April Nesbit
Independent | Oklahoma
Candidate Profile
Leans Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
April Nesbit
Party
Independent
Election Year
2020
Election
General
Race
U.S. Senator
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, PhD, 2009
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, BS, 2003
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Matthew 25, Volunteer, Linsheid Library Academic Friends
Board Member, Nature Conservancy, Volunteer
Oklahoma Academy of Science, Member, American Society Microbiology
Member, American Chemical Society, Member
Girls Scouts, Volunteer
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
(Candidate did not provide)
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
No Answer
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
No Answer
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?
The most critical circumstance when abortion should be allowed is when the health of the mother is at risk. If the risk to the mother is high, then she should be able to talk to her doctor and spiritual leader with all options available. Making a difficult time a greater hardship shows lack of compassion. Similarly, cases of rape and incest should allow the option of abortion to provide women in distress a way to move forward. Finally, restricting abortions in the first trimester has not shown a decrease in abortions because individuals can travel during that time to locations that allow abortions. Abortions can be decreased during the first trimester by educating young women and providing maternity leave to encourage childbirth. Thus, abortions should only be allowed in limited circumstances to decrease the tragedy of losing a child.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
No Answer
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
No Answer
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
Guaranteeing Social Security benefits starts by addressing what is causing the decrease in funds. Both Republicans and Democrats have proposed bills to address these causes, but lack of bipartisan support is hurting the chance of future generations to have Social Security. Thus, combining portions of each bill such as the Republican option to increase the retirement age and the Democrat option to increase the maximum taxable income would reduce expenditures while increasing inflow could lead to a bipartisan solution for Social Security. Future generations deserve security have many years of hard work, and elected officials need to put aside their differences to work for the people.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Did not answer
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
If reducing student loans boosts the economy, then it would be in taxpayers' best interest to pay for part of student loans to ensure a healthy economy.
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.
No Answer
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
No Answer
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?
Separation of church and state means that our government should not make any laws restricting religious practices, except in extreme cases like child brides. This provides freedom for the people of America to worship as they feel moved. To ensure that one religion does not force their views on the people of the United States, the state should not make policies that are limited to a single religion. Thus, elected officials can and should consider their religion for guidance but also consider the needs of their constituents.
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
No Answer
I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance.
No Answer
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
To determine how to improve healthcare coverage, some important information has to be considered. First, many Americans find the cost of healthcare prohibitive while at the same time hospitals, especially in rural areas, are closing due to lack of funds. This suggests that there is more money going into non-essential sectors than is reasonable. An analysis by the American Medical Association shows that private insurance and healthcare administrative costs have increased while direct spending on medical care has remained steady. To address cost of insurance, the government can make Medicare available at an affordable cost to anyone, regardless of age. Thus, people can chose whether to use government Medicare or private insurance. This also means private insurance companies will have to keep their costs low to compete. Providing options for everyone will rein in healthcare costs and increase accessibility while maintaining adequate coverage.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
No Answer
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
The United States can help reduce the threat of terrorists by improving domestic security, especially ensuring travelers only stay the time allotted. Furthermore, we can collaborate with other nations to monitor terrorist organizations and work to support moderate Islamic groups, who also reject radical Islam.
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.
No Answer
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished.
No Answer
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.
No Answer
Employers should be required to use E-verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
My great-grandparents were German immigrants to the United States, and my grandfather fought in WWII as part of the U.S. Air Corps. I support immigration because I know the contribution that immigrants have provided to the United States. Being welcomed to America as foreigners also follows the teachings of Deuteronomy 10:19. To ensure the safety of our nation, it is only reasonable to collect information and check the progress of immigrants. However, the Bible repeatedly states that immigrants should be welcomed and allowed to contribute to our nation.
EDUCATION
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
No Answer
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.
No Answer
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
As a Christian, my spiritual beliefs focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus teaches us to treat others how you want to be treated. This including helping our neighbors when they struggle and standing up for those who may not be able to speak for themselves. As stated in Matthew 25:31-46, what we do for the least of man, we do for the Lord. Also, God is with us when we stumble, but we need to learn from our mistakes and work towards a better world as thanks for his help during hard times. We should also not test God by ignoring help and counsel that he has provided. Some of the core values that I have taken from my faith include honesty, compassion, and justice.
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.
Please view my website: www.nesbitok.org
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?
Growing up in a conservative house, I learned the importance of family, God, and country. I spent most of my adult life as a registered Republican, and I voted in every national election and many state and local elections. I switched to Independent last year after realizing that the Republican Party no longer showed the compassion taught by Jesus. We need to come together and find solutions that help the most people while being fiscally responsible. Thus, I try to walk in love as God loves us.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
No Answer
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
As someone who grew up around firearms, I was taught to always follow safe handling and keep firearms locked away from thieves. To increase public safety, the government could require a low cost license with basic safety exam. This ensures that owners understand care and use of their firearm as expected for a well-regulated militia.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
I support BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanction) against Israel if they refuse to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
No Answer
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
No Answer
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
No Answer
The Electoral College should be abolished.
No Answer
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
First, we need to ensure the security of our nation's democracy by passing election security and campaign reform. Manipulation of our elections by foreign nations and unlimited spending by special interests has caused Americans to lose their voice. Our democracy depends on the security of each person's vote. Second, I would reform healthcare as discussed in the previous response. Finally, I would work to reduce required standardized tests under Every Student Succeeds Act. These tests are unnecessary, and they force schools to spend limited resources on testing instead of instruction. Together, ensuring that every American is provided healthcare, has a secure vote, and given a proper education will bestow life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes. When people have additional obstacles due to racism, they grow frustrated and bitter. Eventually, people who are frustrated lash out in anger, and innocents get hurt. Removing the obstacles caused by racism, would lead to healing and safety of all Americans.
