Bill Lester
Republican | Alabama
Candidate Profile*
Conservative
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Bill Lester
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
Primary
Race
State Representative, Dist. 40
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Ph.D., 2000
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, MPA, 1996
University of Texas, Edinburg, BA, 1990
WORK & MILITARY
Jacksonville State University, Professor, 17
Various Churches, Youth Pastor, 25+
AFFILIATIONS
Alabama Republican Party, State Executive Committee, Jacksonville State College Republicans
Advisor, Compassion International, Contributor
Samaritans Purse, Contributor, American Society for Public Administration
Member, Fulbright Program, Core Scholar
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
Previous Races
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (2)
Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) FARMPAC
*Stand For Health Freedom
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
State Republican Party Organizations (2015)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
The life of the mother and of the preborn child are of equal importance. A doctor is under the obligation to save both lives if possible.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Generally, lower taxes return economic decisions to the people and reward hard work.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Cuts in spending could come from slowing down government growth alongside greater economic growth. This can allow revenues to catch up to the budget. This along with cuts in discretionary spending can balance the budget over time. We must do this or we will eventually bankrupt our children and grandchildren.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
None
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded.
C
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Government, schools, and employers can encourage vaccinations but people have the right to be secure in their persons without discrimination.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
We should be pro-active in supporting democratic governments around the world through our relationships (business and social). Where there is a direct and growing threat to the U.S. military assistance and operations are necessary to protect the homeland and Americans throughout the world. Supporting free and open communication as a human right will be helpful. Basically, all human beings are endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Where possible, we should promote the acceptance of these God-given rights.
I support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to pressure Israel to withdraw from occupied territories, remove the separation barrier in the West Bank, allow full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and promote the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Strongly Disagree
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
If the immigrant helps to fill needs within the U.S., they can immigrate if they follow a legal process for doing so. There are also unique circumstances where someone has fled a totalitarian-authoritarian government where returning would result in death or political persecution. This would need to be on a case-by-case basis. Economic hardship is not a basis for legal immigration.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
Tax credits allow families/individuals to benefit from educational choice without government interference. If I don't like it, I can forgo the credit. To succeed with our children we need choice. It is not one size fits all.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
Strongly Agree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My life was changed when I became a Christian at 19 years old. My work ethic, grades, and relationships changed. I have dedicated much of my life to teaching young people (25+ years/youth pastor) to live their faith out in meaningful ways. We must pass on our values to the next generation.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
The laws and voting practices vary from state to state. Fundamentally, there should be photo identification. Also, ballot harvesting is a bad idea in my opinion. It can lead to abuse. Confidence in our electoral process is very important. In Europe all but one country require identification.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism is an evil that seeks to divide us. There are racists that plot evil acts. The brave men and women of law enforcement work to protect us from those who plan and execute such actions.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost.
A
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Strongly Agree
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Governments are instituted to secure unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The power of government comes from the consent of the governed but the rights enjoyed by human beings come from the Creator and cannot be abridged by government.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I have not lived my life in public. I have worked hard, loved my family, and striven to serve God. Those associated with me across my entire life could attest to the consistent life that I have lived. I am willing to serve.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized in either civil or criminal court for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
My basic priorities are to protect liberty, work against our debt driven budgets, and to keep government from overreach into our lives.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Agree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The Second Amendment provides a right to bear arms. Restrictions should only apply when due process results in conviction and the determination to curtail the right.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
