Survey of 2014 Senate campaign websites: on War & Peace
Mike McFadden:
Lack of anti-ISIS strategy makes world more dangerous
McFadden released the following statement today in response to Pres. Obama's comment that "we don't have a strategy" to deal with ISIS, the terrorist organization creating chaos in Syria and Iraq:"It's disappointing that President Obama says 'we
don't have a strategy' to deal with ISIS even though the situation in Iraq remains unstable and our military is continuing with air strikes," said McFadden. "Between Ukraine, Syria and Iraq, we are seeing first hand the consequences of not having a
coherent foreign policy agenda. It began in Benghazi and continues to this day with the rise of ISIS. Senator Franken has supported President Obama's foreign policy blunders every step of the way. He's kept his head down and supported a President who is
making the world a more dangerous place. It's time for a change."
President Obama on ISIS: "'I don't want to put the cart before the horse,' Obama told reporters during a White House news briefing. 'We don't have a strategy yet.'" (CNN, Aug. 29, 2014)
Source: 2014 Minnesota Senate campaign website, MikeMcFadden.com
Sep 2, 2014
Allen Weh:
Nuclear Iran is unacceptable to Israel and US
The Middle East is home to the very worst of America's enemies. Those same enemies are also Israel's enemies. Therefore, it is in America's national security interests to do whatever is needed to help Israel protect its sovereignty and its citizens.
In the execution of this policy, we should stand fully behind Israel's right to defend itself against its enemies. This should include their being able to take preemptive military actions against known and pending attacks against their nation.
In this regard, the US should ensure that fully functional US-Israeli defense cooperation is maintained, and that the Israeli Defense Force is afforded access to the latest American weapons systems and other defense capabilities.
The continuous aggression of Iran toward Israel and the US, as well as its moderate Sunni Muslim neighbors, should not be tolerated. Moreover, allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons is unacceptable.
Source: 2014 New Mexico Senate campaign website, AllenWeh.com
Sep 1, 2014
Gordon Ball:
Time for our service members to come home from Afghanistan
For more than a decade, our country has been engaged in wars abroad--wars that stretched our military, our families, & our finances. We should always exhaust all other options before going to war, and we must never again put the price of wars on a credit
card for our grandchildren to pay for. Any war that is unavoidable and in our national interest should be paid for as it is being fought.I also believe it is time for our service members to come home from Afghanistan. We need to get out as quickly as
possible, in a manner consistent with the safety of our troops and with a transition to Afghan control. Ultimately, the Afghans must take responsibility for their own future.
It's been a while since the death of Osama bin Laden, and America's
operations have eliminated many of Al Qaeda's affiliates. However, the threat of attack still exists, and America must remain vigilant and continue all of our efforts--political, military, economic, and diplomatic--against Al Qaeda and its affiliates.
Source: 2014 Tennessee Senate campaign website, GordonBallSenate.com
Aug 7, 2014
Gordon Ball:
Critical to avoid nukes in North Korea and Iran
In North Korea and Iran--to name only two--the proliferation of nuclear weapons remains a critical challenge. Every additional finger on the nuclear button makes Americans and the world less safe. Every new country with nuclear weapons creates the very
real risk of those weapons being lost or stolen. And every new country with nuclear weapons makes it more likely that their neighbors will also seek to develop nuclear weapons.In Asia, the leadership transition in North Korea and its failed missile
launch in April 2012 are developments that require continued American monitoring and attention, in addition to continued close cooperation with our allies and continued efforts with other nations in the region.
To have progress, North Korea must demonstrate good faith, including suspending enrichment, halting missile tests, and allowing international inspectors into the country.
Source: 2014 Tennessee Senate campaign website, GordonBallSenate.com
Aug 7, 2014
Sean Haugh:
Opposes US military intervention abroad
In the first ever US Senate Libertarian candidates forum, Sean Haugh outlined several areas where his views contrasted with those of his opponent, Tim D'Annunzio, including:- US military intervention abroad (Haugh opposes it; D'Annunzio believes
there are circumstances where it is justified)
- The Drug War (Haugh would end it; D'Annunzio is ambivalent)
- Immigration (Haugh favors free movement across borders; D'Annunzio advocates curbs on immigration)
Source: 2014 North Carolina Senate campaign website, SeanHaugh.com
Jul 2, 2014
Brad Hutto:
United States should not be the policeman for the world
It's time for our allies abroad to take more responsibility for their own security. He disagrees with our current Senator, Lindsey Graham, who believes the
United States should be the policeman for the world. Instead Brad realizes that we should do more to improve our own infrastructure and create jobs here.
