2022 Colorado General
U.S. Senate
CANDIDATES
MICHAEL BENNET
Democratic Candidate Information
Questionnaire was sent to the Candidate both for the 2022 Primary and General Elections, and he never confirmed receipt, though we sought to contact him multiple times and by various methods. Therefore, we do not know if the Candidate is even aware of the opportunity to participate in the Voter Guide, or whether he is aware and chose not to participate.
Campaign Website URL: www.MichaelBennet.com
Candidate Email Address: Info@MichaelBennet.com
JOE O’DEA
Republican Candidate Information
Campaign Website URL: www.JoeODea.com
Email Address: Info@JoeODea.com
Occupation/Vocation: Construction CEO
Resident of Colorado: 60 years (Entire Life)
Experience
Your Experience: What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Senator that will benefit our state and nation?
I have over thirty years of experience managing thousands of employees through my construction company. I’ve spent these years with my hands in the dirt of this beautiful state, building the roads and bridges that move our economy forward. I’ve had to negotiate tough deals and ensure that projects move forward. That’s the only way that my employees – and their families – eat at night. One of the biggest problems in Washington D.C. is that politicians haven’t had to work a hard day in their lives. I’m running to be an advocate for working Coloradans.
Vision
What is your vision for being our state’s Senator?
First, we have to defend working Americans. Inflation, rising gas prices, outrageous heating bills, and a housing shortage have all been the result of politicians embracing socialism. It’s time to return to free markets, get government out of the way, and focus on reducing the cost of living.
Secondly, we need to reduce the national debt. I support a balanced budget amendment. We cannot continue to mortgage our children’s future away.
Third, I believe in a strong and secure America. This means a strong military for threats overseas and an effectively equipped and trained police force for threats at home. This is personal for me as my father was a Denver police officer.
States’ Rights
Many Americans are concerned about the Federal government usurping power from the States. Do you believe that the current balance of power between Federal and State governments represents or deviates from our Founding Fathers’ intent?
I believe it deviates – and has been deviating for quite some time. Our federal government has grown out of control and it’s time to reduce its size and scope. I will defend Colorado’s right to govern itself from an overbearing federal government.
Federal Mandates
Under what circumstances, if any, do you believe that the Federal Government should use emergency powers/issue mandates, rather than submit the concerns to the legislative process?
Emergency powers should only be invoked very, very rarely. There are, of course, moments such as wartime when the President must make decisions rapidly, but the vast majority of executive action we see from the executive branch is usually not an acceptable use of power. The legislative branch may be slower and deliberative, but that is by design. Americans deserve to have their voice heard via their congressional representatives. It is my belief that many of the COVID-19 regulations, especially those that came after the initial wave of the pandemic, should have come through Congress and not the executive branch.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
As Senator, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our nation, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?
I was raised a Catholic and I was adopted. I am personally pro-life. I also think the men and women who adopt and provide foster care are real life heroes. It’s time to finish the wall and provide whatever resources we need on our southern border to cut off human trafficking and investigate and prosecute it in our communities. Finally, I believe we need to work with the states to ensure that our nursing homes have proper protocols and systems in place to handle emergency situations – such as pandemics. COVID-19 swept through our nursing homes with devastating effect and we have to ensure we’re better prepared for the next emergency.
1st Amendment
1st Amendment: What will you do as Senator to protect Americans’ 1st Amendment rights to: the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, peaceably assembly, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances, all of which are becoming more difficult to exercise in America (and around the world)?
Free speech is absolute. Period. Much of this rests on ensuring we have Supreme Court justices that are dedicated to an original interpretation of the Constitution. I will always fight to defend the First Amendment against all efforts to censor or ban from our government.
2nd Amendment
Do you believe that gun ownership is a civil right, and what are your positions in regards to red flag laws, magazine capacity bans, legislation that regulates gun storage, and permitless “Constitutional carry”?
I don’t believe in putting any more gun laws on the books.
Financial Policy
With U.S. debt now exceeding $30 trillion and inflation at a 40-year high, what do you believe are the core problems with America’s economic and monetary policy, and what will you seek to do as Senator to correct them?
I am one of the only candidates that has made balancing the federal budget a core tenant of my campaign. When I launched this campaign, the national debt was at $28 trillion. Now it’s at $30 trillion. We are mortgaging our children’s future away for failed government programs that keep people out of the workforce. It’s time for us to cut spending and pass a balanced budget amendment.
