Benjamin Cardin in 2012 Maryland Senate Debates

On Abortion: Expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research

Cardin selected, "Support."

Cardin adds, "Stem cell research has the potential to help scientists make tremendous breakthroughs in medical innovation. I cosponsored legislation to promote stem cell research, and I applauded President Obama's March 2009 Executive Order overturning the Bush Administration's longstanding policy and allowing the responsible use of federal funds for embryonic stem cell research.:

On Education: $3M for Baltimore STEM education grants

Cardin selected, "Yes."

Cardin adds, "I have met with numerous young students who develop an interest in science and technology once they learn about the career opportunities available to them. For this reason, I am a strong supporter of increased funding for the National Science Foundation. Additionally, last fall, I was pleased to join Sen. Mikulski in announcing a $3 million U.S. Department of Education grant to Baltimore City Public Schools to use innovative methods, such as robotics instruction and career mentors, to strengthen the mathematics skills of middle school students and get more students involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. I will continue to support funding for these types of grant programs."

On Health Care: Invest in prevention and early detection

Cardin selected, "Part of the solution."

Cardin adds, "America spends more on health care per capita than any other nation in the world, yet our health status and longevity do not reflect that. To reduce inpatient hospitalizations and the costs associated with chronic diseases, we must continue to invest in prevention and early detection. My 1997 legislation established the first-ever comprehensive package of preventive services in traditional Medicare--covering breast, prostate, colorectal, and cervical cancer screenings, bone mass measurement for osteoporosis, and diabetes testing supplies. My subsequent legislation eliminated costsharing for preventive services in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Additionally, I am proud that the Affordable Care Act established the Prevention Fund, investing monies in communities across the prevention efforts such as childhood obesity prevention, HIV testing, and tobacco cessation."

On Homeland Security: More research into causes of combat-related illnesses

Cardin selected, "Not enough."

Cardin adds, "Americans who dedicate their lives to defending our nation deserve the highest quality health care. To provide that care, the DOD and DVA must invest in research that will help discover the causes of, and treatments for, their illnesses, particularly those that are combat-related. For this reason, I strongly support increases in these departments' peer-reviewed research programs."

On Technology: Regulate nanotechnology in products; develop best practices

Cardin selected, "No."

Cardin adds, "American families need a well-funded and fully-staffed watchdog agency to oversee the quality of products they rely upon for nutrition and health care. Headquartered in Maryland, the FDA has a broad mission--not only to ensure the safety of our food supply and existing medical drugs and devices--but also to approve applications for new drugs and devices to be marketed to the public. I have co-introduced the Nanotechnology Regulatory Science Act of 2011, which would establish a program within the FDA to assess the health and safety implications of using nanotechnology in everyday products and develop best practices for companies using nanotechnology. This new program would bring more highly-skilled research jobs to Maryland. The legislation authorizes $48 million over three years, starting in 2013."

On Energy & Oil: End special breaks to oil industries

Bongino said government needs to get out of the way and lessen the tax burden on residents and businesses. "Put the money back in Marylanders' pockets," Bongino said. "They know what to do with it."

On Health Care: We need to move forward, not repeal ObamaCare

Cardin, a strong supporter of the law, noted the consequences of repeal, including the loss of a popular provision that allows parents to keep their children on their policies until the age of 26. He also said restrictions on pre-existing conditions would return. "We need to move forward, not repeal ObamaCare," Cardin said.

Sobhani said he supported some aspects of the health care law, including the end of restrictions on pre-existing conditions. However, he believes more effort should be made to include input from patients and doctors.