Debbie Stabenow in Past and present Senate candidates from Michigan


On Abortion: Countless women rely on Planned Parenthood

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

John James (R): Ban, with an exception for the life of the mother--but not for rape or incest.

Debbie Stabenow (D): Legal. Says has to be a woman's choice.

Q: Let employers withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally?

John James (R): No public statement found.

Debbie Stabenow (D): No. Co-sponsored bill to protect healthcare benefits, including contraceptive coverage.

Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion healthcare?

John James (R): "Supports efforts to defund abortion providers like Planned Parenthood."

Debbie Stabenow (D): Defunding Planned Parenthood would keep countless women who rely on Medicaid from getting healthcare. They're often the only safety net alternative.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Michigan Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Drugs: Time to decriminalize medical and recreational marijuana

Q: Marijuana: Support medical & recreational decriminalization? Legalization is on the ballot as Measure 1.

John James (R): Unknown view of medical marijuana use. Opposes legalization for recreational use.

Debbie Stabenow (D): Yes. "Time to decriminalize medical and recreational marijuana."

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Michigan Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Education: Supports student loan refinancing and Pell Grants

Q: Refinance student loans at lower rates, paid for by more tax on high earners (Elizabeth Warren proposal)? Increase federal aid, like Pell Grants?

John James (R): Unknown. Would "have to take a more detailed look" at student loan forgiveness before commenting.

Debbie Stabenow (D): Yes. Author of Reducing Educational Debt Act addressing student loan refinancing. Voted to raise number of Pell Grants & maximum amount per grant. Voted to make 2 years of community college free.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Michigan Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Energy & Oil: Climate change is real & human activity contributes

Q: Consider climate change a serious crisis? Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?

John James (R): No public statement found.

Debbie Stabenow (D): Yes. Voted for bill stating "climate change is real & human activity significantly contributes." Challenged USDA about removing & changing climate change language.

Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?

James: No public statement found.

Stabenow: Yes. Helps create jobs and grow economy.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Michigan Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Environment: Reverse cuts to Great Lakes funding

Q: Environment: Support cutbacks of Environmental Protection Administration?

John James (R): No overall statement found, but a likely yes.

Debbie Stabenow (D): No, especially cuts to bipartisan Great Lakes funding, that she helped reverse.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Michigan Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Government Reform: Repeal Citizens United; fight big money in politics

Q: Campaign Finance: Require political ads to disclose their funders? Support Citizens United decision for unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?

John James (R): No public statement found.

Debbie Stabenow (D): Yes. A leader in the fight against big money in politics. Co-sponsored updated DISCLOSE Act. "Would gladly repeal Citizens United."

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Michigan Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Government Reform: Voter ID places undue burden on voters

Q: Elections: Support Michigan's redistricting ballot initiative to address charges of partisan gerrymandering?

John James (R): No public statement found.

Debbie Stabenow (D): Strongly supports. Voting districts should be drawn fairly, without "strange configurations."

Q: Voting Rights: Support stricter voting rules like photo-ID requirements?

John James (R): No public statement found.

Debbie Stabenow (D): No. Place undue burden on voters and haven't increased voting integrity.

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Michigan Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Technology: Supports net neutrality

Q: Net Neutrality: Require internet providers to provide equal access to all users?

John James (R): Unknown.

Debbie Stabenow (D): Yes. FCC decision to overturn net neutrality is "terrible."

Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Michigan Senate race Oct 9, 2018

On Corporations: Supported recession bailouts saving the auto industry

Stabenow took to Twitter to attack [Republican opponent John] James and the {Vice President Mike] Pence visit: "When he voted against saving the auto industry, Mike Pence kicked us when we were down," Stabenow tweeted. "Now John James is buddying up to him to raise money. That's wrong. Michigan needs a Senator who puts Michigan first, not Donald Trump and Mike Pence."
Source: The Detroit News on 2018 Michigan Senate debates Aug 28, 2018

On Families & Children: Schools must prohibit bullying due to sexual orientation

Senator Debbie Stabebow is a longtime supporter of LGBTQ equality. She supported marriage equality; the repeal of 'Don't Ask Don't Tell; the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act; and the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which would require school districts to adopt codes of conduct prohibiting bullying and harassment, including on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and religion. Stabenow is also a co-sponsor of the Equality Act, crucial federal legislation that would finally guarantee explicit, comprehensive protections for LGBTQ people under our nation's civil rights laws.

HRC's State Director says, "In a state with 1.1. Million Equality Voters, where a strong majority of citizens support marriage equality and fundamental civil rights, HRC is on the ground mobilizing our supporters in Michigan to reject the politics of hate and ensure that pro-equality champion Debbie Stabenow remains in office."