War Powers
Although the Constitution gives Congress the sole authority to declare war, this was last done 80 years ago, and since then the President has taken us to war. What are your positions on America acting as “global policeman” and what Congress’ role should be in international conflict, especially in light of the current Russia-Ukraine war, and our nation’s tensions with China, Iran, North Korea, and other world powers?
We are a constitutional republic with checks and balances, not a monarchy with a king. It’s Congress’ job to declare war, even though the president is commander-in-chief. Congress should exercise its powers under the constitution. Overseas military interventions shouldn’t go on and on without the legislative branch’s review and authorization.
Regarding Ukraine, we should do all we can to support them short of sending our own sons and daughters to fight. If they need gear and guns, let us find a way to work with our European allies to get them gear and guns.
Corporate Power
Are you concerned with the level of power wielded by major corporations and their CEOs in America, including the dominant businesses in the crucial sectors of Technology, Pharmaceutical/Medical, Banking, Media, and Food Production and Distribution. What do you believe the Federal Government’s role should be, if any, in limiting this power, while still supporting our nation’s free market economy?
Competition, competition, competition. Government should get out of the way as much as possible to ensure a level, balanced playing field for all. We can of course investigate the need to break up monopolies, but the federal government rarely gets it right when interfering in free markets.
T.J. COLE
Unity Candidate Information
Questionnaire was sent to the Candidate through contact form on website as our staff could not find and email address or phone number, He never confirmed receipt, therefore, we do not know if the Candidate is even aware of the opportunity to participate in the Voter Guide, or whether he is aware and chose not to participate.
Campaign Website URL: www.TJColeForColorado.com
Candidate Email Address: Unknown
BRIAN PEOTTER
Libertarian Candidate Information
Campaign Website URL: www.Peotter.com
Email Address: Brian@Peotter.com
Occupation/Vocation: Project Manager
Resident of Colorado: 5 years
Experience
Your Experience: What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Senator that will benefit our state and nation?
Being baptized in the spirit, and practicing spiritual disciplines, is something that DC desperately needs. Apart from my walk with Christ I count it all as nothing.
Vision
What is your vision for being our state’s Senator?
Standing up for the lives of the unborn, against those who would take it. Speaking truth to power, preaching the good news in season and out of season.
States’ Rights
Many Americans are concerned about the Federal government usurping power from the States. Do you believe that the current balance of power between Federal and State governments represents or deviates from our Founding Fathers’ intent?
Yes.
If it’s not in the constitution it should be a no vote. We can add amendments as needed. This includes roads, education, homicide laws, abortion laws.
Federal Mandates
Under what circumstances, if any, do you believe that the Federal Government should use emergency powers/issue mandates, rather than submit the concerns to the legislative process?
Not one mandate under any circumstances.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
As Senator, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our nation, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?
I believe that life begins at conception. I will vote against government funding of abortion services and will vote to defund Planned Parenthood. I believe no public money should ever be spent on abortion procedures, abortion pills, or embryonic stem cell research.
1st Amendment
1st Amendment: What will you do as Senator to protect Americans’ 1st Amendment rights to: the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, peaceably assembly, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances, all of which are becoming more difficult to exercise in America (and around the world)?
Fight censorship by federal law enforcement working with private industry. End the federal data collection industry. End federalism and the sending of money to DC.
2nd Amendment
Do you believe that gun ownership is a civil right, and what are your positions in regards to red flag laws, magazine capacity bans, legislation that regulates gun storage, and permitless “Constitutional carry”?
Shall not be infringed.
This means what it says. My third grader understands the words.
Financial Policy
With U.S. debt now exceeding $30 trillion and inflation at a 40-year high, what do you believe are the core problems with America’s economic and monetary policy, and what will you seek to do as Senator to correct them?
End the federal reserve, a private organization that is setting a price cap on interest rates. Price fixing doesn’t work for any commodity including interest rates.
To be clear national debt is a bad thing and our number one enemy.
War Powers
Although the Constitution gives Congress the sole authority to declare war, this was last done 80 years ago, and since then the President has taken us to war. What are your positions on America acting as “global policeman” and what Congress’ role should be in international conflict, especially in light of the current Russia-Ukraine war, and our nation’s tensions with China, Iran, North Korea, and other world powers?
We should not be a global policeman. Nor should we fund proxy wars with debt.
