Select A Candidate ®


Candidate positions: Erik Paulsen

The following positions reflect those used for Erik Paulsen in the Select A Candidate survey. They come from the candidate's public statements, Web sites, and responses to Minnesota Public Radio questionnaires. In some cases, candidiates have failed to respond to inquiries, and their position is noted as "No known opinion."


Issue Question Candidate Position
No Child Left Behind Do you favor or oppose the education program known as "No Child Left Behind?" ANSWER OPTION
I support, but propose significant changes to the No Child Left Behind Act and provide states and local schools with the flexibility they need to improve student and teacher performance.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
We need accountability in education that includes measuring results. I will work to make significant changes to the No Child Left Behind Act and provide states and local schools with the flexibility they need to improve student and teacher performance. (More Info)
Back to top
Universal health care Do you favor or oppose universal health care? ANSWER OPTION
Universal government-run health care is not the answer -- it will stifle quality, hurt creativity, innovation and cost more. Doctors and health care professionals should be in charge of patient care, not insurance companies.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
Consumers need more choices, and more freedom so they can take greater responsibility for their health care. Universal government-run health care is not the answer -- it will stifle quality, hurt creativity, innovation and cost more. Doctors and health care professionals should be in charge of patient care, not insurance companies. (More Info)
Back to top
Stem cell research Should federal funding be used to expand embryonic stem cell research? ANSWER OPTION
I do not support federally-funded stem cell research.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
Rep. Erik Paulsen voted against S.F. 100, which clarifies that the University of Minnesota may spend state-appropriated funds on stem-cell research, including embryonic stem-cell research. (More Info)
Back to top
Issue Question Candidate Position
Social Security Do you favor privatizing Social Security to any degree? ANSWER OPTION
The government should provide any incentives. I support incentives to provide additional savings that can be done on top of regular retirement, whether it's through additional 401k savings, universal savings accounts, that's appropriate.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
Social Security absolutely has to be preserved and protected, without a doubt. That is a contract. That is a bond that has been made with workers through the government. That needs to be carried on. The government should provide any incentives. I support incentives to provide additional savings that can be done on top of regular retirement, whether it's through additional 401k savings, universal savings accounts, that's appropriate. We have almost essentially a negative savings rate here in the United States and people need to set aside a little bit more money for their long term retirement. (More Info)
Back to top
Same-sex marriage Do you favor or oppose a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman? ANSWER OPTION
I support legislation banning same-sex marriage.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
As a state legislator, Paulsen supported a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. (More Info)
Back to top
Iraq War Do you favor or oppose a set date (timeline) for the removal of U.S. troops from Iraq? ANSWER OPTION
It's really pure folly for any congressional candidate or anyone to say that they know best or what the timeline should be.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
"It's really pure folly for any congressional candidate or anyone to say that they know best or what the timeline should be. That's kind of how we got into this mess in the first place." (More Info)
Back to top
Issue Question Candidate Position
Energy policy What is your plan for meeting future energy needs? ANSWER OPTION
We must reduce our dependence on foreign oil and seek public-private partnerships that pursue market-based alternatives, from nuclear to solar to wind to other renewables. This also includes exploring domestic oil and natural-gas resources.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
America's dependence on foreign oil is a national security issue. We must reduce our dependence on foreign oil and seek public-private partnerships that pursue market-based alternatives, from nuclear to solar to wind to other renewables. With the proper incentives, we can jump-start an entirely new job-creating industry of green innovation and technology for the future. (More Info)
Back to top
Listen Now

MPR News Radio

Hourly Newscast
On Air All Things Considered®
Become a sponsor

Most Shared

  1. Temple Grandin explores the autistic brain
  2. 'Copyright trolls' target Minnesotans, accusing them of stealing online porn
  3. Meet 'Big Honza,' Montgomery, Minnesota's 12-foot Czech folk hero
  4. Let's learn the lessons of education reform at last, author says
  5. Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week begins

In The Spotlight

Latest News & Features