Robert Prah
Democrat | Pennsylvania
Candidate Profile
Leans Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Robert Prah
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2020
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 58
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
California University of Pennsylvania, California, Bachelors, 2006
California University of Pennsylvania, California, Masters, 2010
WORK & MILITARY
United States Army Reserve, Major, 19
AFFILIATIONS
American Legion Post 790, Post Commander, Westmoreland County, American Legion District 31
Deputy Commander
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Mayor, Smithton Borough, 4
Councilmember, Smithton Borough, 6
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
LIBERAL (2)
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO
United Mine Workers of America Pennsylvania State COMPAC
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (5)
PA AFL-CIO
SEIU PA State Council
United Steelworkers - District 10
FOP Lodge 87
APSCUF
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.
Neutral
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.
No Answer
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Life saving scenarios; the safety of the mother and the unborn. There are often health issues that may arise and the decision should be of that between the professional and the woman.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Agree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Neutral
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
UNK; our state budget increases every year and we only continue to cut funding to various programs. Our budget is entirely too political each year.
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 Disagree
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.
No Answer
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Politics should stay out of church; church should stay out of politics.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Agree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
I feel as though citizens have a right to choose his/her options for healthcare. It is our duty, as a nation, to provide affordable options that ensure "our own" are taken care of. This is the United States of America. Not a 3rd world country.
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.
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.
Disagree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Anyone should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S.; legally. There is a process. It's plain and simple. My great-grand parents immigrated from Italy at the turn of the century. Times have changed. We had fully "open borders" then. We also didn't have terrorist threats and people looking to move to our country simply for a better life. Times have changed. It's much different. National Security is one of the top issues we should be focused on as it relates to providing opportunities to immigrants and ensuring we are the land of the free and a place where people can start a new life - just as my family did nearly 100 years ago.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Neutral
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
No Answer
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 practicing Methodist disciple. I have been a member of two Methodist churches in my life. My values are that of in which the Bible is the word of Christ; we are all sinners and at some point in our lives, we all sin. It is our responsibility to make right with the Lord and heal and save ourselves; Jesus died on the cross to save all of us.
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?
Moderate
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I am a strong advocate for national security, taking care of our Military, Law Enforcement and our first responders. Having served in Iraq and as a member of the Armed Forces, for nearly 20 years, I have seen firsthand how important it is for our country to take care of our own. Additionally, I am a pro-labor and pro-2A candidate.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I have a Master's degree in Law & Public Policy (Homeland Security), am a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a field grade Officer in the United States Army Reserve, and have served my local community in various capacities for more than 20 years. I understand the need for servant leaders and the importance of being involved in the community, not just being elected. Being an elected official does not make you a "leader." A leader is somehow who has stepped up; somehow who has paved the way and encourages others to follow. In order to be a good leader you have to be a good follower.
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?
The bottom line, for those who may read this, and are unsure on a candidate, must realize that I work with EVERYONE. I am a registered Democrat and proud of what I stand for. I don't stand for what other Democrats may believe in, and I don't stand for what Republicans stand for. I have my own views and experiences that shape my perspective. Our country is too divided and we often look at if someone is a "D" or an "R." I have experience in working with our communities - various backgrounds and in diverse settings. We need someone in the PA General Assembly who will work with everyone. We need someone who won't alienate and criticize the other party just because. I think heading into 2020 we are all tired of the "us versus them" mentality. Our governments were more successful after WWII because we have more Veterans serving in Congress. There is a mission - and you accomplish it. There isn't time for personal agendas, personal gains and for trying to make a living by being electe
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Neutral
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?
Keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals and those who may have mental health issues. Ensuring collaboration between NICS/PICS (in Pennsylvania) as well as, if needed, conducting further research on candidates who would like to purchase a firearm. There is no need to rush into purchasing a firearm if there is a background discrepancy.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
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?
1. Funding for education: Pre-K, K-12, Higher Education, Trade/Technical Schools 2. Creating/Implementing, through legislation, a committee to oversee funding for first responders (volunteer organizations) 3. Developing a well-synchronized plan that is bi-partisan to increase minimum to at least $11 by 2023
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes. Any bit of racism, anything that may incite violence or creating of new "domestic terrorist" organizations is not what the United States of America is about.
