Theresa Combs
Democrat | Kentucky
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
Theresa Combs
Party
Democrat
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
State Rep., Dist. 84
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Morehead State University, Morehead, KY, Masters, 2001
Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY, Teaching Cert, 1993
Bryan College, Dayton, TN, BA, 1991
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Site Base Decision Making Council, Teacher Member, Who's Who Women in Business
Member, Drug Endangered Children of Eastern Kentucky, Treasurer
ELA Teacher Leader, Member, St. Judes Children's Research
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
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?
I am pro-choice if the circumstance involves rape, incest, death to the mother or baby due to complications during birth, or if early signs detect the child will have multiple health issues that will result in a short, unhealthy lifespan.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I am pro-choice if the circumstance involves rape, incest, death to the mother or baby due to complications during birth, or if early signs detect the child will have multiple health issues that will result in a short, unhealthy lifespan.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
Some abortions are necessary. Taking precautions not to become pregnant decrease the number of unwanted pregnancies. The children should not suffer for the bad decisions of adults.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
Some abortions are necessary. Taking precautions not to become pregnant decrease the number of unwanted pregnancies. The children should not suffer for the bad decisions of adults.
Do you support the proposed Yes for Life amendment to the Kentucky Constitution, which makes clear that there is no state constitutional right to abortion?
No
The option of abortion should not be completely eliminated. It is not fair to ask a 12 year old who has been raped by a family member to carry a child to term. That 12 year old is a child itself and the emotional damage may be more of a strain than the child can tolerate.
Do you support the proposed Yes for Life amendment to the Kentucky Constitution, which makes clear that there is no state constitutional right to abortion?
No
The option of abortion should not be completely eliminated. It is not fair to ask a 12 year old who has been raped by a family member to carry a child to term. That 12 year old is a child itself and the emotional damage may be more of a strain than the child can tolerate.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Neutral
I have watched family members struggle with cancer and we do not know the pain they are feeling. If they are in their right mind and can not bear any more pain and there are no other treatment options, they should be able to decide.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Neutral
I have watched family members struggle with cancer and we do not know the pain they are feeling. If they are in their right mind and can not bear any more pain and there are no other treatment options, they should be able to decide.
ECONOMY
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Taxes should be equal across the board. One product should not be allowed to have extra taxes placed on it either.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
Taxes should be equal across the board. One product should not be allowed to have extra taxes placed on it either.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
We spend too much money on salaries for political positions. Most are actually part time employment and shouldn't receive a full time salary. We also need to not waste time arguing about policies and procedures but instead make timely decisions that will eliminate using tax payers' money for meetings.
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
We spend too much money on salaries for political positions. Most are actually part time employment and shouldn't receive a full time salary. We also need to not waste time arguing about policies and procedures but instead make timely decisions that will eliminate using tax payers' money for meetings.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Neutral
I have 2 children in college. I understand they must charge for this education but we need to look at our college system and make it more affordable. Students shouldn't go in huge debt to earn a degree that qualifies them for a job that will only pay an average salary. Many will spend the first several years just trying to pay off a student loan.
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Neutral
I have 2 children in college. I understand they must charge for this education but we need to look at our college system and make it more affordable. Students shouldn't go in huge debt to earn a degree that qualifies them for a job that will only pay an average salary. Many will spend the first several years just trying to pay off a student loan.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
I feel if it is a privately owned business, they should have the right to practice what they want. People have the right to choose if they want to be their customers or employee.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
I feel if it is a privately owned business, they should have the right to practice what they want. People have the right to choose if they want to be their customers or employee.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
I guess a church is like a private business. You can't really mandate orders. You can only make suggestions. You are never going to please everyone at the same time. Most people who want to protect their family are going to take the suggestions so that mandates will not have to be enforced.
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
I guess a church is like a private business. You can't really mandate orders. You can only make suggestions. You are never going to please everyone at the same time. Most people who want to protect their family are going to take the suggestions so that mandates will not have to be enforced.
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.
We need options in our healthcare system. It helps keep it more affordable. Our medicaid system needs to be evaluated.
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.
We need options in our healthcare system. It helps keep it more affordable. Our medicaid system needs to be evaluated.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
A person should not be made to do something to his or her body. If they have to take other precautions because they do not want to take the vaccination, then that is fine.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
A person should not be made to do something to his or her body. If they have to take other precautions because they do not want to take the vaccination, then that is fine.
NATIONAL SECURITY
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
We must strengthen our border patrol and make sure to maintain adequate law enforcement to protect those borders. We need to be more selective and investigate the people who come into the United States better with background checks. Security checkpoints at borders and airports need to enforce all regulations making sure everyone has proper documentation. Laws need to be stricter on those found in the United States illegally.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
We must strengthen our border patrol and make sure to maintain adequate law enforcement to protect those borders. We need to be more selective and investigate the people who come into the United States better with background checks. Security checkpoints at borders and airports need to enforce all regulations making sure everyone has proper documentation. Laws need to be stricter on those found in the United States illegally.
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
We should be making sure everyone has legal documentation making it safe for us.
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
We should be making sure everyone has legal documentation making it safe for us.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Anyone who wants to be a productive, tax paying United States Citizen and has legally completed the citizenship process.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Anyone who wants to be a productive, tax paying United States Citizen and has legally completed the citizenship process.
EDUCATION
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child instead of the bureaucracy, through a program which allows parents the freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Disagree
Each educational system is set up differently. Following the child leaves room for error and fraud. Private schools charge fees to cover their expenses which already leave public schools to a disadvantage. Public schools solely depend on funding.
