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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
Jobs and economy What should the federal government do to stimulate job creation and economic development? ANSWER OPTION
Support moving forward on free trade agreements to open up new markets for exports, incentives for small businesses to hire new employees and re-invest in their companies and a simplified tax code making it easier for families and businesses to work, save and invest.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
From a statement on Paulsen's campaign website. (More Info)
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Federal deficit Where are three specific areas where federal spending should be cut? Are there any specific areas where federal spending should be increased? ANSWER OPTION
Vote against bailouts, require the Congress to adopt a balanced budget and support a line item veto for the president.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
From a statement on Paulsen's 2010 campaign website. Paulsen does not offer any specifics on his 2012 campaign website and declined to return an MPR News questionnaire. Back to top
Bush-era tax cuts Do you support extending the Bush-era tax cuts? If so, all of them? ANSWER OPTION
Yes, all of them.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
Not extending all the tax cuts would harm small businesses, Paulsen said on MPR's Midday in October 2010. (More Info)
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Issue Question Candidate Position
Farm Bill Do you support the farm bill passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House? ANSWER OPTION
We need reform of a lot of the spending programs in the Senate farm bill before it's passed through the House. Food stamp reform should be part of that.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
Paulsen discussed the farm bill in a debate with Barnes on KSTP-TV. (More Info)
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Social Security What should be done with the Social Security program? ANSWER OPTION
It should be preserved and protected. The government should also support incentives to boost personal savings and investment.

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," Paulsen said in the 2008 campaign. He has said little else on the issue. (More Info)
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Health Care What types of changes should be made in the health care system? ANSWER OPTION
Repeal the president's health care law. Support solutions including: not allowing insurance companies to deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions; paying for quality, not quantity; focusing on prevention and wellness; allowing insurance to be purchased across states lines and allowing small businesses to pool together; leveling the playing field by giving the same tax benefits to individuals as those with employer sponsored coverage; stopping lawsuit abuse so doctors don't have to practice defensive medicine; and repeal the $30 billion excise tax on medical devices.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
From a statement on Paulsen's campaign website. Paulsen also voted to repeal the president's health care law in 2011. (More Info)
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Issue Question Candidate Position
Medicare What changes, if any, would you support in Medicare? ANSWER OPTION
Allow individuals to voluntarily opt out of Medicare Part A when they become eligible for the benefit.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
"The choice to participate in Medicare Part A should be just that--a choice," Paulsen said in a 2011 statement. This change was at the heart of Paulsen's Retirement Freedom Act, a bill that is currently stalled in committee. Back to top
Education What changes would you make to federal education policy? ANSWER OPTION
Support changes that ensure that our education system is accountable to students, parents, teachers, and the taxpayer; support investment in science, technology, engineering and math to ensure that America continues to lead the world in technological innovation.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
From a statement on Paulsen's campaign website. (More Info)
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Energy policy What changes would you make to federal energy policy? ANSWER OPTION
Expand nuclear and renewable energies, build the Keystone Pipeline and become less reliant on foreign sources of energy.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
From a statement on Paulsen's campaign website. (More Info)
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Issue Question Candidate Position
Environment Should the federal government's environmental protection efforts be changed? If so, how? ANSWER OPTION
Offshore drilling should be increased, federal solar energy programs should be cut, permitting for mining on federal lands -- including the BWCA -- should be streamlined.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
Paulsen supported these initiatives in 2012. The advocacy group Environment America says Paulsen supports their interests 17 percent of the time. (More Info)
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Abortion Where do you stand on legalized abortion? ANSWER OPTION
Abortion should be illegal.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
Paulsen received a 100 percent approval rating from the National Right to Life organization, an group advocating for the illegality of abortion. (More Info)
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Marriage Should same-sex marriage be legal? ANSWER OPTION
No.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
As a state representative, Paulsen supported a measure that would have defined marriage as between one man and one woman. (More Info)
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Issue Question Candidate Position
Immigration What are your views concerning immigration? ANSWER OPTION
Do not support the DREAM Act, which would allow some upstanding undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S.

CANDIDATE'S POSITION
Paulsen voted against the DREAM Act in 2010. (More Info)
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