David Tilton
Non-Partisan | Washington
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
David Tilton
Party
Non-Partisan
Election Year
2024
Election
Primary
Race
U.S. Senator
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Everett High School, Everett, HS Diploma
Berean School of the Bible, Everett
Art Institute of Seattle, Seattle, BA
WORK & MILITARY
U.S. Air Force, SSgt, 6
AFFILIATIONS
Washington State PTA, Active member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Disagree
Comprehensive family planning services should encompass all options available to individuals, such as abortion counseling, adoption assistance, and relevant referrals. Without this support, individuals may turn to alternatives that could have negative consequences for their well-being.. It's crucial to honor each citizen's personal autonomy and freedoms by providing comprehensive and inclusive care
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.
Did not answer
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Did not answer
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?
I firmly believe that decisions about abortion should be left to individuals, not dictated by federal government intervention. Protecting individual rights is paramount, and any necessary oversight should be administered at the local or state level, respecting the diverse needs and perspectives within our communities.
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
Did not answer
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Agree
Understandably, taxpayers may feel frustrated by bearing the cost of others' decisions, and there's merit in the argument that students should learn financial responsibility. However, we must also recognize the systemic challenges that many students face in accessing higher education and the broader societal benefits of an educated workforce. Finding a solution that balances these concerns while ensuring access to education for all is essential.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Did not answer
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
Religious belief systems are a personal choice that should not infringe upon the general public. Government institutions and religious institutions should remain independent of each other and should not interfere in each other's affairs. This is derived from the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
The Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment safeguards individuals' rights to practice their religion without government interference. However, it's crucial to balance this freedom with anti-discrimination laws, ensuring that all individuals are treated equally.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Vaccinations are a personal choice of an individual. A vaccine provides only that individual immunity protections, which doesn't extend or threaten the safety of others (except immunocompromised.) Vaccine requirements is a form of discrimination.
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.
Government-funded healthcare should be upheld to guarantee access for individuals who lack affordability or choice in private healthcare options. Concurrently, private healthcare alternatives should remain accessible to foster ongoing development and innovation in the healthcare sector.
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.
America's foreign policy should prioritize humanitarian assistance, bolstering economic stability, and fostering trade relations with other nations. While we strive to extend a helping hand and promote mutual prosperity, we also recognize the importance of respecting the sovereignty of other nations. It's not our role to impose our system of governance or leadership on others.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Neutral
It's crucial to scrutinize assumptions and hold bad actors accountable. We can't rush to broad conclusions without concrete evidence. We understand that various nations harbor individuals who don't align with their government's policies, and it's our duty to discern between them and the broader nation. Rather than painting broad strokes and labeling entities like the "Chinese Communist Party" as adversaries, let's focus on specific threats. We must address cybersecurity within our borders.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
The United States' partnership with Israel is vital on multiple fronts. Israel stands as a steadfast ally in a volatile region, embodying stability and democracy. This alliance not only advances shared interests but also serves as a critical counterbalance to regional threats and adversaries. By bolstering stability, this relationship fosters peace and security for all nations involved, both in the Middle East and beyond.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
Dwindling trust in government institutions plays a substantial role in dissuading individuals from military enlistment. Additionally, negative stereotypes or misunderstandings about military life further dissuade potential recruits from viewing service as a viable career path. Moreover, fluctuations in recruitment and retention policies, spanning eligibility requirements, incentives, and benefits, directly impact enlistment and retention rates.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
I believe that securing all U.S. borders is essential. The southern border, in particular, has witnessed concerning levels of criminal activity and significant migration of refugees. It's imperative that individuals cannot freely cross the border and assert the same rights as natural citizens without adhering to proper immigration processes.
