Michael Hale
Republican | Tennessee
Candidate Profile*
Conservative (Conditional)
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Michael Hale
Party
Republican
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 40
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
John A. Gupton Mortuary College, Nashville, Associate, 1995
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
New Life UPC, Minister, Leadership Team, and Board Member, DCHS Basketball Booster
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
None
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 (3)
National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF
*Tennessee Right to Life
*Patriot Parents
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
There are several local candidates that have pledged their support and endorsement
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I am against any abortion. That is taking a life, which is murder. I do understand there are maybe a situation of extreme danger for a woman's health, however abortion should be the very last option.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I am against any abortion. That is taking a life, which is murder. I do understand there are maybe a situation of extreme danger for a woman's health, however abortion should be the very last option.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
There is absolutely no way we should be funding for abortions. We don't pay people to murder.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
There is absolutely no way we should be funding for abortions. We don't pay people to murder.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
I am firm in my faith, and believe that we have an appointed time as scripture says. There is hospice that helps people die with dignity for end of life care.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
I am firm in my faith, and believe that we have an appointed time as scripture says. There is hospice that helps people die with dignity for end of life care.
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
With a surplus revenue like we have in Tennessee, we should be cutting business taxes such as franchise and excise tax. We should also look at eliminating grocery taxes for our elderly that are on fixed incomes and often have to struggle just to survive.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
With a surplus revenue like we have in Tennessee, we should be cutting business taxes such as franchise and excise tax. We should also look at eliminating grocery taxes for our elderly that are on fixed incomes and often have to struggle just to survive.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
One of the recent things was in no way should we be issuing $500 million for a privately owned professional team. Our state needs to look at areas of waste and make the cuts needed to balance our budget but also with such surpluses, give money back to hard working Tennesseans.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
One of the recent things was in no way should we be issuing $500 million for a privately owned professional team. Our state needs to look at areas of waste and make the cuts needed to balance our budget but also with such surpluses, give money back to hard working Tennesseans.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
We offer a 2 year associates degree through community colleges, which is funded with lottery money. There shouldn't be a burden on taxpayers to fund college education.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Disagree
We offer a 2 year associates degree through community colleges, which is funded with lottery money. There shouldn't be a burden on taxpayers to fund college education.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
In absolutely no way should any individual or business be required to go against the religious beliefs. The government does not pay the bills for those businesses and the government should allow them to run their business as their morals and beliefs lead them. If a consumer doesn't like that, they have other choices, but don't require anyone to change their beliefs.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
In absolutely no way should any individual or business be required to go against the religious beliefs. The government does not pay the bills for those businesses and the government should allow them to run their business as their morals and beliefs lead them. If a consumer doesn't like that, they have other choices, but don't require anyone to change their beliefs.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
None. Most churches have a pastor, leadership and most of all, it should be between them and the Lord and not government.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
None. Most churches have a pastor, leadership and most of all, it should be between them and the Lord and not government.
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
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?
Other than childhood vaccinations, which should also include the parents choice for their child, no vaccine should be forced on anyone. My body, my choice.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Other than childhood vaccinations, which should also include the parents choice for their child, no vaccine should be forced on anyone. My body, my choice.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
We need to increase our security overall and intelligence. The threat will never be totally diminished, but there is much work to do to lessen the threat and protect our citizens.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
We need to increase our security overall and intelligence. The threat will never be totally diminished, but there is much work to do to lessen the threat and protect our citizens.
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.
Neutral
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.
Neutral
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
A border is used by property owners. For instance, we use fences not only to keep things in, but more importantly to keep things out. We have drugs, illegal people coming in so much. We have to do all we can to protect our citizens and our communities. The greater question would be, why not do all we can to protect our border?
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
A border is used by property owners. For instance, we use fences not only to keep things in, but more importantly to keep things out. We have drugs, illegal people coming in so much. We have to do all we can to protect our citizens and our communities. The greater question would be, why not do all we can to protect our border?
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Anyone that wants to go through the proper process of citizenship is more than welcome in our country. But that should be the only way we allow people to immigrate to the U.S. There is a process that allows anyone that wants to be an American to be an American, but in the right way and process.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Anyone that wants to go through the proper process of citizenship is more than welcome in our country. But that should be the only way we allow people to immigrate to the U.S. There is a process that allows anyone that wants to be an American to be an American, but in the right way and process.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Neutral
I support school choice within the county or district. However, I would like to know more information on the requirements that the private schools would be under. I am on the church board that oversees a private school and as a part of a private school, I know we would want more information as to requirements before accepting government funds. I am definitely open to know more, I also want to do all we can as a state to improve our public education.
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Neutral
I support school choice within the county or district. However, I would like to know more information on the requirements that the private schools would be under. I am on the church board that oversees a private school and as a part of a private school, I know we would want more information as to requirements before accepting government funds. I am definitely open to know more, I also want to do all we can as a state to improve our public education.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Agree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Agree
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
A persons gender identity is determined at birth by God, so there is no reason for a gender identity class. God made them Male and Female and that is settled.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
A persons gender identity is determined at birth by God, so there is no reason for a gender identity class. God made them Male and Female and that is settled.
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
The Lord said that man and woman would leave their parents and cleave to each other and become one. What God established and ordained, works, so we need to leave it alone. In the beginning, it was Adam and Eve, so we need to stay with that.
