Lynn Afendoulis
Republican | Michigan
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Lynn Afendoulis
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 3
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Michigan State University, Lansing, B.A. in Journalism, 1981
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Michigan Transportation Commission, Past Commissioner (appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder), Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation
Past Chair, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Member
Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth (now Boys and Girl, Past Board Member, Opera Grand Rapids
Past Board Member, Grand Rapids Circle Theatre, Past Board Member
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Grand Rapids,, Past Parish Council Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Michigan House of Representatives, District 73, 2018 to 2020
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
Previous Races
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
2018
83%, 78% (cum.)†
2017-18
55%
2017-18
50%
2018
|83%, 78% (cum.)†
2017-18
|55%
2017-18
|50%
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
2017-18
64%
2017-18
73%, 60% (cum.)†
2019
0%
2017-18
|64%
2017-18
|73%, 60% (cum.)†
2019
|0%
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (11)
Beth Griffin
Bronna Kahle
Daire Rendon
Eric Leutheuser
Gary Howell
OTHER (7)
Brandt Iden
Hank Vaupel
Kathy Crawford
Mary Whiteford
Pete MacGregor
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (5)
33 sitting legislators in the MI House and Senate
Township Supervisors in LD73
VIEW PAC
2 former candidates for MI-03
Rep. Karen Whitsett
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (12)
Bill Schuette (2014)
Dave Hildenbrand (2010)
John Kasich (2016)
Justin Amash (2014)
Ken Yonker (2019)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (26)
Advancing Michigan (2019)
Al Pscholka (2014)
Callton Action Fund (2017)
Central Michigan Conservative Leadership Fund (2018)
Chatfield Majority Fund (2018)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (3)
Michigan Association of School Administrators (2017)
Sheet Metal Workers International Association (2017)
Turnaround PAC (2018)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Strongly Agree
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I don’t believe that abortion should be allowed under any circumstance. As I understand it, there actually are no instances in which an abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother. For instance, in a situation such as an ectopic pregnancy, a physician does what he/she can to save the lives of both the mother and child, even if he/she knows that a procedure likely will result in the death of the child. But it is not the intent to cause the death of the child.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I don’t believe that abortion should be allowed under any circumstance. As I understand it, there actually are no instances in which an abortion is necessary to save the life of the mother. For instance, in a situation such as an ectopic pregnancy, a physician does what he/she can to save the lives of both the mother and child, even if he/she knows that a procedure likely will result in the death of the child. But it is not the intent to cause the death of the child.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
As someone whose mother is on Social Security and as someone who has paid into the system my whole life, I believe we need to make it clear that any changes in policy will not affect anyone remotely close to retirement. But, we can look at making changes to the system for people who are under 40 to make sure it’s there for them. Among ideas to consider are raising the retirement age, allowing people to partially privatize their Social Security funds; adjusting Social Security to reflect greater life expectancies.
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
As someone whose mother is on Social Security and as someone who has paid into the system my whole life, I believe we need to make it clear that any changes in policy will not affect anyone remotely close to retirement. But, we can look at making changes to the system for people who are under 40 to make sure it’s there for them. Among ideas to consider are raising the retirement age, allowing people to partially privatize their Social Security funds; adjusting Social Security to reflect greater life expectancies.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
We have a spending problem, not a taxing problem. In tough times, businesses eliminate departments, do across-the-board cuts or go without things they became accustomed to & enjoyed. Government must do this, too: evaluate what’s essential, cut what is not. In this post-COVID era, we will have to do without MANY things we enjoy because we no longer can afford them. Critical things– like defense, infrastructure, safety, interstate commerce – should be protected; all else should be looked at.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
We have a spending problem, not a taxing problem. In tough times, businesses eliminate departments, do across-the-board cuts or go without things they became accustomed to & enjoyed. Government must do this, too: evaluate what’s essential, cut what is not. In this post-COVID era, we will have to do without MANY things we enjoy because we no longer can afford them. Critical things– like defense, infrastructure, safety, interstate commerce – should be protected; all else should be looked at.
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
Taxpayers should never be paying off other people's loans; however, we should be doing all we can to crack down on predatory lenders that seek to take advantage of our youth. People should go into agreements eyes wide open, and they should be held accountable to what which they agreed.
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
Taxpayers should never be paying off other people's loans; however, we should be doing all we can to crack down on predatory lenders that seek to take advantage of our youth. People should go into agreements eyes wide open, and they should be held accountable to what which they agreed.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
It means that people can practice the religion of their choice and that government can’t coerce people to practice any specific religion. It does not mean we cannot live our faith freely and publicly or that we cannot talk about religion in public places.
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
It means that people can practice the religion of their choice and that government can’t coerce people to practice any specific religion. It does not mean we cannot live our faith freely and publicly or that we cannot talk about religion in public places.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance.
Strongly Disagree
I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Our health care system is profoundly flawed and needs to be improved. However, we should acknowledge that even at its worst, it is better than the systems in countries that have socialized medicine, and we’ve seen that firsthand with COVID-19. We need to encourage a free-market approach to healthcare, decrease regulatory burdens, and improve our insurance opportunities and expectations. Among the steps that would be useful would be to allow insurance to be purchased across state lines, and allowing providers to pool people by risk.
