Bekah Congdon
Libertarian | Texas
Candidate Profile*
Insufficient Information
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Bekah Congdon
Party
Libertarian
Election Year
2020
Election
General
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist.28
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
John Brown University, Siloam Springs, AR, 2008
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Libertarian Party of Texas, Vice Chair, Libertarian Party of Bexar County
Chair, Libertarian Party of Bexar County, Secretary
New Braunfels Bible Church, A/V Director
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE*
*Additional information was received after the evaluation was assigned and was not considered in the Panel Evaluations, therefore it is for additional educational purposes only.
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Agree
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.
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.
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 don't believe that abortion is ever the right decision, no matter the circumstance. Through volunteering, I have met far too many people in crisis pregnancies to not know that this is a nuanced issue though and must be addressed with empathy. Laws do not stop abortion, we know that. I believe ending abortion must be a change in the culture, and communities providing what is necessary for women to be able to choose life, as so many feel abortion is their only choice. We also know that comprehensive sex education and easy access to contraception results in a decrease in abortions, and that is what I want to see.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I don't believe that abortion is ever the right decision, no matter the circumstance. Through volunteering, I have met far too many people in crisis pregnancies to not know that this is a nuanced issue though and must be addressed with empathy. Laws do not stop abortion, we know that. I believe ending abortion must be a change in the culture, and communities providing what is necessary for women to be able to choose life, as so many feel abortion is their only choice. We also know that comprehensive sex education and easy access to contraception results in a decrease in abortions, and that is what I want to see.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
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
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
We can't. Social Security is bankrupt, and the government this year alone has added trillions to our national debt. We cannot continue to shackle future generations to our poor decisions. We have to be honest about the mess that Republicans and Democrats have spent generations creating, and we need to make the hard decisions to correct course. I do not believe that SS should be abolished overnight - people obviously need to be given what they have been paying for and preparing for. However, I don't know anyone in my generation who believes that SS will be around when we need it. We should begin phasing it out so that individuals can keep more of their own money and decide how to invest for their own retirement.
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
We can't. Social Security is bankrupt, and the government this year alone has added trillions to our national debt. We cannot continue to shackle future generations to our poor decisions. We have to be honest about the mess that Republicans and Democrats have spent generations creating, and we need to make the hard decisions to correct course. I do not believe that SS should be abolished overnight - people obviously need to be given what they have been paying for and preparing for. However, I don't know anyone in my generation who believes that SS will be around when we need it. We should begin phasing it out so that individuals can keep more of their own money and decide how to invest for their own retirement.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
So much that there is no way to include it all here. The budget of the US needs to be met with a machete, not a scalpel, though it needs to be done with wisdom. Military intervention, Healthcare, Social Security, Welfare - these are all budgetary areas in need of huge decreases in spending and government involvement.
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
They should not.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
So much that there is no way to include it all here. The budget of the US needs to be met with a machete, not a scalpel, though it needs to be done with wisdom. Military intervention, Healthcare, Social Security, Welfare - these are all budgetary areas in need of huge decreases in spending and government involvement.
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
They should not.
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 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
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Disagree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Disagree
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
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?
It means that there should be no influence of any religion in the writing and passing of laws, and there should be no influence of government in the teaching and practices of religions.
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
It means that there should be no influence of any religion in the writing and passing of laws, and there should be no influence of government in the teaching and practices of religions.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance.
Strongly Disagree
I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Get government all the way out. Our current system is a Socialist model of healthcare, and giving even more of the control over it to Government would be a horrible mistake. Removing bureaucracy allows for cost to drastically decrease, and for communities to address the problems unique to their needs, and not a one-size fits all approach.
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Get government all the way out. Our current system is a Socialist model of healthcare, and giving even more of the control over it to Government would be a horrible mistake. Removing bureaucracy allows for cost to drastically decrease, and for communities to address the problems unique to their needs, and not a one-size fits all approach.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Disagree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Disagree
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
Bring out troops home and put an stop finally to our endless wars. US meddling and violence in other countries has only negative repercussions and has shown to result in a huge growth of terrorism. We need to return our military to the role of protecting our nation, not policing the world and toppling regimes, and we need to embrace a culture of peace and diplomacy.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
Bring out troops home and put an stop finally to our endless wars. US meddling and violence in other countries has only negative repercussions and has shown to result in a huge growth of terrorism. We need to return our military to the role of protecting our nation, not policing the world and toppling regimes, and we need to embrace a culture of peace and diplomacy.
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 Disagree
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 Disagree
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished.
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
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished.