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
The Lord said that man and woman would leave their parents and cleave to each other and become one. What God established and ordained, works, so we need to leave it alone. In the beginning, it was Adam and Eve, so we need to stay with that.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
This should not be taught in our schools.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
This should not be taught in our schools.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Being a Christian is more than just words, but living out our faith is very important to me and my family. There are some things I will not compromise. I will never go against the word of God regardless of money, power or position. Marriage is sacred between a man and woman. Go don't make a mistake in making us male or female, so sex is determined at birth. Having pastored and served churches in the past, I stand firm in my beliefs and respect others beliefs.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Being a Christian is more than just words, but living out our faith is very important to me and my family. There are some things I will not compromise. I will never go against the word of God regardless of money, power or position. Marriage is sacred between a man and woman. Go don't make a mistake in making us male or female, so sex is determined at birth. Having pastored and served churches in the past, I stand firm in my beliefs and respect others beliefs.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
There sholudn't be a problem having to supply ID to vote, just to help avoid in election fraud.
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
There sholudn't be a problem having to supply ID to vote, just to help avoid in election fraud.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Honestly, the way an election is carried out in our county, no machines connected to a computer, self-sufficient machines there are no way for fraud with those machines. This is something I would want to look at statewide to see what needs to be improved or changed.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
Honestly, the way an election is carried out in our county, no machines connected to a computer, self-sufficient machines there are no way for fraud with those machines. This is something I would want to look at statewide to see what needs to be improved or changed.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes. All lives matter. Back, white, blue all lives are important and we need to work to break down the racism walls and the things that divide us. We need to focus on being Americans/Tennesseans and not the color of skin. Our national leadership needs to do a better job uniting people instead of creating so much racist division. We need to realize one bad person in any profession doesn't make them all bad, just as one bad person of any color or nationality makes them all bad. Color of our skin is only skin deep, we all have heart and soul and that is what makes us who we are and should be the part we look at.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Disagree
The color of one's skin should have absolutely nothing to do with the consequences of the crime.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes. All lives matter. Back, white, blue all lives are important and we need to work to break down the racism walls and the things that divide us. We need to focus on being Americans/Tennesseans and not the color of skin. Our national leadership needs to do a better job uniting people instead of creating so much racist division. We need to realize one bad person in any profession doesn't make them all bad, just as one bad person of any color or nationality makes them all bad. Color of our skin is only skin deep, we all have heart and soul and that is what makes us who we are and should be the part we look at.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Disagree
The color of one's skin should have absolutely nothing to do with the consequences of the crime.
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.
Disagree
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.
Disagree
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To make the lives of people better, less burdensome and enjoy the freedoms granted to us by the Constitution.
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
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To make the lives of people better, less burdensome and enjoy the freedoms granted to us by the Constitution.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
News release on WJLE Radio, Smithville Review
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).
News release on WJLE Radio, Smithville Review
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?
One of the first things I would like to do, is to reduce the sales tax on groceries for the elderly that are on a fixed income. I would also like to see the state cut taxes on businesses since we have had so much surplus revenue. I would like to see rural counites/communities like in District 40, get help from the state with school building projects. One other thing, is better and safer roads, we have several projects in this district that needs work. Lastly, less government and more freedoms. These are some of the main things.
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?
One of the first things I would like to do, is to reduce the sales tax on groceries for the elderly that are on a fixed income. I would also like to see the state cut taxes on businesses since we have had so much surplus revenue. I would like to see rural counites/communities like in District 40, get help from the state with school building projects. One other thing, is better and safer roads, we have several projects in this district that needs work. Lastly, less government and more freedoms. These are some of the main things.
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
We shouldn't take funds from the police for any reason. Police departments should be funded and provided the necessary education and equipment needed to do their jobs of protecting and serving. Mental health needs to be addressed separately and funded separately. It should not be the burden of Sheriff's and Police to have to deal with carrying people back and forth to mental facilities. There has got to be a better system to handle this without taking from law enforcement.
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
We shouldn't take funds from the police for any reason. Police departments should be funded and provided the necessary education and equipment needed to do their jobs of protecting and serving. Mental health needs to be addressed separately and funded separately. It should not be the burden of Sheriff's and Police to have to deal with carrying people back and forth to mental facilities. There has got to be a better system to handle this without taking from law enforcement.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The problem is no the gun, it's the user. Good background checks that scan the individual, there needs to be very good reporting to a network of mentally ill people, so they are not allowed to have, purchase, or get a gun.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
It is not the gun, gun manufacturing or dealer that's responsible. Just like when Cain killed Abel with a rock, the Lord didn't get rid of all the rocks. He blamed Cain, not the rock. We have two problems, one is a sin problem and the other is a mental health problem. Neither is caused by the gun, manufacturer or dealer. We need to fix the real problem, the person behind the gun.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The problem is no the gun, it's the user. Good background checks that scan the individual, there needs to be very good reporting to a network of mentally ill people, so they are not allowed to have, purchase, or get a gun.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
It is not the gun, gun manufacturing or dealer that's responsible. Just like when Cain killed Abel with a rock, the Lord didn't get rid of all the rocks. He blamed Cain, not the rock. We have two problems, one is a sin problem and the other is a mental health problem. Neither is caused by the gun, manufacturer or dealer. We need to fix the real problem, the person behind the gun.
