State of Pennsylvania secondary Archives: on Government Reform
Summer Lee:
Voted AGAINST eliminating straight ticket voting
SB421: An Act amending the Pennsylvania Election Code:ACLU Press Release on 2019-2020 session: Expand access to the ballot by:
- Changing the deadline to submit absentee ballots to 8 p.m. on Election Day
-
Creating a vote-by-mail option that will allow anyone to vote by mail without giving a reason for doing so.
- Shrinking the voter registration deadline from 30 days before an election to 15 days.
Rep. Kinsey Press Release October 29, 2019: Stephen Kinsey, our most vulnerable citizens are able to participate at the polls," Kinsey said.Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 138-61-4 on 10/29; State Rep. Summer Lee voted NO; Passed Senate 35-14-0 on 10/29; Signed by Governor Tom Wolf on 10/31/19.
Source: ACLU-PA on Pennsylvania legislative voting records SB421
Oct 29, 2019
ACLU:
Requiring voter ID means disenfranchisement
Excerpts from HB 934:If a voter has a religious objection to being photographed [such as Amish populations], a valid-without-photo ID card will serve as photo ID. ID documents must be unexpired, except for military ID's, which do not
designate an expiration date. The Commonwealth shall disseminate information to the public regarding the ID requirements, including the availability of ID cards other than driver licenses.ACLU Analysis: "A vote for this bill is a vote
to disenfranchise U.S. citizens," said the legislative director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania. "Research indicates that as much as 11 percent of U.S. citizens do not have government-issued photo identification. But they have the right to vote. Why is the
State House afraid of the voters?"
Legislative outcome: Bill passed House, 108-88-7 on June 23, 2011; State Rep. Jim Christiana voted YEA; bill passed Senate, 26-23-1, on March 7, 2012; signed by Governor Tom Corbett on March 12, 2012
Source: ACLU analysis: Pennsylvania legislative voting record: HB934
Jun 23, 2011
Bob Casey:
Lobbyist money ok if it has no impact on your vote
Q: Would you turn down money from lobbyists? And what about earmarks?A: I’ve accepted money from lobbyists. The question is what impact does that money have on your vote.
Everyone who knows me knows that I’m very independent. I’ll be focused on needs of Pennsylvanians not the special interests in D.C.
Source: Second 2006 Pennsylvania Senate Debate
Apr 19, 2006
Bob Casey:
Disclose political donors; Citizens United empowers wealthy
Q: Require political ads to disclose their largest funders?Lou Barletta (R): No. Did not support DISCLOSE Act of 2017.
Bob Casey (D): Yes. Supported original DISCLOSE Act in 2010. Cosponsored DISCLOSE Act of 2017.
Q: Support
Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?
Barletta: Unknown.
Casey: No. Says the ruling has enhanced the power of corporate special interests & a handful of wealthy individuals.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Pennsylvania Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Bob Casey:
Protect voting rights; no voter-ID
Q: Voting Rights: Support stricter voting rules like requiring voter ID or reducing registration times, even if prevent some people from voting?Lou Barletta (R): Unknown
.
Bob Casey (D): No. Co-sponsored 2015 bill to restore Voting Rights Act of 1965 protections cut by 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Pennsylvania Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Brendan Boyle:
Opposes tinkering with photo ID voter requirements
Excerpts from legislation:
- If a voter has a religious objection to being photographed [such as Amish populations], a valid-without-photo ID card will serve as photo ID.
- ID documents must be unexpired or within one year after
their expiration date, except for military ID's, which do not designate an expiration date.
- The Commonwealth shall disseminate information to the public regarding the ID requirements, including the availability of ID cards other than driver licenses.
OnTheIssues Analysis: This bill tinkers with the rules for photo ID requirements without changing the underlying requirement itself. Therefore, we interpret support of this bill as support of photo ID for voting, and opposition to
this bill as supporting more open voting.Legislative outcome: Rep. Boyle voted NAY; bill passed House, 108-88-7 on June 23, 2011; bill passed Senate, 26-23-1, on March 7, 2012; signed by Governor Tom Corbett on March 14, 2012
Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting records: HB 934
Jun 23, 2011
Carla Sands:
Heavy-handed regulations will affect state's energy future
Fortunately, federal ownership of land doesn't affect Pennsylvania's energy future as much as it does Western states. Other heavy-handed regulations coming from Washington can and will. A better approach, economically and environmentally, would empower
Pennsylvanians to control their energy future for the betterment of the U.S. and the world.
Source: 2021 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website CarlaSands.com
Oct 20, 2021
Carla Sands:
Signed Term Limits on Congress Pledge
Sands signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge on Congress--ensuring this seat in the United States Senate belongs to the people of Pennsylvania, not to Washington, D.C. insiders or special interest groups. Sands issued the following statement upon signing
the Pledge: "Self-serving career politicians are what's wrong with Washington today. I'm running to go to Washington, do a good job, and leave having done the best possible work for Pennsylvanians."
