Richard Benderson

Libertarian | Alabama

Candidate Profile*

Insufficient Information

*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.

BIOGRAPHY

Name

Richard Benderson


Party

Libertarian


Election Year

2022


Election

General


Race

State Senate, Dist. 24


Incumbent

No


Links

Richard Benderson websitesRichard Benderson phones Richard Benderson emailFacebook

EDUCATION

University of West Alabama, Livingston

Alabama A&M University, Normal, BA

WORK & MILITARY

Candidate did not provide

AFFILIATIONS

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., AEAONMS INC.

Prince Hall Affiliated Mason

APA

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.
OTHER (1)

*Alabama Cannabis Coalition

REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (2)

Alabama Cannabis Coalition

LPCLC

OTHER INFORMATION

QUESTIONNAIRE*

*Additional information was received after the evaluation was assigned and was not considered in the Panel Evaluations, therefore it is for additional educational purposes only.
RIGHT TO LIFE

Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?

According to the information I’ve studied about abortions, I understand it as a medical decision and not one that our government should be deciding. It is a woman's medical decision to be made, not the job of an elected official or political decision.

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).

Disagree

As long as medical procedures can receive such funds, then I would expect the same.

I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.

Strongly Disagree

I believe people should have the freedom of making their own decisions without government interference.


ECONOMY

What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?

I would recommend a reduction of taxes and allow tax payers to elect to use automatic tax returns.

What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?

Foreign aid, Experimental Vaccines, Occupying of other nations for no explainable reason

Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.

Neutral


RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.

Strongly Disagree

I believe individuals and private businesses should be allowed to decide who they choose to do business with.

Under what circumstances can government close churches?

Only for public health and safety reasons. - Fire hazards - structural issues - other hazards, mold, asbestos, etc.


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. Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options.

Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?

When the vaccine is proven to 100% prevent whatever disease its designed for, other wise they should not be mandated.


NATIONAL SECURITY

What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?

Take a more aggressive approach with active and current terrorist.

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.

Disagree

Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?

Properly vetted applicants with immediate families to sponsor them. I also support asylum seekers who have completed the proper process.


EDUCATION

I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.

Agree


VALUES

Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.

Neutral

I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.

Choose not to answer

Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition

Agree

I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.

Neutral

The definition provided, in my opinion is not accurate.

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

I am a christian


ELECTIONS AND VOTING

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Agree

All voters should be verified and confirmed prior to voting.

What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?

Allow streamlined ballot access and extend hours until 9pm


EQUALITY

Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?

Racism is an issue in several parts of the country, however I would not rank it highest on the list.

Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.

Agree

this should only apply to American descendants of slaves


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

I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.

Strongly Disagree


ABOUT YOU

What do you think is the general purpose of government?

To assist when necessary, & provide a sense of stability and order for the people. To ultimately do no harm.

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?

Lean Conservative

Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).

None

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?

I believe in active and open engagement with the voting public.


CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.

Strongly Disagree

I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.

Agree


2ND AMENDMENT

What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?

current laws are sufficient, no additional laws are needed or necessary.

Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.

Strongly Disagree

If you are not already receiving our emails, stay up to date with important election alerts, educational articles, and encouraging reminders.

I agree to receive text messages at the phone number provided.