NY midterms: Francis Conole answers on abortion, inflation, more; Brandon Williams silent
New York's 22nd Congressional District is among the more competitive in next week's midterm elections. Voters will choose between two Navy veterans to represent the district, which includes Madison, Oneida and Onondaga counties, plus a portion of Oswego County.
Democrat Francis Conole, an Iraq War veteran and current U.S. Naval Reserve captain, will face Republican Brandon Williams, a Navy veteran and entrepreneur.
The USA TODAY Network New York sent the same set of questions to both candidates, but only Conole responded.
Here are details on the candidates and the questions.
Francis Conole
Party: Democrat
Residence: Syracuse
Age: 44
Q: Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures following the Bruen decision at the Supreme Court? If yes, what? If no, why not?
I believe we need to make common sense gun safety reforms to keep our children and families safe. I support measures like universal background checks and red flag laws to ensure that we can keep guns out of the hands of abusers and criminals while respecting the 2nd Amendment.
What, if any, restrictions should be put on abortion? Should abortion laws be left to states or federal government?I support codifying Roe at the federal level. The Dobbs decision that came down from the Supreme Court was wrong and strips away a fundamental freedom. It has allowed for states to implement cruel and draconian abortion bans that put women’s lives at risk. We must reverse it and provide federal protections to guarantee access to a safe and legal abortion.
How specifically would you address inflation?
I believe this is an area that the Biden administration has acted too slowly on. I support common sense measures like suspending the gas tax and allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices to bring down the cost of everyday goods.
Should members of Congress and their family members be banned from stock trading? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Yes, they should be banned.
Will you accept the election results in November?
Yes.
Who won the 2020 presidential election?
Joe Biden
What is your top policy priority, how do you intend to achieve it and why do you think you deserve to be elected in November?
My top priority will be lowering costs for Central New York families. I have a career of working with Republicans and Democrats to get things done and it is what I will do if elected to deliver for Central New Yorkers.
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Brandon Williams
Party: Republican
Q: Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures following the Bruen decision at the Supreme Court? If yes, what? If no, why not?
Williams did not respond.
What, if any, restrictions should be put on abortion? Should abortion laws be left to states or federal government?
Williams did not respond.
How specifically would you address inflation?
Williams did not respond.
Should members of Congress and their family members be banned from stock trading? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Williams did not respond.
Will you accept the election results in November?
Williams did not respond.
Who won the 2020 presidential election?
Williams did not respond.
What is your top policy priority, how do you intend to achieve it and why do you think you deserve to be elected in November?
Williams did not respond.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Francis Conole NY 22 Congressional District addresses key issues
