Shirley Johnson

Strongly Agree

The right to life is a fundamental human right that must be upheld. Children have the right to be born and should not be terminated by facilities that receive taxpayer funding. There are viable alternatives to abortion that can support the life of the child and provide essential resources for parents facing difficult decisions regarding their unborn child. Instead of funding abortion, taxpayer dollars should be directed toward programs that enhance parental support and improve child welfare.

Sometimes, there are extenuating circumstances where an elective abortion seems like the only option, such as situations where the mother's or child's health is in jeopardy. In other instances, such as rape/incest, a mother should always be given all options to consider before choosing an abortion. There are well-documented psychological issues that occur following an abortion that the mother should be made aware of, as well as the resources available to support her through this process.

Strongly Agree

The bigger question is, who has the right to determine whether a child lives or dies? Human life is precious, regardless of financial status, creed, ethnicity, or developmental delays. Every human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death, as each individual should have the opportunity to experience life. If we justify abortion at early stages of development, how do we decide at what point an individual can be classified as a living human being?

Strongly Agree

Human embryos are living beings, even when created through artificial methods. Purposeful destruction of human embryos provides no benefit to the child, and promotes an environment for corruption, black market activities, that profit from these lives. We cannot allow these children to be exploited at the earliest stages of their lives. If we do not protect the most vulnerable in our society, we will fail to remain a society.

Strongly Agree

The Comstock Act plays a crucial role in enforcing state law by preventing doctors from bypassing these regulations to transport abortion-inducing drugs across state lines. This Act upholds the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which grants each state the authority to enact laws on health regulations, safety standards, and welfare programs.

Thomas Jefferson was concerned about the unhealthy, entangled relationships between politicians/government leaders who could pressure religious leaders and threaten true religious freedoms. I share Jefferson's concerns with a caveat. For me, "separation of church and state" means that the government should not pressure the church to alter scriptures to support their political positions. I disagree that the two can ever be truly separate, but they can work in tandem to benefit the community.

Strongly Disagree

I disagree that individuals and businesses should be required to provide services that violate their moral/religious beliefs and values, which are protected under the 1st Amendment of the Constitution. This premise was upheld by the Supreme Court in Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2018), where, in a 7-2 decision, the Court reversed the Civil Rights Commission's ruling in favor of the cake maker.

Strongly Agree

These problems are complex, but like all threats, they must be addressed through negotiations, mutual agreements, and other legal actions. If these efforts fail, the US should respond with strong warnings and take necessary actions based on the severity of the threat. To reduce intellectual property (IP) threats from foreign countries, US intellectual property should not be shared with foreign students unless it has been registered for patents and trademarks in the respective countries.

The US must stand by its allies when they are defending themselves or their homeland. However, the US also has a responsibility to advise its allies if they take actions that go beyond what is necessary for self-defense. China is expanding its influence in the Middle East, making it essential for the US to maintain strong alliances with Israel and nations in that region. As China's power increases, the US must work to ensure stability and counter potential threats, fostering diverse alliances.

Government-funded healthcare insurance should be available for all who want it; however, private healthcare options should also be available. There are ample examples of universal healthcare that create a socialized system of medical care that does not place the power of medical decisions in the hands of families. The type of insurance coverage a family needs should always be decided by individuals and their families, not the government. I support families making the best choice.

Strongly Disagree

I do not support the government maintaining a database of people with various ongoing medical illnesses for assessing the economic burden of treatment or any other reason. I do not see any positive benefits to collecting this data other than to alter treatment plans. From the Holocaust and the Tuskegee Project to as recent as COVID, history has demonstrated the serious risks, such as medical experimentation, that can occur using this information.

I believe that all people deserve to earn a fair and living wage. However, the current conversation about minimum wage cannot be adequately discussed without simultaneously addressing tax reform because taxes eat up the increase.

Strongly Agree

I believe that free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system. There are pros and cons to free enterprise. The positive aspects include unlimited profit potential, business efficiency, and strong economic growth. However, there needs to be safeguards to prevent greed over efficiency, which leads to cutting corners, safety concerns, and price gouging. The 4th Amendment of the Constitution secures private property rights for citizens.

My top priorities to eliminate governmental wasteful spending include: • Evaluate entitlement programs, use automated processes that maximize accuracy and efficiency • Conduct an annual audit of the government contracts and grantees to determine fraud and eliminate excess waste. • Use automation and electronic verification where practical to streamline processes, increase productivity, and maximize accuracy. • Leverage technology and outsource operations where practical.

Strongly Disagree

Placing undocumented persons in sanctuary cities drains resources, leading to a lack of funding for US citizens in need, and poses significant safety concerns. There have been concerning incidents, such as the murders of US citizens by undocumented persons and street attacks by extremists and terrorists who refuse to assimilate into American culture. Legal immigration can benefit the US when immigrants are willing to learn our culture, respect our laws, and integrate into our communities.

Strongly Agree

The United States public education system is in great peril and has become indoctrination camps for socialist and liberal ideologies that are in contrast to families' beliefs and values. The system is failing our children in every way-students are performing well below grade level in reading, writing, and math, barely surviving. Giving control back to states and communities places school choice in the hands of parents, who are most equipped to decide what is best for their children.

Strongly Agree

The influx of socialist and liberal ideologies currently taking over American colleges and universities results from the influx of foreign government funding. Accepting foreign funding influences the curriculum and culture on American campuses, promoting a foreign way of life. This is not conducive to our culture of democracy, free speech, and religious freedom. Educational institutions, private and public, should be prohibited from accepting funding from foreign governments.

