Mike McCorkle
Democrat | Kansas
Candidate Profile
Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Mike McCorkle
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2020
Election
General
Race
State Senator, Dist. 27
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Regents Col, Univ St of NY, Albany, Bach Sc, 1996
Univ of Maryland, Univ Col, Seoul, Korea, Bach Sc, 2000
Troy State Univ, Seoul, Korea, MS Mgmt, 2004
WORK & MILITARY
U.S. Army, Sergeant, 13
AFFILIATIONS
American Language Center (ESL), ESL Teacher, Group Leader, Syria, Inha University
ESL Teacher, Korea
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Precinct Committeeman, 1
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
none
Race
Previous Races
ENDORSEMENTS
LIBERAL (3)
Kansas AFL-CIO
Kansas Equality PAC
Kansas Sierra Club
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (4)
Sierra Club
KNEA
Equality Kansas
Moms Demand Action
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?
Circumstances vary from person to person. I believe that the decision whether to have an abortion is a choice that should be made by each individual woman in consultation with her doctor.
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.
Agree
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
As a military veteran, I know the importance of having a strong military. But it is without hesitation that I cite our national military budget as an area that could be reduced to help fund initiatives to raise national education and healthcare standards.
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.
Disagree
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.
No Answer
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?
To me, separation of church and state means that government should function without religion influencing government actions and outcomes.
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?
Healthcare for profit does not work for many Americans. The first step is to approve Medicaid expansion for the 150,000 Kansans who currently do not have adequate healthcare. This pandemic has shown the folly of tying healthcare to employment. I have experienced universal healthcare and it means overall lower costs for citizens of first world countries who prioritize people over profits. We should work to reform our healthcare system to serve the common good.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Disagree
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
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
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Our country has represented the "the American dream" for many immigrants looking to the U.S. for the opportunity of pursuing a better life for themselves and their families. I believe our state department does a thorough job of interviewing immigrants that wish to immigrate to our country. Skills and financial assets should not be the only criteria for deciding who is allowed to become an American. People willing to assimilate into our society and adapt to our culture have proven that they become good citizens and contribute to the rich diversity that makes our country stronger and more competetive in the global economy.
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.
Agree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I consider myself a spiritual person in awe of nature's beauty, inspired by art and the written word. Having lived in different cultures in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Scandinavia; I have observed time and again that people are not really so different in what they want for their families and the future. We share this planet. We will have a better future for all if we work together. We are caretakers for future generations. I believe that we should prioritize people over profits for the top 1%. I value honesty, a firm handshake, and eye contact that affirms your word. I value experience and knowledge over second-hand opinion. I believe that we have more in common than on what we disagree. And we all go down the same road eventually. I believe seniors should be treated with dignity.
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.
Did not answer
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I bring diverse international and work experience to the legislative debate which as a Senator I would drawn upon to vote for and against legislation that affects the common good. I am a reader and studied part-time many years to complete several university degrees. I bring a broad perspective and a commitment to work constructively and cooperatively for the common good rather than follow partison political instructions. I have learned that everyone has value and deserves respect. I have learned that doing good is reason enough. I believe we should try to make our communities better for all. We should work together to make a healthier Kansas, to improve education for our children, to protect Kansas's natural environment for future generations, and build a stronger Kansas for all! My experience has led me to this opportunity, and I will dedicate myself to fight for the common good for Kansas and our community.
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 am the product of experience, learning, and good fortune. I savor every day and celebrate the opportunities that each new day offers. I have always believed that physical fitness is a kind of self respect and that life-long learning is each person's responsibility to themselves. I am a person of diverse interests and likes. I love the silence of the woods, walking ancient paths, the perfect symmetry of flowers, sunrises and sunsets, an unexpected greeting from a friend, a big hug from a loved one, a good book, a visit to an art collection, tasting a new food dish, savoring a smooth porter, and the excitement of a new adventure! Life is so amazing! I am concerned about our future, our children's future, and their children's future! Regardless of political affiliation, we can work together for a better future for all!
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.
No Answer
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
No Answer
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Common sense rules that one would apply for buying a car and having a driver's license should be similarly applied to gun ownership. Waiting times, background checks, weapons training, lockable weapon & ammunition storage are common sense public safety policies that should be adopted and enforced. As a veteran, I understand the value of proper weapons training and weapons safety training. Most gun violence is considered preventable.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
No Answer
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Agree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Agree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
First priority must be expanding Medicaid so Kansas is healthier overall. Second is increasing funding for Kansas schools. Third would be either Medical marijuana, which is important for many Kansans or an environmental education initiative to increase public awareness of the global climate emergency threatening our future.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Sadly in 2020, the answer is yes. Institutionalized racism undermines our country's constitutional principles of equality for all.
