Foster Campbell in 2016 LA Senate race

On Civil Rights: Oppose same-sex marriage, but respect Supreme Court ruling

A: No. My personal convictions inform my belief that religious marriage is between a man and woman. However, I do respect the Supreme Court and its decision on this matter. I will keep my oath to uphold the constitution and, above all, I will treat all my constituents and all the American people with respect.

On Crime: Death penalty yes; alternatives yes; mandatory minimums no

A: Yes

Q: Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?

A: Yes

Q: Do you support mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders?

A: No

On Energy & Oil: Build Keystone pipeline; no farcking regulation for now

A: Yes

Q: Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?

A: Yes

Q: Do you support increased regulations on the hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") industry?

A: No. I will continue to listen to and study scientific evidence that would support further regulation.

On Energy & Oil: Regulate greenhouse gases; incentivize reducing emissions

A: Yes

Q: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?

A: Yes. I will continue to incentivize reducing emissions so that we don't damage the economy while we save the environment.

On Foreign Policy: Keep allies involved, but heed advice of military experts

A: Yes. I believe our allies must have more skin in the game and be more accountable to fighting conflicts in their regions of the world. Regardless of my personal opinions, on matters of National Security, I would always heed the advice of experts in the intelligence community, and our military leaders.

On Government Reform: 10 year ban on lobbying for ex-members of congress

A: Equal Pay for Women; Raising the Minimum Wage; 10 year ban on lobbying for ex-members of congress

On Gun Control: Enforce the gun laws we already have on the books

A: No. I want to work to make sure we enforce the laws we already have on the books. If we do, we can prevent a large amount of gun violence.

On Immigration: No pathway to citizenship without exiting US first

On Social Security: I do not support privatization of Social Security

A: No. I will [work] to protect and maintain Social Security, and I do not support privatization of Social Security.

On Tax Reform: Make sure the super-rich pay their fair share

A: No

Q: In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?

A: No. I want a balanced plan that makes sure the super-rich pay their fair share, and that means we have to examine waste and fraud in both corporate give-aways and all spending programs.

Q: Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?

A: Yes

Q: Do you support lowering taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?

A: Yes

Q: Do you support providing tax incentives to businesses for the purpose of job creation?

A: Yes. But these need more accountability and adequate oversight.

On War & Peace: No American intervention in Iraq & Syria beyond air support

A: No.

On Foreign Policy: U.S. should remain in the United Nations

Foster Campbell: Yes

On Immigration: Grant citizenship to children of illegal immigrants

Foster Campbell: Yes

Q: Should illegal immigrants have access to government-subsidized healthcare?

Foster Campbell: Yes, and grant them citizenship

Q: Should working illegal immigrants be given temporary amnesty?

Foster Campbell: Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for immigrants with no criminal record S

On Jobs: Raise the federal minimum wage

Foster Campbell: Yes

On Education: Fight for public schools with $1 billion Excellence Fund

He sponsored a bill that waives utility connection fees if a domestic violence victim relocates away from her abuser. He helped establish a $1 billion Educational Excellence Fund to help fund public schools from part of the proceeds from the huge, multi-year settlement of litigation against big tobacco companies.

On Gun Control: Generally opposes additional gun control measures

In a sense, this is a proxy battle between Gov. Edwards and the Landrieus. Edwards' endorsement of Campbell represents the continuing trend of north Louisiana Democratic populism stemming back to Huey P. Long, while the Landrieus are pushing the more progressive values of the party.

Fayard and Campbell align on major Democratic issues like preserving the Affordable Care Act--with a few tweaks--and raising the minimum wage. They also depart from the party in the same places: They both describe themselves as anti-abortion, and they both generally oppose additional gun control measures.

On Free Trade: TPP is skewed to the advantage of big business

"If Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Donald Trump are against it," he said, "we'd better take a good look at this deal because all sides are against it."

On Energy & Oil: Charge 6.25% oil refining tax and wipe out income tax

Currently, foreign oil refined in Louisiana is not taxed by the state, Campbell said. If a tax were enacted, it would generate $5 billion or more, making it possible to wipe out the income tax and improve the state's education, highway and medical systems. "We have squandered our natural resources," Campbell said. "The politicians have been too cozy with the oil companies." Simply taxing international oil corporations isn't enough, however. Campbell also plans to ask them to pay the state for damages they have caused to its coast--approximately $20 billion, he said.