Frank Craft Jr.
Libertarian | Florida
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Frank Craft Jr.
Party
Libertarian
Election Year
2022
Election
General
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 13
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
UCF, Orlando, BSBA, 2006
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Libertarian Party of Pinellas County, Chair
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (1)
Stand For Health Freedom
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Neutral
I would need to see the language. Although I find it ridiculous for suicide to be a crime, there is a big difference between a hospice-style end-of-life decision and a suicide service for those who are feeling down. The wrong kind of bill can cause unnecessary suffering or could allow for predatory service providers who prey on the unwell.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Neutral
I would need to see the language. Although I find it ridiculous for suicide to be a crime, there is a big difference between a hospice-style end-of-life decision and a suicide service for those who are feeling down. The wrong kind of bill can cause unnecessary suffering or could allow for predatory service providers who prey on the unwell.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Although I am pro-life, I think it is counterproductive to issue a total ban on abortion. Such prohibitions will create a black market which will criminalize women and doctors. It isn't winning hearts and minds; it's entrenching. Abortion should be regulated at a county level where the will of the people in that community can decide what they want. Some will ban it. Some may have no limits (hopefully this is not so), but most will likely choose a number around 13 weeks. I know this isn't what some devoted pro-life "warriors" want to hear, but I think it's the best path to pro-life ends.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Although I am pro-life, I think it is counterproductive to issue a total ban on abortion. Such prohibitions will create a black market which will criminalize women and doctors. It isn't winning hearts and minds; it's entrenching. Abortion should be regulated at a county level where the will of the people in that community can decide what they want. Some will ban it. Some may have no limits (hopefully this is not so), but most will likely choose a number around 13 weeks. I know this isn't what some devoted pro-life "warriors" want to hear, but I think it's the best path to pro-life ends.
ECONOMY
Redistribution of income is needed to lessen the gap between the wealthy and working classes.
Strongly Disagree
Taxation is theft.
Redistribution of income is needed to lessen the gap between the wealthy and working classes.
Strongly Disagree
Taxation is theft.
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Strongly Agree
We need over one trillion dollars in cuts just to tread water.
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Strongly Agree
We need over one trillion dollars in cuts just to tread water.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
We should eliminate personal income taxes, payroll taxes and corporate income taxes. Corporate taxes are a sneaky way to tax the individual as 100% of it is passed to consumers.
What changes, if any, should be made to the tax code?
We should eliminate personal income taxes, payroll taxes and corporate income taxes. Corporate taxes are a sneaky way to tax the individual as 100% of it is passed to consumers.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
The protection that is needed is for the Government to remember that the 1st Amendment specifically requires them to not be involved with the matters of the church. The US can't define a national religion and that includes atheism.
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
The protection that is needed is for the Government to remember that the 1st Amendment specifically requires them to not be involved with the matters of the church. The US can't define a national religion and that includes atheism.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
What should be the relationship between the church and the state?
None. The State cannot tell one to be religious or atheistic, nor can they regulate how or when they practice their faith.
What should be the relationship between the church and the state?
None. The State cannot tell one to be religious or atheistic, nor can they regulate how or when they practice their faith.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Private businesses and organizations should be allowed to require vaccinations. If that results in damages, those same entities should be held liable. Government institutions, including government schools, would be infringing on our bodily autonomy by doing the same.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Private businesses and organizations should be allowed to require vaccinations. If that results in damages, those same entities should be held liable. Government institutions, including government schools, would be infringing on our bodily autonomy by doing the same.
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.
D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded. We have some steps to get there as you obviously can't just kick people off of their current healthcare plans, but government "healthcare" (read:subsidizer) does more to discourage quality caregivers from entering the market than it does to help people. We've gotten too reliant on private insurance as well and it's this reliance that has driven up the healthcare costs. Subscription models are the future that will get us back to where we need to be.
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.
D)Tax-payer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be de-funded. We have some steps to get there as you obviously can't just kick people off of their current healthcare plans, but government "healthcare" (read:subsidizer) does more to discourage quality caregivers from entering the market than it does to help people. We've gotten too reliant on private insurance as well and it's this reliance that has driven up the healthcare costs. Subscription models are the future that will get us back to where we need to be.
