
Tim Cotton
Libertarian | Indiana
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Tim Cotton
Party
Libertarian
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
State Senator, Dist. 10
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
Purdue University, South Bend, BS, 2018
WORK & MILITARY
US Navy, Electronics Technician 1st Class, 7
AFFILIATIONS
American Legion, member
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?
I believe in individual liberty and minimal government intervention. Abortion is a deeply personal issue. It should be allowed when the mother's health or life is at risk, in cases of rape or incest, or with severe fetal abnormalities. Our focus should be on addressing root causes, such as lack of contraception, inadequate sex education, and insufficient support for expectant mothers, rather than imposing broad restrictions.
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
I support individual healthcare decisions with minimal government interference. Safety standards should ensure access, including via telemedicine. Reporting should be voluntary, improving outcomes without compromising privacy or autonomy. While safety standards are important, they should not be overly restrictive or hinder access to necessary medical care. Individuals should have the freedom to consult with healthcare providers in a manner that best suits their needs.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I believe taxpayer funds should not support abortion providers. Government should not fund specific healthcare services, allowing individuals to choose and support providers voluntarily. This ensures fiscal responsibility and respects personal choice without government interference.
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws as they respect individual liberty and personal choice. Individuals should have the right to make their own end-of-life decisions without government interference. Legalizing assisted suicide and euthanasia ensures autonomy and dignity, allowing people to decide the terms of their own death, free from coercion.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
I strongly disagree with the government closing churches. Religious institutions are vital to individual liberty and community life. Government attacks on the free exercise of religion make it an enemy of the people. While public safety is important, restrictions on worship should be minimal and approached with caution. Decisions about faith should be left to individuals and their communities, not dictated by authorities. Protecting religious freedoms is essential for a free and open society.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
I strongly disagree that individuals and businesses should be forced to provide services that violate their moral or religious beliefs. Coercing someone to act against their conscience undermines personal liberty and the principles of a free society. People should have the right to refuse services based on their beliefs without facing penalties. Respecting individual freedom means honoring diverse beliefs and ensuring no one is compelled to compromise their values in their professional lives.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
China's aggressive actions and tactics undermine global stability and challenge our national interests. We must prioritize safeguarding our infrastructure, protecting intellectual property, and countering economic espionage. A robust defense strategy is essential to address these threats while promoting free trade and cooperation with other nations that share our values.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
I strongly agree that the U.S. relationship with Israel is crucial. Israel is a key ally in the Middle East, sharing democratic values and strategic interests. This partnership enhances regional stability, promotes security cooperation, and helps counter common threats like terrorism and Iranian aggression. Supporting Israel strengthens U.S. influence and fosters alliances with nations that value democracy and human rights, essential for global peace and stability.
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.
D. I believe taxpayer-funded healthcare, including Medicaid and Medicare, should be abolished. Government involvement distorts the market, reduces quality, and creates inefficiencies. Individuals must have the freedom to choose their healthcare providers and insurance plans without interference. A free market fosters competition and innovation, ensuring healthcare is accessible and affordable based on personal choice, not government mandates. This approach respects individual liberty.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
I oppose vaccination mandates by governments, schools, or employers. Individuals should have the right to make their own health choices without coercion. Personal freedom and autonomy must be respected in all health decisions, including vaccination.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential for a productive economic system. These principles encourage innovation, drive competition, and empower individuals to make their own choices. When people can own and control property, they have the incentive to invest, create, and improve their circumstances. This fosters an environment where businesses can thrive, leading to job creation and overall economic growth. These rights are key for a prosperous and free society.
What is your position on the minimum wage?
I oppose the minimum wage. It distorts the labor market and reduces job opportunities, especially for low-skilled workers. Wages should be determined by supply & demand in a free market, promoting the ability for individuals to negotiate their worth.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
Investment decisions should be based on financial performance and risk rather than subjective social or environmental criteria. This ensures accountability and maximizes returns for taxpayers.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Agree
I agree that the U.S. should improve border security to address criminal activity like human trafficking and drug smuggling. However, this must be balanced with respecting individual freedoms and the rights of law-abiding individuals to move and settle. Enhancing border security should focus on efficiency and safety without unduly restricting lawful immigration. We need a system that ensures public safety while upholding the principles of personal liberty and freedom.