Source: HRC.org on 2018 Michigan Senate race Aug 28, 2018

On Principles & Values: End the ongoing debate over debates: No Senate debates

It appears Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Republican challenger Pete Hoekstra will campaign for Michigan's Senate seat without meeting for formal debates. The Stabenow campaign issued a statement saying it is "ending the ongoing debate over debates, due to Congressman Hoekstra's refusal to accept the traditional U.S. Senate debates and his constant political attacks."

Stabenow had accepted debate invitations at the Detroit Economic Club and Grand Valley State University, which have held U.S. Senate debates in recent Michigan election cycles. Hoekstra said he wanted debates with more exposure. Neither campaign had accepted the same debate offer, leaving the two campaigns without agreement as the Nov. 6 election approaches. Each campaign has blamed the other for the impasse.

Earlier this week, the Stabenow campaign had said Hoekstra was playing games with the debate issue and that his "antics certainly don't reflect that of someone who actually wants to hold debates."

Source: Michigan Live on 2012 Michigan Senate debates Oct 10, 2012

On Budget & Economy: We waste billions on subsidies for Halliburton

Q: How do we get a handle on federal deficit spending?

BOUCHARD: She’s ranked the #1 biggest spending Senator. It’s a real problem. If a Republican’s going to waste your money, I’m gonna kick it hard. We need line-item veto, her amendments and votes belie the fact that she’s a big spender.

STABENOW: When I came in 2001, we had a surplus, now we have a deficit. The reality is hundreds of billions of dollars in tax subsidies for fuel companies - Halliburton - no bid contracts - this has to stop.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids, x-ref Bouchard Oct 15, 2006

On Energy & Oil: Global Warming is real and I’m focused on solving it

Q: Do you believe in global warming from human sources, and should it drive our policies?

BOUCHARD: Yes, there’s conflicting reports. We could be in a position to lead away from fossil fuels. She filibustered the comprehensive energy package in Congress. We need someone who will lead on that - she hasn’t. She has only one bill authored -- to rename a federal building. I wrote legislation to close incinerators while in the S state Senate.

STABENOW: Global Warming is real and I’m focused on solving it. I cite nineteen provisions which I authored, many bi-partisan. Global Warming is too important for partisan politics. I supported the energy bill from two years ago -- it created real energy boom in Michigan. We have strong agriculture, and ability to tell world to buy fuel here in Michigan instead of Middle East.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids, x-ref Bouchard Oct 15, 2006

On Environment: Authored ban on Great Lakes drilling

Q: What’s your position on the federal role in water quality?

STABENOW: I authored the first ban on Great Lakes drilling. You can’t live here and not love the Great Lakes. We have a serious set of issues on our hands -- we’re tackling a 10 year plan to protect endangered species.

BOUCHARD: Water diversion shouldn’t happen. We need to protect that. We don’t need a lot of money to protect against carp - only $20M. We need someone who will actually get something done to get results.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On Free Trade: End trade agreements to keep jobs here

Q: Has NAFTA lost us jobs? Should trade agreements end and enter into new ones?

STABENOW: Yes. I supported tax cuts for businesses here to keep jobs here. We need to create a race to the top.

BOUCHARD: She’s voted for MFN status for China - but complains about China and Bush.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On Health Care: Health coverage needs to be a right, not a privilege

Q: Polls indicate support for universal healthcare coverage - do you support it?

STABENOW: Healthcare coverage needs to be a right, not a privilege. I’ve been laser focused on working with auto industry to more adequately and effectively to lower costs of prescription drugs. I’ve worked bi-partisan to allow you to bring prescription drugs back from Canada legally.

BOUCHARD: I do not support universal healthcare that the government. But we can and should do many things - such as tort reform.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On Homeland Security: Push to pass the 9/11 Report

Q: Do you agree we will face another terrorist attack?

STABENOW: we need to push and pass the 9/11 Report. I’ve lead the effort to fight for those things that allow our firefighters and police what they need to do their job and keep us safe. We have tripled the number of border security. I’ve brought in dollars for sheriffs across the state, including Mike.

BOUCHARD: That’s just more talk-versus-reality in Washington. I sit on Committee that represents law enforcement - she’s never visited. We need someone who understands security. Security funding has turned into pork barrel spending. They are well intentioned, but no results. If you don’t fix a problem - people die.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On Homeland Security: Critical balance between staying safe and keeping our rights

Q: What’s the balance between civil rights and homeland security and how are we doing balancing?