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. To me, this says the same thing as D). We should not be involved in foreign wars. If we have a true threat to our nation and its people, Congress should vote on the matter and then we should respond with overwhelming force that puts the fear of God into every other nation watching. We don't like to fight, so we end it as quickly and fiercely as possible.
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. To me, this says the same thing as D). We should not be involved in foreign wars. If we have a true threat to our nation and its people, Congress should vote on the matter and then we should respond with overwhelming force that puts the fear of God into every other nation watching. We don't like to fight, so we end it as quickly and fiercely as possible.
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.
Strongly Disagree
This is entangling in a foreign conflict.
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.
Strongly Disagree
This is entangling in a foreign conflict.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
To be clear, they are not threatening our Nation in a warlike manner. They are simply a country with a goal of global dominance and we should be attentive.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
To be clear, they are not threatening our Nation in a warlike manner. They are simply a country with a goal of global dominance and we should be attentive.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Stop entangling in the Middle East. We funded, armed and trained Osama bin Laden and then he was our enemy. We invaded Iraq and angered allies for empowering Iran. Many conflicts of today can be traced back to the Sykes-Picot Agreement where the UK and France made up borders in the name of a fractured Arab State (it easier to bribe/dominate fractured warlords than one Ottoman Emperor). It is clear that the more we meddle in these other people's lands, the more groups we create that hate what we're doing.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?
Stop entangling in the Middle East. We funded, armed and trained Osama bin Laden and then he was our enemy. We invaded Iraq and angered allies for empowering Iran. Many conflicts of today can be traced back to the Sykes-Picot Agreement where the UK and France made up borders in the name of a fractured Arab State (it easier to bribe/dominate fractured warlords than one Ottoman Emperor). It is clear that the more we meddle in these other people's lands, the more groups we create that hate what we're doing.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Disagree
COVID showed us the potential dangers for citizens should our government decide to restrict our movements. We need to get rid of the entire immigration system and replace is with an Ellis Island style system. If people can easily file some papers and have some savings in order to enter legally, they will no longer need to pay coyotes. When we remove what is essentially a prohibition on legally immigrating, we will lose that mass that some feel requires a wall.
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Disagree
COVID showed us the potential dangers for citizens should our government decide to restrict our movements. We need to get rid of the entire immigration system and replace is with an Ellis Island style system. If people can easily file some papers and have some savings in order to enter legally, they will no longer need to pay coyotes. When we remove what is essentially a prohibition on legally immigrating, we will lose that mass that some feel requires a wall.
State and federal funds shall be denied to any public or private entity, such as a sanctuary city, that is not in compliance with immigration laws.
Agree
There are lots of reasons we shouldn't be redistributing other people's money to public and private entities.
State and federal funds shall be denied to any public or private entity, such as a sanctuary city, that is not in compliance with immigration laws.
Agree
There are lots of reasons we shouldn't be redistributing other people's money to public and private entities.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Anyone chasing that American Dream. Generally speaking, one should have a place to live arranged, a certain amount of money in their bank account, agree to forego any sort of government assistance for a period of years and fill out some papers.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Anyone chasing that American Dream. Generally speaking, one should have a place to live arranged, a certain amount of money in their bank account, agree to forego any sort of government assistance for a period of years and fill out some papers.
VALUES
Sexual orientation and gender identity should be protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Disagree
Everyone deserves equal protection under the law, regardless of any of one's characteristics. These non-discrimination laws often are fairly discriminatory in practice.
Sexual orientation and gender identity should be protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Disagree
Everyone deserves equal protection under the law, regardless of any of one's characteristics. These non-discrimination laws often are fairly discriminatory in practice.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
CRT was designed as a tool to analyze laws to see if they boil down to a racist motivation. Marriage licenses and concealed carry permits are two laws that were specifically put into place to restrict the rights of the black community. CRT was never supposed to be twisted into a racial essentialist tool for damning society.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
CRT was designed as a tool to analyze laws to see if they boil down to a racist motivation. Marriage licenses and concealed carry permits are two laws that were specifically put into place to restrict the rights of the black community. CRT was never supposed to be twisted into a racial essentialist tool for damning society.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Although I spent many years as a religion-friendly agnostic, I am currently on a path and in a place where I can no longer say I'm a non-believer. My values are that of being family-first, treating everyone in good-faith and helping others when possible.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Although I spent many years as a religion-friendly agnostic, I am currently on a path and in a place where I can no longer say I'm a non-believer. My values are that of being family-first, treating everyone in good-faith and helping others when possible.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Neutral
I have no problems with photo ID laws, but there needs to be a mechanism for the small percentage of the citizens who don't have a photo ID. We currently use provisional ballots when there is a question and that seems like a good place to start.