Corporate Power
Are you concerned with the level of power wielded by major corporations and their CEOs in America, including the dominant businesses in the crucial sectors of Technology, Pharmaceutical/Medical, Banking, Media, and Food Production and Distribution. What do you believe the Federal Government’s role should be, if any, in limiting this power, while still supporting our nation’s free market economy?
Removing the money out of politics, and reducing regulations will end this power of large corporations. I support capping PAC spending and reducing regulations.
FRANK ATWOOD
Approval Voting Candidate Information
Campaign Website URL: www.ApprovalVotingParty.com
Email Address: Frank.Atwood@hotmail.com
Occupation/Vocation: Retired, formerly mechanical engineer
Military Background: 1967-69, US Army, infantryman, Purple Heart
Resident of Colorado: 22 years
Experience
Your Experience: What experience (personal, professional, other) would you bring to your role as Senator that will benefit our state and nation?
Frank is among the 62% of voters supporting third party alternatives (Gallup, 2/15/2021). Frank believes changing to Approval Voting eliminates the “wasted” vote dilemma. Too often he has voted for his favorite candidate and inadvertently sabotaged his philosophical ally. He voted for Ross Perot, the 1992 spoiler.
He researched alternative voting methods and concluded Approval Voting is the easiest, most transparent method to implement. This is the same method used for electing multiple at-large candidates with only the instructions changing to say “Vote for all the candidates you approve of.” Approval Voting moves us beyond two-party thinking.
Approval Voting has been implemented in Fargo, ND and St Louis, MO and is not used in Alaska, nor NYC.
Vision
What is your vision for being our state’s Senator?
Frank envisions a voting system that displays alternative political parties’ true levels of support. Our current system obscures that. He believes Approval Voting will result in a few major coalition parties and some minor parties advocating for specific solutions to address the next seven topics.
Approval Voting is the solution to get to better answers without a narrowing polarizing mind set. Note: not one person, one vote; but one person, one ballot and on that one ballot: “Vote for all the candidates you approve of.” When friends want to stay friends and are deciding on a movie or restaurant or a church project, they often use a show of hands, which is Approval Voting.
States’ Rights
Many Americans are concerned about the Federal government usurping power from the States. Do you believe that the current balance of power between Federal and State governments represents or deviates from our Founding Fathers’ intent?
Is your core issue States’ Rights? Approval Voting lets you support everyone who agrees with you. Approval Voting will:
- Eliminate vote-splitting. Candidates with similar views will no longer “split the vote” and all lose.
- Match voters’ preferences better than any other system in the country
- Turn every election into an honest measurement of how many voters support each candidate. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d like to vote for that candidate, but I’d be throwing away my vote,” you’ve experienced how our current system doesn’t accurately measure voter support.
- Make politics less divisive. Campaigns won’t fight over voters – they‘ll fight for wider support
Federal Mandates
Under what circumstances, if any, do you believe that the Federal Government should use emergency powers/issue mandates, rather than submit the concerns to the legislative process?
Is your core issue Federal Mandates? Approval Voting lets you support everyone who agrees with you. Approval Voting will:
- Eliminate vote-splitting. Candidates with similar views will no longer “split the vote” and all lose.
- Match voters’ preferences better than any other system in the country
- Turn every election into an honest measurement of how many voters support each candidate. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d like to vote for that candidate, but I’d be throwing away my vote,” you’ve experienced how our current system doesn’t accurately measure voter support.
- Make politics less divisive. Campaigns won’t fight over voters – they‘ll fight for wider support
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
As Senator, how would you seek to protect the most vulnerable in our nation, including the lives of the unborn, the trafficked, and the elderly?
Is your core issue Protecting the Most Vulnerable? Approval Voting lets you support everyone who agrees with you. Approval Voting will:
- Eliminate vote-splitting. Candidates with similar views will no longer “split the vote” and all lose.
- Match voters’ preferences better than any other system in the country
- Turn every election into an honest measurement of how many voters support each candidate. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d like to vote for that candidate, but I’d be throwing away my vote,” you’ve experienced how our current system doesn’t accurately measure voter support.
- Make politics less divisive. Campaigns won’t fight over voters – they‘ll fight for wider support
1st Amendment
1st Amendment: What will you do as Senator to protect Americans’ 1st Amendment rights to: the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, peaceably assembly, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances, all of which are becoming more difficult to exercise in America (and around the world)?
