Mike Bedenbaugh
Other | South Carolina
Candidate Profile
Moderate
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Mike Bedenbaugh
Party
Other
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 3
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, BA Political Science and International Studies, 1986-1989
Columbia University, New York, NY, same, 1989-1990
WORK & MILITARY
US Navy, Quartermaster 2nd Class, Feb 1982- Dec 1986
AFFILIATIONS
Preservation South Carolina, President/Executive Director, Alliance Party
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Prosperity Town Council, 1996-1998
Charter member of Newberry County Planning Commission: appointed, 1990s
Chair of Newberry County Board of Zoning Appeals, 2000-2007
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
none
Race
ENDORSEMENTS
LIBERAL (2)
The Forward Party
South Carolina Forward Party
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
A lot of good people who don't need titles and celebrity to matter to my campaign
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
National Republican Senatorial Committee (2023)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
Forward Party (2023)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
OTHER INFORMATION
Candidate completed Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
SC Alliance Party Candidate Requirement & Agreement.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
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.
Choose not to answer
Since I am running for Federal Office, and a dedicated constitutional conservative, I see this issue through the appropriate lens of the 10th amendment which gives all this power to the States.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
See the 10th amendment
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?
NO, see the 10th Amendment
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
Limit the role of the Federal Government from influencing local economy
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Strongly Agree
However, the student loan industrial complex must be addressed so as not to create inflation in tuition costs of our nations universities
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
Again, there are different criteria for federal government vs state and local.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
A misinterpretation of one letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist Association. The amendment is clear: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably. to assemble,..." This amendment was NEVER meant to separate church and Community!
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Agree
A business that opens its doors to provide a service to customers in a community has an obligation to the community at large. They are able to utilize the public investment of roads, sidewalks, police protection and infrastructure for the success of their private benefit. There are exceptions, but mostly dealing with unsafe issues like aggressiveness and being unlawful.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
Government has the obligation to protect its citizens. Unfortunately, the collusion between government an income producing globalized pharmaceutical companies has blurred the lines between public safety and private profits .
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.
None of the above fits everything I believe: A) Ludicrous B) Mega insurance companies have created a parasitic system that has increased costs and weakened service. Government should not subsidize that system C) Im not against have a state funded system to aid the elderly, but it should be operated by state governments and not the federal government. D) Since so many people now depend on this service, a transition to state from federal funding should be part of a thoughtful strategy to change.
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.
I believe in Washingtons warning regarding entangling alliances. I outline my position regarding foreign adventurism in my book "Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America" we should seek commercial relations with all with as little political ties as possible and never send our troops into other nations without a formal declaration of war by congress as per the constitution.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
That said, we should be sure not assume to hold more sovereignty along their territorial waters or regional sphere of influence than they do. .
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Absolutely, as it is with many other nations.
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
Misuse of how the military has managed foreign adventurism
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
I personally visited the border accompanying the sheriffs of the Operation Lone Star Task Force and have received an endorsement of my independent campaign from the task force leader Sheriff Roy Boyd of Goliad Texas,
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
Persons with full background checks, specific skills that are in need in our country, and mandatory learning of English within a dedicated time limit.
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Neutral
This is a 10th amendment issue and should be left to the local school districts. I will state that competition breeds excellence in most cases!
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Agree
My G-Grandmother, Grandmother, Mother and wife are public school teachers and I have seen first hand the gradual degradation of our school system at the hands of federal meddling. I do believe that it should be closed but only after a strategic plan for transitioning funding and supporting revenue for important programs (that states used to do) back to state responsibility. Schools will thrive once more by letting communities control their schools once again!
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.
Neutral
This is another 10th amendment issue that the federal government should have no say in. The states have the right to determine for themselves as per their local constituency. Liberty can be messy and we must all allow it for others if we demand it for ourselves.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in the universal god and an eternal everlasting soul.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
It is vital we maintain the federalized system of our presidential elections where the States choose the President. However, I do believe the electoral college votes from each state should be apportioned to reflect the percentages of the vote in the state as represented by electors. Since I belive the House districts are too large at 760,000 people and should be smaller, we will have more electors as an outcome iof that policy.
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Agree
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
Though I strongly agree, especially regarding women's sports, the federal government should not dictate to local jurisdictions some of these issues. as I have already said, federalism and liberty can be a little messy and we must have some faith in gods plan to work some of these issues through through local representation.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Neutral
This is not an ideological issue with me. I do believe in climate change and I do believe there are outcomes of our use of carbon based fuel that is affecting the environment, but "urgent" political action that is fear based reaction to talking points can lead to more devastating results.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
As much diversity as possible without the government subsidizing the targeted destruction of any one sector.
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?
Lean Conservative
I consider my self a staunch Constitutional conservative who believes in a liberal democracy where all citizens have equal access to participate in our democratic re[presentative republic.
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Federal government: To protect and defend the constitutional order and its people.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
Nope!
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
Nope!
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Strongly Disagree
Leave the court alone!...and focus on constitutional conservatives who read the words and dont legislate from the bench
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Neutral
again...this is a question that is only appropriate for local jurisdiction's who hire police. Federal Government should have no say!
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I am a firm supporter of the 2nd amendment as I am with every other amendment and article in the constitution. I do believe, as Scalia reiterated in DC vs Heller, that states have the right to restrict opwnership according to age and criminal background as well has permiting how to carry. However, no law should impede the ability of any law abiding citizen that meets the states age and licensing requirement ( if any) from owning firearms.
