David Flaherty Jr
Republican | North Carolina
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
David Flaherty Jr
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Senator
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, BS & JD, '74 & '78
Culver Military Academy, Culver, IN, HS & MST, '71
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
NC State House, 46th District, NC, 1988 - 1994
District Attorney, 25th District, NC, 1994 - 2002
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
District Court Judge, 25th District, NC, 1982
Race
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (1)
*Durham County Republican Party
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
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.
Disagree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
In cases where the mother's life is in jeopardy, or she is the victim of rape or incest
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
In cases where the mother's life is in jeopardy, or she is the victim of rape or incest
ECONOMY
Redistribution of income is needed to lessen the gap between the wealthy and working classes.
Strongly Disagree
Redistribution of income is needed to lessen the gap between the wealthy and working classes.
Strongly Disagree
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Strongly Agree
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Strongly Agree
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
The entire Internal Revenue Code should be simplified and rewritten
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
The entire Internal Revenue Code should be simplified and rewritten
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
What should be the relationship between the church and the state?
The US Constitution says they should be separate and I agree, albeit in support of each other
What should be the relationship between the church and the state?
The US Constitution says they should be separate and I agree, albeit in support of each other
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
ONLY when the FACTS, the DATA, supports same.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
ONLY when the FACTS, the DATA, supports same.
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.
B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options.
iVoterGuide Notes:
The candidate said,upon reflection his answer should be "C" and not "B".
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.
B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options.
iVoterGuide Notes:
The candidate said,upon reflection his answer should be "C" and not "B".
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger.
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger.
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
I DO agree with the full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel and supporting the rights of Palestinian refugees.
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
I DO agree with the full equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel and supporting the rights of Palestinian refugees.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
First, we can stop giving taxpayer dollars to the governments of countries that AID Islamic terrorists or seek to build nuclear weapons in furtherance of Islamic terrorist goals. We can also continue the sanctions against those countries/entities that aid and promote Islamic terrorism and even expand same.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
First, we can stop giving taxpayer dollars to the governments of countries that AID Islamic terrorists or seek to build nuclear weapons in furtherance of Islamic terrorist goals. We can also continue the sanctions against those countries/entities that aid and promote Islamic terrorism and even expand same.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds shall be denied to any public or private entity, such as a sanctuary city, that is not in compliance with immigration laws.
Agree
State and federal funds shall be denied to any public or private entity, such as a sanctuary city, that is not in compliance with immigration laws.
Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
ONLY those legally entitled to immigrate to the US! And what is LEGAL immigration is up to our "do nothing" Congress which unfortunately has been kicking this issue down the road for DECADES!
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
ONLY those legally entitled to immigrate to the US! And what is LEGAL immigration is up to our "do nothing" Congress which unfortunately has been kicking this issue down the road for DECADES!
VALUES
Sexual orientation and gender identity should be protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Neutral
I believe that all people are created equal and that their/OUR civil rights should be protected! Too often in today's society people divide us by class, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual identity, etc. and it's just WRONG!
Sexual orientation and gender identity should be protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Neutral
I believe that all people are created equal and that their/OUR civil rights should be protected! Too often in today's society people divide us by class, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual identity, etc. and it's just WRONG!
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
And 1619, as its author said is just "an origins story" and there are many. But, this is a fallacious, dividing one.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
And 1619, as its author said is just "an origins story" and there are many. But, this is a fallacious, dividing one.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in God (my higher power); I believe in the Golden Rule; I believe in forgiveness and redemption. Faith, family and home are my guiding principles. I grew up in the church (First United Methodist of Lenoir) and always found comfort just being within its walls and by participating. And that comfort accompanied me beyond the walls of the church. (NOTE: The beginning of my answer was setting me in Apostles' Creed mode.)
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in God (my higher power); I believe in the Golden Rule; I believe in forgiveness and redemption. Faith, family and home are my guiding principles. I grew up in the church (First United Methodist of Lenoir) and always found comfort just being within its walls and by participating. And that comfort accompanied me beyond the walls of the church. (NOTE: The beginning of my answer was setting me in Apostles' Creed mode.)
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
To avoid the fraud that has been ever present in our elections since before I was born, we must protect this most fundamental of our rights in ANY way possible and in such a way that does not in ANY wise deter or hinder ANY CITIZEN from voting. Allowing fraudulent votes disenfranchises those of us who legitimately participate in our system and it MUST be STOPPED!