Brad would make improving education a national priority so our country doesn't slip further behind the rest of the world. He thinks South Carolinians deserve a US Senator who cares about their concerns and about where they live.
Brad understands what it's like to live, work and raise a family right here in South Carolina.
Source: 2014 S.C. Senate campaign website, BradHutto.com
Jun 25, 2014
Connie Johnson:
Don't send kids unless absolutely necessary
Connie is dedicated to Oklahoma's 342,816 Veterans. We don't send our sons and daughters to war and into harm's way unless absolutely necessary and, when necessary, Oklahomans answer that call to service at levels that surpass most states.
After a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, with hundreds of thousands of wounded warriors returning home, Connie believes we must focus on the cost of war on our society and on our Veterans in particular.
Source: 2014 Okla. Senate campaign website, cj4ok.com
Jun 25, 2014
Terry Adams:
No nukes for Iran; two-state solution for Palestine
Israel is one of our most trusted and steadfast strategic allies in the world. A safe and secure democratic state of Israel is absolutely vital to the national security of the United States and the critical element to stability in the region.
We must defend and support Israel and ensure that Israel can defend itself from threats from Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran as well as other terrorist organizations and hostile states.The U.S. should make Israel a "major strategic partner" by passing the
Strategic Partnership Act and support security assistance for Israel. In addition, I support a congressional role on Iran Policy and any deal struck with Iran should make it impossible for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.
A two-state solution to Israel-Palestinian conflict is in the best interests of all parties, ensuring a democratic state of Israel and a state for the Palestinian people.
Source: 2014 TN Senate campaign website, AdamsForTN.com
Jun 25, 2014
Terry Adams:
War only when vital and supported, and after all other means
We must approach armed conflict with the knowledge and lessons from the past and ask ourselves if our vital national security interests are threatened, do we have clear and obtainable objectives, have we analyzed carefully all costs and risks involved,
have we exhausted all non-violent means to solve a crisis, do we have a clear exit strategy, do we have the support of the American people and broad international support? When affirmative, clear and decisive military action must be taken.
Source: 2014 TN Senate campaign website, AdamsForTN.com
Jun 25, 2014
Alison Grimes:
Don't send US troops back to Iraq; but support role ok
Today, Alison Lundergan Grimes released the following statement on the situation in Iraq:"This is a very dangerous and concerning development in Iraq, and I will continue to monitor reports and evaluate new information as it develops in the coming
days. Ultimately, this fight is up to the people of Iraq. I would not support the United States reintroducing troops in Iraq. The United States should continue to play a supportive role by providing useful intelligence."
Source: 2014 Kentucky Senate campaign website, AlisonForKentucky.com
Jun 13, 2014
Dave Domina:
No deployments to protect corporate investments abroad
Military Deployment. I am a Veteran. In the first debate between my opponent and I, it was clear I understand what is required to make a decision to deploy American military troops abroad. I said any consideration of such a deployment must have defined,
achievable political objective, and must be supported by effective, thoughtful, tactical and scientific application of the principles of war, which are the responsibility of the Joint Chiefs Of Staff and the Commander In Chief.
I oppose using American military power to protect the investments of private U.S. corporations abroad when those investments are made, knowingly, in an unstable region where the investor should know that the risk of physical insecurity and political
instability is a cost of doing business to be borne by the investor, not by the American people. Corporate profits don't justify sacrificing American lives.
Source: 2014 Neb. Senate campaign website, DaveDomina.com
May 15, 2014
David Alameel:
time for us to bring the troops & funding home
David Alameel is a veteran and strong supporter of the United States military. However, after twelve years it's time for us to leave Afghanistan, bring the troops home and use the hundreds of billions of dollars we are spending there to help rebuild
America. We need to redirect those resources back here at home to:- Create good paying jobs that can't be shipped overseas
- Ensure a quality education for all Texas children, not just the privileged
- Protect Social Security and Medicare.
