
Branden Durst
Democrat | Washington
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Branden Durst
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2016
Election
Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 29 - Pos. 1
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
Boise State University, Boise, MPA, 2007
Pacific Lutheran University, Parkland, BA, 2003
WORK & MILITARY
Rational Strategy Consulting, Managing Partner
AFFILIATIONS
Calvary Baptist Church, Attendee, Puyallup Foursquare Church
Attendee/Small group leader, Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, Volunteer
Lakewood YMCA, Volunteer (LateNight Program), Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Student Leader at PLU, Democrats for Life of America, Member
Go Love People, Board Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
State Senator (ID), 2012-2013
State Representative (ID), 2006-2010
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
Previous Races
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Congress should repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
No Answer
Election of judges by the people for a definite term of office is the best way to select judges.
No Answer
More restrictive gun control laws are needed to protect public safety.
No Answer
Government should enforce laws designed to protect the border and to prevent illegal entry into the country.
No Answer
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
No Answer
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States.
Strongly Agree
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
No Answer
Free enterprise and the right to private property turn mankind's natural self-interest into the most productive economic system there is.
No Answer
There should be a strict constitutional spending limit for state and local governments that would tie the rate of spending to the rate of population growth plus the rate of inflation.
No Answer
Marijuana should be legalized and regulated like tobacco and alcohol.
No Answer
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
The founders established pure democracy in the Constitution because they believed that it is the best form of government to ensure the safety and equitable treatment of all citizens.
Disagree
Free-market competition for education dollars, rather than a government monopoly, would create a better education for all students.
No Answer
Where minor children are involved, divorce laws should be reformed to include mutual consent of both parents and an increased waiting period, unless there is fault or abuse.
Strongly Agree
The Ten Commandments should not be displayed in public school buildings.
Strongly Disagree
Business owners should be required by law to bake cakes, provide flower arrangements, etc., for same-sex weddings, even when these activities would infringe on their sincerely-held religious beliefs.
No Answer
Our state should participate in the nationwide Common Core standards for high-school graduation.
No Answer
Physician-assisted suicide should be legal.
Strongly Disagree
The more people live by Judeo-Christian values, the less government is needed.
Strongly Agree
Islamic law (Sharia) does not pose a threat to the United States and its Constitution.
No Answer
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with public funds.
No Answer
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has health care and a livable income.
No Answer
Planned Parenthood should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments.
No Answer
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
I believe there was divine inspiration for the development of the Constitution. I don't believe that makes the Constitution or those that created it infallible, however. The only thing that is infallible and that is God.
Based on the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, please arrange the following entities, starting with the highest source of authority, and continue the list in descending order of authority, skipping any that do not apply: Academia, Congress, Constitution, God, Industry, Media, Professional Sports, Supreme Court, Voters.
God, Voters, Constitution
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Instead of talking about abortion in terms of legality, I think we should talk about abortions in terms of making other alternatives the best option. I am personally against abortion, but have deep concerns about restricting complete access to abortion when other options are unavailable. I am a major supporter of 95/10 Initiative put forth by Democrats for Life of America. The 95/10 Initiative gives women seeking abortions other options to allow them to make the RIGHT choice. The number of abortions must be reduced, but simply making it illegal will not be the panacea for this unfortunate tragedy. I have been previously endorsed by pro-life organizations and have a 100% pro-life voting record.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that Christ was God in flesh and was sacrificed for the sins of humanity. I believe the Bible to be the Word of God and to be infallible. I believe God to be perfect in all ways, all knowing and present in all places. My faith in Jesus Christ is central to all things that I do and believe. My beliefs are not "spiritual", they are based upon a very real and personal relationship with my Creator. I submit all these to the Lord in prayer and petition. I choose daily to love God and others as Christ demonstrated.
Considering all issues (social, economic, national security, etc.), which of these best describes you?
Moderate
Please defend your answer to the previous question by referencing your publicly available track record.
In my previous legislative service, I had a 100% pro-life voting record. I voted for legislation that was unpopular with some, but I always vote my conscience. The reality is that in some areas I am more conservative and in others I am more progressive. I do not believe the Bible aligns well with either Republican or Democratic platforms. In fact, it is my belief that both parties fail quite regularly at meeting the Biblical standard. I am a Christian first and my voting record clearly demonstrates that fact.
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you.
info@votedurst.com, 253-642-7340
Additional comment from candidate:
Many policy issues can't be suitably answered as agree or disagree. My voting record is crystal clear that I vote my conscience and my faith. Many of the questions included have nothing to do with either. My campaign is unique that I am pushing to increase partnerships with the faith based community in intentional and meaningful ways. I believe the Church and paraministries are uniquely equipped to serve others and in fact are commanded by God to do so. I would respectfully ask that you prayerfully consider who to support in this race without regard for party label. Even if I don't receive your vote, please consider praying for me and my family. God bless you. In service, Branden Durst
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