Deborah Cochran
Republican | North Carolina
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Deborah Cochran
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
Lt. Governor
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
NC State University, Raleigh, N.C., Teaching Licensure, 2017
Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, N.C., Bachelor in Business Mgmt., 1986
WORK & MILITARY
JF Kennedy High School, Business Teacher, 5
City of Mount Airy, NC, Mayor/City Commissioner, 8
Surry Community College, Part-time Instructor, 18
Mt. Airy Broadcasters, Inc., Broadcast Personality, 25
AFFILIATIONS
The Salvation Army, member, Surry County Republican Party
contributor, Republican Party, contributor
Surry County Humane Society, member, National Association of University Women
contributor, Altrusa International, contributor
General Federation Women's Club, contributor, March of Dimes, Susan Komen 5 K
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Mayor of Mount Airy, N.C., 6
City Commissioner of Mount Airy, N.C., 2
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (5)
Mayor of Mount Airy, NC Honorable David Rowe
Commissioner Jon Cawley, Mt.Airy City Commissioner
Teresa Lewis, Former Mount Airy City Commissioner
Donna Fargo, Country Music Star & writer
Easter Brothers, Gospel singers/songwriter/musicia
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Republican Women's Organizations (2019)
State Republican Party Organizations (2019)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly 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.
Strongly Agree
If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, North Carolina should repeal its law allowing abortion up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
The Supreme Court rules on abortion. I am strongly Pro-Life. My belief is human life begins at conception and should be protected. Children are a gift from God. I watched the movie "Unplanned" and cried and cried. I could not look at the procedures and covered my eyes and ears. The measure of a great nation is how we treat our children and elderly. In cases of rape, the pregnancy can be prevented when prompt medical attention is sought. “Emergency contraception is not the abortion pill.” Hospitals with Emergency Departments are required by law to offer EC to women seeking care after a sexual assault whether or not a woman completes a rape examination kit or reports the assault to the police.” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. www.mass-gov/emergency contraception
iVoterGuide Notes:
After the voter guide was published, candidate notified iVoterGuide that the intended answer to this survey question should have included: "This information was derived directly from the Internet and may or may not be accurate. These views are not her views."
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Agree
iVoterGuide Notes:
Staff Note: After the voter guide was published, candidate notified iVoterGuide that the intended answer to this survey question should have been ‘Disagree’.
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
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.
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 Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
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?
I think the government on every level should have a deep respect for churches. Faith is a bedrock value. We need Christian leaders in politics. I can't imagine the condition this Country would be in if we didn't have churches. Churches help people with their spiritual and financial needs. Church is my happy place. Government should not prohibit churches from existing or levy a tax on a church. Church is our safe haven from the storms of life. Laws must protect our religious liberties. “Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant.” Ronald Reagan (May 2006)
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?
As mayor, I recruited an industry during a Recession. Economic development is as core as it gets and elected officials must ensure economic opportunities and jobs exist for constituents. Jobs translate into dollars for the people and the government. This means having a favorable business climate for companies to locate in N.C. When people are employed, they will be provided with health insurance or they can purchase health insurance with their paycheck. The elderly, disabled and children who are unable to work do need health insurance provided by the government because they can't do it on their own. Expanding Medicaid to all would have disastrous financial implications on the budget. People who are able to work should be working and being self-sufficient. My brother is a leukemia survivor. There needs to be adorable care for catastrophic illnesses.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
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.
Strongly Agree
State, sheriff and local law enforcement agencies should be required to participate in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) Program to enhance the safety and security of their communities to identify and detain aliens.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
America needs an extensive vetting process and merit-based immigration policy. Canada has a model policy. First you must apply, and if you are accepted, you wait for acceptance. The financial strain from illegal immigrates is taking its toll on our limited resources. “Americans pay $200 billion annual in illegal immigration costs.” (Sadler, Kelly) ”The real cost of illegal immigration, and it's not avocados.” (June, 2019) The Washington Times We must take care of Americans and address the major problems in our own county. We have thousands of homeless people, (New York Mayor is providing bus fare and one year free rent if homeless will relocate to another state), substance abuse, people without insurance with catastrophic illnesses, mental health issues and food insecurities right here in America. Charity begins at home.
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.
Strongly Agree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Disagree
I support allowing public high school students to participate in athletic competition based on the gender with which they identify instead of biological sex.
Disagree
Parents should have the right to know what schools are teaching their children about sex and LGBT issues and should have the right to opt their children out of any instruction to which they object.
Strongly Agree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a born again Christian. I believe God's word is the Holy Bible. I adhere to the principles in the bible. I attend church at The Salvation Army and taught Sunday School for 20 years. I believe in Jesus, the hope of glory. I believe in serving others. As mayor, we stood outside in freezing temperatures to collect money to provide kerosene for those in need. I have raised thousands of dollars and toys for the Christmas fund and flew to Florida to help with hurricane relief. I believe we walk the talk.
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?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I have a proven conservative record. As City Commissioner and mayor in my hometown from 2007 until 2015, I have a record of lowering property taxes 30%. It is imperative to keep taxes and spending down to maintain economic growth. The City of Mount Airy keeps the records. I highly encourage any voter to check all the minutes.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I am highly qualified to be Lt. Governor. The Lt. Governor is appointed to the State Board of Education. I have been a Public School teacher since 2015. The Lt. Governor is appointed to the NC Board of Community Colleges. I worked at Surry Community College part-time for 18 years. The Lt. Governor presides over Senate meetings. I have Executive experience as mayor, and I presided over board meetings. I have legislative experience from being a City Commissioner and know the importance of team work. I am specifically qualified. I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Gardner-Webb University and a teaching licensure in Business, Marketing and Information Technology from NC State University.
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?
I have deep roots and have only lived in Mt. Airy. North Carolinians are the best people on the planet. I am a working class candidate and have passed two extensive background checks, one for my Concealed Carry and one as a teacher. My faith, dedication, drive and knowledge lead to success. I bring history and experience. I support apprenticeship programs, trade schools and community colleges that teach skills. I support farmers and agriculture. I spent time on my uncle's dairy farm and was a FFA member in high school. I support school choice. Parents know what is best for their children, not the state. My nephews were homeschooled. I am a strong proponent of public safety protecting our neighborhoods. The purpose of Public Service is serving others. I was awarded the Disabled American Veterans Award of Merit and Community Service recognitions: The Salvation Army, Altrusa International, General Federation of Women’s Club & National Association of University Women.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
No Answer
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I have my Concealed Carry permit. The 2nd amendment protects the rest. Guns are not bad; however, at times bad people obtain guns. Law adding citizens must have means to protect ourselves because criminals will obtain guns. I would be in favor of background checks and permits to people who sell guns at local flea markets. A convicted felon must not possess or sell guns. I strongly support the right for people to keep and bear arms. View a Youtube video Hitler Survivor Condemns Gun Cont
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
My bedrock core agenda issues: Economic Development and Job Growth Educational Excellence /School Choice and Trade Careers Public Safety.
