Where do the CD1 special election candidates stand on current issues? Here's a guide.
With the general election swiftly approaching, The Providence Journal surveyed candidates in Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District about their views on aid to Israel, the death penalty, protecting Social Security, and more.
Responses from Gabe Amo, the Democratic nominee, and Gerry Leonard Jr., the Republican nominee, can be found below.
Both candidates were given a written questionnaire. Responses were capped at 100 words and have been edited only to conform with Associated Press style.
What conditions, if any, should be attached to financial and military aid that the United States provides to Israel?
Amo: We should not add conditionality to the aid that we provide to Israel. The United States should provide Israel with the resources to defend themselves, including the replenishment of the Iron Dome. My heart is with the civilians in the region whose lives have been affected by the abhorrent terrorism of Hamas — who care about neither Palestinians or Israelis. We should hold Israel to the international rules of war in Gaza and take all necessary measures to protect innocent civilians.
Leonard: We must send both financial and military aid to our longtime ally Israel and respect their right to defend their citizens and their nation. We should not interfere with that right by placing onerous and unnecessary conditions on our aid.
New poll: Democrat Amo has comfortable lead over GOP's Leonard in Congressional race
Should any member of Congress who voted to overturn the 2020 presidential election be ineligible to serve as speaker of the House of Representatives?
Amo: While this question is no longer hypothetical, since the new speaker is an on-the-record election denier, I still do not believe that anyone who voted to overturn the 2020 presidential election ought to have a role in leading the U.S. House of Representatives; they’ve abdicated a constitutional responsibility to protect and defend our nation’s democracy. Democrats need to win back the House so that election deniers, supporters of a nationwide abortion ban, legislators who voted against the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and those who seek to slash Social Security and Medicare have no role in House leadership.
Leonard: Any member of Congress that will work across party lines and who puts the American People first should be eligible for speaker. Americans need relief and I will work with anybody to bring just that.
Do you agree with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse’s proposal for term limits and biennial appointments on the Supreme Court?
Amo: Yes. Senator Whitehouse’s legislation is a commonsense proposal to reduce the amount of political gamesmanship involved in nominating and confirming a Supreme Court justice. I am also a supporter of Senator Whitehouse’s legislation to enhance guidelines at the Supreme Court for ethics, recusals, and disclosures. Dark money and special interests have captured the Supreme Court, and we must do everything in our power to implement oversight so that the American people have faith in our nation’s justice system
Leonard: I do not support Senator Whitehouse’s proposal, as it has not been an issue in the past. I believe this is unnecessary.
More: McKee staffer's pro-Palestine social media posts may put him in governor's crosshairs
Do you support legislation that would abolish the federal death penalty?
Amo: Yes. There is no place for the death penalty in a civilized society. There are too many instances of the death penalty resulting in the death of innocent people, and it has disproportionately been used as a form of punishment for people of color. In Congress, I would add my voice to those calling for the eradication of the use of the death penalty at the federal level, and I would advocate for its elimination nationwide.
Leonard: No.
How will you protect the future of Social Security/Medicare for generations to come? Would you raise the eligibility age?
Amo: I oppose raising the eligibility age for Social Security and Medicare benefits. Protecting retirement security is a top priority of mine, especially given the aging demographics of Rhode Island. It is essential that we ensure that the wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share to ensure the solvency of Social Security at least through the year 2100 and work to make sure that Social Security payments keep up with the specific cost of living faced by our seniors. In Congress, I would partner with Congressman John Larson and work to pass the Social Security 2100 Act.
Leonard: I will fight to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare. We should never break a promise to the American people. We can protect Social Security, by strengthening the economy which will bring in more tax revenue to fund these programs. I would also not raise the eligibility age.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI special election: Where CD1 candidates stand on issues
