Michael Speciale
Republican | North Carolina
Candidate Profile*
Verified Conservative
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Michael Speciale
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Primary
Race
State Senate, Dist. 3
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Craven Community College, New Bern, AAS/BusMgmt-Operations Mgmt, 2004
Craven Community College, New Bern, Certification for Basic Law Enforcement Training, 1995
NC Institute of Political Leadership, Fellow, 2005
WORK & MILITARY
US Marine Corps, Staff Sergeant, 20
AFFILIATIONS
The Retired Enlisted Assn Chapter 92, Director-2year, Craven County GOP
Chairman, Vice Chairman, NRA, Life Member
God and Country Christian Alliance, Chairman, Coastal Carolina Taxpayer's Association
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
NC House, 4thTerm
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
Previous Races
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
2013
100%
2021-2022
100%
2020
100%
2020
100%, 88% (cum.)†
2013
|100%
2021-2022
|100%
2020
|100%
2020
|100%, 88% (cum.)†
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
2017-2018
80%
2019
33%, 20% (cum.)†
2017-2018
|80%
2019
|33%, 20% (cum.)†
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
OTHER (1)
*North Carolina Grassroots Government PAC
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (14)
Keith Kidwell (2022)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2022)
Jim Kohr (2020)
State Republican Party Organizations (2018)
Larry Pittman (2017)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (29)
Grass Roots North Carolina (2019)
Keith Kidwell (2019)
Edgar Starnes (2018)
George Cleveland (2018)
Jim Kohr (2018)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Never. It is never medically necessary to abort a child to save the life of the mother. In cases of rape and incest, killing a child for the sins of the father is not the act of civilized, God fearing people. Put the child up for adoption if necessary, but death should not be imposed on the baby.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Never. It is never medically necessary to abort a child to save the life of the mother. In cases of rape and incest, killing a child for the sins of the father is not the act of civilized, God fearing people. Put the child up for adoption if necessary, but death should not be imposed on the baby.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Never. It is never medically necessary to abort a child to save the life of the mother. In cases of rape and incest, killing a child for the sins of the father is not the act of civilized, God fearing people. Put the child up for adoption if necessary, but death should not be imposed on the baby.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Choose not to answer
Abortion drugs kill babies, and this is not acceptable.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Choose not to answer
Abortion drugs kill babies, and this is not acceptable.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Choose not to answer
Abortion drugs kill babies, and this is not acceptable.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
Only God should decide when someone's life is ended.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
Only God should decide when someone's life is ended.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
Only God should decide when someone's life is ended.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Tax dollars should never go to organizations which support the killing of human beings.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Tax dollars should never go to organizations which support the killing of human beings.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Tax dollars should never go to organizations which support the killing of human beings.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Without the right to own property, we cannot freely buy and sell, and therefore would not be a free people.
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Without the right to own property, we cannot freely buy and sell, and therefore would not be a free people.
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Without the right to own property, we cannot freely buy and sell, and therefore would not be a free people.
What is your position on the minimum wage?
Government has no business involving itself into a discussion of wages, which should always be negotiated between employer and employee only. This is a buying and selling of services, and freedom is paramount here.
What is your position on the minimum wage?
Government has no business involving itself into a discussion of wages, which should always be negotiated between employer and employee only. This is a buying and selling of services, and freedom is paramount here.
What is your position on the minimum wage?
Government has no business involving itself into a discussion of wages, which should always be negotiated between employer and employee only. This is a buying and selling of services, and freedom is paramount here.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Government should never be allowed to close churches. If a specific church is having an epidemic of a spreadable disease, those individuals with the disease can be quarantined, but closing the church should never be a government option.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Government should never be allowed to close churches. If a specific church is having an epidemic of a spreadable disease, those individuals with the disease can be quarantined, but closing the church should never be a government option.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Government should never be allowed to close churches. If a specific church is having an epidemic of a spreadable disease, those individuals with the disease can be quarantined, but closing the church should never be a government option.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
The first Amendment applies to individuals, regardless of whether or not they are in business.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
The first Amendment applies to individuals, regardless of whether or not they are in business.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
The first Amendment applies to individuals, regardless of whether or not they are in business.
Should religious schools which accept state funds be allowed to only admit families and students who agree to adhere to their statement of faith?
Yes
Of course they should. There is nothing in the US Constitution that prohibits the support of students, regardless of the schools they choose to attend. Congress shall make no law restricting the establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof is pretty clear.
Should religious schools which accept state funds be allowed to only admit families and students who agree to adhere to their statement of faith?