BOUCHARD: We need to keep our state safe. We can’t give up basic rights to stay safe. I have very big differences than her. I’m a member of the joint terrorism task force with the FBI - what can I do personally to mitigate and respond to the need. There’s a list of things that they need to do and fix.

STABENOW: I’m a member of the Banking Committee that tracks money of terrorists. There is a critical balance between what it takes to stay safe and keep our rights. I’m proud of having the Detroit Regional Chamber’s endorsement because of protecting businesses in Michigan. I’m championing an effort with Congressional colleagues to protect our middle class way of life.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids, x-ref Bouchard Oct 15, 2006

On Immigration: Opposed immigration bill because it cost us jobs

Q: Do you support path to citizenship for illegal immigrants?

STABENOW: I voted no, because it went too far and cost us jobs. I do think it’s important to have border security and legal system that is fair and effective. My focus is on our jobs that we’re losing because of failed policies.

BOUCHARD: Border security is big issue for me. I’m against illegal immigration. 52% of illegal immigrants caught had criminal backgrounds. She voted for and then against border fence.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On Jobs: President should meet with Big 3 Automakers

Q: What is it going to take to get the Big 3 Automakers going again?

STABENOW: We need a president who’s going to sit down with the automakers. This president can’t come up with 30 minutes to sit down with them. We’ve got to get healthcare costs off the back of business. We’ve got to protect pensions, and race like crazy for innovation. We make and grow things in America. That’s what its going to take. We’ve got to fight for those jobs here.

BOUCHARD: She says one thing and does another here. She’s a 18% rating from the Manufacturers Association, I won’t vote to raise taxes, or cut jobs. I’m a small business owner. We need someone who gets it and does results.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On Principles & Values: A clear choice against failed Bush policies

There’s a clear choice [in this election] - my opponent supports the failed policies of the Bush Administration. I support a clear choice and a new way. [My campaign is] about results I’ve gotten for you and your family and the critical fight ahead.
Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On Social Security: Led the fight to stop privatization

Q: Would you support taxing amounts above $94K to shore up Social Security?

BOUCHARD: She voted to give Social Security to illegal immigrants. We need to fix that situation. There are men and women at home who are worried about having their benefits. Committing identity theft is fundamentally wrong. I will stop that. That’s what Michigan needs. Less partisan wrangling, less filibusters. We need results.

STABENOW: Social Security is NOT given to illegals, and I didn’t vote for it. I believe Social Security is a great Amer. success story. He supports privatization of Social Security. I was proud to lead [the fight to] stop privatization. We need to put more funds into that system. I want to keep the security in Social Security. My opponent sent me a thank you note for funding that he received as a result of my votes.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids, x-ref Bouchard Oct 15, 2006

On War & Peace: We are not in Iraq forever

Q: Any limit on time for our involvement in Iraq?

STABENOW: Most challenging situation. It’s our job to give them everything they need. I’ve been to Iraq, met with Ministers. We are not there forever. The Iraqis need to shore up so our people can step back. We’re doing excellent training of their people.

BOUCHARD: We need to do everything we can to bring more stable and safe situation there. We can’t leave it in a vacuum.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On War & Peace: Iraq was a war of choice, not a necessity

Q: Do you support pre-emptive war?

BOUCHARD: I believe we need to take care of any threat--if we have actual intelligence, yes, we need to protect the US. My opponent has failed to protect America, she voted against missile defense. We need someone who will stand up to the plate. I’ve been in Law Enforcement in 20 years. Protection is the most important job of government. She’s not done it.

STABENOW: I supported every defense budget and everything we need to do to protect our families. My opponent didn’t answer the question -- which was about Iraq. I didn’t vote to go to Iraq, because it was a war of choice, not a necessity. I’ve been to Iraq - they are brave soldiers who deserve more than a slogan - they need a strategy.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids, x-ref Bouchard Oct 15, 2006

The above quotations are from Winners and Losers
Senate candidates from Michigan.
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Senate candidates from Michigan
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Click here for other excerpts by Debbie Stabenow.
Click here for a profile of Debbie Stabenow.
Debbie Stabenow on other issues:
Abortion
Budget/Economy
Civil Rights
Corporations
Crime
Drugs
Education
Energy/Oil
Environment
Families
Foreign Policy
Free Trade
Govt. Reform
Gun Control
Health Care
Homeland Security
Immigration
Jobs
Principles
Social Security
Tax Reform
Technology
War/Peace
Welfare
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Page last updated: Feb 23, 2019