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
To avoid the fraud that has been ever present in our elections since before I was born, we must protect this most fundamental of our rights in ANY way possible and in such a way that does not in ANY wise deter or hinder ANY CITIZEN from voting. Allowing fraudulent votes disenfranchises those of us who legitimately participate in our system and it MUST be STOPPED!
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
First, this is an issue for the states and NOT for Congress. The Constitution does NOT make it a federal issue. The states must do so, however, without violating the rights and privileges therein. I hope the states would enact laws that guarantee that the votes that are cast are done so legitimately: NO sending ballots out to those dead, legally disenfranchised, moved or whatever, thereby allowing people access to same that are not, in fact, those people; some sort of verification process that the person casting a ballot is, in fact, that person whether by photo id, signature comparison, or witnessing of same. I want EVERY one entitled to vote, to vote! I do NOT want anyone to vote more than once, e.g., in multiple jurisdictions or casting the ballots of other persons not themselves.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
First, this is an issue for the states and NOT for Congress. The Constitution does NOT make it a federal issue. The states must do so, however, without violating the rights and privileges therein. I hope the states would enact laws that guarantee that the votes that are cast are done so legitimately: NO sending ballots out to those dead, legally disenfranchised, moved or whatever, thereby allowing people access to same that are not, in fact, those people; some sort of verification process that the person casting a ballot is, in fact, that person whether by photo id, signature comparison, or witnessing of same. I want EVERY one entitled to vote, to vote! I do NOT want anyone to vote more than once, e.g., in multiple jurisdictions or casting the ballots of other persons not themselves.
EQUALITY
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
This has ALWAYS made NO sense to me. Why should someone, or their family, have to pay for the injustices of slavery to persons, or their families, who were never subject to same. Look at a former president of ours whose father was not from our country (he was never subjected to slavery in our country) and was raised by his mom and her family who also were not subjected in any way to slavery, should we really consider paying more taxpayer dollars to him because of race.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
This has ALWAYS made NO sense to me. Why should someone, or their family, have to pay for the injustices of slavery to persons, or their families, who were never subject to same. Look at a former president of ours whose father was not from our country (he was never subjected to slavery in our country) and was raised by his mom and her family who also were not subjected in any way to slavery, should we really consider paying more taxpayer dollars to him because of race.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
YES! Mostly because of politicians and MANY others who live off of the promotion of same. And then there are the bigots, both black and white, who choose violence and illegal acts as their preferred method of redress.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
YES! Mostly because of politicians and MANY others who live off of the promotion of same. And then there are the bigots, both black and white, who choose violence and illegal acts as their preferred method of redress.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
I do think that the companies choosing to frack should be held responsible for any harm they may cause to anyone. Although, I do NOT think government knows best about how to frack, IF the companies do their fracking carelessly or irresponsibly and cause harm then they must be held accountable.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
I do think that the companies choosing to frack should be held responsible for any harm they may cause to anyone. Although, I do NOT think government knows best about how to frack, IF the companies do their fracking carelessly or irresponsibly and cause harm then they must be held accountable.
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.
Too many times environmental laws and regulations are not based on FACTS but rather political rhetoric. We ALL want clean and safe air, water and environment. Reasonable laws and regulations are acceptable if justified and must be balanced. It does no good to save a family from toxic air a hundred years from now if you starve them today.
iVoterGuide Notes:
Candidate said, "(A) comes closer than (B) in my view."
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.
Too many times environmental laws and regulations are not based on FACTS but rather political rhetoric. We ALL want clean and safe air, water and environment. Reasonable laws and regulations are acceptable if justified and must be balanced. It does no good to save a family from toxic air a hundred years from now if you starve them today.
iVoterGuide Notes:
Candidate said, "(A) comes closer than (B) in my view."
ABOUT YOU
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?
Conservative
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?
Conservative
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I've been in the news and interviewed, mostly for good reasons but sometimes for not so good reasons. I am NOT perfect (except to God, my mom and grandmothers). I never collected such information. Mom did, but she's passed.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
I've been in the news and interviewed, mostly for good reasons but sometimes for not so good reasons. I am NOT perfect (except to God, my mom and grandmothers). I never collected such information. Mom did, but she's passed.
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, but I have been guilty of misconduct albeit not sexual. Again, I'm no angel. I'm just a person who tries to do better and help people along the way. And I have made mistakes in my life and admitted my transgressions. I've always been very transparent and willingly suffered the consequences for my wrongdoings. Okay, when dad got upset I was maybe not quite so willing but I got the consequences willing or not. And it only helped me I'm sure for we loved each other unconditionally.