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
Education funding should follow the child, allowing parents to choose between public, private, or homeschool options. This promotes competition among schools, enhances quality, and respects parental rights. By prioritizing parental choice, we address diverse student needs and create a more effective education system. Education should reflect individual values and aspirations, not be dictated by government mandates, ensuring families can choose the best fit for their children.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Disagree
While investing in community programs is essential for addressing root causes of crime, police departments play a crucial role in maintaining public safety and order. Proper funding is necessary to ensure law enforcement can effectively protect communities and respond to emergencies. Instead of cutting police funding, we should explore ways to enhance collaboration between law enforcement and community programs, promoting an approach that addresses both immediate safety needs and well-being.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I believe that no restrictions on the Second Amendment are reasonable for law-abiding citizens. The right to bear arms is fundamental to personal freedom and self-defense. Restrictions can infringe upon the rights of responsible gun owners without effectively improving public safety. We should focus on voluntary education and training for gun owners and ensure criminals are held accountable, while upholding the Second Amendment to protect individual liberties and self-defense.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
I strongly believe that teachers should be allowed to carry guns at school if they choose to do so and have received proper training. Allowing responsible, trained individuals to carry firearms can enhance school safety by providing a means of defense against potential threats. This choice should be voluntary, ensuring that teachers who are comfortable and qualified can take on this responsibility and helps create a safer learning environment.
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 general purpose of government is to protect individual rights and maintain order while providing essential services that individuals can't efficiently handle on their own. It should uphold the rule of law, ensure public safety, and create a framework for justice. Government should minimize interference in citizens' lives, allowing for personal freedom and voluntary exchanges. Its role is to serve the people by fostering a society where individuals can pursue their goals and thrive.
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
I am a conservative libertarian, advocating minimal government intervention in both personal and economic matters. I support individual rights, personal responsibility, and free markets. I favor limited government in social and foreign policy, emphasizing non-intervention and diplomacy. I also champion the protection of religious liberties for all, believing that freedom of belief is crucial for a just society. My views prioritize personal liberty, economic freedom, and individual rights.
VALUES
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Ensuring their safety and healthy development is crucial. Parents and guardians should guide their upbringing, prioritizing their rights and dignity. We must safeguard children from exploitation and ensure their well-being is protected at all times.
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Strongly Agree
Parents know their children best and are best positioned to guide their upbringing, education, and healthcare. This right is fundamental to family autonomy and ensures decisions align with individual family values. Protecting parental rights is crucial for nurturing environments where children can thrive. Society should support parents in their role, as they are essential to a child’s well-being and development.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Public funds should not be allocated to services that are controversial and may not align with the beliefs of all taxpayers. Decisions regarding gender transition should be made by individuals and their families, not mandated or funded by the government. It is crucial to respect personal choices and ensure that public resources are used for essential services that benefit the broader community, rather than supporting specific ideological agendas.
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
Government has no business offering any opinion or definition of marriage. Marriage is a personal commitment that reflects individual beliefs and values. Imposing a singular definition infringes on personal freedoms and the rights of individuals to define their relationships. Inclusivity and respect for diverse family structures are essential in a free society, allowing all individuals the opportunity to love and marry whom they choose without government interference.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
As a Christian, my spiritual beliefs are rooted in faith and the teachings of Jesus. I value compassion, empathy, and the importance of treating others with respect, regardless of their beliefs. I firmly believe that everyone should have the freedom to follow their own calling and practice their religion as they see fit. By protecting the rights of others to exercise their beliefs, I also safeguard my own freedom to practice my faith. Ultimately, I strive to promote a society where diverse beliefs coexist, allowing individuals to seek truth and meaning in their own unique ways.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
Requiring photo ID helps ensure the integrity of elections and protects against voter fraud. It is reasonable to expect voters to provide identification, as obtaining a photo ID is accessible to all eligible citizens. This requirement does not disenfranchise voters; rather, it upholds the democratic process by ensuring that each vote is legitimate. Implementing photo ID safeguards our elections while maintaining public confidence in the electoral system.
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College is crucial to our federal system, ensuring all states have a voice in presidential elections. Abandoning it would reduce the influence of smaller states and undermine federalism. Maintaining the Electoral College encourages candidates to address diverse regions across the country, not just populous areas. It supports a balanced democratic process and preserves equal representation for all states in choosing the president.
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe racism poses a threat to domestic security in the United States. While it is a serious issue that fosters division and violence, it is more often exploited as an excuse to justify immoral actions against the public. This manipulation can lead to increased tension and hostility, undermining social cohesion.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
I strongly disagree with the assertion of Critical Race Theory (CRT) that U.S. institutions are fundamentally racist. While acknowledging that racism exists and can be systemic, labeling all institutions as fundamentally racist oversimplifies complex societal issues and can hinder constructive dialogue.
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
This policy is essential for ensuring fairness in competitive sports and protecting the privacy and safety of women in spaces specifically designed for them. Acknowledging biological differences is crucial for maintaining equitable opportunities in sports and safeguarding the rights of women in sensitive environments. Policies should respect the rights and dignity of all individuals while prioritizing women's safety and fairness.
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.
I believe that stricter environmental laws and regulations (A) can cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. While environmental protection is important, it’s essential to find a balance that supports economic growth and job creation.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I believe a combination of natural gas and nuclear energy is the most reliable way to meet the growing demand for electricity. Natural gas offers stability and flexibility, while nuclear provides a low-carbon power source, both are essential.
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