Is your core issue 1st Amendment? Approval Voting lets you support everyone who agrees with you. Approval Voting will:
- Eliminate vote-splitting. Candidates with similar views will no longer “split the vote” and all lose.
- Match voters’ preferences better than any other system in the country
- Turn every election into an honest measurement of how many voters support each candidate. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d like to vote for that candidate, but I’d be throwing away my vote,” you’ve experienced how our current system doesn’t accurately measure voter support
- Make politics less divisive. Campaigns won’t fight over voters – they‘ll fight for wider support
2nd Amendment
Do you believe that gun ownership is a civil right, and what are your positions in regards to red flag laws, magazine capacity bans, legislation that regulates gun storage, and permitless “Constitutional carry”?
Is your core issue 2nd Amendment? Approval Voting lets you support everyone who agrees with you. Approval Voting will:
- Eliminate vote-splitting. Candidates with similar views will no longer “split the vote” and all lose.
- Match voters’ preferences better than any other system in the country
- Turn every election into an honest measurement of how many voters support each candidate. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d like to vote for that candidate, but I’d be throwing away my vote,” you’ve experienced how our current system doesn’t accurately measure voter support.
- Make politics less divisive. Campaigns won’t fight over voters – they‘ll fight for wider support
Financial Policy
With U.S. debt now exceeding $30 trillion and inflation at a 40-year high, what do you believe are the core problems with America’s economic and monetary policy, and what will you seek to do as Senator to correct them?
Is your core issue Financial Policy? Approval Voting lets you support everyone who agrees with you. Approval Voting will:
- Eliminate vote-splitting. Candidates with similar views will no longer “split the vote” and all lose.
- Match voters’ preferences better than any other system in the country
- Turn every election into an honest measurement of how many voters support each candidate. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d like to vote for that candidate, but I’d be throwing away my vote,” you’ve experienced how our current system doesn’t accurately measure voter support.
- Make politics less divisive. Campaigns won’t fight over voters – they‘ll fight for wider support
War Powers
Although the Constitution gives Congress the sole authority to declare war, this was last done 80 years ago, and since then the President has taken us to war. What are your positions on America acting as “global policeman” and what Congress’ role should be in international conflict, especially in light of the current Russia-Ukraine war, and our nation’s tensions with China, Iran, North Korea, and other world powers?
Is your core issue War Powers? Approval Voting lets you support everyone who agrees with you. Approval Voting will:
- Eliminate vote-splitting. Candidates with similar views will no longer “split the vote” and all lose.
- Match voters’ preferences better than any other system in the country
- Turn every election into an honest measurement of how many voters support each candidate. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d like to vote for that candidate, but I’d be throwing away my vote,” you’ve experienced how our current system doesn’t accurately measure voter support.
- Make politics less divisive. Campaigns won’t fight over voters – they‘ll fight for wider support
Corporate Power
Are you concerned with the level of power wielded by major corporations and their CEOs in America, including the dominant businesses in the crucial sectors of Technology, Pharmaceutical/Medical, Banking, Media, and Food Production and Distribution. What do you believe the Federal Government’s role should be, if any, in limiting this power, while still supporting our nation’s free market economy?
Is your core issue Corporate Power? Approval Voting lets you support everyone who agrees with you. Approval Voting will:
- Eliminate vote-splitting. Candidates with similar views will no longer “split the vote” and all lose.
- Match voters’ preferences better than any other system in the country
- Turn every election into an honest measurement of how many voters support each candidate. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d like to vote for that candidate, but I’d be throwing away my vote,” you’ve experienced how our current system doesn’t accurately measure voter support.
- Make politics less divisive. Campaigns won’t fight over voters – they‘ll fight for wider support
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Christian voting
Voting is a simple, yet significant way to do something about public policy in our country. As people of faith, we will be held accountable for our actions, as well as our lack of action. (Luke 12:48)
Biblical worldview
By diligently learning, applying, and trusting God’s truths in every area of our lives, we can begin to develop a deep comprehensive faith that will stand against the unrelenting tide of our culture’s non-biblical ideas.
Vote your values
The issues of the day change. Political parties and platforms change. God’s Word never changes. The vote of every Christian should be based on the principles of Scripture and not persuasive personalities.
Electing righteous leaders
Bad governance and our loss of freedom is the direct result of the church’s failure to disciple. When the citizenry do not seek to be obedient to God’s Law, they vote in wicked and corrupt candidates, who then trample underfoot the God-given liberties of the people.
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