Steve Lankenau
Republican | Ohio
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Steve Lankenau
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Republican Primary and U.S. House Dist. 6 Special Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 9
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Miami University, BA in political science, 1984
Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, MA public administration, 1994
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
St. Paul Lutheran, Past Chairman of the Congregation
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Mayor City of Napoleon OH, 5.5
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
WinRed (2023)
Robert McColley (2013)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
WinRed (2023)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Agree
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Rape, incest and life of the mother. Should be decided by each state's residents beyond that.
Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?
No.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
Spend only what is received in taxes unless an emergency (war, etc) to limit debt and therefore keep interest rates and inflation low. Support laws that help working class families; oppose laws that harm working (middle) class families.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Neutral
It depends how much is forgiven and from what other programs the money will come from. If it's just more federal debt, I could not support it, otherwise some relief is possible.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Choose not to answer
Generally no, but some institutions may receive a call to do so by their board or members in which case it may be acceptable, particularly where it is an institution in which members are able to opt out (rare) and be represented elsewhere.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
We only need look to the words of the founders to see it means that there shall be no official state religion anywhere in this country. More importantly, it does not mean that public life is to be divorced from any religiosity or influences of a religious nature. Only that care must be taken so that all faiths are respected equally in the public square and all people are permitted to worship as they see fit so long as they do not infringe on another's similar right.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Choose not to answer
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
When not doing so is an overwhelming and immediate danger to themselves or others. Modern life makes this less necessary than in the past. Govt must adapt to fulfill its mission with accommodation for varying opinions which exist on the subject.
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) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
I spent 7 years in health insurance. The subject is fraught and without easy answers. One thing is clear - costs are rampant and out of control. We pay more and many in this country get less than in many countries in the world. Many rural areas are becoming healthcare deserts without adequate care even in NW Ohio. Exploding costs and basic access to care will be my focus.
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.
B. Ignoring the world leads to things like WW I and WWII. We cannot be the world's policeman everywhere. We usually have the best intelligence in the world and must use it to keep small groups of dangerous people from becoming large and strong and on our doorstep when it is too late. We must have leaders who are judicious in our use of force with a mindfulness that we have endless needs and issues right here that deserve our time, attention and resources.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Same for Russia.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
It is morally and historically important that we support Israel. It is also strategically in our interests to do so.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
Interest in military service rises and falls with the temper of the times. Of course it must be competitive with other options that young people have for work and a career. Another issue is the need to have members who are not abusing legal or illegal drugs in order to fulfill the mission. This leaves any number of potential recruits unable to serve. Another issue rising in the military as in the civilian population is work/life balance. Soldiers need a good home life to be the best in service.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Scrap whatever they call today's "system". It does not serve this country or immigrants. In a world of supply and demand we have millions wanting to come here. We should be able to take the brightest and the best and others who can add to our nation in a positive way. Multi-lingialism is great but immigrants should be encouraged to learn English in order that we can live and work together. We all celebrate where our families are from. But we are even more proud to have become Americans.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Those who who can benefit this country and a limited number of those who's lives are in imminent danger.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Agree
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Agree
VALUES
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Disagree
With Obergafel v. Hodges the law of the land, I support it's outcome. I cannot lie, like many I have evolved on this issue. What is not for me is not necessarily for every person in this country.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
I am part of a family that has been touched in the worst way by sexual abuse of a minor. It is an issue where I have a hard time not leading with my heart instead of my head. I stand strongly for severe penalties and any measures that will help protect the most vulnerable in our society.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Disagree
I disagree with this particularly when it comes to minors when we're talking about life altering drugs or surgery. Though minors ought to have all the therapy and counseling they need to be able to make decisions upon the age of majority.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I was raised in a devout Christian family. We in turn raised our children in a similar way. The Lord is my guide and my comfort. I remain in faith and have always loved the rich diversity of Christian practices and even those of many other faithful people I know.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Choose not to answer
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Sometimes, yes. Fundamentally? I could not disagree more.
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Agree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Agree
Is ALL climate change man-made? No. Is a fair bit of it? I think so.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
No one source. Renewables will continue to grow. Fossil fuels will be around a long time. I'm really interested in what is being done with new nuclear energy. I also am intrigued with age old hydro power and how we could do more of it.
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?
Conservative
My conservatism is first and foremost fiscal. The more the government takes, the less working families have to provide and prosper.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To do those things individuals and the private sector cannot, so really the list ought to be shorter than it is.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Neutral
I oppose if it is done by any side to obtain a political advantage. If there is some other reason in the general public interest I might consider it.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Neutral
Well, we may have put some duties into our law enforcement that are better done by others, but it is hard to see in most places where less resources for law enforcement makes sense.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Restrictions on those with mental health issues. Restrictions on those with violent criminal records. And I think most supporters of the 2nd amendment look down on gun owners who know nothing about the care and handling of a firearm, so a greater effort to educate new gun owners seems reasonable.
