Dennis Riddell
Republican | North Carolina
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
Dennis Riddell
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 64
Incumbent
Yes
Links
EDUCATION
Bob Jones Univesity, Greenville, Masters, 1983
California Maritime Academy, Vallejo, BS Eng, 1978
Infraspection Institute, Burlington, Certificate, 2008
WORK & MILITARY
US Naval Reserve, Lt, 1978-88
US Merchant Marine, First Engineer, 35 yrs
AFFILIATIONS
Piedmont Rescue Mission, Board Member, Alamance County GOP
Past Chairman, Alamance County Young Republicans, Past Chairman
Pleasant Hill Christian Church, Attendee
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
State Representative, 9 yrs
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
Previous Races
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
2013
100%
2022
A+
2021
100%
2021
83%, 88% (cum.)†
2020
88%
2021-2022
86%
2013
|100%
2022
|A+
2021
|83%, 88% (cum.)†
2020
|88%
2021-2022
|86%
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
2017-2018
20%
2019
50%, 6% (cum.)†
2017-2018
|20%
2019
|50%, 6% (cum.)†
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)
*National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF
*North Carolina Values Coalition
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (71)
Allen McNeill (2018)
Amy Galey (2021)
Andy Dulin (2018)
Bill Cook (2012)
Bobby Hanig (2018)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (18)
Allen McNeill (2016)
Amy Galey (2020)
Chris Whitmire (2017)
Edgar Starnes (2018)
Ernest Koury (2020)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Service Employees International Union (2020)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Only to save the life of the mother or in cases involving incest or rape (less than 1%).
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Agree
Tax dollars should not be used for elective abortions.
If Roe v. Wade is overturned by the US Supreme Court, how far are you willing to go to roll back North Carolina's statutory abortion law that allows abortion up to 20 weeks?
To conception if possible, and if not then later when a heartbeat can be verified.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
Would you support a limitation on chemical abortion that protects women from taking abortion pills without the care and supervision of a qualified physician?
Yes
If my state does not put such a limit in place then at least the abortion pill reversal option should be readily available as well.
ECONOMY
The government should do more to close the gap between the working class and the wealthy.
Disagree
The best way to "close the gap" is through a growing opportunity economy that rewards diligence, thrift and hard work.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
The tax code should not be used as a means of wealth redistribution. Tax rates should be fair and flat.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Only if there is demonstrable criminal activity occurring within the church and that does not mean people without masks.
What should be the relationship between the church and the state?
Both should be working in their respective spheres to make it easy for us to do right and difficult for us to do wrong. The church wields the Word and the state wields the sword.
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)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
None of the above as written. Medicaid and Medicare should be turned over for the state to run as needed for the time being. Meanwhile more market freedom, access and alternatives should be welcomed in healthcare in general. Protecting small, independent practices should be a priority. Billing transparency and expanded scope of practice for medical professionals should be encouraged. Greater access to telehealth options and less regulatory burdens are also needed to reform healthcare in our nation. Until we have greater freedom in our healthcare choices not much else is going to change.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccinations should be an individual/family decision. Citizens should have an opt out path for those unwilling to be vaccinated. Coercion, threats and intimidation are the tools of bullying. Our recent experience with Covid and vaccinations and second boosters, and third boosters and fourth boosters and more should make us less willling to accept any gov't, school or employers mandates.
EDUCATION
States should allow parents to use the Opportunity Scholarship Program to fund private school for their children.
Strongly Agree
Parents should be able to decide which school best serves their children in preparing for a productive future.
In what situations does a parent not have the right to know what their child is being taught in public school?
There are none.
When should parents be restricted from speaking in school board meetings?
Whenever school board members are restricted from speaking in school board meetings.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
Society cannot exist unless a controlling power is placed upon the will and appetites. If it does not come from within it will have to come from without (society)
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe that Jesus is Lord and attempt to live my life according to His Word.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
Voter ID is commonly used in many states and should be the minimum requirement to be able to vote
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Voter ID is the first thing, regular voter rolls review and clean up, signature verification for absentee ballots, require absentee ballots be received no later than election day (except for military ballots from overseas), no unattended ballot drop boxes are a good start.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I believe it is not a threat to domestic security. I believe movements to defund the police, no bail release of repeat offenders, soft on crime district attorney's, and the breakdown of the family as the foundational unit of our society are threats to domestic security.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
A
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The fundamental purpose of government is to protect our God given rights of life, liberty, the enjoyment of the fruits of our own labor, 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?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I have received repeated recognition and awards from various groups acknowledging my conservative record over the past 9 years e.g. The American Conservative Union, NC Chamber of Commerce, NC FREE, NC Right to Life, Family Organizations, NFIB, Charter Schools etc.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
My wife Polly and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary in June. We have been blessed with 8 children and are anticipating the arrival of our first grandchild in November. We live on a small farm where our daughters run a modest equestrian facility. I spent 35 years in the US Merchant Marine, taught high school social studies for 7 years and own a small business that I started myself in 2008. I have traveled to over 40 countries in my life and am now more than ever a proud American. I am determined that my children and grandchildren will live in a nation that will afford to them the same opportunities and freedoms that I have enjoyed.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Agree
I back the blue - our communities would descend quickly into anarchy without the dedicated men and women of law enforcement.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The 2nd Amendment is still in effect.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Disagree
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Would you support legislation that prohibits biological boys from competing on girls sports teams?
Yes
Allowing men to invade the formerly protected space of women's sports is a tragedy and should be stopped.