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Neutral
I have no problems with photo ID laws, but there needs to be a mechanism for the small percentage of the citizens who don't have a photo ID. We currently use provisional ballots when there is a question and that seems like a good place to start.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
The Federal Government should not pass election regulations on states. That's more likely to result in corruption than in the restriction thereof.
What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
The Federal Government should not pass election regulations on states. That's more likely to result in corruption than in the restriction thereof.
EQUALITY
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Strongly Disagree
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
No. We should continue to work as a society to teach love, acceptance and appreciation of the various ways we're all different and similar. If we were at a place where a significant portion of the US supported subjugating a certain race of people, that would be dangerous, but that's not how I see America.
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
No. We should continue to work as a society to teach love, acceptance and appreciation of the various ways we're all different and similar. If we were at a place where a significant portion of the US supported subjugating a certain race of people, that would be dangerous, but that's not how I see America.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Neutral
It seems to be great for the Energy sector, and many of us by extension, but I think there needs to be more study on earthquakes and other potential side effects.
I support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources.
Neutral
It seems to be great for the Energy sector, and many of us by extension, but I think there needs to be more study on earthquakes and other potential side effects.
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) is closer. The government does not have a good track record for regulations that help anyone or anything more than they hurt someone else.
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) is closer. The government does not have a good track record for regulations that help anyone or anything more than they hurt someone else.
ABOUT YOU
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
I disagree with the political spectrum laid out to choose from. I believe in maximum freedom in all regards.
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
I disagree with the political spectrum laid out to choose from. I believe in maximum freedom in all regards.
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2022/08/01/community-conversations-with-congressional-candidates-district-13
Please provide publicly available information, including interviews and media reports, validating your answer to the previous question (other than your website).
https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2022/08/01/community-conversations-with-congressional-candidates-district-13
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.
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 want to set a responsible budget and stick to that budget. My goal is to lower inflation, lower the deficit, and end these horrible policies that brought us to the problems we face today. The less the government has the ability to screw up, the better.
What else would you like voters to know about you, including your legislative priorities?
I want to set a responsible budget and stick to that budget. My goal is to lower inflation, lower the deficit, and end these horrible policies that brought us to the problems we face today. The less the government has the ability to screw up, the better.
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
Most police forces do offer some sort of liability relief with employment. It's fine for departments to pay for the legal defense of the police as an employee benefit, but police are not immune from obeying the law. If they violate the law, they should be held accountable.
Police officers should be personally immune from prosecution for conduct consistent with departmental policy (qualified immunity) while on duty.
Strongly Disagree
Most police forces do offer some sort of liability relief with employment. It's fine for departments to pay for the legal defense of the police as an employee benefit, but police are not immune from obeying the law. If they violate the law, they should be held accountable.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Neutral
I think these Defund the Police movements tend to be ham-fisted and ... stupid. That being said, if victimless crimes were removed then you could spend more money on mental health issues. For example, in Portugal, they have over 10 years of data on drug-related crimes. When the person is given the chance to do rehab over jail, they take that opportunity most of the time. Their recidivism rate is way down as are their overdoses. Plus, jails aren't crowded with addicts.
I support redirecting funds from police departments to mental health and community programs.
Neutral
I think these Defund the Police movements tend to be ham-fisted and ... stupid. That being said, if victimless crimes were removed then you could spend more money on mental health issues. For example, in Portugal, they have over 10 years of data on drug-related crimes. When the person is given the chance to do rehab over jail, they take that opportunity most of the time. Their recidivism rate is way down as are their overdoses. Plus, jails aren't crowded with addicts.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
None.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
None.
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
Victims of gun violence should be able to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers.
Strongly Disagree