Source: US Term Limits endorsement on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Sep 14, 2021
David McCormick:
January 6 was a dark chapter in American history
McCormick expressed regret over theÿ2021 attack at the U. S. Capitol. He said the attack marks "a dark chapter in American history" and "puts a highlight on the responsibility of leaders to be able to create a dialogue where people are understood."ÿ
He also said "I think [Trump] has some responsibility, a lot of responsibility for [the attack], and I think that this last dark chapter at the Capitol...history will look very unfavorably on that and all the people that were involved in that.
Source: Wikipedia on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
May 22, 2022
David McCormick:
Supports Voter ID & absentee ballot signature verification
As a combat veteran, Dave fought for every American's sacred right to vote. He will continue fighting for the integrity of every election to ensure that no Pennsylvanian will ever have to doubt our election system, or that their vote counted.
As a Senator, Dave will work to ensure Pennsylvania has Voter ID requirements, absentee ballot signature verification, and that election observers have the right to meaningfully observe elections to ensure they are free and fair.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign web DaveMcCormickPA.com
May 22, 2022
David McCormick:
Fully supports term limits; pledges no more than two terms
Special interests and career politicians are what's wrong with Washington. Dave is a political outsider who doesn't owe anyone other than the voters of Pennsylvania anything.
Dave fully supports term limits and has pledged to serve no more than two terms as a U.S. Senator and has signed the U.S. Term Limits Pledge.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign web DaveMcCormickPA.com
May 22, 2022
Doug Mastriano:
Supported lawsuits, alternate electors after 2020 election
In Pennsylvania, Mastriano supported a barrage of lawsuits and a bid to appoint special electors. On November 25th, he hosted a theatrical hearing in Gettysburg, featuring Rudy Giuliani as a faux prosecutor.
That afternoon, Mastriano and his son drove from Gettysburg to the White House at the President's invitation. (Mastriano tested positive for COVID-19 and was reportedly ushered out of the meeting with Trump.)
Source: The New Yorker on 2022 Pennsylvania Gubernatorial race
May 9, 2021
Doug Mastriano:
Cut spending; slash burdensome regulations
We also must look at getting our current spending under control. I believe that a thorough review of all 33 state government agencies will reveal significant waste and redundancy. Trimming the fat off these agencies will pay dividends for
Pennsylvania in the long run, reduce the cost of our state government, and slash burdensome regulations. Better stewardship of the already exorbitant spending by Harrisburg is key to how can afford property tax elimination.
Source: Pottstown Mercury on 2022 Pennsylvania Gubernatorial race
Feb 4, 2022
Doug Mastriano:
Voted FOR extending vote by mail, absentee voting
SB421: An Act amending the Pennsylvania Election Code: ACLU Press Release on 2019-2020 session:Expand access to the ballot by:
- Changing the deadline to submit absentee ballots to 8 p.m. on Election Day
- Creating a vote-by-mail
option that will allow anyone to vote by mail without giving a reason for doing so.
- Shrinking the voter registration deadline from 30 days before an election to 15 days.
Rep. Kinsey Press Release October 29, 2019:Stephen Kinsey,
chairman of the PA Legislative Black Caucus, issued the following statement opposing SB421. "By taking away the convenience of straight ticket voting, the process would be longer and wait times would extend for Pennsylvanians. It [would] impact whether
our most vulnerable citizens are able to participate at the polls," Kinsey said.
Legislative outcome:Passed House 138-61-4 on 10/29; Passed Senate 35-14-0 on 10/29; Sen. Mastriano voted YES; Signed by Governor Tom Wolf on 10/31/19.
