John Hickenlooper in 2020 CO Senatorial race
On Energy & Oil:
100% renewable energy economy by 2050
Hickenlooper calls for transition to a 100% renewable energy economy with net-zero emissions by 2050, with an interim goal of a 43% reduction below 2005 levels in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. He will work to transition to a green economy through
investment in government-funded climate technology research and development, a transition to electric vehicles, and develop a workforce focused on transitioning out of the fossil fuel industry into green jobs.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Technology:
Provide ample funding for scientific research
Hickenlooper supports ample funding for scientific research to help create evidence-based policy to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, including addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, gun violence, inequity, and more.
Hickenlooper believes strongly in protecting the integrity of scientific research, including the accuracy and transparency in its communication; and as a former geologist in the U.S. Senate, he will be a strong and knowledgeable voice in support.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Technology:
NASA's Earth Science program may help on climate crisis
Q: Over the years, NASA has assigned changing priorities to different aspects of its mission (Earth observation, robotic exploration, and crewed spaceflight). What missions would you have NASA prioritize and why?
A: Hickenlooper is interested in learning more about all of the priorities outlined in NASA's 2020- 2024 plan and has a particular interest in NASA's Earth Science program, with potential to inform solutions to climate crisis.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Abortion:
Planned Parenthood supports reproductive health
Q: Support Planned Parenthood receiving public funds for non-abortion care?John Hickenlooper: Yes. Supports Planned Parenthood, as "a staunch supporter of reproductive health."
Corey Gardner: No. Voted to defund Planned Parenthood.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Education:
Opposes vouchers for private or religious schools
Q: Use public funding for private and/or for-profit schools?John Hickenlooper: No. Supports parents selecting the best schools, but "would not support the use of publicly funded vouchers for private or religious school education."
Corey Gardner: Yes. Filed a Supreme Court brief supporting the use of public funds to pay for educating children in private religious schools.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Education:
Expanded student loan repayment and forgiveness programs
Q: Support free or subsidized tuition for lower-income individuals? Support lower interest or forgiveness on student loans?Hickenlooper: Reduce federal student loan interest to 2.5% or less, with "expanded loan repayment and forgiveness programs,
tuition-free community college"; minority scholarships.
Corey Gardner: No general stand found. Did introduce bill allowing employers to contribute tax free to employees' student loans. Discharge federal student loans for the permanently disabled.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Calls for 100% renewable energy by 2050
Q: Consider human-caused climate change a serious threat, and address by limiting output of greenhouse gases?John Hickenlooper: Yes. "The defining challenge of our time." Must face with "fierce sense of urgency." Would rejoin Paris Accord; calls for
100% renewable energy by 2050.
Corey Gardner: Mixed. "Humans are contributing to climate change." Will push for clean-tech investments, but voted against cutting carbon emissions from power plants.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Environment:
Adopted low-emission vehicle standards, methane standards
Q: Opinion on EPA rules?John Hickenlooper: As governor, adopted low-emission vehicle standards and developed tough methane standards, but fought restrictions on oil drilling near homes and schools.
Corey Gardner: Voted to repeal EPA rules regulating methane emissions on public lands. Repeal wetlands and waterway protection. Open Alaska wildlife refuge to oil and gas drilling.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Foreign Policy:
Supports cutting off military support to Saudi Arabia
Q: Block arms sales to Saudi Arabia over Yemen war and allegations about journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death?John Hickenlooper: Yes. Supports cutting off military support. "I don't think supporting the Saudi campaign in Yemen is a great idea."
Corey Gardner: No. Voted against blocking arms sales to Saudi Arabia in June 2019.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Government Reform:
Reinstate Voting Rights Act provisions struck down by Court
Q: Support stricter ID requirements and other rules on voting?John Hickenlooper: No. Reinstate Voting Rights Act provisions struck down by the Supreme Court. Criticizes "discriminatory voter ID laws."
Corey Gardner: No position found.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Health Care:
COVID: Need capacity test or vaccinate every American
Q: COVID-19: Support administration's response to coronavirus pandemic?John Hickenlooper: No. "Only way to regain our confidence and restart our economy is having the capacity to either test or vaccinate every American."
