Kevin Coughlin
Republican | Ohio
Candidate Profile*
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Kevin Coughlin
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Republican Primary and U.S. House Dist. 6 Special Primary
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 13
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, BA, 1992
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, MPA, 1993
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Parishioner
Capitol Square Foundation, Board Member
Summit County Republican Party, Executive Committee Member
Blossom Music Center, Board of Overseers
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Board Member
Flying Horse Farms, Board Member
Ballet Excel Ohio, Board Member, President
Western Reserve Hospital Community Business Leaders Comm, Member
Council of State Governments, Midwest Chair, Executive Committee Member, International Chair
Ohio Arts Council, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
State Representative, 1997-2001
State Senator, 2001-2011
Clerk of the Stow Municipal Court, 2013-2015
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
ENDORSEMENTS*
CONSERVATIVE (6)
*Ohio Right to Life PAC; Jim Jordan; We the People Convention-Ohio; Bob Gibbs; Ohio Conservatives PAC
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (8)
Congressman Jim Jordan; Former Congressman Bob Gibbs; Former ORP Chair Jane Timken; Summit County GOP Chair Bryan Williams; Stark County GOP Chair Janet Creighton
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (9)
Charles Tassell (2023); Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2023); WinRed (2023); JD VANCE (2022); Madison Gesiotto Gilbert (2022)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (7)
Bob Gibbs (2023); Charles Tassell (2023); Dependable Conservative Leadership PAC (2023); Jane Timken (2023); Jim Renacci (2023)
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
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly 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
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?
I am open to exceptions for protection of the life of the mother and for rape and incest, provided that standards can be adopted to avoid abuse.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
I am open to exceptions for protection of the life of the mother and for rape and incest, provided that standards can be adopted to avoid abuse.
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?
My first inclination is to defer to the states on this question. However, any constitutional conservative would also support the role of the federal government in setting standards and creating a national consensus when localism runs amuck. I would support such federal legislation, provided that it allows states to place their own restrictions.
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?
My first inclination is to defer to the states on this question. However, any constitutional conservative would also support the role of the federal government in setting standards and creating a national consensus when localism runs amuck. I would support such federal legislation, provided that it allows states to place their own restrictions.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
It means that the citizens of this country have the freedom to worship freely and in their own manner without interference or persecution from the government.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
It means that the citizens of this country have the freedom to worship freely and in their own manner without interference or persecution from the government.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
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.
A combination of B and C. Complete disengagement leaves a vacuum for the world's troublemakers. We need to expect more from our allies so that we can focus on challenges at home more.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
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.
A combination of B and C. Complete disengagement leaves a vacuum for the world's troublemakers. We need to expect more from our allies so that we can focus on challenges at home more.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Israel is the only true democracy in the region and shares our values as nations and as people. It is surrounded by danger and as a strategic and moral ally, our relationship is critical to its existence.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Israel is the only true democracy in the region and shares our values as nations and as people. It is surrounded by danger and as a strategic and moral ally, our relationship is critical to its existence.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
A combination of Gen Z attitudes toward work and service, woke culture being forced on the branches, fewer people physically and mentally fit to serve, and the job market.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
A combination of Gen Z attitudes toward work and service, woke culture being forced on the branches, fewer people physically and mentally fit to serve, and the job market.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Never.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Never.
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.
C, with the addition that Medicaid and Medicare both require reforms to ensure their sustainability and to reduce waste.
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.
C, with the addition that Medicaid and Medicare both require reforms to ensure their sustainability and to reduce waste.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
In the legislature, I was a five-time Watchdog of the Treasury and prioritized the taxpayer. In Congress I will support a balanced budget amendment to end DC's addiction to endless cash, and work for lower taxes and less regulation.
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
In the legislature, I was a five-time Watchdog of the Treasury and prioritized the taxpayer. In Congress I will support a balanced budget amendment to end DC's addiction to endless cash, and work for lower taxes and less regulation.
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
We should identify and prioritize people who legally seek to immigrate and share our values. Skilled and educated workers should be a priority.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
We should identify and prioritize people who legally seek to immigrate and share our values. Skilled and educated workers should be a priority.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
My work in politics began in educational choice, working for David Brennan out of college to promote choice and establish the Cleveland Scholarship Pilot Project. In the legislature, I championed ed choice and was the Senate sponsor of Ohio's special education scholarship. I am delighted that Ohio has become a universal school choice state.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Agree
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
My work in politics began in educational choice, working for David Brennan out of college to promote choice and establish the Cleveland Scholarship Pilot Project. In the legislature, I championed ed choice and was the Senate sponsor of Ohio's special education scholarship. I am delighted that Ohio has become a universal school choice state.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Agree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
None. Gun violence in our nation is attributable to mental health and to a culture that has come to believe that grievances should be solved with violence. Restrictions on guns will not address this.
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
None. Gun violence in our nation is attributable to mental health and to a culture that has come to believe that grievances should be solved with violence. Restrictions on guns will not address this.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
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
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Our government exists to preserve the rights of man endowed by God and laid out in the Constitution, and to protect against tyranny.
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.
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
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Our government exists to preserve the rights of man endowed by God and laid out in the Constitution, and to protect against tyranny.
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
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
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
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Roman Catholic who believes we are all created in God's image. I believe this is the essence of the Christian creation story, unique among the faiths, that is the basis of the value we place in life.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Roman Catholic who believes we are all created in God's image. I believe this is the essence of the Christian creation story, unique among the faiths, that is the basis of the value we place in life.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
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
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
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Disagree
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Disagree
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I favor an all-of-the above strategy for generation - driven by market forces, not the government. Currently, the most reliable and available source for the growing demand are fossil fuels.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I favor an all-of-the above strategy for generation - driven by market forces, not the government. Currently, the most reliable and available source for the growing demand are fossil fuels.