Source: ACLU-PA on Pennsylvania legislative voting records SB 147
Oct 29, 2019
Doug Mastriano:
Eliminate "No-Excuse" Mail-in voting and Ballot Drop boxes
RESTORE CONFIDENCE: ELECTION INTEGRITY- Immediately end all contracts with compromised voting machine companies
- Appoint a Secretary of State with experience in securing elections from fraud
- Ban the use of private funds
(like Zuckerbucks) to influence elections
- Work with the General Assembly to:
- Eliminate "No-Excuse" Mail-in voting and Ballot Drop boxes
- Enact Universal Voter ID for voting
- Increase and protect poll watchers
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Governor campaign website doug4gov.com
May 18, 2022
Doug Mastriano:
Cut statewide regulations by at least 55,000 in first year
REDUCE BURDENSOME REGULATIONS: SLASH THE BUREAUCRACY- Establishment of "strike force" teams at each state agency with the goal of cutting statewide regulations by at least 55,000 in the first year
- Work with the
General Assembly to introduce and pass bills to:
- Automatically review all regulations with a cost of more than $1 million
- Eliminate TWO regulations for any new regulation created
- Increase transparency for permit process and expedite reviews
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Governor campaign website doug4gov.com
May 18, 2022
Doug Mastriano:
Prohibit political consultants from registering as lobbyists
CLEAN UP THE HARRISBURG SWAMP- Prohibit all public officials from being able to receive lavish gifts from lobbyists and special interest groups
- Work with the General Assembly to introduce and pass bills to:
-
Eliminate the "Revolving door" of lobbyists immediately taking jobs in the General Assembly to lobby from the inside
- Prohibit political consultants from also registering as lobbyists
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Governor campaign website doug4gov.com
May 18, 2022
Everett Stern:
After whistleblower at HBSC, unable to find another job
In 2010-2011, in his work for HSBC bank, Stern] immediately found a series of deeply concerning transactions [concerning funding terrorist groups]. Every time Stern brought one of these discoveries to his bosses, they rolled their eyes at him, if not
worse. The U.S. Senate decided to target the company for a yearlong investigation into global money-laundering. The bank itself, in response to the Senate investigation, acknowledged that it had "sometimes failed to meet the standards that regulators
and customers expect." In 2012, Stern heard that the Justice Department was about to announce a settlement. Since he'd left HSBC the year before, he'd had a rough time. Going public with his allegations had left him emotionally and financially
devastated. He'd been unable to find a job, and at one point even applied for welfare. But now that the feds were finally about to drop the hammer on HSBC, he figured he'd have the satisfaction of knowing that his sacrifice had been worthwhile.
Source: Rolling Stone magazine on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Feb 14, 2013
Fred Keller:
Account for military & religious issues in voter photo ID
Excerpts from legislation:If a voter has a religious objection to being photographed [such as Amish populations], a valid-without-photo ID card will serve as photo ID. ID documents must be unexpired or within one year after their
expiration date, except for military ID's, which do not designate an expiration date. The Commonwealth shall disseminate information to the public regarding the ID requirements, including the availability of ID cards other than driver licenses.
OnTheIssues Analysis: This bill tinkers with the rules for photo ID requirements without changing the underlying requirement itself. Therefore, we interpret support of this bill as support of photo ID for voting, and opposition to this bill as
supporting more open voting.
Legislative outcome: Bill passed House, 108-88-7 on June 23, 2011; Rep. Keller voted YEA; bill passed Senate, 26-23-1, on March 7, 2012; signed by Governor Tom Corbett on March 14, 2012
Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting records: HB 934
Mar 14, 2012
Ken Krawchuk:
Make voter registration easier
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?
A: Support. And make getting on the ballot easier too!
Source: OnTheIssues interview: 2018 Pennsylvania Governor candidate
May 18, 2018
Jeff Bartos:
Election not stolen; Trump not to blame for insurrection
Bartos does not suggest that the election was stolen from Trump--Trump maintains baselessly that it was--and has said he believes Trump should have ended his efforts to overturn the outcome several weeks after the election when federal courts were
rejecting his legal challenges.But Bartos does not assign blame to Trump for the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, unlike Toomey, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of suburban Philadelphia and Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell.
Source: Associated Press on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Mar 8, 2021
Jeff Bartos:
For voter ID, end "no excuse" absentee ballots
Bartos is also joining a Republican movement to tighten voting laws in the wake of Trump's loss to Biden. Bartos said that he supports voter ID laws and ending "no excuse" absentee ballots, a law that
Pennsylvania passed in 2019 with near-universal support from Republican lawmakers before Trump began attacking mail-in voting, baselessly, as being rife with fraud.
Source: Associated Press on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Mar 8, 2021
Jeff Bartos:
Signed U.S. Term Limits pledge
U.S. Term Limits praises Jeff Bartos, 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 and his colleagues (SJR3) and the U.S. House by Representative Ralph Norman (HJR12).
Source: TermLimits.com blog on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Mar 7, 2021
Jeff Bartos:
Voting rights bill attempt by radical left to seize power
[On election reform]: "S.1 was a laughable attempt by beltway liberals to put Chuck Schumer, Bernie Sanders, and AOC in charge of Pennsylvania's elections," said
Republican Jeff Bartos. "S.1 was just the latest attempt by the radical left to seize more power. I'm glad it died a very public death in the Senate--our nation is better for it."
Source: Delaware Valley Journal on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Jun 30, 2021
Jeff Bartos:
Investigate 2020 election, particularly mail-in ballots
Some of Bartos' primary opponents are vocal election deniers. Bartos acknowledged that Joe Biden won Pennsylvania and the presidency and said he, his wife, and two daughters voted by mail, but Bartos also favors an investigation of the
2020 election, especially how mail ballots were used. Such calls have increasingly become a litmus test in GOP primaries in Pennsylvania and elsewhere as Trump has continued his lies of a stolen election.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Aug 4, 2021
Jeff Bartos:
Senseless regulations drive businesses to other countries
- Cutting burdensome regulations will cut costs
- The fewer senseless regulations we have, the fewer bureaucrats we will need to administer them.
