Robert Leist
Write-In | Ohio
Candidate Profile*
Moderate
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Robert Leist
Party
Write-In
Election Year
2020
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 72
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Muskingum Area Technical College, Zanesville, OH, N
Coshocton High School, Coshocton, OH, Y, 1987
WORK & MILITARY
Kraft-Heinz, Maintenance Coordinator, 31
AFFILIATIONS
United Methodist Church, Member, Libertarian Party of Ohio
Representative, Central Committee member, Coshocton County Bike Path Committee, Committee Member
Coshocton Board of Zoning Appeals, Board Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
District #7 Rep (Libertarian Party of Ohio), 2017-2019
Central Committee (Libertarian Party of Ohio), 2017-2019
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Coshocton City Council, 2019
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (6)
Daniel Harmon- Mayor of Thornville, Ohio.
Michelle Turner Ganz- Coshocton City Council
Lieutenant Bill Kobel- Coshocton County Sheriff's
Tyler Maple- Former Candidate for State Rep Dist72
The Libertarian Party of Ohio (LPO)
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.
No Answer
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.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I abhor any loss of life, but such situations are not mine to judge.
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?
I would reduce the amount of corporate bailouts. I understand that given the current crisis, some amount of assistance is required to keep the country moving. However, if I company receives a bailout they should not be increasing the salaries of CEO's or buying back company stock. These actions would prove that such a bailout was unnecessary.
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 define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Disagree
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?
That neither entity control the other.
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?
I would promote that we allow insurance companies to operate across state lines, investigate Tort reform, and simplify the record keeping process to reduce costs.
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 following the proper process. With that being said, I do believe it a Christian responsibility to aid those seeking asylum.
EDUCATION
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.
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 Methodist. I believe in God, the Loving Creator. My relationship with God is a personal one. I believe that I spread His wishes through my actions. I try to promote peace, love, compassion, and responsibility.
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.
Follow any of the links associated with my listing here. My Facebook, Twitter, and Campaign Website are all public.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I served many years as a Union Steward for at my company which has enhanced my reasoning, listening, and negotiating skills. I currently serve on the Coshocton Board of Zoning Appeals and the Coshocton County Bike Path Committee. I had also been elected as the Representative of the Libertarian Party of Ohio for Congressional District #7, served on their Central Committee, worked on many campaigns, and served as a delegate to state and national conventions. At these conventions I've gained valuable experience in petitioning the floor for votes regarding bylaws and candidates. This experience sets me apart from the other candidates in this race. I've been exposed to political double-speak. I can identify it and I will not be mislead. My knowledge in working with diverse groups of people and fostering cooperation will be a peak asset in this seat.
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 want to offer a viable, blue-collar option in this election and restore the 72nd District’s voice within Columbus. With the federal investigation and the restrictions placed upon the incumbent, we are not receiving the representation we are entitled to. I intend to eliminate the level of corruption that led to this fiasco and utilize my experience towards bettering the quality of life for the people of Ohio. Our representatives should be held to a higher standard and we deserve better than we’ve become accustomed to. In order for there to be workable and sustainable change within our communities, you need a Representative that is not distracted by political infighting or legal troubles. My promise to you is that I will always make sure that the needs of Coshocton, Licking and Perry Counties are fought for at the state level. I will listen to the citizens and local leadership, take their concerns seriously, and make sure those concerns are addressed in Columbus.
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?
Yes
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I think we need to focus on enforcing the laws that are already on the books and providing mental health care to those who are struggling. I support programs on the public education on firearm safety.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Agree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
Improvement and expansion of Ohio's Digital Infrastructure, Protection of Ohio's small businesses, and Ensuring the quality education of each child in Ohio (and their parent's choice of the best route to obtain it).
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes, but I believe we can overcome that. We should hold public forums where we discuss concerns within our communities, openly, yet with respect for one another. Perhaps our local churches could open their doors to such events, fostering a peaceful atmosphere ? We are all Brothers and Sisters. Together, we are a much stronger Nation.
