Mike Shupe
Independent | Tennessee
Candidate Profile
Leans Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Mike Shupe
Party
Independent
Election Year
2018
Election
General
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 4
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
(Candidate did not provide)
WORK & MILITARY
U S Army, SGT/ E-5, 10
AFFILIATIONS
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Neutral
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.
Disagree
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 Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has a livable income.
Neutral
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has health insurance.
Agree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Agree
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
Agree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Agree
Additional regulations are needed to prevent climate change.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Neutral
The United States should help defend Israel from attack by its enemies.
Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments.
Disagree
Islamic law (Sharia) should take precedence over national and state laws where there are Islamic majority communities in the U. S.
Strongly Disagree
Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Strongly Agree
People should be allowed to use public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms based on "gender identity."
Agree
I support sanctuary cities.
Disagree
It is OK for Congress to exempt itself from compliance with laws applicable to all citizens.
Strongly Disagree
I support the death penalty.
Disagree
Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.
Agree
The United States should protect its sovereignty from the United Nations.
Agree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2010 General Election, 2012 General Election, 2014 General Election, 2016 General Election
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I personally do not condone abortion, but I will not force someone else to follow these beliefs. Neither will I judge anyone that has to make this decision. It is a personal and hard decision each mother should make. Making abortion illegal will not stop abortions, it will just create more victims.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
It seems we keep making the mistake of politicizing any type of military campaign. We need to either go in, get the job done decisively and quickly, and get out, or not go in at all.
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
The statement "absolute power corrupts absolutely" is a true statement.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I have been Catholic for about 10 years. Before this I would have considered myself Pentecostal. I believe every person is a child of God. I believe we are not guaranteed an easy life, but it is our responsibility to look out for each other as best we can.
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?
Moderate
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
N/A unless you count my Twitter or Facebook page. :-)
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
I support an expanded medicare program for anyone wanting it as one option for insurance along with options for private insurance. We are the only industrialized country without gov't medical insurance. It is not perfect, but it is better than our present system. I do not believe insurance should be tied to jobs. I believe no new laws will make healthcare more affordable until the issue of greed by insurers, pharmaceutical companies and hospitals is addressed. I do not believe insurance should be run by for profit corporations.
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
Gov't should balance their role in the economy by maintaining stability in currency and encouraging, not discouraging small business.
What changes should be made to the tax code?
I believe the fairest and most cost effective form of taxation is a flat tax for both individuals and corporations.
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
Unemployment is presently at 3.6%. Employers have recently said that they cannot find "qualified" workers. The majority of these jobs can be filled by the employers providing skilled training or apprenticeship programs.
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
Primarily I would force Congress to not use Social Security benefits funds for other reasons! In order for the money to be there, it must be put there, so I would consider eliminating the social security earnings cap.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I don't know that I could say that I have any special qualifications to run for office. I do not have a law degree, nor do I have a lot of money. I do know that I know how it feels to live paycheck to paycheck. I know the feeling of having to pray the tire on the car getting me to work will make it till next payday. I do know the feeling of helplessness of having to file bankruptcy because of my wife's cancer diagnosis. I know that we live in the greatest country on the planet, but I also know that it can be better.
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
mshupe1959@yahoo.com
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I have never considered running for office before. I am frustrated with the lack of communication and cooperation between the dominant parties. Politicians on both sides of the isle seem more concerned with party agendas than they are with the people they say they represent. The person representing us should be approachable and available to find out what the voters actually want or need. They cannot find these things out unless they actually talk to the people they represent.