- Create an environment where businesses choose to do business in
Pennsylvania and America.
- Instead of creating an environment for American businesses to thrive, national Democrats seem hell-bent on driving businesses to other countries.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website JeffBartos.com
Jul 19, 2021
Jim Christiana:
PennWATCH: Taxpayers have right to see spending details
Committed to openness, transparency and accountability at all levels of government, Jim has authored legislation to make over $60 billion in annual government spending available online to Pennsylvania taxpayers.
In 2011, his legislation to create PennWATCH, the Pennsylvania Web Accountability, Transparency and Contract Hub, was signed into law.
The online database of all state government expenditures was launched in 2012. Following the success of PennWATCH,
Jim led efforts to expand transparency to Pennsylvania's traditional, charter and cyber school districts. His SchoolWATCH legislation became Act 86 of 2016.
Source: 2018 Pennsylvania Senatorial website RepChristiana.com
Jul 2, 2017
Jim Christiana:
Account for military & religious issues in voter photo ID
Excerpts from HB 934:If a voter has a religious objection to being photographed [such as Amish populations], a valid-without-photo ID card will serve as photo ID. ID documents must be unexpired, except for military ID's, which do not
designate an expiration date. The Commonwealth shall disseminate information to the public regarding the ID requirements, including the availability of ID cards other than driver licenses.ACLU Analysis: "A vote for this bill is a vote
to disenfranchise U.S. citizens," said the legislative director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania. "Research indicates that as much as 11 percent of U.S. citizens do not have government-issued photo identification. But they have the right to vote. Why is the
State House afraid of the voters?"
Legislative outcome: Bill passed House, 108-88-7 on June 23, 2011; State Rep. Jim Christiana voted YEA; bill passed Senate, 26-23-1, on March 7, 2012; signed by Governor Tom Corbett on March 12, 2012
Source: ACLU analysis: Pennsylvania legislative voting record: HB934
Jun 23, 2011
Jim Risch:
Opposed independent commission to investigate Jan. 6th
Sen. Risch (R) did not vote on H.R. 3233, which would have created a bipartisan independent commission to investigate the Jan. 6 riot and general security issues related to the incident.Upon request by Snopes/OnTheIssues,
Sen. Risch's staff indicated that his vote would have been a "No." From Sen. Risch's spokesperson:ÿ
"Senator Risch missed that procedural vote to limit debate because of a longstanding family commitment in Idaho.
The Senator had concerns about putting politicians at the helm of a commission to investigate January 6th because it would become partisan, and he intended to oppose it had the motion to proceed passed."
See H.R. 3233/H.R.503 bill description for full voting record on January 6th Commission.
Source: OnTheIssues.org interview on 2020 Pennsylvania Senate race
Jan 6, 2022
Jim Risch:
Bipartisan independent commission to investigate Jan. 6th
Sen. Sinema (D) did not vote on H.R. 3233, which would have created a bipartisan independent commission to investigate the Jan. 6 riot and general security issues related to the incident.Upon request by Snopes/OnTheIssues, Sen. Sinema's staff
indicated that her vote would have been a "Yes." From spokesperson:
"The senator missed that vote due to a personal commitment but she said publicly and entered into the Congressional Record that she would have voted yes to create the commission."
That entry is: "I was necessarily absent, but had I been present would have voted yes on rollcall vote 218, on Motion to Invoke Cloture Re: Motion to Proceed to H.R. 3233."
If her vote had been registered, Senator Sinema would have been one of
numerous Democratic Senators with aÿ+6 score on the January 6th Scorecard, instead of one of only two Democratic Senators with a +4 score.
Source: OnTheIssues.org interview on 2020 Pennsylvania Senate race
Jan 6, 2022
Joe Gale:
Eliminate no-excuse mail-in voting; mandate voter ID
As Governor, I will hold bad Republicans accountable not just by naming names, but by supporting primary challenges against those who undermine a common-sense conservative agenda--which must begin with election reform.
This means eliminating Pennsylvania's 50 days of no-excuse mail-in voting and mandating that photo-identification be shown at the polls on Election Day.
Source: 2021 Pennsylvania Gubernatorial campaign website JoeGale.com
May 11, 2021
John Fetterman:
Mocked Texas AG on voter fraud accusations
He repeatedly mocked on Twitter and on television a promise Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican, made two days after the November election to pay up to $1 million for evidence of voter fraud.
Fetterman offered up three Trump supporters from Pennsylvania accused of attempting to vote for dead relatives and demanded that Patrick, whom he kept calling "my dude," pay the state $3 million.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Jan 8, 2021
Josh Shapiro:
Opposes tinkering with photo ID voter requirements
Excerpts from legislation:- If a voter has a religious objection to being photographed [such as Amish populations], a valid-without-photo ID card will serve as photo ID
- ID documents must be unexpired or within one year after their
expiration date, except for military ID's, which do not designate an expiration date.
