Phil Fortunato
Republican | Washington
Candidate Profile*
Conservative
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Phil Fortunato
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
Governor
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Rutgurs U Cook College, New Brunswick, NJ, 76
WORK & MILITARY
Small business, Owner, 3
Contractor, 40
Clean Water Act, Compliance Consultant
AFFILIATIONS
Knights of Columbus, Past GK & Former DD, Buckley & Wilkeson Eagles
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
47th District State Rep, 99-00
31st District State Rep, 2016
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
31st District State Rep, 2014
Race
Previous Races
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
2019
82%, 72% (cum.)†
2017
60%, 60% (cum.)†
2019
|82%, 72% (cum.)†
2017
|60%, 60% (cum.)†
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
2018
45%, 41% (cum.)†
2020
0%, 4% (cum.)†
2019
F
2019
F
2018
|45%, 41% (cum.)†
2020
|0%, 4% (cum.)†
2019
|F
2019
|F
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (2)
*Human Life of Washington PAC
*Vets for Trump
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (5)
Senator Padden
Senator Ericksen
Senator Rivers
Gun Owners Action League
Washington Arms Collectors
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (8)
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (2013)
Donald Trump (2019)
J.T Wilcox (2016)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2020)
Morgan Irwin (2017)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (9)
Gun Owners Action - Florida (2017)
Gun Owners Action League of Washington (2016)
Jan Angel (2017)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2017)
Mike Padden (2020)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (7)
American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (2018)
International Association of Firefighters (includes national, state & local affiliates) (2018)
International Brotherhood of Teamsters (2017)
Retired Firefighters of Washington (2017)
Service Employees International Union (2017)
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?
Non Viability of the fetus. Tubular Pregnancy etc.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Non Viability of the fetus. Tubular Pregnancy etc.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly 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
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
We need to reduce the size of the state workforce immediately. We should encourage early retirements to get the highest paid people off the payroll. We need to Zero Base Budget state agencies and encourage state employees to help find waste by incentivize them with bonuses to find waste.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
We need to reduce the size of the state workforce immediately. We should encourage early retirements to get the highest paid people off the payroll. We need to Zero Base Budget state agencies and encourage state employees to help find waste by incentivize them with bonuses to find waste.
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
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Strongly Agree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
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?
Separation of church and state does not apply to keeping religion out of government, but keeping government out of religion.
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Separation of church and state does not apply to keeping religion out of government, but keeping government out of religion.
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
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
The problem with health care is the person paying the bill is not the person getting the service. Most people don’t ask “How much”, they ask “Is it covered”. I had minor surgery and by just asking how much if I paid cash the price ranged for $3,200 to $22,000. Before Obama care a person could get a catastrophic plan with a $2,500 deductible for about $350 for a family of 4. Couple that with a $2500 medical saving account and you have 100% coverage for about $560 / mo. About 80% of health care claims are less than $300, prescriptions, doctor visits, etc. By paying those items with the medical savings account you drastically reduce the cost.
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
The problem with health care is the person paying the bill is not the person getting the service. Most people don’t ask “How much”, they ask “Is it covered”. I had minor surgery and by just asking how much if I paid cash the price ranged for $3,200 to $22,000. Before Obama care a person could get a catastrophic plan with a $2,500 deductible for about $350 for a family of 4. Couple that with a $2500 medical saving account and you have 100% coverage for about $560 / mo. About 80% of health care claims are less than $300, prescriptions, doctor visits, etc. By paying those items with the medical savings account you drastically reduce the cost.
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
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
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
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I am a first generation american. My parents are off the boat Italians the emigrated here legally. My cousin came later when I was about 12 and they all had to have a sponsor, have a job and agree not to go on any public assistance. The blending of cultures is what makes America great, but uncontrolled immigration, especially by those that do not want to assimilate into the culture is a problem. We need to identify people that want to come here and return to the merit based system.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I am a first generation american. My parents are off the boat Italians the emigrated here legally. My cousin came later when I was about 12 and they all had to have a sponsor, have a job and agree not to go on any public assistance. The blending of cultures is what makes America great, but uncontrolled immigration, especially by those that do not want to assimilate into the culture is a problem. We need to identify people that want to come here and return to the merit based system.
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.
Strongly Disagree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe very strongly in my religious beliefs. Carrying that into the political arena always carries some criticism. Many would say that religion has no place in politics and separation of church and state, but the opposite is true. Separation of church and state does not apply to keeping religion out of government, but keeping government out of religion. A pro-life person of faith feels a moral obligation to provide for the poor, elderly and the disabled. Many time religious organizations support legislation because of what it does, and I oppose it because of how it does it.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe very strongly in my religious beliefs. Carrying that into the political arena always carries some criticism. Many would say that religion has no place in politics and separation of church and state, but the opposite is true. Separation of church and state does not apply to keeping religion out of government, but keeping government out of religion. A pro-life person of faith feels a moral obligation to provide for the poor, elderly and the disabled. Many time religious organizations support legislation because of what it does, and I oppose it because of how it does it.
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.
I don't like taxes. People work hard for their money and government should only provide necessary services. Less government is better that more government. Government should stay out of peoples lives and not try to "take care" of them. That is the individuals responsibility. Government should get out of the way.
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
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
Having run my own business since I was 18 gives you lots of experience dealing with government contracting, banking and dealing with government agencies and regulation.
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I don't like taxes. People work hard for their money and government should only provide necessary services. Less government is better that more government. Government should stay out of peoples lives and not try to "take care" of them. That is the individuals responsibility. Government should get out of the way.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
Having run my own business since I was 18 gives you lots of experience dealing with government contracting, banking and dealing with government agencies and regulation.
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 governor not because I want to see my name in lights. I have run 4 campaigns in the last 5 years and it takes a toll on your family. My lawn has also be totally ruined by moles and the household repair list keeps getting longer. I'm doing this because I am frustrated with the lack of common sense in government's approach to problems. The problems we face are not the complex that they cannot be solved over the kitchen table.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am running for governor not because I want to see my name in lights. I have run 4 campaigns in the last 5 years and it takes a toll on your family. My lawn has also be totally ruined by moles and the household repair list keeps getting longer. I'm doing this because I am frustrated with the lack of common sense in government's approach to problems. The problems we face are not the complex that they cannot be solved over the kitchen table.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
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
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Gun restrictions should be centered around preventing criminals and mentally ill people from obtaining firearms. The problem is the supporters of gun control want everyone to be labels mentally if if the own a gun to begin with.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Gun restrictions should be centered around preventing criminals and mentally ill people from obtaining firearms. The problem is the supporters of gun control want everyone to be labels mentally if if the own a gun to begin with.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
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?
Address the gigantic budget issue of an $8-10,000,000,000 budget shortfall. Address the homeless issue beginning with removing criminal homeless, providing shelter for non-criminal homes with Drug and Alcohol treatment, provide temporary transitional housing for very low income people that gradually escalates over a 2 year period. Address education funding Address Transportation funding
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is evil. If you are a person of faith you cannot be a racist. That does not mean that there are not racists out there. I think a bigger problem is the people that see racism everywhere, even when none exisits.
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
Address the gigantic budget issue of an $8-10,000,000,000 budget shortfall. Address the homeless issue beginning with removing criminal homeless, providing shelter for non-criminal homes with Drug and Alcohol treatment, provide temporary transitional housing for very low income people that gradually escalates over a 2 year period. Address education funding Address Transportation funding
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is evil. If you are a person of faith you cannot be a racist. That does not mean that there are not racists out there. I think a bigger problem is the people that see racism everywhere, even when none exisits.
