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


Links

Matt Rinker websites Facebook

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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