Rob Wittman
Republican | Virginia
Candidate Profile*
Verified Conservative
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Rob Wittman
Party
Republican
Election Year
2020
Election
General
Race
U.S. House, Dist. 1
Incumbent
Yes
Links
EDUCATION
VCU, Richmond, PHD in Public Policy and Administration, 2002
UNC, Chapel Hill, MPH, 1990
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Bachelor of Science in Biology, 1981
WORK & MILITARY
(Candidate did not provide)
AFFILIATIONS
Northern Neck Food Bank, Volunteer, Quantico Injured Warrior
Host annual wounded warrior hunt, Ducks Unlimited, Member and 2015 DU Wetland Conservation Award
Westmoreland County Republican Committee, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
US House of Representatives, 2007-present
Virginia House of Delegates, 2005-2007
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
Previous Races
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
2019-20
100%
2017-18
100%
2019-20
100%
2015-16
100%
2020
100%
2019
100%
2017-2018
100%
2019-20
100%
2020
A
2017-18
100%, 98% (cum.)†
2019
96%
2017-18
93%
2019
72%, 92% (cum.)†
2017-18
89%
2019
90%, 88% (cum.)†
2015-16
86%
2019
B+
2019-20
93%, 76% (cum.)†
2019-20
94%, 76% (cum.)†
2019
79%, 74% (cum.)†
2019
70% (cum.)†
2019
64% (cum.)†
2019-20
|100%
2017-18
|100%
2019-20
|100%
2015-16
|100%
2020
|100%
2019
|100%
2017-2018
|100%
2019-20
|100%
2017-18
|100%, 98% (cum.)†
2019
|96%
2017-18
|93%
2019
|72%, 92% (cum.)†
2017-18
|89%
2019
|90%, 88% (cum.)†
2015-16
|86%
2019
|B+
2019-20
|93%, 76% (cum.)†
2019-20
|94%, 76% (cum.)†
2019
|79%, 74% (cum.)†
2019
|70% (cum.)†
2019
|64% (cum.)†
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
2018
C
2019-20
26%
2017-18
25%
2019
23%
2017
11%, 14% (cum.)†
2019
20%, 12% (cum.)†
2018
6%, 11% (cum.)†
2017-18
9%
2017
0%, 8% (cum.)†
2018
8%
2017
0%
2017-18
0%
2017-18
0%
2017-18
0%
2017-18
0%
2019
0%
2017-18
0%
2018
0%
2019
0% (cum.)†
2019
0%
2019
F
2017-18
0%
2018
|C
2019-20
|26%
2017-18
|25%
2019
|23%
2017
|11%, 14% (cum.)†
2019
|20%, 12% (cum.)†
2018
|6%, 11% (cum.)†
2017
|0%, 8% (cum.)†
2017
|0%
2017-18
|0%
2017-18
|0%
2017-18
|0%
2017-18
|0%
2017-18
|0%
2018
|0%
2019
|0% (cum.)†
2019
|0%
2019
|F
2017-18
|0%
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (5)
Americans for Legal Immigration PAC
Campaign for Working Families
*Family Research Council Action PAC
*National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF
National Right To Life
OTHER (2)
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)
Pro-Israel America
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (2)
National Right to Life
US Chamber of Commerce
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (40)
A. Benton Chafin (2014)
Amanda Chase (2019)
Amanda E. Batten (2019)
American Success PAC (2008)
Bob Marshall (2015)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (78)
13th Colony Leadership Committee (2008)
Adam Putnam (2008)
American Success PAC (2008)
Ann PAC (2018)
Bernie Marcus (2019)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (12)
Airline Pilots Association (2019)
American Federation of Government Employees (2017)
American Maritime Officers (2019)
International Association of Firefighters (includes national, state & local affiliates) (2019)
International Association of Masters, Mates, and Pilots (2020)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
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?
As a child of adoption, I value protecting the sanctity of life and will continue to be a standard-bearer for upholding family values. My birth mother’s decision to choose life gave me more opportunities than she felt she could provide. I believe all life is precious and deserves to be protected. I have voted in favor of legislation that provides exemptions for rape, incest, and to prevent the death of the mother because the overall policy advances the priority of protecting life.
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
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
Social Security has served our nation well, providing retirement security for millions of Americans. This program must be saved to ensure the long-term sustainability of Social Security. Congress should not change Social Security eligibility rules or benefits for anyone currently enrolled in these programs or for those who are age 55 and older. I believe we must honor the commitment to current beneficiaries and those who are nearing enrollment.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Reducing Non-defense spending along with addressing autopilot spending programs will be critical to protecting our nation’s long-term fiscal health.
Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?