Yes
Of course they should. There is nothing in the US Constitution that prohibits the support of students, regardless of the schools they choose to attend. Congress shall make no law restricting the establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof is pretty clear.
Should religious schools which accept state funds be allowed to only admit families and students who agree to adhere to their statement of faith?
Yes
Of course they should. There is nothing in the US Constitution that prohibits the support of students, regardless of the schools they choose to attend. Congress shall make no law restricting the establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof is pretty clear.
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) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
Taxpayer funded healthcare is a violation of the US Constitution and all that a free nation stands for. Medicare is paid into by working people, and therefore they are entitled to its benefits, but going forward it should be ended. Private entities may help folks needing healthcare, but government has no business in it.
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) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
Taxpayer funded healthcare is a violation of the US Constitution and all that a free nation stands for. Medicare is paid into by working people, and therefore they are entitled to its benefits, but going forward it should be ended. Private entities may help folks needing healthcare, but government has no business in it.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccinations should never be required. Polio, smallpox, and other diseases which have been eradicated in the USA by vaccinations have always made exceptions for religious reasons, and again, the first Amendment is clear.
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) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
Taxpayer funded healthcare is a violation of the US Constitution and all that a free nation stands for. Medicare is paid into by working people, and therefore they are entitled to its benefits, but going forward it should be ended. Private entities may help folks needing healthcare, but government has no business in it.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccinations should never be required. Polio, smallpox, and other diseases which have been eradicated in the USA by vaccinations have always made exceptions for religious reasons, and again, the first Amendment is clear.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccinations should never be required. Polio, smallpox, and other diseases which have been eradicated in the USA by vaccinations have always made exceptions for religious reasons, and again, the first Amendment is clear.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
We should ensure that drugs, electronic components used in military applications, and other necessary items, are manufactured in the USA and not purchased from countries who would like to see our demise.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
It is important for a variety of reasons, but specifically from a military point of view. The existence of Israel has had a somewhat stabilizing effect in the long term, on the countries which surround it. It gives us an eye and an ear regarding what is going on in the region.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
We should ensure that drugs, electronic components used in military applications, and other necessary items, are manufactured in the USA and not purchased from countries who would like to see our demise.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
We should ensure that drugs, electronic components used in military applications, and other necessary items, are manufactured in the USA and not purchased from countries who would like to see our demise.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
It is important for a variety of reasons, but specifically from a military point of view. The existence of Israel has had a somewhat stabilizing effect in the long term, on the countries which surround it. It gives us an eye and an ear regarding what is going on in the region.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
It is important for a variety of reasons, but specifically from a military point of view. The existence of Israel has had a somewhat stabilizing effect in the long term, on the countries which surround it. It gives us an eye and an ear regarding what is going on in the region.
EDUCATION
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Strongly Agree
Vouchers, which follow the child, increase competition and the beneficiaries of this competition are the students and our communities as a whole.
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Strongly Agree
Vouchers, which follow the child, increase competition and the beneficiaries of this competition are the students and our communities as a whole.
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Strongly Agree
Vouchers, which follow the child, increase competition and the beneficiaries of this competition are the students and our communities as a whole.
VALUES
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
This is not an issue that taxpayers should be paying for.
No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent unless an emergency situation arises risking immediate death.
Strongly Agree
Parents, not the government, are responsible for the well-being of their children.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
This is not an issue that taxpayers should be paying for.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
This is not an issue that taxpayers should be paying for.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Children should not be subjected to the experiments of the day, such as gender altering procedures. Gender cannot be changed by man, because it is assigned by God.
No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent unless an emergency situation arises risking immediate death.
Strongly Agree
Parents, not the government, are responsible for the well-being of their children.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Strongly Agree
Government should not be in the business of marriage at all. Marriage is the union of one man and one woman, and calling other unions a marriage does not make it so.
No healthcare diagnosis or treatment, whether mental, reproductive, or otherwise, should be given to a child without first receiving written consent from the parent unless an emergency situation arises risking immediate death.
