Thad Claggett
Republican | Ohio
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
Thad Claggett
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
Republican Legislative Primary
Race
State Representative, Dist. 68
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Ohio Northern University, Ada, BS Civil Engineering, minor in Business Administra, 1994
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Masters of Theological Studies
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
New Albany Evangelical Free Church, Head Deacon, Board Member, Music Director, Associated Builders and Contractors of Ohio
Chair, Board of Directors, Licking County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors
Licking County Library, Chair, Board of Directors, NFIB
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Ohio House, 2020
Race
Previous Races
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (4)
Licking County Conservatives
*Ohio Advocates for Freedom and Liberty PAC
Ohio Republican PAC
*Right to Life Action Coalition of Ohio
OTHER (1)
Americans For Prosperity - Ohio
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (5)
Associated Builders and Contractors, Central Ohio Chapter
Associated Builders and Contractors of Ohio
Licking County Conservatives
Americans For Prosperity
Ohio Republican PAC
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (5)
Kristina Roegner (2019)
Melanie Leneghan (2018)
Mike DeWine (2006)
Ron Hood (2021)
Tim Schaffer (2018)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Almost none. In very rare cases, there may be a medically definable condition where the life of the mother is in eminent danger that would call for a medical option to save the mother.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
All of these type issues hang on the definition of terms and while I think we should be as merciful as possible to those who are ailing, we should always support a culture of life
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Lower and flatter. CAT tax in Ohio needs revised (as we have said from its enactment) because activity does not mean profitability and if there is not profit in any given period of time, there is no money to pay the tax which will drive out business and jobs.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Ohio's spending on Medicare has to be reformed--it is completely unsustainable and it represents a huge percentage of the overall state budget.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
K--12 represents (if the education is actually happening) a minimum standard to function in our society. College is specialized and represents a choice for which there must be accountability for the costs incurred.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Business, like citizens should be free to do business with who they choose. An exception might be a public utility
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
NONE!
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.
Position "D" is closest to my views with a voucher system set up to maximize choice for the individuals who need help.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
All medical procedures should be the choice of the person--no mandates!
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Build and maintain a superior fighting force. Fund well performing intelligence agencies. Educate our citizens as to the threats that are present.
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Disagree
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Finish the wall started by Trump
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Those who bring skills and LEGALLY go through our system of immigration. We are happy to receive all who want to contribute to our society
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
Completion in the education system is the best way to make a good system for all the learning styles and needs represented in a very diverse culture such as ours.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
There can be no freedom without self-discipline and so we must promote values that insist that we are individually accountable for our actions.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
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
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.
We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end. And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
We need to get back to 1 voting Day. The amount of fraud that has opened up needs to be swiftly corrected
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
yes--rioting, in the name of some "race" issue is not protected political speech. We have laws against such behavior, and they must be enforced.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
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.
Answer "A" but in most things like this, balance the competing issues. No conservative I have ever known wants our shared environment damaged. In fact, most work very hard to not damage and even heal the damage that does occur
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Only those items spelled out in our Ohio and Federal constitution and not the over-reach / expansion of government that has plagued us for over 50 years
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
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
Various articles over the years in the Newark Advocate
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?
I have an extensive background in education, business, community work and political activity that has prepared me to take on this role. I am 51 years old and loving life. I certainly do not "need" this new job, but I will not stand by and let our community be represented by someone who does not have the background or strength of character to protect our way of life here in Licking County
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
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?
None. It is the liberal lie to restrict the lawful for fear of trying to control the unlawful
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
There is no end to this kind of inept thinking
