BALTIMORE -
Name: U.S. Senator Ben Cardin
Party: Democratic Party
Location: Maryland
Website: www.bencardin.com
Please introduce yourself:
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have a strong record of accomplishment and successful track record of working across party lines to get things done for Marylanders. Representing the people of Maryland in the U.S. Senate is an honor that I have had for the last five years. I’ve been a national leader on health care, retirement security, the environment and fiscal issues. I have used my time and my assignments on the Senate Finance, Budget, Environment & Public Works, Small Business, Foreign Relations, and Judiciary Committees to promote policies and initiatives that help grow our economy and create job opportunities for people, including supporting small businesses, particularly in their push to gain access to capital; protecting our middle class and our most vulnerable citizens; maintaining clean air and clean water, and especially helping to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay; expanding opportunities for public transit and energy independence; and protecting civil rights. I have dedicated my life to the basic belief that by putting principles into action, we can give every individual the opportunity to achieve his or her dreams.
Which answer best matches your view?
Same-sex marriage
Should same-sex couples be able to get married in Maryland?
Share your view on the issue
Yes. I believe that there is no place for discrimination in American society. Our country was founded on the core principle that all citizens are created equal. I will continue to work to protect the civil rights of all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation. Government should not interfere in the ability of men and women to marry the person of their choice – the person they love. Gay and lesbian couples should be entitled to the same benefits as heterosexual couples, including tax benefits, rights of inheritance, health insurance, and marriage. As a former member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a long-time supporter of equal rights, I am a proud co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act (S. 598) that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
Illegal immigration/In-state tuition DREAM Act
Should Maryland offer in-state tuition for college to undocumented immigrants?
Summarize your view on the issue
America’s immigration system is broken and must be fixed through comprehensive immigration reform. Our system must be fair and compassionate while still respecting a legal and orderly process.
While an advocate for a more holistic approach to immigration reform, I am a cosponsor of the federal DREAM Act and a supporter of the Maryland ballot initiative.
Should Maryland allow another casino to be built in Prince George’s County?
Summarize your views on the issue:
This is a state issue that will be decided by the voters of Maryland.
What is the best option for healthcare in America?
Summarize your view on the issue
The Affordable Care Act that was enacted in 2010, with my strong support, moves us significantly closer to our goals of lowering costs, providing affordable, quality coverage to all Americans and reducing our budget deficit. I was proud to fight for health care reform alongside President Obama and I have never backed away from the very good things it has done for our country. Marylanders already have been benefiting from the reforms we passed, including reducing the cost of prescription drug medicines for seniors, ensuring that children cannot be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition or that young adults can stay on their parents’ insurance policy until age 26. I fought for the inclusion of universal dental coverage for children; a guarantee of patients’ rights, including access to emergency medical services; patient choice of primary care providers and pediatricians; and direct access to ob/gyns for women. I also fought for the elimination of copays and deductibles for Medicare preventive services and secured the establishment of the HHS Offices of Minority Health and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities at the National Institutes of Health. Marylanders are finding that the new law provides greater access to essential preventive services and much greater protection for families in times of illness. We acted to stop the abusive practices of private insurance companies and I will continue to fight efforts to rollback health care reform, especially those provisions that already are helping American families and small businesses.
How can we improve the economy in Maryland?
Summarize your view on the issue
My highest priority is to bring more jobs to Maryland and maintain the jobs we have. The federal government has a responsibility to continue investing in programs that boost job creation and help small businesses, all while protecting and supporting
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