Corey Gardner: Yes. "HHS, through a number of its agencies, is actively leading critical prevention, containment, and supply-chain stability."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Immigration:
Border wall "ineffective" and a waste of billions
Q: Create path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented residents and "DACA" participants brought to the U.S. as children?John Hickenlooper: Yes. Wants to see "a permanent pathway to citizenship for our DREAMers" while "ensuring border
security and protecting American workers." Calls expanded border wall "ineffective" and a waste of billions.
Corey Gardner: Co-sponsored legislation for a 12-year pathway to citizenship combined with increased border wall funding.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Jobs:
Reverse ruling government workers needn't pay union dues
Q: Support "right to work" laws, prohibiting unions from mandating dues for workers they represent?John Hickenlooper: No. Called for legislation reversing Supreme Court ruling that government workers can't be forced to contribute to labor unions.
Corey Gardner: Yes. Co-sponsored the National Right to Work Act, repealing bargaining provisions requiring union membership as a condition of employment.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Tax Reform:
Don't pass on $1.5 trillion new debt to future generations
Q: Support administration's $1.9 trillion (2017) tax cuts?John Hickenlooper: No. "Congress should not pass on almost $1.5 trillion in additional debt to future generations, and hand out tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans who don't need them."
Corey Gardner: Yes. Voted for the 2017 tax cut. "My goal was to bring relief to hard-working Coloradans, and I'm proud that after months of work, we've achieved this goal."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Climate change a threat, green energy means new jobs
The two men also argued about energy, with Gardner renewing accusations that Hickenlooper, a former petroleum geologist, would end 230,000 jobs in the fossil fuel industry because of fears of climate change.
Hickenlooper called climate change "an existential threat" and argued an investment in green energy would create a record number of new jobs.
Source: Denver Post on 2020 Colorado Senate debate
Oct 6, 2020
On Health Care:
ACA led to successful state marketplace & Medicaid expansion
Hickenlooper touted the success of Colorado's insurance marketplace, created by Obamacare, and adding 400,000 people to Medicaid. He said Republicans are trying to take away protections for people. He wants a sliding scale public option and extend
coverage to all Americans by demanding bulk discounts on drugs for Medicare, which the government doesn't get now. "We roll it out and everyone in this country has coverage, just like they do in every other industrialized country," Hickenlooper said.
Source: ColoradoPolitics.com on 2020 Colorado Senate debate
Oct 2, 2020
On Health Care:
COVID: Trump ignored the risk, that was negligent
In his opening statement, Hickenlooper took aim at Trump. Hickenlooper offered prayers for the president, who was hospitalized with COVID-19 hours before the debate. But he criticized Trump's response to the pandemic. "He ignored the risk.
That was negligent," Hickenlooper said. "We're in a crisis and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Source: KUNC-BBC radio on 2020 Colorado Senate debate
Oct 2, 2020
On Health Care:
We need to get to universal coverage, won't break the bank
The candidates also offered differing views on health care, with Hickenlooper defending the Affordable Care Act. Gardner said Hickenlooper wants "government-run health care." "You know what's the cruelest lie of all, it's that
Cory Gardner says he has a plan to protect people with pre-existing conditions," Hickenlooper said. "We need to get to universal coverage. It's not going to cost a fortune. It's not going to break the bank."
Source: KUNC-BBC radio on 2020 Colorado Senate debate
Oct 2, 2020
On Health Care:
Allow Medicare to negotiate with drug companies
Q: Your Medicare policy?A: Everyone deserves access to high quality health care. The program covers nearly all older Americans who earned this coverage through a lifetime of hard work. To help lower costs, I support allowing Medicare to negotiate
with drug companies to get a better deal. It's astounding that they're currently not allowed to do so, and I'd work to change that on day one in the Senate.
Source: AARP Survey on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Health Care:
Investigate anticompetitive practices by drug companies
Q: Your prescription drug policy?A: I will fight to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. Medicare should be able to negotiate prices directly with drug companies. Congress should explore the possibility of importing safe medicine from Canada.
We can pass legislation requiring more transparency in drug pricing and curtailing significant increases in the price of both generic and specialty drugs. Congress should investigate potential anticompetitive practices in the pharmaceutical industry.
Source: AARP Survey on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Health Care:
I will always stand up for Medicaid
Q: Your Medicaid policy?A: I support strengthening programs that help seniors stay in their homes. By approving transportation options and controlling housing and health care costs, we can help more people live life on their own terms. We need to
strengthen protections for seniors in long-term health care facilities as well. Not only that, but many seniors depend on Medicaid for long-term care. I will always stand up for Medicaid and every person's right to access quality and affordable care.