Source: 2014 Texas Senate campaign website
May 15, 2014
Jeff Bell:
US leadership on Iran nukes & on isolating Cuba
America is a force for good around the globe, and the world would be a lot worse off if we withdrew from that leadership. We must maintain a strong national defense and also promote democracy and freedom where we can when we can.Unfortunately, the
Obama administration has abdicated on many important longstanding American foreign policy goals: a nuclear-free Iran, Middle East conflict resolution, and isolation of the Castro regime in Cuba. If elected I would work to restore these efforts.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, Bell2014.com, "Issues"
May 2, 2014
Monica Wehby:
Ensure that Iranian nukes don't threaten Israel
Monica also believes that the bond between the United States and Israel must remain rock solid. We must always stand by our strongest allies, especially in a region that is going through such turmoil.
As the nuclear negotiations proceed with Iran we must be ever mindful that whatever deal is struck does not jeopardize the security of Israel.
Source: 2014 Ore. Senate campaign website, www.MonicaForOregon.com
Mar 18, 2014
David Clements:
No executive War Powers; only Congress should declare war
Because the exclusive power of Congress to declare war must be respected, I oppose the exercise of executive War Powers in the absence of a Declaration,
except in the face of an immediate and direct threat to the United States. Executive reactions to imminent dangers must not be allowed to drag on without the express authorization of Congress.
I favor a clear strategy for entrance into and conclusion of any foreign engagement and a definable goal that constitutes victory, before putting our soldiers in harm's way and committing billions in tax dollars.
America's interests and sovereignty must always come first.
Source: 2014 N.M. Senate campaign website, ClementsForNM.com
Feb 18, 2014
Nels Mitchell:
Don't concentrate on Syria at the expense of home
I won't use budget blackmail to harm Mountain Home Air Force Base or the
INL, and I won't concentrate on Syria and Kazakhstan at the expense of Kootenai or Canyon County.
Source: 2014 Idaho Senate campaign website, NelsMitchellForIdaho.com
Jan 15, 2014
Rob Maness:
Defeat Islamic-Fascism wherever they are around the globe
My unique experience in the Pentagon after 9/11 offers first-hand experience into the face of global terrorism. We must always maintain a level of defense capability necessary to effectively identify and defeat
National and International security threats like the current Islamic-Fascism we face wherever they are around the globe.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, RobManess.com, "Principles"
Nov 30, 2013
Thom Tillis:
Don't negotiate with Iran, a state sponsor of terror
North Carolina House Speaker and U.S. Senate candidate Thom Tillis released the following statement today regarding the recently-announced agreement on the Iranian nuclear program:A nuclear Iran is totally unacceptable, and the
recently-announced 'agreement' makes the world a more dangerous place. It appears that the Obama administration has turned its back on Israel and other American allies in the Middle East in a naive attempt to negotiate with a state sponsor of terror.
President Obama and his loyal supporters like Kay Hagan continue to mistake dialogue for deterrence, which is an incredibly irresponsible approach to our national security.
Our foreign policy should be based on what is best for Americans and our allies, not by placating bad actors on the international stage.
Source: 2014 N.C. Senate campaign website, ThomTillis.com
Nov 25, 2013
Lee Bright:
US is not first-responder for every problem around the world
Lee knows that the Constitution must be followed and that Congress alone has the power to declare war and commit our troops to war. Our military should never be sent into harm's way without a clear mission authorized by Congress.
But when we do send our fighting forces into combat we must be prepared to allow them to fight and win.
While Lee believes America must maintain our commitment to protecting our allies, we can no longer afford to be the first-responder for every problem around the world. It is time for our allies to begin shouldering a larger share of their own defense.
