Bruce Givens
Republican | Kansas
Candidate Profile*
Liberal
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Bruce Givens
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
State Senator, Dist. 14
Incumbent
Yes
Links
EDUCATION
Emporia State University, Emporia, BS, 1978
Emporia State University, Emporia, KS, MS, 1984
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Kiwanis, President of Club and other roles, Miss Kansas Organization
helped prepare candidate for speaking, El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, member
Council of Exceptional Children, member, Ks. Association of Sp. Ed. Admin.
President of org in late 1990s, Trinity Unitied Methodist Church, member, singer in choir and chair of committees
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Kansas Senate, 4
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
2019-20
B
2020
75%
2019
73%, 54% (cum.)†
2018
23% (cum.)†
2018
17%
2019-20
|B
2019
|73%, 54% (cum.)†
2018
|23% (cum.)†
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
2019
|50%, 77% (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 (1)
Kansans for Life PAC
OTHER (2)
*Kansas Farm Bureau
*Kansas Livestock Association PAC
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Neutral
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
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.
Neutral
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Rape, incest and if life of the mother is endangered
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Disagree
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?
That depends. Budget cuts will have to be made, but they should be done in public hearings. People are affected with any action.
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.
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.
Neutral
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Neutral
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?
Did not answer
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
I don't have a good answer.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Disagree
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.
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.
Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I think people from any country can apply to enter our country and apply to become a citizen.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Agree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Agree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe that Jesus Christ is the SON of the living God. I believe the world would be a better place if we all practiced the teachings of Christ - love your neighbor.
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?
Somewhat Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
There is no way to always fit into a category. If we as elected officials are listening to our people, and doing what is right by them, we have to flexible enough to make good decisions.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I was involved in many testimonies and bill making long before I ever ran for office - all related to education. Now, after serving on Commerce committees and Insurance and Banking I recognize the number of laws and regulations that are choking many businesses.
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?
Did not answer
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
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.
Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
No
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
People who are mentally ill or felons of violent crimes should not be able to purchase guns. I don't know of any specific restrictions on guns that would actually work.
iVoterGuide Notes:
Candidate received an F rating from the NRA Political Victory Fund KS in 2020. https://www.nrapvf.org/grades/kansas/
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Neutral
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
I have some education bills that would benefit our Kansas system. I would also support some tax transparency bills.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I do racism is a danger to all of us. The teachings of Christ were meant for all people not just a certain race or color of skin.
