Dave Beckwith

Strongly Agree

There is no freedom without life. The basic right to be born and to live should be our nation's highest priority. I will fight for the life-defending safeguards discarded by incumbent politicians such as the Hyde Amendment, which ensures the federal government does not fund abortions. I will bring the strongest support possible to overturn Roe vs Wade, defend states' 10th Amendment right to set abortion regulations at the state level, and fight any attempt to codify abortion in federal law.

Strongly Disagree

As a two-time cancer survivor, I know the pain and suffering of debilitating and life-threatening disease... but I also know miracles happen, and that life is worth fighting for. I will actively oppose any laws that choose death over life.

In cases where there is clear and irrefutable medical evidence that shows a woman's life is at grave risk should a pregnancy continue AND the life in her womb is not viable (e.g. ectopic pregnancy), then the choice to end a pregnancy should be available. In no other circumstances would I support abortion as an option. Miracles can happen and life is precious and to be revered. There is potential for joy to triumph even in pregnancies that present challenges or arise from the most heinous of circumstances.

Strongly Disagree

Socialism is attractive to some as a means of achieving “equity.” But radical Marxist ideals like redistribution of income don’t lift people out of poverty, they only benefit tyrants and the elites that support them. Just look at nations like China, Cuba, North Korea, and Venezuela. No, the path to prosperity lies in putting resources into the hands of people, not government. I strong oppose any attempts by the government or any other party to force income redistribution on anyone.

Strongly Agree

Career politicians continue to spend beyond the government's means, and even record-breaking tax revenues can't dig them out of the hole they've created. Congress needs to quit the debt-laden government spending spree – it stifles private investment in new technology, creates inflation, saddles taxpayers with interest payments to foreign financiers, and mortgages the economic prosperity of future generations. We need disciplined leaders in Congress to say no to more deficits and debt.

Americans are paying more taxes than ever -- both as individuals and as businesses. Prosperity is achieved when our resources are in the hands of the people, not the government. Congress needs to act immediately to address our taxation system in three ways: 1) make 2017 tax cuts permanent; 2) reject the massive $2.5 trillion tax hike proposed by President Biden in his FY23 budget; and 3) work to make the tax system simpler and establish a path to a flat tax system.

Strongly Agree

I’m deeply grateful for the 1st Amendment which prohibits the government from interfering with the exercise of my faith. Today, we continue to see not only religious freedom but freedom of thought and speech come under attack from government officials, progressive activists, educational institutions, and the media and corporations that enable them. I’m running for Congress to bring the fight to any government or private parties seeking to limit our 1st Amendment rights.

Strongly Disagree

Businesses have the right to refuse service within the bounds of federal or state discrimination laws. I believe businesses should practice tolerance and the "golden rule" in serving people with different values or beliefs, but I strongly oppose creating more constraints on businesses by expanding discrimination laws to meet ever-changing cultural trends. Consumers have many options in America; we don't need more laws to appease those looking to create a controversy when buying goods / services.

The first clause in our Bill of Rights prohibits the government from making laws to establish any religion. Fundamentally this was designed to protect religion form the government, not the government from religion. This clause works hand in hand with the 1st Amendment and allows the diverse people of America to worship (or not) according to their convictions. I oppose any attempt by the government to infringe upon this right. This does not mean, however, that expressions of faith have no place in our public institutions. Furthermore, the government has no place inside our religious institutions or practices. Americans must always have the freedom to exercise their own faiths peacefully and without fear.

Medical decisions should be left to individuals based upon advice of their doctor. If there are community health issues that require broader action, those actions should be taken at the local level. The federal government should never be involved.

C

B -- Our experiences in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan have taught us that international conflict is increasingly complex, does not always present clear criteria for victory, and always takes a toll on American lives, morale, and resources. The nations of the world are more economically and politically intertwined than ever before, so US engagement in international conflict will not always be something we can avoid. While selectively helping allies and strategic partners, our leaders must prioritize building unity at home, fostering a strong economy, and maintaining a strong national defense above contemplating or taking on a military role in international conflict.

Strongly Disagree

Israel is the only true democracy and best ally we have in the Middle East. They are a highly innovative and educated society. Working closely with them helps our nation and our position in the Middle East.

Strongly Agree

China is outpacing us militarily, has no scruples about stealing our technology and ideas, and brutally enforces a culture of productivity, loyalty, and compliance. America must increase investments in defense and intelligence, restrict China's access to our technologies and educational institutions, stop allowing China to finance our national debt, and start seeing China for what it is -- a tyrannical adversary to be managed very carefully.

We should continue to work with allies to pursue Islamic terrorists overseas, working closely with local governments in the Middle East and Africa in particular. We should equip, train, and support these local forces to counter insurgencies in their respective regions. Because of the horrors that unfolded in the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, we need to be particularly mindful of the Taliban to avoid allowing the country to become a safe haven for jihadi terrorists again.

Strongly Agree

Congress needs to immediately fund the completion of the border wall; put a stop to the Biden Administration's disastrous immigration policies and practices; and fully fund and support our border patrol and immigration enforcement agencies.

Strongly Agree

Under the 10th amendment, the federal government has specific responsibilities, such as border control and immigration. Local governments do not have the option to disregard state and federal laws they may not agree with. Congress cannot allow states and local governments to receive the benefits of federal funding if they choose not to uphold the laws of the land. Local governments need to respect the priorities of their constituents and enforce the laws state / federal legislators enact.