No other country in the world has the quality of fighting force and the global reach of the United States Armed Forces and we must be prepared to meet any threat anywhere it affects our national interest.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, BrightForSenate.com, "Issues"
Nov 22, 2013
Sharon Hansen:
Wars benefit the wealthy
Every war the US has been involved with has been largely due the big banks that need their coffers replenished regularly. Our most promising and brave young men and women have been killed needlessly in wars since the beginning of the US. I have
no desire to get rich off the lost lives of our military men and women. There are countries who never go to war. They are for the most part happy and prosperous. I will not vote to send our young men and women into combat for the benefit of the wealthy.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website www.SharonHansenForUSSenate.org
Nov 20, 2013
Sharon Hansen:
No foreign aid to Iran to prevent developing nukes
On foreign aid headed to Iran from the United States: I am 100% totally against sending bribe money to Iran to keep them from developing a nuclear weapon. I would consider lifting sanctions which would stand to benefit the people of Iran rather than
lining the pockets of their leaders. Financial aid rarely goes to the people of any country. It is kept by the officials of that country to extend their personal wealth and power. Our leaders are not leaders. They are crooks that seem to have no clue as
to how to handle foreign relations. Opening trade with Iran would be more beneficial to the Iranians and the American people than sending more money to a country that despises us, no matter the intentions. We owe it to the future of our children and
grandchildren to keep American money in America except in very rare circumstances. I don't trust that it will be temporary and will be reversed. Our government has shown us in the past that they rarely if ever, reverse anything.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website www.SharonHansenForUSSenate.org
Nov 20, 2013
Jim Rubens:
No global policing war in Syria
Americans have learned from our bitter experiences in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya that our global policing wars have highly unpredictable consequences. In supporting a bombing war against Syria, Jeanne Shaheen and President Obama have demonstrated
their failure to learn this lesson.Jeanne Shaheen and President Obama are also grossly misleading Americans with promises that their war will require no American "boots on the ground." They both know well that the Pentagon last year informed the
Obama Administration that, if the Assad regime were destabilized by American intervention, up to 75,000 troops would be needed to guard the 40-plus chemical weapons stockpiles and prevent them from falling into terrorists' hands.
Exactly what message is this bombing war intended to send to Assad and the world's bloody dictators? That America will exact retribution if poison gas is used to kill thousands, but not if conventional weapons are used?
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, JimRubens.com, "Issues"
Nov 11, 2013
Sam Clovis:
Pursue active enemies with all available dispatch
At no time should we be "negotiating" with sworn enemies of this nation. We have supported the Islamic Brotherhood in Egypt, sought concessions from Israel concerning Hezbollah, an
Iranian-backed terrorist group, and are now training and arming Syrian rebels who are affiliated with Al Qaeda. This seems hardly a sound foreign policy approach.
It seems this administration is unable to bring itself to recognize that there are virulent, active enemies of this nation on the loose. Why are we not pursuing these enemies with all available dispatch?
As your next Senator, I will work tirelessly to ensure this, or any other, administration is held to account for how it conducts activities that affect the safety of and security of the nation.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, Iowans4SamClovis.com, "Issues"
Nov 11, 2013
Cory Booker:
All options on the table with Iran, including military
As a state sponsor of terrorism, Iran poses a threat to American security, a threat made worse by their pursuit of nuclear technology in defiance of the international community & their own treaty obligations. A nuclear-armed Iran is plainly unacceptable.
Iranians recently elected a new President who has taken a less confrontational tone and positioned himself as open to negotiation.
The president is right to keep all options, including military action, on the table while vigorously pursuing both
international sanctions and a negotiated settlement that prevents Iran from gaining nuclear weapons. Today, sanctions have imposed real and increasing harm on Iran's economy and isolated them from the international community.
Pursuing these diplomatic and economic actions must continue while there is time, because while all options should remain on the table, the cost of military action to end the Iranian nuclear program could be very high for us and our allies in the region.
Source: 2013-2014 New Jersey Senate campaign web CoryBooker.com
Nov 3, 2013
Matt Bevin:
No war unless Constitutional and in our national interest
We cannot be reckless in how and where we use [our military] strength. Before voting to send our soldiers to war, Matt will be guided by two key questions: Is it in our national interest and is it in keeping with our constitutional principles?
Matt will oppose all engagements that do not meet these two fundamental criteria. Anything less is unfair to the soldiers who put their lives on the line and unfair to the taxpayers that pay the bills.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, MattBevin.com, "Issues"
Oct 25, 2013
Steve Stockman:
Syria is Obama's folly: return the Nobel Peace Prize
With President Barack Obama asking Congress for permission to attack Syria, Stockman is offering him a deal. While opposed to the planned attack, Stockman will switch and vote for the resolution only if Obama will honestly answer several questions about
it. "I am prepared to vote in favor of Obama's folly if he can fully and truthfully answer eleven questions about the Syria operation and his bungling of it," said Stockman:- Libya has become a practically failed state.
What will be done in Syria to prevent a repeat of your failures in Libya?
- Why was Egypt not asked to participate in the Syrian process or even consulted on the matter?
- What assurances do you have that Syria's chemical weapons will be secured?
- Should your strikes result in toppling Assad, who will seize control of Syria?
- Should Assad fall, will al-Qaeda and affiliated extremists take control?
- Are you willing to return your Nobel Peace Prize?
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website press release, "Syria vote"
Sep 10, 2013
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