Strongly Agree
Parents, not the government, are responsible for the well-being of their children.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Children should not be subjected to the experiments of the day, such as gender altering procedures. Gender cannot be changed by man, because it is assigned by God.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Children should not be subjected to the experiments of the day, such as gender altering procedures. Gender cannot be changed by man, because it is assigned by God.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian, I attend church regularly, and I believe that ones beliefs, or lack of beliefs, permeate all that they do, in or out of office.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Strongly Agree
Government should not be in the business of marriage at all. Marriage is the union of one man and one woman, and calling other unions a marriage does not make it so.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Strongly Agree
Government should not be in the business of marriage at all. Marriage is the union of one man and one woman, and calling other unions a marriage does not make it so.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian, I attend church regularly, and I believe that ones beliefs, or lack of beliefs, permeate all that they do, in or out of office.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian, I attend church regularly, and I believe that ones beliefs, or lack of beliefs, permeate all that they do, in or out of office.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
Voting absentee by mail ballot should be limited to those meeting at least one of the following criteria: 1) 65 years of age or older on Election Day, 2) sick or disabled, 3) expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day, or 4) confirmed to be absent from the county of registration during voting.
Strongly Agree
I also believe that we need to shorten the number of days voting is allowed, as the more days there are the more it leads to opportunities to corrupt our voting systems.
Voting absentee by mail ballot should be limited to those meeting at least one of the following criteria: 1) 65 years of age or older on Election Day, 2) sick or disabled, 3) expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day, or 4) confirmed to be absent from the county of registration during voting.
Strongly Agree
I also believe that we need to shorten the number of days voting is allowed, as the more days there are the more it leads to opportunities to corrupt our voting systems.
Voting absentee by mail ballot should be limited to those meeting at least one of the following criteria: 1) 65 years of age or older on Election Day, 2) sick or disabled, 3) expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day, or 4) confirmed to be absent from the county of registration during voting.
Strongly Agree
I also believe that we need to shorten the number of days voting is allowed, as the more days there are the more it leads to opportunities to corrupt our voting systems.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I don't believe that racism is systemic, and I don't believe that most people care about the color of one's skin. Racism is the last refuge of those seeking to keep minorities as a voting block, and it is being used to stoke the fires of discontent in our nation.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
See answer above.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I don't believe that racism is systemic, and I don't believe that most people care about the color of one's skin. Racism is the last refuge of those seeking to keep minorities as a voting block, and it is being used to stoke the fires of discontent in our nation.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I don't believe that racism is systemic, and I don't believe that most people care about the color of one's skin. Racism is the last refuge of those seeking to keep minorities as a voting block, and it is being used to stoke the fires of discontent in our nation.
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
Man cannot change the gender of human beings because that gender is assigned by God. Men who dress up as women are not women, and vice versa. The facts are clear, and ideology does not change that no matter how hard one believes otherwise.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
See answer above.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
See answer above.
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
Man cannot change the gender of human beings because that gender is assigned by God. Men who dress up as women are not women, and vice versa. The facts are clear, and ideology does not change that no matter how hard one believes otherwise.
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
Man cannot change the gender of human beings because that gender is assigned by God. Men who dress up as women are not women, and vice versa. The facts are clear, and ideology does not change that no matter how hard one believes otherwise.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.
C. Self-explanatory.
Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.
C. Self-explanatory.
Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.
C. Self-explanatory.
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To protect the liberties of its citizens, and to provide those services which cannot be provided by individuals, such as police, fire and rescue, defense of our nation, etc.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To protect the liberties of its citizens, and to provide those services which cannot be provided by individuals, such as police, fire and rescue, defense of our nation, etc.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To protect the liberties of its citizens, and to provide those services which cannot be provided by individuals, such as police, fire and rescue, defense of our nation, etc.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
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?
Very Conservative
I believe in those things which have made America great, such as God, country, family, personal responsibility, free markets, and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
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?
Very Conservative
I believe in those things which have made America great, such as God, country, family, personal responsibility, free markets, and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
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?
Very Conservative
I believe in those things which have made America great, such as God, country, family, personal responsibility, free markets, and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
This is a ridiculous position for any serious person who is capable of thinking to hold.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
This is a ridiculous position for any serious person who is capable of thinking to hold.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
This is a ridiculous position for any serious person who is capable of thinking to hold.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Constitutional Carry should be the law, and the penalties for using firearms in the commission of a crime should be severe and timely. Those who are mentally ill and have a bona fide propensity to harm others should be restricted, but I do not support red flag laws.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Constitutional Carry should be the law, and the penalties for using firearms in the commission of a crime should be severe and timely. Those who are mentally ill and have a bona fide propensity to harm others should be restricted, but I do not support red flag laws.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Constitutional Carry should be the law, and the penalties for using firearms in the commission of a crime should be severe and timely. Those who are mentally ill and have a bona fide propensity to harm others should be restricted, but I do not support red flag laws.