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child instead of the bureaucracy, through a program which allows parents the freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Disagree
Each educational system is set up differently. Following the child leaves room for error and fraud. Private schools charge fees to cover their expenses which already leave public schools to a disadvantage. Public schools solely depend on funding.
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Neutral
Many aspects played a role in decisions such as this.
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which is necessary for our system of limited government.
Neutral
Many aspects played a role in decisions such as this.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Neutral
Everyone has the same rights. We need to stop grouping and labeling.
I support adding gender identity as a specially protected class in non-discrimination laws.
Neutral
Everyone has the same rights. We need to stop grouping and labeling.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Choose not to answer
I think we need to stop putting labels on everything and work together as one. We have good and bad in all races, religion, and sexes. We are making our society more divided by grouping everyone.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Choose not to answer
I think we need to stop putting labels on everything and work together as one. We have good and bad in all races, religion, and sexes. We are making our society more divided by grouping everyone.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in the Holy Bible. I worship one God.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in the Holy Bible. I worship one God.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition
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
Choose not to answer
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
They should have to prove their identity. Eliminates the chances of voter fraud.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
We need to stop creating so many options such as early, mail-in, county-wide sites, etc. This opens up more chances for errors and fraud.
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
They should have to prove their identity. Eliminates the chances of voter fraud.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
We need to stop creating so many options such as early, mail-in, county-wide sites, etc. This opens up more chances for errors and fraud.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
We do need to acknowledge that it is still an issue but needs to be addressed appropriately. Sometimes the wrong kind of attention can make the matters worse.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Neutral
I feel as if it would depend upon the severity. In today's world we are sensitive to so much, I feel this would consume our daily life. People, regardless of their race, religion, or sex are probably offended on a daily basis.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
We do need to acknowledge that it is still an issue but needs to be addressed appropriately. Sometimes the wrong kind of attention can make the matters worse.
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Neutral
I feel as if it would depend upon the severity. In today's world we are sensitive to so much, I feel this would consume our daily life. People, regardless of their race, religion, or sex are probably offended on a daily basis.
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.
Did not answer
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.
Did not answer
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
If this process can benefit us and make us more self-sufficient, I agree with it.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Agree
If this process can benefit us and make us more self-sufficient, I agree with it.
ABOUT YOU
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To make and enforce laws and policies for the betterment of society.
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?
Liberal
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To make and enforce laws and policies for the betterment of society.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
Did not answer
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?
Liberal
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, I have not.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
I am a common, every day working person. I will stand up for the people of my district and make decisions based on their needs and wants. I will be the voice for the ones who feel like no one listens to them. I have always worked for everything I have so I do not come from a privileged background. I am not afraid of hard work or speaking up for my communities. I am not a polished politician and I feel like we need some changes in Frankfort to help the middle class, hard working people.
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, I have not.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
I am a common, every day working person. I will stand up for the people of my district and make decisions based on their needs and wants. I will be the voice for the ones who feel like no one listens to them. I have always worked for everything I have so I do not come from a privileged background. I am not afraid of hard work or speaking up for my communities. I am not a polished politician and I feel like we need some changes in Frankfort to help the middle class, hard working people.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
Police officers are there to protect us. They should not be afraid to carry out their duties in fear of being sued or taken to court. On the same hand, they should not abuse their power.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Disagree
All of these programs need funding. Don't take from one to give to the other. Be equal. Police officers are first responders who put their life on the line every day.
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Agree
Police officers are there to protect us. They should not be afraid to carry out their duties in fear of being sued or taken to court. On the same hand, they should not abuse their power.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Disagree
All of these programs need funding. Don't take from one to give to the other. Be equal. Police officers are first responders who put their life on the line every day.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
We do need background checks, a waiting period, and gun safety classes. If a person were to refuse one of these, then they must have something to hide. If not, they can wait and own their gun. I feel you should have to at least be 21.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Disagree
Guns don't kill the people. It is the people who pull the trigger which means the wrong person sometimes gets a gun.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
We do need background checks, a waiting period, and gun safety classes. If a person were to refuse one of these, then they must have something to hide. If not, they can wait and own their gun. I feel you should have to at least be 21.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Disagree
Guns don't kill the people. It is the people who pull the trigger which means the wrong person sometimes gets a gun.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Do you support the expansion of gambling in Kentucky?
Yes
We need to keep that revenue in our state. We already have the lottery. That is gambling.
The LGBTQ+ agenda’s advocacy for puberty blockers, biological males competing on girls’ sports teams, and allowing biological males into girls’ restrooms, locker rooms, and showers threatens the wellbeing of our children.
Agree
Physical qualities in being born a male or female are different. A person born as a male that wants to compete in female sports has an unfair advantage. Allowing biological males in female locker rooms infringes on the females' rights as well. There is no exact right answer here.
Do you support the expansion of gambling in Kentucky?
Yes
We need to keep that revenue in our state. We already have the lottery. That is gambling.
The LGBTQ+ agenda’s advocacy for puberty blockers, biological males competing on girls’ sports teams, and allowing biological males into girls’ restrooms, locker rooms, and showers threatens the wellbeing of our children.
Agree
Physical qualities in being born a male or female are different. A person born as a male that wants to compete in female sports has an unfair advantage. Allowing biological males in female locker rooms infringes on the females' rights as well. There is no exact right answer here.