Source: AARP Survey on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Jobs:
Strengthen protections against age discrimination
Q: Your senior policy?Hickenlooper: Congress should be supporting work-share programs so that seniors don't face permanent job loss, even if their employer is struggling. In the long term, Congress could do a lot to strengthen seniors' economic
security. We should strengthen protections against age discrimination, which many seniors report having experienced in the workplace. We should make it easier to save for retirement by creating portable retirement plans.
Source: AARP Survey on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Social Security:
Protect Social Security; oppose attempts to reduce benefits
Q: Your Social Security policy?Hickenlooper: I will fight to protect Social Security, oppose any attempt to reduce benefits and work to ensure that every senior can retire with dignity. Social Security is essential to our nation's safety net.
The rising costs of food, housing and transportation means that those dollars need to go even further. Social Security is an intergenerational promise between Americans that we will care for each other as we age. We cannot balance the budget on the
backs of seniors.
Gardner: I'm going to continue to protect Social Security. It's one of the most important social safety nets that we have. Medicare and Social Security are two of the key things that we have for generations of Americans who have paid
into them. We have to make sure that they are safeguarded so they can continue to pay out to those people who have invested all of their lives. We need to make sure that people stop borrowing against the Social Security trust fund.
Source: AARP Survey on 2020 Colorado Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Foreign Policy:
Realign foreign policy to reflect American leadership
My four-pillar approach to national security and foreign policy builds on my experiences as Governor, Mayor, and a small businessman. These pillars include: a clear-eyed identification of our threats and a willingness to honestly confront them
as a united country; strengthening our global alliances and partnerships; modernizing our military, defense, and intelligence capabilities to face longstanding and new challenges; and realigning foreign policy to once again reflect American leadership.
Source: 2020 Colorado Senate campaign website Hickenlooper.com
Jul 9, 2020
On Government Reform:
Pass the electoral reforms of the For the People Act
One of my first priorities will be working to pass the For The People Act. The For the People Act proposes to reform money in politics by bolstering public financing and donor disclosure provisions. It strengthens our elections by addressing
regulatory barriers to voting and creating a system of automatic voter registration. And it bolsters accountability by closing lobbying loopholes and requiring greater transparency from government officials.
Source: 2020 Colorado Senate campaign website Hickenlooper.com
Jul 9, 2020
On Government Reform:
End partisan gerrymandering, support Fair Maps Act
In 2018, Colorado voters approved amendments to create an independent redistricting commission to end partisan gerrymandering. Our state could become a model for the nation when districts are redrawn after the 2020 census. In the meantime,
I support Senator Michael Bennet's Fair Maps Act, which prohibits partisan gerrymandering at the national level and provides guidance on redrawing and contesting maps. Voters should pick their elected officials, not the other way around.
Source: 2020 Colorado Senate campaign website Hickenlooper.com
Jul 9, 2020
On Social Security:
Protect and bolster Social Security, Medicare
It's time to renew our promise to older and younger generations alike that a dignified and stable retirement is the cornerstone of aging in America.
We can do this by protecting Social Security and Medicare, as well as by proactively bolstering these programs so that they remain solvent for years to come.
Source: 2020 Colorado Senate campaign website Hickenlooper.com
Jul 9, 2020
On Technology:
Bolster cybersecurity defense of our voting systems
As Governor, I established the National Cybersecurity Center, so I know what it takes to enact strong online protections. I support bolstering the defense of our voting systems
by investing in cybersecurity efforts to secure voter registration databases, voting machines, reporting websites, and other software vulnerable to meddling.
Source: 2020 Colorado Senate campaign website Hickenlooper.com
Jul 9, 2020
On War & Peace:
Veterans deserve priority in help to re-enter civilian life
We owe a priceless debt to those in active service and to our veterans. Too often, we fail them. Access to health care and job training can help ease this transition to civilian life, and I pledge to support funding for these programs.
When veterans are finished with their service, they deserve priority in training that helps them get high-quality jobs and re-enter civilian life more easily.
Source: 2020 Colorado Senate campaign website Hickenlooper.com
Jul 9, 2020
Page last updated: Dec 07, 2020