There are 17 candidates fighting for the coveted nomination spot on the November 2016 Presidential ballot and last week was the first presidential debate between the top 10 Republican candidates. Even though the final election is 15 months away it’s good to be informed now to help ensure the best candidate earns the coveted nomination spot on the ballot and potentially the role as our leader for the next 4 years. If you’re like me find it impossible to understand anything in 140 character segments on twitter of opinions and out of context quotes and just want to know where these men stand on key issues you’re in the right place. After reading the overviews below I strongly encourage you to research more and learn more about the candidates that interest you.
Here’s the low down on the current top 10:
Donald Trump the former reality TV star and real-estate billionaire businessman prides himself on not practicing, preparing or being coached. Easily the most well-known candidate has been the spotlight topic for the Republican Party for his less than politically correct statements but yet holds the top spot for the nomination. His plans include constructing a wall along the Mexico border to control illegal immigration, stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear warfare and standing strong against ISIS. He also has an innovative plan to implement two minimum wages, one for students and one for anyone raising children.
Former Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida, yes there’s another Bush, son to former President George H. W. Bush and brother to former President George W. Bush. Jeb is aiming to set himself apart and make a great impact on the GOP. As Governor he rejected the Medicaid expansion for Florida. Bush also promoted an enhanced concealed carry law in Florida and supported allowing those with permits in other states to carry while in the state. He holds opposition to medical marijuana and fears the difficult to regulate between medical and recreational would lead to legalization.
Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin is feels a secure border between the US and Mexico is needed and would like to reduce taxes. Walker would like to terminate any nuclear deal with Iran, stand by Israel and spend more to fight for our safety. As Governor he rejected the Medicaid expansion for Wisconsin and opposed gay marriage.
Former Governor Mike Huckabee is an ordained preacher, former governor of Arkansas, and Fox News host. He last ran for president in the 2008 election but fell short with Sen. John McCain winning the nomination. Huckabee’s unwavering conservative views include his opposition to abortion for any reason and maintains a biblical view of marriage as solely for a man and woman. Like most of the Republican party he believes citizens should have the right to concealed carry permits. In regards to healthcare Huckabee wants to shift focus to prevention rather than treatment.
Dr. Ben Carson is the former head of pediatric neurosurgery at the renowned Johns Hopkins. With no political background he came into the conservative political game after strongly opposing Obamacare at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast. He would like to see semi-automatic weapons band from cities and opposes a minimum wage increase. Carson’s stance is that abortion should be prohibited and suggests a worker guest program for non-citizens.
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas is a Cuban-American Harvard Law grad is confident in his political abilities. He strongly opposes firearm access control, ending Common Core education and stopping all current ways for immigrants to enter the US illegally. Cruz’s strong disdain for the Obamacare health system will be an important topic of his campaign. He is in favor of flat tax rate regardless of income and want to hold off sending ground troops to fight ISIS just yet.
Senator Marco Rubio of Florida’s claim to fame is he served as deputy assistant attorney general in the George W. Bush administration. He is a strong supporter of protecting 2nd amendment rights, repealing Obamacare, cutting taxes and strengthening our military to stop ISIS. His tax reform includes reducing those for children, businesses and investment income. He has voted against minimum wage increase and has no interest in mending relations with Cuba.
Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey is also a fairly popular politician for his time in New Jersey and certainly knows how to tell it like it is. He accepted the Medicaid expansion in New Jersey. Christie’s views New Jersey’s gun laws as too rigid and focuses on the mental health system as a solution to gun violence. Christie’s prolife mentality fought for no abortions after 20 weeks. As for immigration Christie opposes a path to citizenship as well as feels relations with Cuba should not be restored.
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky is the son of Ron Paul and an ophthalmologist. He strongly opposes personal government surveillance by the National Security Agency and plans to push hard to eliminate ISIL while also aims to cut defense spending. He feels the National debt is an issue that needs to be addressed and allowing the debt to increase is irresponsible. Paul is the only Republican candidate to support elimination of criminal charges for marijuana.
Governor John Kasich of Ohio has previously worked as a Fox News commentator and investment banker. Kasich holds a more moderate stance; he is willing to working with Democrats regarding immigration reform and accepted the Medicaid expansion in Ohio. He also supports the Common Core education in public schools.
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