the American people.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Sadly the General Purpose of Government as it operates now, is not as it was intended to be. I support the definition of government by our founding fathers with no modification on authority. We must return to the guidelines of the Constitution of the Federal Government and the States. This will require substantial downsizing of the Federal Government, increased responsibility by State Government and returning the power of Government to the American people.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
See my Facebook Campaign Page or Linked In page.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
See my Facebook Campaign Page or Linked In page.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
Never
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
Never
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
Please take the time to go to my Facebook Page "committee to elect Kurt Damrow 98". It may be a lot of reading but you will see that I lead by example and experience and not running on promises.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
Please take the time to go to my Facebook Page "committee to elect Kurt Damrow 98". It may be a lot of reading but you will see that I lead by example and experience and not running on promises.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
I would eliminate "consistent" and simply state, they must abide by the law and departmental policy, period.
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
I would eliminate "consistent" and simply state, they must abide by the law and departmental policy, period.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
We have enough gun laws on the books already, no additional laws are needed.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
We have enough gun laws on the books already, no additional laws are needed.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
