David Baria in State of Mississippi Archives
On Abortion:
Keep abortion & contraception safe, legal & woman's choice
Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?David Baria (D): Legal. Keep safe, legal & woman's choice. Could support reasonable restrictions on late-term abortions if exceptions for rape, incest, mother's health & viability of the fetus.
Roger Wicker (R): Ban. Introduced bill to declare that constitutional right to life begins at moment of fertilization. In 2011, said "Roe v Wade has led to a 3-&-a-half decades-long holocaust."
Q: Contraception: Allow employers to withhold
contraceptive coverage if disagree with it?
Baria: No specific stand, but strong general supporter of women's access to contraception.
Wicker: Yes. "The federal government doesn't have the right to force Americans to violate their faith."
Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion health care?
Baria: Yes. Allow continued funding. "Women should have access to the best healthcare available."
Wicker: No. Signed on to Supreme Court brief arguing for defunding.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
On Budget & Economy:
Stimulus spending ok, but hesitant about 2009 Obama plan
Q: Support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?David Baria (D): Yes. But some hesitancy on size of 2009 Obama stimulus to counter recession.
Roger Wicker (R): Generally not, for instance opposed Obama stimulus.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
On Civil Rights:
Businesses shouldn't deny services to same-sex couples
Q: Support gay marriage?David Baria (D): Yes. Opposed 2016 bill to expand right of government employees & private businesses to refuse services to same-sex couples.
Roger Wicker (R): No. "I will continue to work to protect First Amendment rights of those who. oppose same-sex marriage."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org: Mississippi legislative voting records
Oct 9, 2018
On Corporations:
No cutbacks in Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Q: Financial Regulation: Support cutbacks in Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)?David Baria (D): No. Will oppose any efforts to weaken CFPB.
Roger Wicker (R): Yes. "CFPB has been a thinly veiled attempt. to expand federal control over Americans' financial decisions."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
On Drugs:
Medical marijuana yes; recreational marijuana no
Q: Marijuana: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?David Baria (D): Supports medical marijuana legalization. Opposes recreational legalization.
Roger Wicker (R): No. Supports federal intervention against states that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
On Education:
Opposes vouchers for private schools with public money
Q: Education: Provide vouchers to send children to private schools with public money?David Baria (D): No. Opposed.
Roger Wicker (R): Yes. Also supported tax-free savings accounts for private school costs in Trump tax plan.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
On Education:
Make 2-year colleges tuition free
Q: Student Debt: Refinance student loans at lower rates, paid for by increasing taxes on high earners (Elizabeth Warren bill)?David Baria (D): Unknown on Warren bill.
But supports loan forgiveness program & making 2-year colleges tuition free.
Roger Wicker (R): No. Voted against Warren bill.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
On Energy & Oil:
Limit greenhouse gases; support renewable energy
Q: Climate Change: Consider climate change a serious crisis?David Baria (D): Yes. Has long supported state commission to address it.
Roger Wicker (R): No. Human cause "isn't settled." In 2014, cast the only Senate vote against saying climate
change was real.
Q: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?
David Baria (D): Yes to limiting greenhouse gases. One of top priorities is protecting the environment.
Roger Wicker (R): No on Obama greenhouse gas limits as assault on coal.
Urged withdrawing from Paris Climate Accord, saying does no good & will harm US economy.
Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?
David Baria (D): Yes. Introduced bill giving tax credits for renewable energy & energy efficiency
investments.
Roger Wicker (R): Has voted against tax credits for renewables. Supports all-of-the-above plan emphasizing liquified coal as a renewable approach.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
On Free Trade:
Tariffs have negative impact on Mississippians
Q: Support President Trump's imposition of tariffs on Chinese steel & other products?David Baria (D): No. They have a negative impact on Mississippians.
Roger Wicker (R): Knows Mississippi farmers are bracing for negative impacts, but hopes "end results will be greater opportunities."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
On Government Reform:
More campaign finance disclosure from lobbyists & candidates
Q: Campaign Finance: Require political ads & contributions to disclose their largest funders? Limit political donations from corporations & unions?David Baria (D): Has offered numerous bills to increase more campaign finance
disclosure from lobbyists & candidates. Would limit political donations.
Roger Wicker (R): No. Voted against 2012 DISCLOSE Act. Also against limiting political donations.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org: Mississippi legislative voting records
Oct 9, 2018
On Government Reform:
Nonpartisan redistricting commission to avoid gerrymandering
Q: Elections: Support nonpartisan redistricting to address partisan gerrymandering?David Baria (D): Yes. Introduced unsuccessful 2018 bill to create nonpartisan Commission.
