
Joey LaSalle
Republican | Missouri
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Joey LaSalle
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
State Senator, Dist. 7
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, Bachelor of Business Administration emphasis in Finance, 2000
University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, Bachelor of Business Administration emphasis in Real Estate, 2000
WORK & MILITARY
Candidate did not provide
AFFILIATIONS
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
None
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
None
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2024)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
First and foremost, I will support the will of Missouri voters on the ballot in November 2024. I believe in protecting life, but I also recognize that there are deeply personal and difficult situations where abortion may be necessary, such as in cases of rape, incest, when the life of the mother is at risk, or in cases of severe fetal abnormalities. These are heartbreaking scenarios, and I believe that decisions in these cases should be left to the individual, their family, and their doctor.
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
They should meet essential safety standards, including an in-person consultation with a qualified medical professional. This ensures that women are fully informed of the risks and understand their options. I also support the requirement for reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes, so that we can ensure these medications are being used safely and effectively. I recognize that personal choice is important, and I want to ensure the safety and well-being for the decision maker.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
It's important to focus on policies that reduce the need for abortions in the first place, through education, healthcare access, and support for families. But ultimately, I don't believe taxpayer money should be used to fund abortion services, as this is a deeply personal issue and should not be a burden on public resources.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Disagree
Instead, I advocate for improved palliative care, better access to hospice services, and ensuring patients have the support they need to manage pain and make informed decisions about their care. We should focus on compassionate care and resources that allow individuals to live out their final days with dignity, without crossing the line into ending life prematurely.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
I firmly believe that free enterprise and the right to private property are cornerstones of a strong and productive economic system. These principles foster innovation, competition, and personal responsibility, driving economic growth and prosperity.
What is your position on the minimum wage?
I believe increasing wages is important, but raising the minimum wage can lead to higher costs for goods and services, hurting both small businesses and consumers. Instead, we should focus on creating better-pay jobs through education & job training.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
I believe public investments should prioritize financial returns and fiduciary responsibility. Environmental and social issues are important, but decisions on investing public funds should not be driven by ESG ratings. Instead, investments should focus on what delivers the best value and economic growth for taxpayers, without allowing political agendas to dictate financial decisions.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
I believe in the fundamental right to religious freedom, and the government should not close churches under normal circumstances. However, in rare and extreme cases, such as during national emergencies like pandemics or public safety crises, temporary restrictions might be considered to protect public health and safety. Any such action must be narrowly tailored, temporary, and not infringe upon the constitutional rights of worship and religious expression.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
I believe in balancing individual rights with the protection of moral and religious freedoms. Individuals and businesses should not be forced to provide services that violate their deeply held moral or religious beliefs. However, this must be carefully managed to ensure that such exemptions do not lead to discrimination or deny basic services to others. Finding a fair balance between respecting individual freedoms and ensuring equal access for all is crucial.
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.
B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. I support ensuring access to healthcare for those who need it while maintaining the option for private healthcare to foster competition and innovation. This gives the balance of a safety net while allowing innovation and the benefits of a diverse healthcare system.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Governments, schools, and employers can require vaccinations during outbreaks or in high-risk settings like healthcare facilities to protect public health. Exemptions for medical, religious, or personal reasons should be considered.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
China is a serious global competitor, constantly searching for weaknesses in our economic, military, and cyber defenses. We must remain vigilant, strengthen our national security, and address these threats to protect our interests and maintain global leadership
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
I believe the U.S. relationship with Israel is crucial for maintaining stability and security in the Middle East. However, I also strongly support efforts to end the conflict and pursue peaceful solutions that benefit both Israelis and Palestinians, ultimately bringing an end to the war.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
I believe the United States should be a place where people want to come and build better lives, but it must be done legally. We need to strengthen our immigration system to ensure people follow the legal process, while also welcoming those who respect our laws and contribute to our nation. Legal immigration is key to maintaining both our security and our values as a nation of opportunity.
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.
Strongly Agree
I believe in empowering parents to choose the best education for their children. Funding should follow the child, allowing families to decide whether public, private, or homeschool options are best. This approach promotes competition, improves quality, and respects parental freedom. Every child deserves access to a quality education, and parents should have the right to decide where that education takes place.
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 want people to live their bliss and have the freedom to choose their path in life. However, when it comes to children, they should only be able to make significant life decisions, including those about identity and medical procedures, once they reach a legal, mature age. Until then, it's the responsibility of parents, guardians, and medical professionals to guide and protect them.