Our education system serves our young people best when the federal footprint is reduced, and therefore I don’t support taxpayers paying off all student loans. Outside a select few current exciting circumstances (death, permanent disability, The Public Loan Forgiveness Program, Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, etc.) the student bower must be responsible for repaying their own education loan.
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.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly 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?
The “Father of the Constitution” James Madison said it best when he identified the imperfect and fallen nature of man as the need for limited government and separate powers when he wrote in Federalist 51 that, “if men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government be necessary.”
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Obamacare has not fulfilled the promises Democrats made to the American people. It has shown that government-run health care does not sufficiently address the core challenges facing our health care system; in many cases, physician choice disappeared, and premium costs skyrocketed. Patients and their doctors should be in control of their own health care decisions and families should have the option to see a doctor of their choice. In contrast to the Democrats’ approach to health care, Republicans have advanced -- and continue to work on -- transparent, innovative, and consumer-driven solutions to lower costs, inject more choice into the system, and put people back in control of their health care decisions. I continue to be focused on a better health care future for all Americans and work to protect vulnerable populations, combat the opioid crisis, promote research into cures and innovative treatments, improve veterans’ care, and provide more choices and flexibility.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
We must be ever vigilant in protecting our homeland to ensure all of our citizens can live in peace and security, this includes enhancing border and port security and strengthening immigration policies to keep terrorists from ever entering the U.S. I believe America, and the world, will be a safer place if the United States takes a leadership role in addressing the global challenge of radical Islamic terrorism. My objective is to ensure we bring the full capabilities of our armed forces to bear in meeting the reality of the threats facing the United States and to project power around the globe to deter our adversaries and defeat radical extremism abroad with the support of allies and partners in the Middle East.
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.
Strongly Agree
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
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.
Strongly Agree
Employers should be required to use E-verify to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Although America is a nation of immigrants, those wishing to enter the country need to come here legally. Our approach to combating illegal immigration must be comprehensive and include permanently securing our border and investing in our Border Patrol agents and law enforcement officers. We must ensure that our laws are enforced, immigration programs work properly, and we provide the proper resources for law enforcement officials. We must take the necessary steps to deter people from coming to our country illegally by requiring employers to utilize the E-Verify system to confirm that all future hires are eligible to work in the United States; ending chain migration by eliminating extended family visa categories that allow U.S. citizens to sponsor extended, non-nuclear family members; and replacing the visa-lottery system, that grants green cards through a random lottery with no regard to work experience or educational background, with a merit-based system instead.
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.
Strongly Agree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a practicing Christian who is active in the faith community on Capitol Hill through weekly Bible studies and the Congressional Prayer Caucus. My faith grounds my public service in an environment that can often be very combative and frustrating. Daily prayer reminds me that despite our political differences many of my fellow Members agree on the values of integrity, service and personal sacrifice that can bring us together to advance our nation. The great commandment exhortation to love your neighbor serves as the foundation for my commitment to public service as I strive to serve God and the people I represent.
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?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
100% Score from the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) 100% Score from the Family Research Council American Conservative Union Foundation Award for Conservative Excellence 94% Score from Heritage Action for America
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?
As a child of adoption, I am thankful everyday that my parents chose me and raised me in a loving family. This upbringing has driven me to a life of caring and serving others by applying conservative principles to government so that everyone could have the same opportunities that I have been blessed with.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Mandatory minimum sentencing should be required and enforced for violent crimes.
Strongly Agree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
As a gun owner and strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, I believe the constitutional right to keep and bear arms is an individually possessed right, as are all rights protected in our Constitution. Throughout my time in Congress I have supported and will continue to support policies that protect the Second Amendment. Rest assured, that I am committed to preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
I support BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanction) against Israel if they refuse to allow the creation of a Palestinian state.
Strongly Disagree
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
National Security- I work to ensure our troops receive the resources they need to be successful. We must bring the capability of our Armed Forces closer to meeting the reality of the threats facing the US and project power around the globe to deter our adversaries. Economic Strength- As the economy begins to open up, we need to support our small businesses and prepare potential employees to fill jobs as they become available. We must continue to incentivize rehiring, remove regulatory barriers to job creation, and return our supply chain back from China; the Government’s role should be to eliminate barriers to success, not create them. Fiscal Responsibility- We must take tangible steps to reduce our deficit and debt. We can certainly start with eliminating duplicative programs, wasteful spending, and fraud. We must also address the broken budget and appropriation system by returning to regular order and bring transparency back to the budget and appropriations process.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
We can and must do better to ensure equality, equity, and equal treatment for all. We must extinguish underlying biases and racism in our society, and we do that by taking the time to listen, understand, and respect each other. Everyone from the local, state, and national levels must work together to achieve lasting change to stop the re-occurrence of the injustices that we see.