Roger Wicker (R): No position found.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org: Mississippi legislative voting records
Oct 9, 2018
On Gun Control:
Common-sense measures, like restrict semi-automatic weapons
Q: Gun Control: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?David Baria (D): Yes to both. Gun owner & hunter, but "common sense gun safety measures" don't
mean "you're anti-gun or anti-Second Amendment."
Roger Wicker (R): No to both. "Do not feel more gun control laws are the answer to the problems confronting our nation."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
On Health Care:
Improve ObamaCare without weakening it
Q: Healthcare: Support or Repeal Affordable Care Act (ACA), known as ObamaCare?David Baria (D): Support. "Improving this plan, not weakening it, will be a top priority for me from day one." Strong supporter of Medicaid expansion.
Roger Wicker (R): Repeal. "I am doing everything in my power to delay & repeal this massive overhaul of America's healthcare system"
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
On Immigration:
Path to citizenship for DREAMers; earned path for others
Q: Support DACA, allowing "Dreamers" who arrived illegally as children, to achieve legal status?David Baria (D): Yes. DACA kids have met the requirements we asked; are in school or working; are paying taxes. Supports practical border security &
earned path as part of comprehensive reform.
Roger Wicker (R): No. Filed amendment barring the use of federal funds to administer DACA. Voted against immigration reform bills that included earned path to citizenship. Opposes amnesty.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
On Jobs:
Raise minimum wage for state businesses to $9/hr
Q: Minimum Wage: Raise the federal minimum wage from the current $7.25/hr?David Baria (D): Yes. Also authored bill to increase Mississippi minimum wage for private employers to $9 while keeping state employees at
$7.25 federal rate.
Roger Wicker (R): Likely no. In 2007 voted against raising federal minimum wage to current $7.25 level. Didn't vote on proposed 2014 increase.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org: Mississippi legislative voting records
Oct 9, 2018
On Social Security:
Protect Social Security from privatization
Q: Privatization: Support full or partial privatization of Social Security?David Baria (D): No. Protect Social Security from privatization.
Roger Wicker (R): No current statement found, but some previous support for letting workers invest portion in private accounts.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
On Tax Reform:
Trump tax cuts are giveaway to top 1%
Q: Taxes: Support President Trump's tax cuts?David Baria (D): No. Giveaway to top 1% that increases long-term debt. Instead "require corporations & the very wealthy to pay their fair share while providing
real permanent tax relief for low & moderate working people."
Roger Wicker (R): Yes. "An accomplishment of historic proportions. Job creators & small businesses will have more capital to invest & innovate."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
On Abortion:
Pro-choice
Q: Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
A: Pro-choice
Source: VoteSmart Mississippi 2018 Political Courage Test
Jul 4, 2018
On Energy & Oil:
Develop renewables; regulate greenhouse gases
Q: Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
A: Yes.
Source: VoteSmart Mississippi 2018 Political Courage Test
Jul 4, 2018
On Civil Rights:
Strong backer of women's rights; equal pay for equal work
I am fortunate to be married to one of the most talented lawyers I have ever known. We are blessed with 2 amazingly talented daughters. In the workplace, they deserve to be treated fairly. That is why every year since 2013, I have sponsored a
bill that would make equal pay for equal work mandatory in Mississippi. I am committed to extending the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to make sure people doing the same work with the same qualifications are paid equally regardless of gender.
Source: 2018 MS Senate campaign website, BariaForMississippi.com
Jun 26, 2018
On Education:
Must invest in programs & tools needed by all students
We must prepare our children to compete in the 21st Century. This means investing in programs, tools and innovations to help all students get ahead. We have far too many children who are slipping through the cracks because their public school
is poorly funded or because their school house has slipped into such a state of disrepair as to be dangerous. We must also make sure we have adequately invested in programs that prepare employees for the jobs today's employers are looking to fill.
Source: 2018 MS Senate campaign website, BariaForMississippi.com
Jun 26, 2018
On Government Reform:
Government should be a straight shooter & disclose actions
We should expect our government to shoot straight with us. That includes disclosure of lobbyist and special interest involvement in the law-making process. I have consistently authored bills for increased openness in government including measures
to make it easier for citizens to access government records, bills calling for more robust open meetings laws and proposals to require more complete campaign money disclosures from lobbyists and candidates.
Source: 2018 MS Senate campaign website, BariaForMississippi.com
Jun 26, 2018
On Health Care:
ObamaCare should be expanded to reach everyone
With the passage of the ACA, millions of Americans received health coverage for the first time. We need to improve this plan not weaken it. I will support efforts to deliver better health care to underserved Americans including better options and
facilities in rural Mississippi and protection for those with preexisting conditions. I will also look for opportunities to provide affordable plans to working families who don't have coverage and make too much to qualify for Medicaid.
