Kevin Cramer in Congressional 2012 Political Courage Test

On Civil Rights: Marriage is defined in Scripture

A: Marriage is defined in Scripture and tradition. Its definition is not subject to politicians.

On Crime: 100% pro-life includes opposing death penalty

A: No. This is an issue where my position has evolved over the years. I do not believe the threat of death deters crime. I am 100% pro-life

On Government Reform: First Amendment is clear: unregulated campaign contributions

A: No. The First Amendment to the Constitution is clear on this and has been upheld by the Supreme Court. While I support full disclosure for candidate and direct contributions, what other organizations, liberal and conservative, do to promote their beliefs is up to them. We are free people and it should be left that way.

On Health Care: ObamaCare is an insult to the constitution

A: No. ObamaCare is an insult to the constitution and the conscience. We need a healthcare policy that puts decisions in the hands of physicians and patients. We must apply market forces with competition and incentives to be healthy. Current policy incents people to be sick. We should also cap malpractice awards and get lawyers out of the medical profession.

On Homeland Security: Every agency, including defense, should cut programs

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?

A: No.

Q: Do you support reducing Medicaid spending?

A: No.

Q: Do you support reducing Medicare spending?

A: No.

Q: Is balancing the budget a legislative priority?

A: Yes. Balancing the budget with major cuts in discretionary spending and reforming entitlements is a very high priority. Every agency, including Defense, should prioritize spending, cut unnecessary programs and find efficiencies. Income taxes should be flattened to eliminate loopholes and create certainty. Entitlements must be reformed for the long run while ensuring we maintain our commitment to seniors who have spent their lives paying into the system with a specific expectation.

On Immigration: Harder for illegals to get benefits & become citizens

A: No.

Q: Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration law by state and local police?

A: Yes. It should not be easier for someone in the country illegally to acquire benefits than it is for an immigrant here legally to become a citizen.

On Social Security: Allow future workers to invest more of their own money

A: Yes. Social Security ought to be preserved and made available as promised to seniors and soon-to-be seniors who have paid in with an expectation of receiving benefits. We should implement a program to reform and save it for future generations. Included in the reforms should be means testing, raising retirement age and allowing workers to invest more of their own money.

On War & Peace: Withdraw from Afghanistan, but no timetable

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support a timetable for withdrawal from Afghanistan?

A: No. While I support the original commitment of troops in Afghanistan, it is time to withdraw within a time frame determined by military leaders and elected officials. This time line should not be telegraphed to the enemy or the world.

On War & Peace: Military force OK to prevent Iranian nukes

A: Yes, if necessary to defend the liberty of Americans.