Ronrico "Rico" Smith

In the very rare cases of life-threatening situations, rape, or incest, the option should be discussed by a doctor and the families involved. However, the overwhelming majority of abortions are elective. To address this, we need to create a stronger social safety net for babies and mothers, including expanding adoptive services and providing better support for families. If we, the Republican Party, want to be truly Pro-Life, we must protect life from the womb to the tomb!

Agree

If chemical abortion drugs are legal in the state, they should absolutely be subject to strict safety standards, including in-person consultations with a medical doctor.

Strongly Agree

Taxpayer dollars should not support organizations that perform abortions, as it goes against the values of many citizens. Instead, these funds should be directed toward comprehensive healthcare services that do not involve abortion, ensuring that public money respects the beliefs of all taxpayers.

Disagree

This is a difficult legislative issue. I can understand the perspective of someone at the end of life dealing with an issue such as cancer, but legalizing assisted suicide opens up too many potential abuses and undermines the sanctity of life. We need to ensure that those in dire need receive the best care and comfort, addressing their psychological and physical needs compassionately.

Never.

Disagree

No, individuals and businesses should not be required to provide services if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs, as long as they are not violating anti-discrimination laws or the fundamental rights of others. Respecting freedom of conscience is essential in a free society.

Strongly Agree

I believe it is the greatest modern threat to our nation and its future.

Yes, the United States' relationship with Israel is crucial. The Middle East is a hotbed of anti-American sentiment and jihadism, and Israel serves as our most important strategic ally in the region. While I do not believe that the U.S. should be playing world policeman anymore and we should focus on our citizens, that shouldn't come at the loss of strategic partnerships.

C - We need to ensure innovation and competition in the healthcare marketplace while protecting our most vulnerable through Medicaid and Medicare. These programs should remain available to support those in need, without expanding taxpayer-funded healthcare further.

Only under specific, well-justified circumstances where the vaccines are safe and proven over time. COVID has shown us the need for careful consideration and precautions before making any vaccine mandatory. Individual rights must be prioritized.

Strongly Agree

Absolutely, free enterprise and private property rights are fundamental to a thriving and prosperous society. The principles of a free market economy have been instrumental in lifting billions out of poverty, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth. These elements encourage individual initiative, reward hard work, and create opportunities for everyone to succeed. Protecting these rights is essential for maintaining the economic dynamism and personal freedoms that underpin our nation.

The way some states, like California, are raising the minimum wage is harming the labor market, leading to increased automation and job losses. Florida is a shining example that you do not need a $20 minimum wage for better jobs.

No

Absolutely not. Using criteria such as ESG for investing public monies always comes at the expense of the taxpayer. Investment decisions should be based on financial performance and economic benefit to the taxpayer.

Strongly Agree

Fixing our broken southern border requires multiple strategies, but the main key component is ensuring robust physical security. This includes increasing manpower and utilizing advanced technology such as AI. We have no nation without our border.

Strongly Agree

School choice and competition in the market are quintessential to improving our broken educational system. Your quality of education shouldn't be determined by a zip code. Education funding should follow the child, giving parents the freedom to choose the best educational setting for their child

Strongly Disagree

Absolutely not. The police are the backbone of our community and provide many of the services these community programs aim to offer. We can support robust community programs without diverting funds from our police departments. It's not mutually exclusive.

We need to ensure gun ownership is protected and encouraged for all citizens—regardless of race or background. It's a fundamental right enshrined in our Constitution that transcends color. Any restrictions should focus on keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals, without infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Yes

Yes, teachers who we trust to protect our children should be allowed to exercise their constitutional right to carry guns if they choose. "No Gun Zones" have proven ineffective. While no one should be forced to carry, those who feel it is appropriate should have the option to do so to enhance the safety and security of our schools.

No

No

The general purpose of government is to safeguard the life, liberty, property, and pursuit of happiness of all citizens. It embodies the Constitutional social contract, ensuring that individual freedoms are protected while maintaining order and justice.

Conservative

I consider myself a traditional conservative who deeply values and admires our Constitutional Republic. I strive to maintain a small and limited government that promotes free trade and commerce while protecting individual freedoms and upholding the principles of our founding fathers.

Strongly Agree

We must protect children at all costs from physical, mental, and ideological abuse. Children are not consenting adults and, therefore, cannot make life-altering decisions during their prepubescent years. Let children be children again.

Strongly Agree

The family unit is at the center of governance, and families, specifically parents, should have the right to make decisions regarding their children. This right is paramount unless those decisions directly conflict with the general welfare of the child. Parents know their children's needs best and should be trusted to guide their upbringing and development.

Strongly Disagree

No.

Agree

I believe the government should stay out of marriage. It should never have been a government institution in the first place. Marriage is a personal and religious commitment, centered around faith, and the government has no authority to alter its definition.

I am a strong believer of Christ. I am guided by Hebrews 11:1. I live by "Be genuine, Give gifts, No matter the price". This is a motto I came up with and live by. We should all be genuine in every interaction we have and get to know individuals for who they truly are. Giving gifts is a big part of my life and I love to see the smile on someone's face with a surprise. No matter the price, relates to the actual dollar amount but also the time taken to invest in doing the right thing. In the military we live by integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. This is my guiding light.

Strongly Disagree

Easy and simple: you need photo ID to buy alcohol, fly on an airplane, and buy a gun. The narrative that I, as a Black man, cannot obtain a photo ID is racist in itself. Voting is a fundamental right, and ensuring the integrity of our elections with photo identification is both reasonable and necessary.

Strongly Disagree

We have a democratic REPUBLIC for a reason, and undermining the Electoral College would concentrate too much power in only a few states.

Racism, unfortunately, has always existed and likely always will. However, America has made significant strides and leads the world in creating equality. While there are undoubtedly racist groups that wish to harm others, they are akin to any group with a radical ideology. To suggest that modern racism poses as much of a threat as China, Russia, or Iran is an overstatement.

Strongly Disagree

As a Black man in America, I find this narrative disgustingly false. While it's true that America once had racist institutions, those institutions have been dismantled. Today, there are no rights or opportunities available to a White man that I, as a Black man, do not also have. CRT aims to move us toward a more divided society where we mistrust each other based on skin color.

Strongly Agree

Absolutely not, it's unfair, predatory, and undermines the rights and privileges that women have fought for.

C - America needs to strive to maintain energy independence. While we can invest in technologies like nuclear and hydrogen to enhance sustainability, we must currently leverage our vast natural resources to keep our economy strong. The market, not government mandates, should drive the gradual transition from oil and gas, ensuring a balanced approach that supports both economic growth and energy security.

Currently, natural gas is the most reliable energy source to meet the growing demand for electricity. It provides a stable and efficient supply of energy. Eventually, nuclear power will play a crucial role.