- The Commonwealth shall disseminate information to the public regarding the ID requirements, including the availability of ID cards other than driver licenses.
OnTheIssues Analysis: This bill tinkers with the rules for photo ID requirements without changing the underlying requirement itself. Therefore, we interpret support of this bill as support of photo ID for voting, and opposition to this
bill as supporting more open voting.
Legislative outcome:State Rep. Josh Shapiro voted NAY; bill passed House, 108-88-7 on June 23, 2011; bill passed Senate, 26-23-1, on March 7, 2012; signed by Governor Tom Corbett on March 14, 2012
Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting records: HB 934
Jun 23, 2011
Josh Shapiro:
Filibuster has rendered Senate unable to solve problems
If you`re telling me that the inaction that is causing the loss of life every single day in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania can be fixed by doing away with the filibuster, then, hell, yes, do away with the filibuster.
It`s a vestige of a Senate from yesteryear that has rendered it unable to solve the big, pressing problems of the day.
Source: PennLive.com on 2022 Pennsylvania Gubernatorial race
Nov 10, 2021
Josh Shapiro:
Expand early voting; implement same-day voter registration
He'll veto any efforts to restrict mail-in voting, expand early voting, and set up automatic voter registration -- making it easier than ever for legal voters to participate in our democracy. He'll appoint a pro-democracy
Secretary of State to run our elections, expand pre-registration opportunities for young people, and implement same-day voter registration through Election Day.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Governor campaign website JoshShapiro.org
May 18, 2022
Kathy Barnette:
2020: Something horribly wrong took place in this election
Barnette echoes and has sometimes supported Trump's election fiction. She brought supporters with her to Washington for the Jan. 6 Trump rally that turned into a bloody attack on the Capitol. "Something horribly wrong took
place in this election," she told a conservative podcaster days before the Capitol riot. "You might as well not run for dogcatcher in my county."
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Jul 26, 2021
Katie McGinty:
Stand against partisan attempts to disenfranchise voters
Q: In Shelby County v. Holder, the US Supreme Court invalidated provisions of the Voting Rights Act, which has led to disenfranchised voters across the US. If elected, what will you do to ensure that the voting rights of all Americans are protected?
KATIE MCGINTY: Voting is a fundamental right for Americans across this country. We must fully restore the Voting Rights Act to protect that right for thousands of Americans who are being disenfranchised. But we must also do more.
As Senator, I will stand against partisan attempts to disenfranchise voters through new voter identification laws because we should be encouraging more people to vote, not systematically denying them that right.
I also support reforms that increase accessibility and integrity in our elections like guaranteeing early voting and expanding options for voter registration.
Source: LWV's Vote411.org on 2016 Pennsylvania Senate Race
Sep 19, 2016
Katie McGinty:
Constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United
Q: On Campaign Finance: Do you support the DISCLOSE Act, which requires key funders of political ads to put their names on those ads?McGinty: Yes
Toomey: No
Q: On Campaign Finance: Support Supreme Court's
Citizens United decision, which allows unlimited independent political expenditures by corporations and unions?
McGinty: No. Supports constitutional amendment to overturn.
Toomey: Yes
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
Lloyd Smucker:
Account for military & religious issues in voter photo ID
Excerpts from legislation:
- If a voter has a religious objection to being photographed [such as Amish populations], a valid-without-photo ID card will serve as photo ID.
- ID documents must be unexpired or within one year after
their expiration date, except for military ID's, which do not designate an expiration date.
- The Commonwealth shall disseminate information to the public regarding the ID requirements, including the availability of ID cards other than driver licenses.
OnTheIssues Analysis: This bill tinkers with the rules for photo ID requirements without changing the underlying requirement itself. Therefore, we interpret support of this bill as support of photo ID for voting, and opposition to
this bill as supporting more open voting.Legislative outcome: Sen.Smucker voted YEA; bill passed House, 108-88-7 on June 23, 2011; bill passed Senate, 26-23-1, on March 7, 2012; signed by Governor Tom Corbett on March 14, 2012
Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting records: HB 934
Mar 7, 2012
Lou Barletta:
No disclosure of political donors
Q: Require political ads to disclose their largest funders?Lou Barletta (R): No. Did not support DISCLOSE Act of 2017, which provides for these disclosure requirements.
Bob Casey (D): Yes. Supported original DISCLOSE Act in 2010 & 2017.
Q: Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?
Barletta: Unknown.
Casey: No. Says the ruling has enhanced the power of corporate special interests & a handful of wealthy individuals.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Pennsylvania Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Malcolm Kenyatta:
Opposed law making voting process less accessible
Kenyatta has shamed Republican lawmakers for backing legislation that he says will "intimate" people from exercising their right to vote. "This actually should not be a contentious issue," Kenyatta said. "It should be a bipartisan issue to allow every
Pennsylvanian to have access to their fundamental right to vote. But what this amendment does is make the process inaccessible for Pennsylvanians. And unfortunately, it has been driven by national politics."
