Daniel Gade in 2020 VA Senate race
On Civil Rights:
Racism is an internal belief, not a domestic threat
Q: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?A:
Racism is an internal belief; it does not become a threat to domestic security unless acted upon.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Education:
Full school choice proponent
Q: Use public funding for private and/or for-profit schools?Daniel Gade: Yes. "Full school choice proponent." Supreme Court allowing public funding for religious schools a "huge win for religious liberty."
Mark Warner: No recent position found. Opposed publicly funded vouchers for private school tuition in 2001.
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Civil Rights:
Right to live in accordance with our religious principles
Our civil rights include the right to live in accordance with our religious principles, the right to unrestricted free speech and exchange of ideas,
and the right to protect ourselves by keeping and bearing arms. This is the only way to ensure equal protection and justice for all, regardless of race, class, or creed.
Source: 2020 Virginia Senate campaign website GadeForVirginia.com
Dec 25, 2019
On Free Trade:
Promote free market taxation, regulation, & unfettered trade
Markets that are free of government interference or crony capitalism are engines of economic growth and prosperity for all.
Low individual and business taxes, decreased regulation, and free and unfettered trade is the key to further improvement in the standard of living for all Americans.
Source: 2020 Virginia Senate campaign website GadeForVirginia.com
Dec 25, 2019
On Government Reform:
Government overreach is tyranny
We must return to a fiscally responsible government that promotes individual freedom. Powers not given to the federal government explicitly in the Constitution are reserved to the people or to the States.
Government overreach should be called what it is: tyranny. It's past time to rein in government overreach and return to Constitutional government.
Source: 2020 Virginia Senate campaign website GadeForVirginia.com
Dec 25, 2019
On Government Reform:
Make Congress members put investments in blind trust
Gade announced his first course of action will be the introduction of the Stop Insider Trading Act. "Using your official position for private gain, whether you're a Republican or Democrat, is an egregious abuse of public office," said Gade.
The Act will require all Members of Congress to place their investment portfolio in a blind trust. Gade's legislation will prohibit Members of Congress from using information received from their official duties for personal benefit.
Source: 2020 Virginia Senate campaign website GadeForVirginia.com
Mar 23, 2020
On Gun Control:
Right to protect ourselves by keeping and bearing arms
Our civil rights include the right to live in accordance with our religious principles, the right to unrestricted free speech and exchange of ideas,
and the right to protect ourselves by keeping and bearing arms. This is the only way to ensure equal protection and justice for all, regardless of race, class, or creed.
Source: 2020 Virginia Senate campaign website GadeForVirginia.com
Dec 25, 2019
On War & Peace:
Opposed to open-ended commitment of troops
The power to declare war resides in Congress, not the Executive. Since the end of World War II, Congress has shirked this responsibility. I believe that we should commit troops only a) in defense of a vital national interest b) when there is a defined
end state and c) when military force is the only remaining option. I am opposed to the open-ended commitment of troops around the world.
Source: 2020 Virginia Senate campaign website GadeForVirginia.com
Dec 25, 2019
On Education:
Student loan forgiveness is immoral transfer of risk
Q: Support payment subsidies or forgiveness on student loans?Daniel Gade: No. Forgiveness is an "immoral transfer of risk from poor people to already privileged people." No position found on payments.
Mark Warner: Yes. Co-sponsored bill to limit payments based on income and forgive debts after 20 or 30 years of payments.
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Corporations:
Stop insider trading by requiring blind trusts for Congress
Q: In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?A: SIT Act (Stop Insider Trading). Require all members of Congress to place their holdings in a blind trust upon election.
Repeal and replace the Patriot Act with one whose FISA powers are severely restricted. Repeal and replace the War Powers Act and put Congress back in its rightful place under Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Education:
Student debt payoff is tax on poor in favor of privileged
Q: Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?A: None. Any such scheme constitutes a tax on the poor and middle class in favor of the rich and privileged.
These loans were taken voluntarily. However, we need serious reform to the student loan system, including universities bearing part of the responsibility for their graduates through co-signing or similar mechanisms.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Homeland Security:
Judicious use of military force abroad to fight terrorism
Q: What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?A:
Use legal means to detect and eradicate it inside our borders (law enforcement) and judicious use of military force outside our borders, only when authorized by the Congress.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Immigration:
Limit low-skill workers; welcome cream of foreign economies
Q: Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?A:
- Low skill workers for specific industries or employers and for specific periods of time, subject to background check and payment of employment taxes.