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I believe in providing opportunities for individuals to immigrate to the U.S., but it's essential that they adhere to the proper immigration processes. This includes rigorous screening to identify and reject individuals with criminal backgrounds who have not completed their sentences or been exonerated. By ensuring thorough screening during immigration, we enable newcomers to effectively integrate into our communities without overburdening existing resources.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Strongly Agree
This freedom fuels healthy competition and drives innovation, benefiting our students by ensuring that schools continuously strive for excellence, providing ever-improving services to our children. We must aim higher than basic education, nurturing our future leaders to surpass global standards.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Disagree
The U.S. Department of Education must remain, yet its power should be vested in the hands of our states and local communities. It should prioritize bolstering the foundations of education, ensuring accessibility, proper funding, and unwavering quality standards to uphold the promise of a bright future for all our children.
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 Disagree
Marriage is a legal union between consenting adult individuals.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Agree
Children, our most vulnerable members, deserve utmost protection from all forms of abuse. It's crucial to safeguard their innocence and autonomy. Imposing specific ideologies on them, whether through education or governmental agencies, can undermine their freedom to form their own beliefs. We should prioritize creating a nurturing environment where children are empowered to explore and develop their identities without undue influence.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Disagree
Gender transition services, like other personal choices, reflect the unique journey of individuals. It's essential to acknowledge the personal nature of these decisions and ensure that no one feels burdened by them. While taxpayer funds are valuable, let's approach this issue with compassion and understanding, striving to find solutions that respect everyone's dignity and rights.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Did not answer
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
Encouraging and enabling all American citizens to exercise their right to vote without restrictions is fundamental to our democracy. While citizenship verification is essential, mandating photo identification could disenfranchise some eligible voters.
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Agree
The Electoral College, an artifact of history, no longer serves the needs of our modern society. It erodes faith in democratic representation as voters witness its disproportionate influence in presidential elections. Electoral voters, bound by party lines, risk criminal repercussions based on their choices, contradicting democratic principles. It's time to reevaluate this system and ensure our elections truly reflect the will of the people.
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Disagree
While racism persists in modern society, it's inaccurate to assert that all institutions are inherently racist. As a nation, we must aspire to eradicate discrimination based on social identities like race, gender, class, and sexuality. Let's work towards national unity by celebrating our diversity as a source of strength.
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.
Did not answer
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Agree
Climate change is an ever-evolving phenomenon, yet there's no denying that human activity significantly disrupts the delicate balance of our ecosystem. It's imperative for political leaders to take decisive action, implementing policies that curb further environmental degradation. We must prioritize the restoration of our natural world and forge new partnerships with nature for a sustainable future.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Existing solar, hydro and nuclear energy technologies can be further refined to make safe, reliable and more efficient conversions more widely adopted. Additionally, investing in emerging geothermal options can cut city-level fossil fuel reliance.
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?
Choose not to answer
I do not limit myself as my views and opinions that do not align with only one political ideology. I believe in individual responsibility, personal freedom, equality and human right. Progressive change and reform may be required to achieve these but is no less important than fiscal responsibility, free market, national sovereignty, and a strong national defense.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
The purpose of government is to create a structure that allows for the functioning of society, protects the rights and interests of its citizens, and promotes the common good. Maintaining order and security, promoting justice and equality, economic stewardship, and fostering social cohesion and national identity are all key elements of government.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
Never
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
Never
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Choose not to answer
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Disagree
Police funding is crucial, especially in light of recent cutbacks, and should be increased. Community programs, particularly those in rehabilitation and reintegration, also require adequate funding. This shouldn't be at the expense of the criminal justice system. Both the police and community programs should be complementary, ensuring that offenders are not merely incarcerated but are treated with dignity and provided with every opportunity to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The Second Amendment gives the right of gun ownership to every U.S. citizen. However, with this right comes responsibility. Purchasing and obtaining firearms should be accompanied by thorough background checks and comprehensive training in gun handling, cleaning, and responsibility. While firearms have long been a part of our society, their portrayal in modern media, often in fictional contexts, has regrettably diminished the gravity of their use and the serious consequences they entail.
