We are on the brink of Super Tuesday. The original twenty-three Democrat and Republican presidential hopefuls, have now dwindled down to a slim seven and could be even smaller after the results of the Tuesday, March 1st primary elections. With the Kentucky caucus on the horizon and the Democratic primaries in May, let’s explore the current seven candidates. If after reading this you find yourself still confused here is a link to a quiz that will help you find your “perfect” match: http://www.isidewith.com/.
Democratic Party
Hillary Clinton
Positions:
67th United States Secretary of State (2009 to 2013)
United States Senator from New York (2001 to 2009)
First Lady of the United States (1993 to 2001)
Issues:
Supports -
. Common Core national standards
. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
. Raising the Minimum wage
. Raising corporate income taxes
. Apple unlocking the iPhones of suspected terrorists
National Polling Average: 47.6%
Campaign Website:https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/
Bernie Sanders
Positions:
United States Senator from Vermont (2007 to current)
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Vermont's at-large district (1991 to 2007)
Mayor of Burlington (1981-1989)
Issues:
Supports-
. Increasing taxes for the rich to lower interest rates for student loans
. In-state tuition rates for illegal immigrants
. Affirmative action programs
. Decreasing military spending
. Raising the minimum wage
National Polling Average: 42.0%
Campaign Website: https://go.berniesanders.com/page/content/contribute/
Republican Party
Ben Carson
Positions:
No previous political positions
Issues:
Supports-
. Reduce corporate income taxes
. Term limits for members of Congress
. Raising the retirement age for social security
. The U.S. supporting Israel
. Not decriminalising drugs
National Polling Average: 6.6%
Campaign Website: https://www.bencarson.com/
Ted Cruz
Positions:
United States Senator from Texas (2013 to current)
Solicitor General of Texas (2003 to 2008)
Issues:
Supports-
. The Patriot Act
. Term limits for members of Congress
. Decrease foreign aid spending
. Increase restrictions on U.S. current border security
. Supporting Israel
National Polling Average: 20.6%
Campaign Website: https://www.tedcruz.org/about/
John Kasich
Positions:
Governor of Ohio (2011 to current)
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1983 to 2001)
Member of the Ohio Senate from the 15th district (1979 to 1983)
Issues:
Supports-
. Common Core Standards
. Increased sales tax and reducing property tax
. Increase funding for Medicare
. Not decriminalising drugs
. Increasing the military budget
National Polling Average: 8.6%
Campaign Website: https://johnkasich.com/
Marco Rubio
Positions:
United States Senator from Florida (2011 to current)
Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 111th district (2000 to 2008)
Issues:
Supports-
. The Patriot Act
. No restrictions on purchasing a firearm
. Term limits for members of Congress
. Supporting Israel
. Not decreasing the military budget
National Polling Average: 16.0%
Campaign Website:https://marcorubio.com/
Donald Trump
Positions:
No previous political positions
Issues:
Supports-
. The Patriot Act
. The death penalty
. Legalization of marijuana for medical use
. Using hydraulic fracking
. Not raising the retirement age for Social Security
National Polling Average: 34.2%
Campaign Website: https://www.donaldjtrump.com/