Elayne J. Cross
Republican | Ohio
Candidate Profile*
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Elayne J. Cross
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Republican Primary and U.S. House Dist. 6 Special Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 14
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Kent State University, Kent, B.S.Ed, 2007
Ohio State University, Columbus, graduate Science courses, 2009-2011
NORI, Rock Creek, Range Officer, 2014
Leadership Institute, Arlington, Campaign Management, 2017
Leadership Institue, Arlington, Future Candidate, 2017
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Community of Believers Church, Women's ministry director, Sunday School teacher, volunteer, American Legion
Auxiliary member, Fraternal Order of Police, Auxiliary member, helped with fundraising in 2022
Portage County Republican GOP, Member, Vice Chairman 16-20, volunteer, Portage County Board of Elections
Member, Portage Summit Field and Stream Club, Member
Portage County Republican Women's Club, Member, served on Fundraising Committee, Ohio Federation of Republican Women
Member, Performed Annual Financial Audit, 100 Women Who Care, winning nomination for Children's Advocacy Center, member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Vice Chairman Portage GOP, 2016-2020
Portage Board of Elections member, 2018-2022
Portage County Central Committee Precinctmen, 2020, 2016, 2012, 2008
Portage Republican Women's Finance co-chair, 2014
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Ohio State Central Committee Woman, 2020
ENDORSEMENTS*
CONSERVATIVE (1)
*Right to Life Action Coalition of Ohio
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (5)
Gail Pavliga (2020)
State Republican Party Organizations (2019)
Jim Lutz (2016)
Sarah Fowler (2014)
Ohio Tea Party PAC (2010)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
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).
Strongly Agree
Federal government should stop paying for things outside the constitution.
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
The risk and side effects of these drugs is a threat to life so they should have medical oversight of a doctor including reporting harm done or additional risks to educate the medical community.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
As a nation we are finally grappling with this very question. The overturning of Roe was vital, NO federal law should interfere in states' rights. It will take years to work out. As a candidates for federal office I reject any attempt to federalize abortion and strip the states of this responsibility.
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?
Section one of the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution defines the right to life, liberty, and the property. As a result of this clause a definition of life could be established. If we define life as, at the very least, when a child is developed enough to live outside the womb, which is around 23 weeks, we could easily end all late term abortions. Work can be done on this issue only within the constraints of the Constitution. Adding additional non-constitutional laws in place will not fix the mess but add more to it.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Commonly misrepresented as the church being restrained yet in the founding of the United States it is the government that is restrained. The government shall make no codified religion or constraints there on. John Adams said “Our Constitution is made only for a moral and religious people, it is wholly inadequate to govern any other.” This does not imply common religion, only common morals. Stealing and murder is criminal. Adultery and addiction are destructive, etc...
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
This violates of the First Amendment to the Constitution: Congress shall make no law … prohibiting the free exercise (of religion). In a robust capitalistic society, options are plentiful. These cases often arise when a someone is seeking to harm a business owner with strong Christian beliefs. They are destructive to our general welfare and should be considered frivolous at minimum up to the level of hate-crime.
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.
We are over extended internationally while our nation is being invaded. None of these answers are prefect but C, to be involved when imminent danger persists, is best option. It will require strong restraint. Trump did a lot to get European countries to pay more of their share. Trump kept us out of war and negotiated well - we need more of that.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
This is an obvious problem.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes. Though there is no other nation with the freedoms and constitution like the US we must be in relationship with those who strive for similar ideals but lack our robust adherence to liberty as a right from God. Our allies are fundamentally different from theocracies and communist/socialist democracies of world. Relationships among likeminded countries has made the world safer than at any time in history.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
The shot mandate pushed many to quit. They lost the confidence that their leadership will have their back. Without trustworthy leaders, why join or stay. Jabs, ESG, DEI (DIE), DOJ, DOD…
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Government can make rules for employees but not citizens. Schools receiving tax dollars shall not require vax. Private schools and employers can have guidelines for such things provided it’s disclosed COMPLETELY during the hiring process.
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.
