
Lee Ann McDermott
Republican | Pennsylvania
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Lee Ann McDermott
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 120
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
Dallas High School, Dallas, 1987
WORK & MILITARY
McDermott Real Estate Appraisals, Inc., Vice-President, 26
AFFILIATIONS
Junior League of Wilkes-Barre, Past president and sustaining member, Republican Women of Luzerne County
Past secretary and current member, Moose International/Moose Lodge 1207, member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Luzerne County Councilwoman, 2020-current
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
LIBERAL (1)
LIUNA Eastern Pennsylvania Local 1310
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (7)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2023)
Northeast Pennsylvania Leadership Fund (2023)
Dan Meuser (2022)
Jim Bognet (2022)
Lou Barletta (2022)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Northeast Pennsylvania Leadership Fund (2023)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Rape, incest and to prevent loss of life of the mother
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.
Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Agree
I believe that taxpayer money should not pay for abortions. There are many good organizations who utilize Title X grants who do not provide abortions.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
What is your position on the minimum wage?
I may be in favor of slightly raising the minimum wage, however, I'm not in favor of raising it to $15 per hour. The market has moved the wage up, we have to be mindful of pro-business reforms to help small businesses.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Only under extreme circumstances should there be limitations. I'm pleased that the voters of Pennsylvania voted to keep the Governor from being able to unilaterally declare an emergency without legislative input.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
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) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
C
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
The choice should rest with an individual or guardian whether or not to receive a vaccination.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes. Israel has always been an independent state... since 1948... and without support from the United States, their independence and fate would be seriously jeopardized.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
EDUCATION
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Agree
VALUES
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
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.
Neutral
I support the current law. No government has the ability to change the definition of what a religion believes marriage is.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in the 10 commandments. My spiritual values are based on faith, hope and prayer relating to God.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes. We must work through society to root out racism across the board.
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
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.
A, C
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I strongly support our traditional means of energy production, including coal, natural gas, oil, hydro, and nuclear. I am open to continuing to explore solar and wind technology, but not if it is subsidized by taxpayers.
ABOUT YOU
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
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
I believe the most important thing is to follow and adhere to the United States Constitution. The purpose of government It is about the betterment of our communities and the quality of life for our constituents. It is about working hard for economic fairness, social justice, crime prevention, job opportunities, and equitable taxes.
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
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
First, I will never vote for legislation that will negatively impact a citizen's right to own a gun. I am open to researching and funding mental health programs that can be utilized to prevent people with mental illness to access firearms. I believe we must begin by researching other states who have red flag laws which could be helpful but also provide statistics on how effective or not the law is.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
I believe that the best individuals to provide security for schools are former military or police officers. But, if a teacher who is highly, and specifically, trained to carry a gun at school could protect the lives of students, then they should be able to.
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