Sean Calvert Crystal

Republican | Idaho

Candidate Profile

Conservative (Conditional)

BIOGRAPHY

Name

Sean Calvert Crystal


Party

Republican


Election Year

2024


Election

Republican Primary


Race

State Rep., Dist. 32A


Incumbent

No


Links

Facebook

EDUCATION

Idaho State University, Idaho Falls, Political Science, 2011

Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC), Idaho Falls, GED, 2007

WORK & MILITARY

Candidate did not provide

AFFILIATIONS

Candidate did not provide

POLITICAL OFFICES HELD

Candidate did not provide

POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT

Ammon City Council, 2023

Shelley City Council, 2013

Race

Previous Races

OTHER INFORMATION

QUESTIONNAIRE

RIGHT TO LIFE

Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?

I believe elective abortion should be a rare consideration, reserved for exceptional circumstances beyond consensual situations, where the health and safety of the mother are at significant risk. In most cases, I advocate for exploring all possible alternatives before contemplating abortion. The 'my body, my choice' argument becomes complex when another potential life is involved, especially in situations stemming from consensual acts where the outcomes are widely understood.

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

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer 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

This is not a topic I have spent enough thought on to take a specific stance


ECONOMY

Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.

Strongly Agree

Free enterprise and private property rights fuel innovation and economic growth by empowering individuals to pursue their aspirations and manage their assets. This freedom is the cornerstone of a dynamic economy, driving competition, efficiency, and choice.

What is your position on the minimum wage?

I advocate for fair wages, mindful of small business impact. Support comes through growth incentives and skills training, not blanket mandates.

Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?

No

Investing public funds requires a focus on economic returns. Although ESG aspects can guide responsible choices we must tread carefully, ensuring such criteria doesn't lead to government overreach or compromise financial objectives.


RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

Under what circumstances can government close churches?

Government should not close churches. Religious freedom is paramount, and any restrictions on this fundamental right are unacceptable. Churches provide essential community and spiritual support, and their autonomy must be respected.

Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.

Strongly Disagree

I strongly oppose any mandate that forces individuals or businesses to provide services against their moral or religious beliefs. Such requirements infringe on fundamental freedoms of conscience and expression, core to our constitutional and human rights.


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.

In healthcare, I advocate for a system where essential services are accessible to those in need, complemented by robust private healthcare options. This approach upholds compassion and efficiency, ensuring basic health needs are met while fostering innovation and choice in the sector. Any government-funded programs must be judicious, emphasizing sustainability and personal responsibility.

Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?

Vaccinations should be a personal choice. Government, school, or employer mandates infringe on individual health autonomy and personal freedom.


NATIONAL SECURITY

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?

The U.S.-Israel alliance is vital, serving as a strategic cornerstone in the Middle East, underpinning regional stability and bolstering shared democratic values.


IMMIGRATION

The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.

Strongly Agree

While the notion of open borders is appealing in an ideal world, practicality and the lessons of history guide us towards a more structured approach. Secure borders are necessary, not as barriers but as foundations for a system that welcomes new Americans in a way that enriches our cultural tapestry while fostering economic growth.


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

Taxpayer funds for education should enable parental choice, supporting public, private, or homeschool options. It's crucial, though, to allocate these funds with oversight that prevents state overreach into private education choices and home environments.


VALUES

Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.

Strongly Agree

I strongly agree that protecting children from abuse and harmful ideologies is paramount. It's crucial to uphold scientific and biological truths in education and societal norms, ensuring the well-being and ethical treatment of our most vulnerable.

Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.

Strongly Agree

I strongly support parental rights in decision-making for minors, emphasizing that these decisions should be anchored in ethical and moral principles to safeguard the child's well-being. Encouraging minors to question and understand these choices fosters open, constructive dialogue, enhancing family communication and trust.

Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.

Strongly Disagree

I oppose the use of taxpayer funds for gender transition services. Decisions related to gender dysphoria should be privately funded, respecting the diverse values and financial priorities of taxpayers.

Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.

Agree

I uphold the traditional view of marriage but affirm that legal protections should extend to all committed relationships, ensuring fairness without imposing on personal or religious beliefs.

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

My Christian faith emphasizes compassion and understanding, much like Jesus' teachings to accept diverse perspectives. While I don't endorse extreme ideologies, I advocate for a respectful, morally and ethically grounded dialogue that accommodates differing beliefs.


ELECTIONS AND VOTING

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Strongly Disagree

I believe photo identification is essential for voting to maintain the integrity and security of our electoral process, preventing potential fraud and ensuring trustworthy elections.

States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.

Strongly Disagree

I oppose the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The Electoral College plays a crucial role in balancing representation across all states, ensuring that less populous areas are not overshadowed by larger cities.


EQUALITY

Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?

Racism does pose a threat to domestic security by creating divisions. However, it's crucial we address this not through divisive rhetoric but by promoting respect and cooperation, ensuring our society is united and resilient.

I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.

Strongly Disagree

I do not agree with CRT's premise that our institutions are inherently racist. Acknowledging racial challenges is vital, but it's also important to recognize the strides we've made towards equality, rather than labeling the entire system as fundamentally flawed.

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.

My stance is about finding a sensible middle ground. We must protect our environment for future generations, yet also consider the implications for jobs and energy. Stricter regulations have their place, but we need a balanced approach that doesn't sacrifice our economy or energy independence. Climate change is a reality that demands attention, but our actions should be measured and based on a clear understanding of both natural processes and human impact.

What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?

Hydroelectric, natural gas, nuclear, and geothermal are key to meeting our electricity needs, with advancements in cold fusion and geothermal technologies enhancing their potential.


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.

Yes, I was initially convicted of a felony for marijuana delivery, but the charge was later amended to a misdemeanor

What do you think is the general purpose of government?

The general purpose of government, as I see it, is to serve as a steward of the community, ensuring the well-being and security of its citizens while fostering an environment where freedom and opportunity can flourish. It should focus on providing essential services, upholding justice, and facilitating conditions for economic growth, all while respecting individual liberties and minimizing unnecessary intervention.

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 emphasis on limited government intervention, fiscal responsibility, and conservation of traditional values, in areas such as economic policy, individual freedoms, and national security respect conservative values while offering a pragmatic approach to contemporary challenges.


CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.

Neutral

I believe in efficient funding for police departments, focusing on optimizing current resources rather than automatic budget increases. While public safety is non-negotiable, scrutinizing and potentially reallocating excessive spending could enhance community programs without compromising law enforcement effectiveness.


2ND AMENDMENT

What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?

Protecting the Second Amendment is crucial. I advocate for responsible measures like background checks and safety training to ensure public safety, all while firmly upholding the right to bear arms as outlined in our Constitution.

Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?

Yes

With stringent safeguards like comprehensive background checks, thorough training, and mental health assessments, teachers who choose to carry guns can enhance school safety, provided these measures respect the Second Amendment and ensure a secure learning environment

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