Medicine is not health care. Health is the goal. Stop monetizing illness. Medicare is an insurance policy government should get out of. The Advantage plans are a start to transferred Medicare to open markets while honoring those who have paid in. Having some health care for the poor is important at the state level. Where did the free-clinics and well-child-clinics go? Fix the root.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
Reduce the size of government. 1. limit the federal government to its constitution duties only, return rest back to the states. 2. Establish a flat income tax.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
The problem with student loans is like most things, the federal government was never intended to be a bank or lender. Their involvement impairs Capitalism.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
ESG is a Marxist construct designed to undermine our Representative Republic and transform it into a global communistic democracy. Therefore, ESG is diametrically opposed to the American Ideal.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
YES. No other country has such a permeable border and I suggest more scrutiny on the northern border, airports, and shipping ports. This is a treasonous neglect of law and sovereignty. Our culture cannot assimilate or house the great influx of people. It's overwhelming.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Those who have petitioned from their home countries and are going through the established protocols. Laws need written to make entering illegally or over staying Visa’s to be a felony. We have a great vetting process it just needs streamlined and reinforced with laws that have teeth.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
Home schooling, private school, and public school were all parts of my children’s education. School choice is vital to a free society.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Agree
This is one of my campaign planks. Put the federal government back within its lane. This country was established on a restricted and limited federal government, a moderate state government and a robust local government. It is time we reestablish those boundaries.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
This is a form of misfeasance. If public funds were allocated to policing and were redirected to community programs it is misuse of funds. If the budget is approved with less money to police and more to community programs you are asking for more violence, less safety, and unrest in your community. Policing and enforcing laws is a vital function of government and should not be diminished.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The laws on the books are generally sufficient to protect public safety. In Ohio, felons are not allowed to purchase, own, or have a gun. Some mental health issues are equally restricted. People watch what the police, prosecutors, and judges do with criminals. Tough on crime = less crime. Weak on crime, 2nd, 3rd, 4th chances = more crime. Enforce the law as written and the people will abide appropriately.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
Adding more justices is a ploy to swing the court left. The Supreme Court has a very narrow function. With 9 justices, there is enough breadth and depth of review and discussion. More justices will make an extremely slow process even slower.
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?
Very Conservative
Define conservative. I consider myself a constitutionalist. Our founding documents and federalist papers are not living or open to societal changes. The communist creep has infiltrated most aspects of American life. I love this country and its solemn ideals of life, liberty, and property. Freedom is messy and requires a unified moral code of right and wrong. I believe American still has this common foundation.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
God created governments to help order society. The US government is designed to unify the citizens under a common set of laws, built on common morals and beliefs, applied and enforced equally. We elect legislative representatives to write, modify, and remove laws to establish clear boundaries for everyone. Executive representatives execute the laws, and Judges mitigate violations of laws. It's a robust system of checks and balances when it functions properly.
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
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.
Strongly Agree
Government cannot manipulate sacred covenants. God created marriage as the bedrock of society. I am torn - I want the government out of marriage but not marriage out of government. It is NOT a federal issue but changing tax code to flat tax eliminates this confusion.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
As a society we do not allow parents to abuse or neglect their children. We do not let children drive or drink alcohol. We protect children. I have never met a 12 yr. old who became what they hoped to be at 12.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Never! This is a private medical decision that belongs between the person and their mental and physical healthcare team. Inserting the government into this makes the government liable for outcomes. No, just no.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
As a young girl I called out to God and learned to pray. As a young adult I learned more about Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for me and I learned to love His Word the Bible. As a mother I learned the Father’s heart for us, His children. I am a child of God, follower of Jesus, and light in this dark world. It was for freedom that Christ set me free. My passion for life, freedom and the American ideal are all rooted in my faith. I know how to be content and how to fight for what is right. I refuse to be lukewarm.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
NO, photo IDs protect the vote. It is an insult to say people are to dumb to get an ID.
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
Never! It is what makes us a Representative Republic. Without the Electoral College we would be a Communist Democracy and mob rule would rein from the coasts. The voice and vote of the interior states would become stifled because they have limited population and few representatives. Communist nations claim the title of Democracy because they hold a vote. We are a Representative Republic.
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
CRT is racist pitting one group against another – where does it end? It is designed to pit Americans against each other. Freedom and personal responsibility are core to being an American. When I make a mess, I must clean it up and the same goes for you.
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.
Strongly Agree
We must protect women and girls. This is an assault on the unique beauty and vulnerability of women. It has already destroyed some elements of women’s sports and resulted in rape and abuse. It is an issue organizations and states must grapple with to provide balance and not eliminate one for the cause of another.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Strongly Disagree
1. Cannot control nature, volcanic eruptions or wild fires happen. 2. Electric Vehicles, solar panels, and batteries cause more harm to the environment to build them then they save in burning fossil fuels. The most efficient use of energy is at its source. We need urgent action to get away from dependence on China's manufacturing.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Nuclear is the best and cleanest energy. Natural gas is second and we have a huge natural reserve and infrastructure to utilize it. Burn gas and build nuclear!