Agree
Employers should be required to use E-verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
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
Employers should be required to use E-verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
The free movement of peaceful people should not be prevented by any government. We have the right to know who is coming into the US, but without any real cause, preventing peaceful people from working hard for a better life, and separating children from their families as punishment for fleeing violence and hardship in other countries is unconscionable. Our government, again being too large and intrusive, has created a bloated welfare system that should be phased out, however the failures of government do not give us any cause to treat other human beings as lesser than ourselves. I am for very open immigration that will allow peaceful people to move here in orderly and proper channels, and will allow law enforcement to focus on those operating in the shadows.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
The free movement of peaceful people should not be prevented by any government. We have the right to know who is coming into the US, but without any real cause, preventing peaceful people from working hard for a better life, and separating children from their families as punishment for fleeing violence and hardship in other countries is unconscionable. Our government, again being too large and intrusive, has created a bloated welfare system that should be phased out, however the failures of government do not give us any cause to treat other human beings as lesser than ourselves. I am for very open immigration that will allow peaceful people to move here in orderly and proper channels, and will allow law enforcement to focus on those operating in the shadows.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Disagree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Disagree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
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 am a Christ follower. My dad is a pastor and from before I was conscious I had the word of God instilled in me. My prayer for many years was that God would break my heart for the things that broke His, and I believe He did just that. I ache to bring the love, acceptance, and regeneration that can only be found in Christ to every hurting soul, and I believe that the principles of Liberty in society make that aim possible.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christ follower. My dad is a pastor and from before I was conscious I had the word of God instilled in me. My prayer for many years was that God would break my heart for the things that broke His, and I believe He did just that. I ache to bring the love, acceptance, and regeneration that can only be found in Christ to every hurting soul, and I believe that the principles of Liberty in society make that aim possible.
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?
No Answer
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
We have such an obsession with binary answers in this country. You are either Red team or Blue team. Right or left. Good or evil. I am a Libertarian. This means that on certain issues, especially economic and market issues, I would be called traditionally Conservative (although the Republican Party has largely abandoned these beliefs). I support a completely free market, untouched by government meddling, and that naturally includes open trade and immigration. I believe that taxation is a form of extortion, so I oppose any government taking of what an individual has earned. Government is far too large and intrusive and I fight to drastically scale back their influence in our lives. However, when it comes to issues of personal decisions of adults, I would fall more in line with what many would call Liberal. Consistent with my belief that government is far too intrusive, I do not support any laws policing personal behavior, such as laws against drugs, sex work, and personal relationships.
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?
No Answer
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
We have such an obsession with binary answers in this country. You are either Red team or Blue team. Right or left. Good or evil. I am a Libertarian. This means that on certain issues, especially economic and market issues, I would be called traditionally Conservative (although the Republican Party has largely abandoned these beliefs). I support a completely free market, untouched by government meddling, and that naturally includes open trade and immigration. I believe that taxation is a form of extortion, so I oppose any government taking of what an individual has earned. Government is far too large and intrusive and I fight to drastically scale back their influence in our lives. However, when it comes to issues of personal decisions of adults, I would fall more in line with what many would call Liberal. Consistent with my belief that government is far too intrusive, I do not support any laws policing personal behavior, such as laws against drugs, sex work, and personal relationships.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No.
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 believe that nothing is preventing us from solving our problems more than the tribalism in Washington. We must elect people based on principles, not party. If you believe in liberty and the maximum amount of freedom for individuals so that Government is kept out of our lives, I ask for you vote. Thank you.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I believe that nothing is preventing us from solving our problems more than the tribalism in Washington. We must elect people based on principles, not party. If you believe in liberty and the maximum amount of freedom for individuals so that Government is kept out of our lives, I ask for you vote. Thank you.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Disagree
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed. We have a violence problem in our culture, but that is not due to the right to own weapons.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed. We have a violence problem in our culture, but that is not due to the right to own weapons.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
I support BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanction) against Israel if they refuse to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Neutral
I support BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanction) against Israel if they refuse to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Neutral
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Agree
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Agree
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
1. Ending the War on Drugs 2. Repealing the PATRIOT Act 3. Abolishing the Federal Income Tax
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
1. Ending the War on Drugs 2. Repealing the PATRIOT Act 3. Abolishing the Federal Income Tax
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
It is. Simply because racism, discrimination, and other forms of injustice in our systems causes we the people to not trust those very systems. We have seen all summer the anger and fear and desperation that can come from misapplication of force whether due to discrimination or simply too much power given to authorities.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
It is. Simply because racism, discrimination, and other forms of injustice in our systems causes we the people to not trust those very systems. We have seen all summer the anger and fear and desperation that can come from misapplication of force whether due to discrimination or simply too much power given to authorities.