- High skill workers without country caps. We should take the cream of foreign economies and welcome them to the United States without regret (subject to background checks and taxes).
- The first and most important immigration-related task is to build a system of barriers and enforcement that will keep illegal immigrants out, while allowing in those we want here.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Principles & Values:
Church-state separation is NOT removal of religious content
Q: Do you promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles?A: Yes.
Q: What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
A: It means that the state should not be able to interfere with church or religious activities, speech, or conduct without clear and compelling state interest (preventing the physical abuse of minors, for instance).
It does NOT mean the removal of all religious speech and content from public life.
Q: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values?
A: I am a Christian, and my wife and I are raising our children in the "fear and admonition of the Lord." I believe that I am saved from my sin by the intercessory sacrifice of Jesus and his subsequent resurrection.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Social Security:
Entitlement reform including Social Security & VA disability
Q: How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?A: I will protect current recipients and near-retirees. We've made a promise that we must keep. Going forward, I am in favor of indexing Social Security retirement age to life
expectancy and am open to limiting Social Security payments for the wealthiest retirees to their actual contribution plus some reasonable rate of return. Without these basic reforms, Social Security will fail, leaving retirees vulnerable.
Q: What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
A: We desperately need entitlement reform, including Social Security and VA disability reform. There are far too many duplicative, unwieldy programs that are not in the purview of the Federal government in the first place.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
On Abortion:
Against funding for Planned Parenthood in CARES Act
He says he would have voted for the CARES Act, although he adds that he believes it
should not have included money for Planned Parenthood or the Kennedy Center.
Source: Alexandria Gazette on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Jun 4, 2020
On Government Reform:
For REINS Act: Congress must approve agency regulations
He says he would support the REINS Act, a proposal intended to cut down on regulation by requiring congressional
approval of major agency regulations before they can be implemented.
Source: Alexandria Gazette on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Jun 4, 2020
On Civil Rights:
Don't force churches to accommodate transgender people
Q: Support Equality Act protecting LGBTQ persons from discrimination based on sexual orientation?Daniel Gade: No. "The Equality Act forces churches to accommodate people who are transgender. Our religious freedom is under attack."
Mark Warner: Yes. Co-sponsored Equality Act. "Always wrong to fire a person simply for being gay or transgender."
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Corporations:
Markets free of government interference are growth engines
Q: Tighten or loosen regulation of banks and credit card companies?Daniel Gade: Loosen. "Markets that are free of government interference are engines of economic growth and prosperity for all."
Mark Warner: Mixed. Voted for Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform. Later introduced bill to loosen regulation on small banks and credit unions.
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Crime:
For police oversight, criminal justice reform
Q: Restrict police use of force and increase public oversight?Daniel Gade: Yes on oversight. Says he cares about criminal justice reform "passionately," with many "in jail who don't need to be." Says police unions may protect "bad apples."
Mark Warner: Yes. Co-sponsored Justice in Policing Act "to hold law enforcement accountable, improve transparency, and reform police training and policies."
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Energy production mix: renewables, nuclear, fossil fuels
Q: Taxing or limiting output of greenhouse gases? Support government subsidies for renewable energy?Daniel Gade: No. "For the time being," wants "best energy production mix," with renewables, nuclear, and "natural gas, and oil, and coal." Concerned
about "crippling our own current economic conditions."
Mark Warner: Yes. "Invest in new technologies that reduce harmful emissions." Co-sponsored bill for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Wants carbon capture to use coal "more responsibly."
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Environment:
A huge fan of deregulation as much as possible
Q: Tighten or loosen regulations?Daniel Gade: Loosen. "A huge fan of deregulation as much as possible." "Deregulatory drive of the Trump administration has been great."
Mark Warner: Tighten, mostly. Opposed repeal of Clean Power, emission guidelines. Policy changes must keep all sectors of economy viable.
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Immigration:
Would limit humanitarian asylum
Q: Path to citizenship for "DACA" participants brought to the U.S. as children? Expand border walls?Daniel Gade: No position found on DACA. Supports temporary guest worker program and "recruiting high-skilled workers from other countries."
Would limit humanitarian asylum.
Mark Warner: Yes. Co-sponsored bipartisan amendment offering path to citizenship for "DREAMers," along with $25 billion for border wall funding. Opposed Trump diversion of funds for wall.
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On War & Peace:
Support requiring congressional approval of military actions
Q: Oppose military attacks on Iran without congressional approval?Daniel Gade: Yes. Views specific Iran War Powers Act as an "attempt to embarrass Trump," but supports idea of requiring congressional approval.