The criminal justice system needs a comprehensive overhaul that emphasizes penalties fitting the crime. We should eliminate no-bail laws and increase prison sentences for child predators and human traffickers. Additionally, there should be strict enforcement against illegal immigration, including prosecution and deportation for those entering the US unlawfully. It is also essential to uphold the principle that no one is above the law and to hold leaders accountable for abuse/misuse of power.

Strongly Agree

Protecting our children online from sexual exploitation is everyone's responsibility. Yes, the government has an obligation to enact stricter laws that place more substantial penalties on these crimes, while providing law enforcement agencies with the resources and support needed to apprehend these criminals. Likewise, parents and schools are essential to teaching children how to use the internet safely and to report suspicious/uncomfortable activity without fear of punishment.

Strongly Agree

Sharia law has no place in America at all. The practices of Sharia law are in direct opposition to our morals, values, and laws we believe should be protected. From child marriages and blatant violence against women, to voiced hate for America and the desire to overtake rather than assimilate, these factors prevent Sharia Law from being able to exist within American culture. Sharia law should not be accepted or incorporated in any form within the legal framework of the United States.

The government should not curtail our 2nd Amendment rights in an effort to reduce gun violence. Instead, the government should increase prison sentences for criminals who use guns to commit crimes. Additionally, police presence should be intensified in cities with the highest rates of gun violence, and state authorities must pressure city mayors to prioritize citizen safety by hiring more police officers. We should also take action against protestors who assault or impede law enforcement.

Very Conservative

I would describe myself as a Christian-Conservative whose values shape my politics. I believe the government should be fiscally conservative, not ever-expanding with pork projects to leverage votes. I feel we have a moral obligation to weigh in on social matters that impact the well-being of the vulnerable. I stand firm behind an America-First position concerning foreign policy. I am also a major supporter of religious liberties and the freedoms guaranteed by the First and Second Amendments.

I most certainly have not been involved with or penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court.

No. I have never been charged with or convicted of a felony.

Strongly Agree

Responsible, loving, and caring parents have the right to manage their children’s activities, relationships, and life decisions. The government should not intervene in determining what is best for children raised in good homes by dedicated, hardworking parents. The government’s decisions about things like adolescent abortions, puberty blockers, sex changes, and exposure to drag queens parading their frontal organs in the faces of our children are inconsistent with the values of most Americans.

Strongly Agree

Any action or procedure performed on a minor, whether physically, mentally, or socially, that permanently or temporarily alters the child’s body or mind to the extent that it causes mental or physical harm should be classified as child abuse. This includes the mutilation of a child’s vital organs, regardless of parental consent. These decisions should be reserved for the child to make after they turn 18, when they can choose for themselves.

Strongly Agree

I firmly believe God ordains the institution of marriage to take place between a man and a woman. It is a sacred covenant that cannot be altered by government influence or authority. The government also does not have the authority to expand the definition of marriage to include any other variations other than one man to one woman.

Strongly Disagree

As an advocate for the family, I cannot in good conscience support the expansion of gambling in North Carolina. Many argue that gambling is very lucrative and is economically beneficial; I disagree. While I understand the ability to raise revenue through gambling economically, I do not feel that the revenue gained outweighs the devastation caused by this vice. Gambling has long been linked to alcoholism and other addictions, increased mental illness, financial ruin, and family destruction.

I am a Christian-Conservative who accepted Jesus Christ as my risen Lord and Savior at 15 years old, and have served actively in ministry for over 25 years. I believe that the Bible is the unadulterated Word of God, inspired by God, scribed by men. The Bible is not just a book of suggestions but a road map for this journey of life. My relationship with God governs the way I live in every aspect of my life. It creates my values, guides my decision-making, teaches me how to treat others, and provides me with comfort and rest. My political passion comes from my love for God and His calling on my life. I also love people, government, and justice, all of which stem from the tenets of my faith.

Strongly Disagree

Photo ID is required to identify and verify that an individual is who they claim to be when flying, purchasing certain products, and conducting business. Voting also requires a photo ID to ensure only individuals who are legally eligible to vote are allowed to do so. Voter fraud has always been an issue; even more so now. Without a photo ID, ineligible people would not only be able to vote but also vote multiple times and at numerous polling locations, misrepresenting the will of the people.

Strongly Disagree

The concept of reparations for individuals affected by slavery is relatively straightforward; it involves the government providing financial compensation to address historical injustices and unequal opportunities for wealth accumulation. I do not feel this is the best approach to these issues. Instead, I would prefer to see more equitable interest rates on mortgages, car loans, and business loans for all Americans, regardless of their ethnicity or socio-economic status.

Strongly Agree

Biological males competing in women's sports take real opportunities away from female athletes. Many of these women have dedicated their lives to training, competing, and honing their skills through hard work. When biological men participate in women's sports, they gain an unfair advantage, often winning competitions and securing coveted awards, because they may struggle to compete effectively against other biological men. It is also a safety concern to have men in women's changing spaces.

Strongly Disagree

There is controversy among the experts on both sides of the climate change argument. While I believe the climate is changing to some degree, I don’t think it’s nearly as threatening as some would have us believe. The climate has been changing for centuries. Although I think it’s important to be good stewards of the environment to minimize pollution, I don’t believe climate change is anywhere near the top twenty priorities that warrant government funding and attention today.

Solar and wind energy will best meet electricity demands in the near future. Although China and the US are competing in the race to develop nuclear energy, its use is too expensive, leaving solar and wind energy as the best alternatives for the US.