
Matt Rinker
Republican | Iowa
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Matt Rinker
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
Primary
Race
State Senator, Dist. 44
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
Western Illinois University, Macomb, Il, BA, 13
Southeastern Comm Collage, W. Burlington, IA, AA, 11
WORK & MILITARY
US Navy, First Class Petty Officer, 2004-2008
AFFILIATIONS
Burlington Rotary Club, President, Optimist Club
Member, Masonic Lodge, Member
Delta Waterfowl, Board Member, Divine Mercy Catholic Parrish
Parrish Member, Des Moines County Comm Foundation, Board Member
Burlington Education Foundation, Board Member, Southeast Iowa Regional Planning
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Burlington City Council, 2018-Pres
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
Previous Races
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Agree
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.
Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I believe they should be allowed in circumstances where the mother will not live through the pregnancy. I also believe they should be allowed in cases of rape and incest. Either way, the decision should be up to her family, god and provider.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly 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?
This would depend primarily on the circumstances presented to me. There is a very long list of items that could be adjusted, but depending on the amount the cost benefit may not make sense.
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.
Neutral
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
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?
To me it means that the government cannot and shall not force any religious views or followings onto any person or entity.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
First, It would need to meet the needs of Iowans and improve the current system in place. Ideally I prefer to work on improving mental health programs, and ensuring there are affordable prescription drug options available.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
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.
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.
Neutral
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Anyone, as long its done legally and they can contribute to our society and their community.
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.
Neutral
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am Catholic.
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.
Outside of public city council records I'm not aware of any.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I been heavily involved in many aspects of my community including but not limited to city government, non-profits, and I own a small business. I'm a father, husband, veteran, and community leader. My experience has given me a level of perspective that I don't believe any other candidate has.
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'm prepared to effectively serve the voters and their family. I've worked hard and prepared for this office for many years, and the my learning curve is much less then my competitors.
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?
I think the best course of actions would be to improve firearm education, restrict access to accessories that manipulate a firearms ability, and increase the punishment for felons caught with firearms.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Neutral
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Neutral
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?
-Increase the penalty for felons caught with a firearm. -Restructure education funding to better identify the mental healthcare needs of our students. -Write legislation that removes the financial burden on small business.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Absolutely, because when any one group of people feel threatened they tend to resort to extreme measures to make a point. These measures can be and have been costly.
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