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Our health care system is profoundly flawed and needs to be improved. However, we should acknowledge that even at its worst, it is better than the systems in countries that have socialized medicine, and we’ve seen that firsthand with COVID-19. We need to encourage a free-market approach to healthcare, decrease regulatory burdens, and improve our insurance opportunities and expectations. Among the steps that would be useful would be to allow insurance to be purchased across state lines, and allowing providers to pool people by risk.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
We must do a number of things: 1) we must not hesitate in our stance that radical Islamic terrorism exists, despite arguments that such rhetoric is racist. It might be difficult to hear, but it is factual. Political correctness has no place here. 2) we must enforce our borders to make sure we know who’s getting in. 3) We must punish terrorists we apprehend and convict. 4) We must fight them with every tool we have, from warfare to education. 5) We must hinder their ability to communicate and travel; 6) We must be sure that we are ready to protect and defend our nation from attacks, which includes attacks on our people, our cities and our infrastructure.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
We must do a number of things: 1) we must not hesitate in our stance that radical Islamic terrorism exists, despite arguments that such rhetoric is racist. It might be difficult to hear, but it is factual. Political correctness has no place here. 2) we must enforce our borders to make sure we know who’s getting in. 3) We must punish terrorists we apprehend and convict. 4) We must fight them with every tool we have, from warfare to education. 5) We must hinder their ability to communicate and travel; 6) We must be sure that we are ready to protect and defend our nation from attacks, which includes attacks on our people, our cities and our infrastructure.
IMMIGRATION
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
Employers should be required to use E-verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Strongly Agree
Employers should be required to use E-verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Immigrants who have gone through the proper procedures to lawfully come to our country and to earn citizenship and those who truly need asylum should be welcomed. These require policies, systems and protocols that ensure people are being truthful and not trying to circumvent the solution. We are a welcoming nation built through the grit and determination of immigrants lured to our chores by our freedoms and opportunity; we also are a nation of laws, and those laws much be followed, not changed.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Immigrants who have gone through the proper procedures to lawfully come to our country and to earn citizenship and those who truly need asylum should be welcomed. These require policies, systems and protocols that ensure people are being truthful and not trying to circumvent the solution. We are a welcoming nation built through the grit and determination of immigrants lured to our chores by our freedoms and opportunity; we also are a nation of laws, and those laws much be followed, not changed.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
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 sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Disagree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian first and foremost and the teachings of Christ guide me. I value faith, family and freedom. I believe in the values that attracted my grandparents to this nation--independence, self-reliance, opportunity, freedom—and that are spelled out and protected in our Constitution.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian first and foremost and the teachings of Christ guide me. I value faith, family and freedom. I believe in the values that attracted my grandparents to this nation--independence, self-reliance, opportunity, freedom—and that are spelled out and protected in our Constitution.
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
As a state representative, I authored legislation that banned dismemberment abortion. I have proudly supported constitutional carry legislation and fought to ensure that the Michigan tax code was level for Michigan Main Street against big online retailers like Amazon. I voted against a popular bill that provided “free” community college for returning/non-traditional students because I won’t vote for something in which people don’t have a vested interest.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
As a state representative, I authored legislation that banned dismemberment abortion. I have proudly supported constitutional carry legislation and fought to ensure that the Michigan tax code was level for Michigan Main Street against big online retailers like Amazon. I voted against a popular bill that provided “free” community college for returning/non-traditional students because I won’t vote for something in which people don’t have a vested interest.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am running for Congress because I believe we are fighting for the very fabric of who and what we are as a nation – the things that President Trump is fighting for, and that attracted my grandparents to this country. I want to protect the rule of law and represent the people of the 3rd District in a way that they've been yearning for – with integrity, engagement, and effectiveness. And to show my children that this is all worth fighting for.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am running for Congress because I believe we are fighting for the very fabric of who and what we are as a nation – the things that President Trump is fighting for, and that attracted my grandparents to this country. I want to protect the rule of law and represent the people of the 3rd District in a way that they've been yearning for – with integrity, engagement, and effectiveness. And to show my children that this is all worth fighting for.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I don’t believe that we need to be restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens any further. Our efforts should be to enforce the laws that are on the books, to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and to address the root causes that cast a pall on gun ownership: mental health, the breakdown of the family, enforcement of existing laws among them.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I don’t believe that we need to be restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens any further. Our efforts should be to enforce the laws that are on the books, to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and to address the root causes that cast a pall on gun ownership: mental health, the breakdown of the family, enforcement of existing laws among them.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
I support BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanction) against Israel if they refuse to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Strongly Disagree
I support BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanction) against Israel if they refuse to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
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
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
Defunding Sanctuary Cities Permanent Tax Reform Term Limits
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
Defunding Sanctuary Cities Permanent Tax Reform Term Limits
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is a threat to individual security, to community security -- to whomever it faces wherever it exists. But a bigger threat may be in our urban cores where a disproportionate number of young Black men are victims of violence--and whose murders don’t make headlines. Are their lives worth less than the single black man killed for the color of his skin? No. Both are abhorrent. But numbers suggest that a larger risk to domestic security lies in the cores of our cities where children grow up with violence & the all-too-real possibility that they will fall victim to it.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is a threat to individual security, to community security -- to whomever it faces wherever it exists. But a bigger threat may be in our urban cores where a disproportionate number of young Black men are victims of violence--and whose murders don’t make headlines. Are their lives worth less than the single black man killed for the color of his skin? No. Both are abhorrent. But numbers suggest that a larger risk to domestic security lies in the cores of our cities where children grow up with violence & the all-too-real possibility that they will fall victim to it.