Source: 2018 MS Senate campaign website, BariaForMississippi.com
Jun 26, 2018
On Immigration:
Against President Trump's immigration policies
Baria, a 55-year-old attorney, said he will advocate for education, health care and transportation in
Congress, and voiced opposition to President Donald Trump's immigration policies during the runoff.
Source: CBS News on 2018 Mississippi Senate race
Jun 26, 2018
On Tax Reform:
Fight for real tax relief that won't benefit the rich
I have spent a lot of time talking about real tax relief for working families. That's because the recent tax overhaul passed by Congress has failed on its promise to put money in the pockets of American workers. Unfortunately, most of that money has
instead gone towards tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% and large corporations. To make matters worse, the new tax plan will likely be paid for by cuts to essential programs like Social Security and Medicare and additional strain on our national debt.
Source: 2018 MS Senate campaign website, BariaForMississippi.com
Jun 26, 2018
On Technology:
Day one he will focus on repairing national infrastructure
Our crumbling infrastructure is a quality of life and safety issue for Mississippians. In April, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, announced the closure of more than 100 roads and bridges. This is unacceptable.
Congress needs to pass a comprehensive infrastructure package that revitalizes our national infrastructure. I will be focused on this issue from day one.
Source: 2018 MS Senate campaign website, BariaForMississippi.com
Jun 26, 2018
On Crime:
Supports criminal justice reform in line with Black Caucus
The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) announced that they would be supporting Democrat U.S. Senate candidate David Baria in the Democratic U.S. Senate runoff Thursday. Sonya Williams-Barnes, Chair of the
Caucus said, "David's voting record on public education, Medicaid expansion, funding of mental health services and criminal justice reform is consistently in line with the votes of our Caucus."
Source: NBC World Now on 2018 Mississippi Senate race
Jun 14, 2018
On Social Security:
Work hard to protect people's Social Security benefits
It's #OlderAmericansMonth and I'm reminded how important Social Security is to many of our family, friends and neighbors.
1 in 5 Mississippi residents are receiving Social Security benefits. I will do everything in my power to protect this crucial safety net.
Source: Twitter posting on 2018 Mississippi Senate race
May 17, 2018
On Drugs:
In favor of legalizing medical marijuana
[On a call-in show]: "I can tell you that I am in favor of legalizing medical marijuana that can be prescribed while under a doctor's care," he said answering a caller's question. "I know that medical marijuana has benefits for patients suffering from
PTSD and for folks experiencing pain." Baria stopped short of supporting legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes. "I am in favor of leaving it to the states and keeping the federal prosecutors out of states where it has been legalized," he said.
Source: Jackson Free Press on 2018 Mississippi Senate race
May 8, 2018
On Environment:
Prioritize protecting the environment, but no us-vs.-them
Baria describes himself as practical--no Don Quixote tilting at windmills. "We can no longer tolerate the 'us vs. them' politics that have dominated in Mississippi." Baria said he wants to work on issues that
he says will unite the state and will move it ahead economically. During the course of the event he voices support for increasing the minimum wage, protecting the environment and expanding Medicaid to cover primarily the working poor.
Source: Jackson Free Press on 2018 Mississippi Senate race
May 8, 2018
On Gun Control:
I support 2nd Amendment along with rest of Bill of Rights
Describing himself as a gun owner and hunter,
Baria tells a questioner, "I support the Second˙Amendment, and I support all other nine amendments in the Bill of Rights."
Source: Jackson Free Press on 2018 Mississippi Senate race
May 8, 2018
On War & Peace:
Syria used chemical weapons against its own civilians
Chemical weapons are devastating and should never be used. It is especially horrific when a government turns these weapons against its own people.
Civilians, including women and children, in Syria have been under attack by their own government for far too long. My thoughts are with our troops and their families during this time.
Source: Facebook posting on 2018 Mississippi Senate race
Apr 14, 2018
On Corporations:
Tax giveaways are trouble when obligations aren't met
Every agency underwent budget cuts, some as severe as 18%. These are serious cuts to programs such as emergency management and mental health. Over the past 5 legislative sessions, tax cuts totaling over $620M have been doled out to special interests on
the˙prayer that jobs will result. It is irresponsible to cut revenue when you cannot meet your current obligations. This is the situation--underfunded schools, local hospitals on the verge of closing and roads and bridges deemed dangerous.
Source: Clarion-Ledger on 2018 Mississippi Senate race
May 12, 2016
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021