Source: Pink News (LGBT UK) on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Sep 7, 2020
Malcolm Kenyatta:
Voted AGAINST eliminating straight ticket voting
SB421: An Act amending the Pennsylvania Election Code: ACLU Press Release on 2019-2020 session:Expand access to the ballot by:
- Changing the deadline to submit absentee ballots to 8 p.m. on Election Day
- Creating a vote-by-mail
option that will allow anyone to vote by mail without giving a reason for doing so.
- Shrinking the voter registration deadline from 30 days before an election to 15 days.
Rep. Kinsey Press Release October 29, 2019:Stephen Kinsey,
our most vulnerable citizens are able to participate at the polls," Kinsey said.
Legislative outcome:Passed House 138-61-4 on 10/29; Rep. Kenyatta voted NO; Passed Senate 35-14-0 on 10/29; Signed by Governor Tom Wolf on 10/31/19.
Source: ACLU-PA on Pennsylvania legislative voting records SB 147
Oct 29, 2019
Mehmet Oz:
Government that can give you everything can take it all away
I'll tell you one thing for sure, any government that's large enough to give you everything is powerful enough to take it all away. So I don't want that. I want liberty and freedom and that to me means limited government.
We can do it better than folks very far away from us who don't know our local problems. The more we can be local, the more we can trust the people in our communities, the better off we are.
Source: FOX News Hannity on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Nov 30, 2021
Pat Toomey:
Curb pork-barrel earmarks by law
When he was in Congress, Pat voted against spending taxpayer dollars on pork-barrel earmarks and pushed for laws that would curb how much politicians are allowed to spend.Among the many problems with all this spending is that politicians make
spending decisions based on their own political interests--not on the economic needs of the country. That's how American taxpayers ended up paying for fancy vacations for workers of bailed out companies.
Excessive political spending breeds waste,
corruption, and a lack of transparency. In addition to all the waste and abuse, there is another problem with all this government spending: The growing debt.
Pat has long been a strong proponent of putting policies in place to make sure our
representatives and senators can't spend taxpayer dollars haphazardly. He also supported legislation to increase transparency in Congress so taxpayers can see exactly how their money is being spent. [Source: www.toomeyforsenate.com/content ]
Source: Vote-PA.org profile for 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race
Nov 23, 2010
Pat Toomey:
Voter ID law protects integrity of the system
Q: On Voting Rights: Support stricter voting rules such as voter ID requirements or reduced registration times, even if they prevent some people from voting?McGinty: No. Supports extending early voting days and eliminating voter ID laws.
Toomey: Yes. Defended PA voter ID law that was later struck down by a court, arguing that requirements were minimal.
Stated that PA's voter ID law had easy-to-meet requirements that protected the integrity of the system.
Opponents argued that the law disenfranchised large numbers of otherwise eligible voters.
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
Pat Toomey:
I think Trump committed impeachable offenses
TOOMEY: So, I think the president did commit impeachable offenses. There's little doubt in my mind about that. We're literally less than one week to go at that point. I'm also not at all clear
that it's constitutionally permissible to impeach someone after they have left office. So, there may not be a viable impeachment route at this point.
Source: CNN State of the Union on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Jan 10, 2021
Pat Toomey:
Not clear if impeachment is valid after leaving office
[On Trump's second impeachment]: One, it's not clear the Constitution permits impeachment. conviction and prohibition against ever serving again, which is a separate vote, that that's permitted after a person has left office. Number two, I would
certainly hope, and I actually do believe, that the president has disqualified himself. I don't think he's a viable candidate for office ever again because of the outrageous behavior in the post-election period.
Source: Meet the Press interview on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Jan 10, 2021
Pat Toomey:
Bipartisan independent commission to investigate Jan. 6th
Sen. Toomey (R) did not vote on H.R. 3233, which would have created a bipartisan independent commission to investigate the Jan. 6 riot and general security issues related to the incident.Upon request by Snopes/OnTheIssues, Sen. Toomey's staff
indicated that his vote would have been a "Yes."ÿContemporaneousÿstatement provided to Snopes by spokesperson: "Senator Toomey has a family commitment he has to attend to today. Had he been in Washington, Senator Toomey would have voted in favor of the
motion to proceed to theÿJanuary 6thÿcommission legislation with the expectation that the Senate would consider, and Senator Toomey would have supported, an amendment that addresses Republican concerns about partisan staffing and the duration
of the commission."
If this vote had been registered, Toomey would have been the sixth GOP senator with a "perfect" score ofÿ+6 on the January 6th Scorecard. ÿ
Source: OnTheIssues.org interview on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Jan 6, 2022
Pete Buttigieg:
As mayor: ask how USDOT worked rather than make demands
Beth Osborne, a top USDOT official during the Obama administration, remembered Buttigieg "set the agency on fire" when he visited the office as mayor. What set Buttigieg apart, she said, is that he spent his time
asking agency employees questions about how the department worked, rather than making demands about what he wanted them to do for him.