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, but I have been guilty of misconduct albeit not sexual. Again, I'm no angel. I'm just a person who tries to do better and help people along the way. And I have made mistakes in my life and admitted my transgressions. I've always been very transparent and willingly suffered the consequences for my wrongdoings. Okay, when dad got upset I was maybe not quite so willing but I got the consequences willing or not. And it only helped me I'm sure for we loved each other unconditionally.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
Dealing with inflation, immigration (FINALLY), and trying to help make Congress an actual functioning partner in government. I definitely think Congress can and should do more. I also think/KNOW that someone running to "serve" the people and elected by the people to "serve" them is NOT better than the people they pledge to "serve." I've seen too many of the peoples' "servants" act and talk as though they are better than the people they "serve," deserving of more protection, and enacting laws that apply only to the people they "serve" and not to themselves, the peoples' alleged "servants." Think of healthcare (the ACA, Obamacare does NOT apply to Congress), insider trading, sexual misconduct (yes, there IS a taxpayer funded slush fund specifically set up to buy off victims of congressional misconduct) and these are just a couple of MANY! It's WRONG! And, I have no problem trying to correct it. Unfortunately, the only way to be successful in such an attempt is to get a majority of the vote from those who benefit from it. These so-called servants of the people feel they are deserving of better treatment and do NOT like losing anything! Based on my past experience, expect to see tabling or adjournment motions or such efforts being assigned to some committee where same can die in obscurity without even a vote. Rather than take a lot of breaks, I'm ready to get back to work!
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
Dealing with inflation, immigration (FINALLY), and trying to help make Congress an actual functioning partner in government. I definitely think Congress can and should do more. I also think/KNOW that someone running to "serve" the people and elected by the people to "serve" them is NOT better than the people they pledge to "serve." I've seen too many of the peoples' "servants" act and talk as though they are better than the people they "serve," deserving of more protection, and enacting laws that apply only to the people they "serve" and not to themselves, the peoples' alleged "servants." Think of healthcare (the ACA, Obamacare does NOT apply to Congress), insider trading, sexual misconduct (yes, there IS a taxpayer funded slush fund specifically set up to buy off victims of congressional misconduct) and these are just a couple of MANY! It's WRONG! And, I have no problem trying to correct it. Unfortunately, the only way to be successful in such an attempt is to get a majority of the vote from those who benefit from it. These so-called servants of the people feel they are deserving of better treatment and do NOT like losing anything! Based on my past experience, expect to see tabling or adjournment motions or such efforts being assigned to some committee where same can die in obscurity without even a vote. Rather than take a lot of breaks, I'm ready to get back to work!
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
Departmental policy always needs to be reviewed however. But NOT to the detriment to the officer for past conduct.
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
Departmental policy always needs to be reviewed however. But NOT to the detriment to the officer for past conduct.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Disagree
I do think that mental health and community programs are important and deserving of more consideration. I also think police departments are fundamentally essential to our society and its protection, i.e., us, we the people!!!
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Disagree
I do think that mental health and community programs are important and deserving of more consideration. I also think police departments are fundamentally essential to our society and its protection, i.e., us, we the people!!!
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Just as with anything else, if a gun is used by a person to cause harm to another, the person should be held responsible, civilly and criminally. As far as I know, guns have no assets and are not rehabilitated by incarceration. I'd be happy to listen to arguments with respect to restrictions on gun ownership but know of none that could control what actions a person may take in the future and they would only really apply to law abiding citizens who would not normally rob, rape, murder or commit arson or violence on someone or their property without a gun. Such laws will not stop someone who cannot legally own a gun from misusing same...any more then they would stop them from misusing a knife or rock or any other blunt object for nefarious purposes.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Just as with anything else, if a gun is used by a person to cause harm to another, the person should be held responsible, civilly and criminally. As far as I know, guns have no assets and are not rehabilitated by incarceration. I'd be happy to listen to arguments with respect to restrictions on gun ownership but know of none that could control what actions a person may take in the future and they would only really apply to law abiding citizens who would not normally rob, rape, murder or commit arson or violence on someone or their property without a gun. Such laws will not stop someone who cannot legally own a gun from misusing same...any more then they would stop them from misusing a knife or rock or any other blunt object for nefarious purposes.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
Of all the guns I have been around, never knew one to be violent or intentionally cause harm. Should the makers of matchsticks be held responsible for the actions of the arsonists? Isn't that really the same question?
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
Of all the guns I have been around, never knew one to be violent or intentionally cause harm. Should the makers of matchsticks be held responsible for the actions of the arsonists? Isn't that really the same question?
