Karen Burnette McCracken
Democrat | North Carolina
Candidate Profile*
Leans Liberal
*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Karen Burnette McCracken
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
State Senate, Dist. 50
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, NC, B.A. in Religious Education, 2002
Campbell University Divinity School, Buies Creek, NC, M. Div, 2006
Smoky Mountain High School, Sylva, NC, HS, 1998
WORK & MILITARY
Five Forty Broadcasting, Account Executive, 4
ConMet, Finishing Operator, 4
Subway, Manager, 11
Grace Christian Academy, Teacher, 2 1/2
AFFILIATIONS
Stecoah Baptist Church, Sunday School teacher, Faith Baptist Church
Sunday School teacher, Praise Team, Little Savannah Baptist Church, Sunday School teacher, librarian
Jarrett Memorial Baptist Church, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, Trinity Baptist Church
Youth Minister, Barbecue Baptist Church, Minister of Youth and Children
SWARM, President, Vice President, Board Member, Volunteer, Tri-County Democratic Women
member, Jackson County Democrats, Democratic Women, Young Democrats (President, Vice President, Secretary)
Rotary: Sylva Satellite, Publicity Chair
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
ENDORSEMENTS*
*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
LIBERAL (1)
*Progressive Turnout Project
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (2)
Climate Cabinet
Progressive Turnout Project
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
In cases of medical necessity. In other cases, we need to make choosing life a more viable option.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Disagree
Abortions should not be paid for by tax payers, but other medical services can be covered.
If Roe v. Wade is overturned by the US Supreme Court, how far are you willing to go to roll back North Carolina's statutory abortion law that allows abortion up to 20 weeks?
Instead of arguing about the legality of abortion, we need to focus on preventing unwanted pregnancies, providing prenatal and postnatal care, and holding biological fathers accountable.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
DNRs and pain management are okay.
Would you support a limitation on chemical abortion that protects women from taking abortion pills without the care and supervision of a qualified physician?
Yes
Women's health and safety are important.
ECONOMY
The government should do more to close the gap between the working class and the wealthy.
Strongly Agree
If you work hard and play by the rules, you ought to have a shot at your version of the American dream. People need to have the opportunity for upward mobility.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
More stratification/tax brackets.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Agree
Students in college need to keep their grades up and finish within a certain amount of time.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
For government agencies, an individual can be excused from certain duties provided that these issues are addressed in the hiring process and provided that the agency has the personnel to provide the service.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
If it is endangering people's lives.
What should be the relationship between the church and the state?
First Amendment. Both anti-establishment and free expression.
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.
B
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
As recommended by the CDC.
EDUCATION
States should allow parents to use the Opportunity Scholarship Program to fund private school for their children.
Agree
In what situations does a parent not have the right to know what their child is being taught in public school?
If the parent does not have custody of the child.
When should parents be restricted from speaking in school board meetings?
There needs to be an agenda with a time and process for public comment. Outside of this time and process, parents need to listen and wait for their turns.
VALUES
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.
Agree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Agree
I agree systematic racism has been part of our history, but we do not need to condemn those presently living for acts of their ancestors. Learn from the past and do what we can to live better.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am on a journey of learning to love God and others more deeply. This journey has led me on many adventures around the world and close to home. From visiting inmates and elderly neighbors to packing food bags and Christmas boxes, my goal is to make positive differences in the lives of others.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
Whatever voter ID laws which are made need to include viable processes for people to have the necessary ID.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
None.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes. Hatred is divisive and dangerous.
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.
B. A healthy ecosystem helps people to live healthier and more fruitful lives. The environment and economy are not enemies but partners.
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Wise investment of resources for the common good and looking out for the most vulnerable.
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?
Moderate
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
Did not answer
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?
Emphasis on affordable and available housing as a means to address other issues ranging from poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence, education, and employment.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Disagree
There is a sacred trust given to law enforcement. Law enforcement personnel need to respect this trust and do their best to protect it.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Disagree
But we need to invest in mental health and community development.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Background checks: we have the Internet, so it shouldn't take long. Better enforcement of present laws. Safety training for gun owners and prospective owners.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Agree
Depends on the specifics of the case.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Would you support legislation that prohibits biological boys from competing on girls sports teams?
No
We need to change our sports leagues to be co-ed and based on size (weight/height) like wrestling is.