Source: Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Biden Cabinet
Dec 26, 2020
Rick Saccone:
Account for military & religious issues in voter photo ID
Excerpts from HB 934:If a voter has a religious objection to being photographed [such as Amish populations], a valid-without-photo ID card will serve as photo ID. ID documents must be unexpired, except for military ID's, which do not
designate an expiration date. The Commonwealth shall disseminate information to the public regarding the ID requirements, including the availability of ID cards other than driver licenses.ACLU Analysis: "A vote for this bill is a vote
to disenfranchise U.S. citizens," said the legislative director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania. "Research indicates that as much as 11 percent of U.S. citizens do not have government-issued photo identification. But they have the right to vote. Why is the
State House afraid of the voters?"
Legislative outcome: Bill passed House, 108-88-7 on June 23, 2011; State Rep. Rick Saccone voted YEA; bill passed Senate, 26-23-1, on March 7, 2012; signed by Governor Tom Corbett on March 12, 2012
Source: ACLU analysis: Pennsylvania legislative voting record: HB934
Jun 23, 2011
Scott Perry:
Account for military & religious issues in voter photo ID
Excerpts from legislation:If a voter has a religious objection to being photographed [such as Amish populations], a valid-without-photo ID card will serve as photo ID. ID documents must be unexpired or within one year after their
expiration date, except for military ID's, which do not designate an expiration date. The Commonwealth shall disseminate information to the public regarding the ID requirements, including the availability of ID cards other than driver licenses.
OnTheIssues Analysis: This bill tinkers with the rules for photo ID requirements without changing the underlying requirement itself. Therefore, we interpret support of this bill as support of photo ID for voting, and opposition to this bill as
supporting more open voting.
Legislative outcome: Bill passed House, 108-88-7 on June 23, 2011; Rep. Perry voted YEA on concurrence vote; bill passed Senate, 26-23-1, on March 7, 2012; signed by Governor Tom Corbett on March 14, 2012
Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting records: HB 934
Mar 14, 2012
Scott Wagner:
Let state lawmakers decide voting districts
Q: Support nonpartisan redistricting to address charges of partisan gerrymandering?Scott Wagner (R): No. Supports current system where state lawmakers draw legislative & congressional districts.
Tom Wolf (D): Yes.
Supports independent redistricting commission. Proposed special session for redistricting reform.
Q: Tighten campaign finance rules?
Wagner: May be open to idea. Supports increased limits on lobbyists.
Wolf: Yes, limit contributions.
Add same-day voting & automatic voter registration.
Q: Support stricter voting rules such as voter ID requirements even if they prevent some people from voting?
Wagner: No public statements found.
Wolf: No. Supports same-day & automatic voter registration & modernizing absentee voting. Refused Trump Administration request for personal information of every registered PA voter.
Source: CampusElect 2018: Pennsylvania legislative voting records
Oct 9, 2018
Sean Parnell:
Filed lawsuit against no-excuse mail-in ballot system
Another issue likely in this campaign--Parnell's lawsuit claiming the state's no-excuse mail-in ballot system, used by over 2 million Pennsylvanians, is unconstitutional.Q: Do you think the election in Pennsylvania in 2020 was fair and an accurate
result with respect to all the races on the ballot?
Parnell: Well, I'll tell you. I don't. I'm not going to relitigate 2020. Like I told you before, I'm focused on 2022. But I will say regarding the lawsuit I filed on Act 77, I stand by it.
Source: KDKA Pittsburgh CBS on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
May 11, 2021
Sharif Street:
For same-day voter registration, early voting, vote by mail
Voting is a fundamental right and we should be making it easier for people to do, not harder. Sharif supports same-day voter registration, early voting, and vote by mail. He will fight against any scheme to
disenfranchise people of color, young people, seniors, first time voters, or anyone else who wants to participate in our Democracy.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website StreetForPA.com
Jun 27, 2022
Tom Corbett:
No bumper sticker reads: "Vote to keep Harrisburg the same"
Now is not the time to be timid in our approach. Now is not the time to cling to old ideas and the status quo. Now is not the time to make small changes and expect big results.Now is the time to be truly innovative. Now is the time to embrace new
ideas. And now is the time to be bold. Pennsylvanians deserve this from us now. Every one of us has come here to make things better for all Pennsylvanians. Nobody in this room ran for office on a promise to keep Harrisburg the way it is.
Nobody displayed a campaign bumper sticker that read: "Vote for me--I want to keep Harrisburg the same." No one ran on the promise to bind Harrisburg to the status quo. We all come from different backgrounds, various philosophies, but we share the common
goal of a better Pennsylvania.
