Brenda Brammer-Smith
Republican | Iowa
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Brenda Brammer-Smith
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Republican Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 24
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO, B.S. Ed., 1995
Graceland University, Lamoni, IA, M.A. Ed., 2008
WORK & MILITARY
Educator, Special Education Teacher, General EducationTeacher, Reading Interventionist and Special Education Consultant, 28
AFFILIATIONS
National Education Association, member, Cross Ministries
volunteer, Clarke County Republican Party, Platform Chair, County and State Delegate
NRA, member, Iowa Firearms Coalition
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
possibly rape, incest or to save the life of a pregnant person
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 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?
Minimum wage in Iowa has not been raised since 2008 and it is time to raise it!
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?
None
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?
Education of the benefits and side effects of vaccines based on research should be provided, but the decision should be left to parents of the child or of the individual.
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 bond between the United States and Israel is vital for stability in the Middle East and beyond. It's built on shared values, strategic interests, and cooperation. Religious ties also play a significant role, adding complexity and deepening the relationship between the two nations. Partnership is seen as crucial for advancing common objectives and promoting stability in the Middle East and beyond.
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.
Disagree
This does not benefit the children of District 24.
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.
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.
Neutral
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
As a Christian, my faith is incredibly important to me. Prayer offers me comfort, strength, and solace, while the teachings of God's word guide me along life's journey. Sharing my faith openly is integral to my identity. I owe my resilience to God's strength, and I give glory to Him for bringing me to where I am today.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Disagree
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
While I acknowledge the existence of racism, it does not appear to be a threat to domestic security in my community.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
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.
C)
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Renewable energy such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power.
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?
The government's role is to serve and represent its citizens by offering essential services, preserving order, safeguarding individual rights, ensuring a fair and impartial justice system under the rule of law, protecting against external threats, and promoting the common good. This is achieved through the establishment and enforcement of laws, as well as fostering economic stability and national prosperity
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.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I think the current laws should be enforced while continuing to protect the 2nd amendment rights of law abiding citizens. I would like to see improvements in mental health screening and intervention programs to identify individuals who may pose a risk to public safety. Education and training empower individuals to exercise their Second Amendment rights responsibly.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Choose not to answer
I do not believe teachers should openly carry firearms. However, children deserve the same level of police protection as Iowa legislators. If that standard level of protection for our children is not met, then I think a select few should be permitted secure access to guns if needed to stop an assailant. This access must adhere to strict guidelines, including thorough vetting and continuous, comprehensive training.
