
Wes Holden
Independent | West Virginia
Candidate Profile*
Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Wes Holden
Party
Independent
Election Year
2024
Election
General
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 1
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
1977
Charleston, Masters of Public Administration
WORK & MILITARY
US Army, SP/4, 3
AFFILIATIONS
Greater Sissonville Development Council, Member of the Board, Vietnam Veterans of America
Life Member, Anvil Club, Member
Kanawha County Democratic Executive Committee, Elected Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
N/A
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
WV House of Delegates
ENDORSEMENTS*
LIBERAL (4)
United Auto Workers
West Virginia AFL-CIO
*United Mine Workers of America - UMWA
Every Town For Gun Safety
OTHER (1)
UAW Region 2B
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (6)
US Steelworkers
WV AFL-CIO
Senator John D. Rockefeller IV
WV Can’t Wait
Working Families Party
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (2)
United Mine Workers of America (2024)
WV Cant Wait (2024)
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Choose not to answer
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.
Disagree
The Government has no right to pry into anyone’s personal affairs. I am opposed to communism.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
Saving a mother’s life, removal of a dead fetus, removal of fetus that is severely damaged
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?
Most abortions take place in early stages of pregnancy. I,like most people do not believe in late term abortions unless there are obvious medical issues.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
I agree with Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John F Kennedy when they stated they believe in separation of church and state
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
It depends on the situation. If the government gives you funding, then you must apply by the government’s rules. Equal treatment.
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.
B
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Israel is a sting ally. They are a bastion in the Middle East
What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?
Poor pay.
HEALTHCARE
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
For the public health
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
ECONOMY
What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?
The poor and low income can barely get by. They live paycheck to paycheck. Your question reminds me of the story about the widow and her two mites. She paid all she had, the wealthy give of their abundance. As Jesus asked who paid more?
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Neutral
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
Yes
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I would support stricter immigration laws. In the past we allowed immigrants who could support themselves in some fashion. It is not up to taxpayers to fund immigrants who cannot support themselves
EDUCATION
I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.
Disagree
Many so called private schools do not have well trained educators. I have learned that charter schools is only for the benefit of some who want a get rich quick scheme. I’m more concerned about a child’s education
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Disagree
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Did not answer
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
Did not answer
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.
Did not answer
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?
Did not answer
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
Did not answer
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
Did not answer
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
Did not answer
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.
Agree
You make me laugh. Houses of prostitution are one of the oldest professions. Politicians, church leaders have been caught in acts of immorality. Do I believe in social norms, yes! I do not want a government like communist countries have where neighbors rat out neighbors.
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Agree
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Did not answer
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Agree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Agree
EQUALITY
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Disagree
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
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Strongly Agree
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
We must use all forms of energy.
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