The US is a nation of immigrants. We have always welcomed legal immigrants willing and able to follow our immigration procedures, advance American innovation, build safe and peaceful American communities, and foster American values. We should protect our neighborhoods, jobs, and resources from all others.

Strongly Disagree

We can't create laws that keep pace with identity politics and cultural trends that are evolving by the hour. While identity activists now insist there are upwards of 72 "gender identities," the scientific fact remains that humans exist as male and female. The government must not alter anti-discrimination laws when such alterations further complicate our ability to conduct business, water down the civil rights prior generations fought so hard to secure, and create more division and confusion.

Strongly Disagree

America has ugly chapters and stories in its history. But they do not define us. American leaders need to inspire all citizens to seek opportunities and rise above the challenges of their circumstances, not hold people down by insisting they are victims of a "system" they can't beat. I support equality, not equity.

I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I believe all humans are created by God in His image; thus, all human life (including the unborn) has dignity and the right to life, respect, and compassion. I believe sin is real and brings suffering and pain on every human on earth; a relationship with Jesus Christ offers the promise of victory over sin. My faith shapes my decisions because, to quote a friend, "I know how my story ends."

Strongly Disagree

Americans can't buy alcohol, get on an airplane, drive a car, adopt a pet, or rent a hotel room or car without a photo ID. Why should Americans be able to vote in elections that shape the course of their cities, states, and nation without a photo ID? Critics of voter IDs say it disenfranchises minorities and working-class citizens; I say that's an insulting and demeaning view of people in those demographics. Every American should be able to get an ID and must show it to vote. Simple as that.

Photo IDs must be universally required. In-person voting must be the default voting method. Any absentee ballot must be requested with a valid excuse.

Strongly Disagree

Reparations hold people today accountable for grievous wrongs which they did not commit. They create another massive government benefits program that the government is not capable of administering. They perpetuate government dependence in those communities they purport to help. They take resources out of the hands of businesses, reducing opportunity for jobs for minorities and all citizens. And they create crippling division. I oppose any effort by the government to enact reparations.

Any beliefs that diminish the human dignity of any group in another group's eyes are destructive and a risk to our security (both domestically and internationally). That includes racism from any quarter, regardless of the races involved. American schools, governments, and corporations (including the media) need to stop focusing on the things that make us different and return to a message of equality and unity. Raising generations of Americans that view each other through a lens of race in all aspects of life undoes decades of progress that civil rights leaders fought and died for. Adversarial nations like China rejoice when they see Americans turn against each other over race; they see the tears in the fabric of our nation as opportunities to get the upper hand.

Strongly Agree

Energy dependence is crippling the American economy. America needs to expand its use of all domestic energy resources, which protect us against global insecurity, national disaster, and foreign influence. America has among the strongest commitment to environmental stewardship of any nation on earth -- we can and must use methods like fracking and nuclear power when they can be responsibly executed.

A -- I believe humans have an obligation to steward our natural resources. However, the government's penchant for regulation has too often traded the basic needs of the American people (e.g. fuel for heating and transportation, economical food, reliable water supplies) for conservation efforts based on dubious science and lobbyist agendas. Removing all environmental regulations is not the answer, but Congress needs to continue to reject "green new deals" and check Executive Branch policies that create more red tape, more government waste and inefficiency, and more barriers to business. The government should focus on incentivizing innovation without killing today's means of energy production, manufacturing, farming, and transportation.

Conservative

I believe in capitalism and small government, I am a strong 10th amendment supporter, and I will work hard to get the federal government out of our lives. It's time to get back to our roots and push decision making back to the states, local governments, and individuals. I believe in a strong national defense that deters our adversaries from action, and I believe that peace through strength should be our number one national security strategy.

Chasing Freedom Virginia candidate survey: https://chasingfreedomvirginia.com/congress2022-10-beckwith/ WMAL O'Connor & Company interview: https://player.fm/series/oconnor-company/ep-040522-va-10-candidate-dave-beckwith-interview Matt Truong for American interview: https://m.facebook.com/mvgaus (posting pending as of this survey deadline)

No

I’m not a politician. I’m a public servant who’s dedicated my entire adult life to the defense of American security, freedom, and prosperity. I’m an engineer; I’ve been gifted by God and trained by the best to solve problems. That’s what I’ve done for the last 30+ years in my military and intelligence career, and that’s what I’ve done for my family and community as a homeschool dad and man of faith. VA10 needs a problem solver with the proven ability to find and fix what’s broken and make the right decisions to maximize prosperity, security, and freedom. I have the deep federal experience essential to getting things done on the Hill. I have insider knowledge without the insider pollution – the people of VA10 need that kind of savvy and integrity to defend their freedoms and their paychecks. My priorities in Congress are to: - Grow a robust economy driven by people, not government - Strengthen our security on the global stage and at home - Give Virginians and all Americans back the freedom to make choices for themselves and their families - Empower parents to take charge of the education of their children - Support our local police and take criminals off the streets

Strongly Agree

Officials (elected or appointed) who create local laws, statutes, or policing policies, must be accountable to the public for their outcomes. LEOs who, in good faith, carry out departmental policies should not be personally held liable. However, LEOs must act in good faith, have the ability to push back on bad policy, and be held accountable for the outcomes if they choose to uphold bad policy they know is detrimental to the public.

Strongly Disagree

I support funding our mental health and community programs but it should not come at the expense of our police departments.

I don't support any legislation from the federal government on restricting gun rights. It is up to the states and local governments to decide what limits should be placed on gun ownership.

Strongly Disagree

The perpetrators of gun violence are to be held accountable, not the dealers and manufacturers.