Mark Warner: Yes. Trump should have consulted Congress. Attack turned "anti-Iranian fervor into anti-American fervor."
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Jobs:
Against forced unionization
Q: Support "right-to-work" laws, stopping unions from mandating dues for workers they represent?Daniel Gade: Yes. "Virginia, after 75 years, is about to destroy the right-to-work legislation and make it a forced unionized state."
Mark Warner: Unclear. Has said wants to increase worker protections but no specific position found on Virginia attempt to repeal right-to-work.
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Homeland Security:
Stronger national defense: focus on growth of Navy
Gade supports the notion of congressional approval being needed for war actions or declarations. To create a stronger national defense, Gade suggests a focus on growth of the
U.S. Navy. "The Navy is the one that is fully engaged at all times," Gade said. "The Army, Marine Corps and Air Force are a little less so. The Navy has responsibility for ensuring national commerce and keeping seas safe."
Source: Charlottesville Tomorrow on 2020 Virginia Senate race
May 4, 2020
On Tax Reform:
Wants a flat tax, or very simplified tax code
Gade wants to trim taxes and reform regulatory practices where possible in order to streamline processes and bolster the economy. "We clearly need fundamental reform to our entire tax code,"
Gade said. "The closer we can get to a flat, understandable tax, or a very simplified tax code that people can understand and explain to each other, the more fair it will be."
Source: Charlottesville Tomorrow on 2020 Virginia Senate race
May 4, 2020
On Social Security:
2015: Disability pay for vets "harmful"
Professor Dan Gade says disability pay for disabled veterans is "harmful" and that it causes the veteran to "lose the sense of identity and self-worth that can come from work," according to a NY Times article yesterday. The Lt. Colonel of the
US Army and West Point graduate believes disability compensation makes veterans "abuse drugs and alcohol." Gade believes that by cutting your disability pay, he will help you "rejoin society."
Source: DisabledVeterans.org on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Jan 9, 2015
On Civil Rights:
2011: Against women in combat; 2017: Allow in whatever role
Gade wrote on a military blog in 2011 that allowing women in combat positions would be "to the gigantic detriment of the warfighters and our national security." Standards at military schools "WILL be decreased," Gade wrote. Gade told Reveal that his
views have changed since then. "I now believe that anyone who can meet the physical and mental standards of the profession should be allowed into the profession in ground combat roles, and whatever role they qualify for."
Source: RevealNews.org on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Sep 18, 2017
On Government Reform:
Pledges to support Congressional term limits
U.S. Term Limits praises candidate Daniel Gade for signing the pledge for an amendment to term limit Congress. It reads, "I pledge that as a member of Congress, I will cosponsor and vote for the U.S. Term Limits amendment of three (3) House terms and
two (2) Senate terms and no longer limit." The U.S. Term Limits constitutional amendment has been introduced in both the U.S. Senate by Senator Ted Cruz (SJR1) and the U.S. House by Representative Francis Rooney (HJR20).
Source: U.S. Term Limits on 2020 Virginia Senate race
Oct 8, 2019
On Gun Control:
For concealed carry reciprocity: permit good nationwide
He opposes red flag laws, which enable authorities to temporarily take guns from people they believe are a danger to themselves or others. He also opposes banning assault weapons and suppressors. "We do need a couple of significant reforms to our
gun laws," Gade said. "For one, I am for concealed carry reciprocity, which means your Virginia concealed carry permit is good in all 50 states. And every other state's concealed carry permit is good in our state."
Source: Winchester Star on 2020 Virginia Senate race
May 4, 2020
On Health Care:
Let people buy and sell health insurance across state lines
As far as health care, Gade said there needs to be protection for people with pre-existing conditions when they shift insurance companies from one to another. He also said there is a need for people to be able to sell and buy health insurance across
state lines "so that insurance companies aren't just competing in their own little basket but having to compete against a whole bunch of other insurance companies. So you can help drive down costs."
Source: Winchester Star on 2020 Virginia Senate race
May 4, 2020
On Abortion:
Unborn child has a fundamental right to live
Gade wants to focus on pro-life. He said he wants to focus on Second Amendment rights, limited government and expanding the military.
He said that he believes an "unborn child has a fundamental right to live." Along with being pro-life, Gade said he stands for veterans, securing the border and improving the economy.
Source: WSET ABC-13 News on 2020 Virginia Senate debate
Feb 17, 2020
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023