Our job isn't to explain why things can't be better. Our obligation is to make things better. We ran on the promise to change Harrisburg. Leave it to the historians to write our history. Our job is to make history--now.
Source: 2013 State of the State speech to Pennsylvania Legislature
Feb 5, 2013
Tom Corbett:
Phase the commonwealth out of the liquor business
I can think of no better use for the proceeds created by getting us out of a business we should never have been in than to put those dollars toward the essential responsibilities of state government.
That is why I have proposed that, as we phase the commonwealth out of the liquor business, we put that money toward education.Selling liquor is not a core function of government. Education is.
We need to put our liquor system into private hands.
Pennsylvanians have waited too long for the day they could buy beer or wine at the grocery store or choose from a greater variety of offerings at privately owned liquor stores.
This is our opportunity and our children's.
Source: 2013 State of the State speech to Pennsylvania Legislature
Feb 5, 2013
Tom Corbett:
Account for military & religious issues in voter photo ID
Excerpts from legislation:
- If a voter has a religious objection to being photographed [such as Amish populations], a valid-without-photo ID card will serve as photo ID.
- ID documents must be unexpired or within one year after
their expiration date, except for military ID's, which do not designate an expiration date.
- The Commonwealth shall disseminate information to the public regarding the ID requirements, including the availability of ID cards other than driver licenses.
OnTheIssues Analysis: This bill tinkers with the rules for photo ID requirements without changing the underlying requirement itself. Therefore, we interpret support of this bill as support of photo ID for voting, and opposition to
this bill as supporting more open voting.Legislative outcome: Bill passed House, 108-88-7 on June 23, 2011; bill passed Senate, 26-23-1, on March 7, 2012; signed by Governor Tom Corbett on March 14, 2012
Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting records: HB 934
Mar 14, 2012
Tom Wolf:
Independent commission to decide voting districts
Q: Support nonpartisan redistricting to address charges of partisan gerrymandering?Scott Wagner (R): No. Supports current system where state lawmakers draw legislative & congressional districts.
Tom Wolf (D): Yes. Supports independent redistricting commission. Proposed special session for redistricting reform.
Source: CampusElect 2018: Pennsylvania legislative voting records
Oct 9, 2018
Tom Wolf:
Same-day voter registration; automatic voter registration
Q: Support stricter voting rules such as voter ID requirements even if they prevent some people from voting?Scott Wagner (R): No public statements found.
Tom Wolf (D):
No. Supports same-day & automatic voter registration & modernizing absentee voting. Refused Trump Administration request for personal information of every registered PA voter.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide: Pennsylvania Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Tom Wolf:
Limit campaign contributions
Q: Tighten campaign finance rules?Scott Wagner (R): May be open to idea. Supports increased limits on lobbyists.
Tom Wolf (D): Yes, limit contributions. Add same-day voting, automatic voter registration & nonpartisan redistricting.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide: Pennsylvania Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Tom Wolf:
Streamline government; reduce number of state employees
We've saved billions of dollars and reduced the number of state employees--without furloughs, all while improving customer service. We've gotten rid of facilities and leases that we don't use or need while consolidating commonwealth operations
within the capitol complex. We've made the procurement process smarter and more efficient. We will continue to look for ways to streamline government so we can invest in the things that matter to Pennsylvanians while at the same time serving them better.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Pennsylvania legislature
Feb 5, 2019
Tom Wolf:
Enacted extending vote by mail & absentee voting
SB421: An Act amending the Pennsylvania Election Code: ACLU Press Release on 2019-2020 session:Expand access to the ballot by:
- Changing the deadline to submit absentee ballots to 8 p.m. on Election Day
- Creating a vote-by-mail
option that will allow anyone to vote by mail without giving a reason for doing so.
- Shrinking the voter registration deadline from 30 days before an election to 15 days.
Rep. Kinsey Press Release October 29, 2019:Stephen Kinsey,
our most vulnerable citizens are able to participate at the polls," Kinsey said.
Legislative outcome:Passed House 138-61-4 on Oct/29/2019; Passed Senate 35-14-0 on Oct/29/2019; Signed by Governor Tom Wolf on Oct/31/2019
Source: ACLU-PA on Pennsylvania legislative voting records SB 147
Oct 31, 2019
Val Arkoosh:
Overturn Citizens United, won't take corporate PAC money
From gerrymandering to suppressive voting laws, politicians in Pennsylvania, states around the country and in Washington have been working to undermine confidence in U.S. elections and make it harder to vote, putting one of the most essential
American rights at risk. We must act to stop it. That's why Val supports federal legislation to protect the right to vote and make it easy for every Pennsylvanian to cast a ballot.
We must also rein in corporations' role in our elections, which for far too long has diminished the voice of real people in our politics. Val supports overturning
Citizens United, which has allowed for the unlimited flow of dark money into our political system. Val is also refusing to take money from corporate PACs in her campaign.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website ValArkoosh.com
Dec 19, 2021
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023