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Strongly Agree
I believe parents should have the primary authority to make decisions for their minor children, including those related to gender identity. Parents, guided by love and a desire for their child’s well-being, are best positioned to understand their needs and ensure they receive appropriate care. If parents and children have differing views, it's crucial to handle such situations with sensitivity and support, ensuring that all decisions are made with the child's best interests in mind.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
I believe taxpayer funds should not be used to provide gender transition services. Public resources should be focused on essential services and programs that benefit the broader community. Personal medical decisions, including gender transition, should be managed through private means rather than being funded by taxpayer dollars.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Disagree
I believe marriage has traditionally been defined as a sacred union between one man and one woman. However, I also respect individual choices and personal beliefs regarding relationships and love. While I support traditional definitions, I recognize that people have the right to define their own relationships and love who they choose.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My spiritual beliefs and values center on individual responsibility, respect for tradition, and faith. I uphold moral standards rooted in religious teachings and value the time-tested traditions that shape our society. I support individual freedom to practice religion and live by personal beliefs, while respecting others’ rights. Additionally, I emphasize community and charity, encouraging personal and community-based actions to uplift others. These principles guide my approach to governance, balancing faith with public responsibility
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
I believe that voter ID requirements are crucial for ensuring election integrity and preventing fraud. I support the use of IDs to verify voters, and I also advocate for state governments, along with the DMV, to ensure that all eligible voters—U.S. citizens—can obtain and register their IDs.
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Strongly Disagree
I believe in preserving the Electoral College as it was intended by the Constitution. The Electoral College ensures that all states have a voice in presidential elections, balancing the interests of both populous and less populous states. Joining the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact would undermine this system and disrupt the balance of power that the Electoral College provides.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes, racism is a serious threat to domestic security in the United States as it fosters division and extremism. We must confront and eliminate racism to ensure our country is run by and for all its citizens, fostering unity and stability. As your representative, I am committed to creating a stronger, more inclusive nation where every individual is valued and secure.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
I do not support Critical Race Theory in education. Instead, I believe in teaching history accurately and comprehensively, ensuring that students understand our past's complexities while promoting unity and shared values. Education should focus on bringing people together, not dividing them based on race or identity.
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
I believe biological males should not participate in women's sports or occupy spaces designated for women, such as bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prisons. Allowing this not only undermines fairness but also takes away from the rights and privacy of women. Ensuring that these spaces are reserved for those they are intended to protect is crucial for maintaining equity and safety.
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) Stricter environmental laws can undermine U.S. energy independence and slow down reliable energy development. However, balancing regulations with support for innovation can drive advancements in clean energy technologies. This approach can maintain energy independence, support economic growth, and address environmental concerns effectively. We should focus on policies that encourage technological progress while ensuring environmental protection.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Natural gas and nuclear power are reliable energy sources. Natural gas is cost-effective and cleaner than coal, while nuclear power provides stable, low-emission energy. Both are key for energy independence and future sustainability.
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 main purpose is to protect individual freedoms, keep order, provide national defense, and enforce laws. It should focus on creating a stable environment where people can take responsibility for themselves, have economic freedom, and have minimal government interference. The government’s role is to support a free market, protect property rights, and follow the Constitution.
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?
Lean Conservative
My top priorities are economics and safety. I support policies that boost the economy by reducing taxes and regulations, fostering job creation, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. For safety, I advocate for effective law enforcement, crime prevention, and community security to protect families and neighborhoods. These areas are crucial for a thriving, secure Missouri.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
I currently oppose redirecting funds from police departments due to the high crime rates in our district and Kansas City. Ensuring robust law enforcement is crucial to maintaining safety. While I support community programs, my priority is addressing immediate safety concerns first.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I support protecting Second Amendment rights while ensuring public safety. This includes implementing background checks, safety training, and enforcing existing laws. Additionally, addressing juvenile crime is crucial. Parents should be held accountable if their firearms are improperly stored or stolen, and we need harsher laws for juvenile offenders who use guns.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
I support measures to enhance school safety, including the potential for teachers to carry guns if they are properly trained. One approach could be to have firearms securely stored in a gun safe, similar to how fire axes are stored. Only trained teachers with access to the safe code would be able to retrieve the firearm during an active shooter situation, ensuring that the response is controlled and effective.
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