A pro-life candidate:
"I am pro-life, but I also realize that there is not much that can be done on the state level with a superceding federal
decision currently in place. I will, however, do what I can. If an opportunity arises to cast a vote in defense of life, I
will certainly act on it. I am also willing to co-sponsor legislation.
I favor keeping the state's abortion ban intact."
A candidate who is pro-life all around (by opposing the death penalty):
"I oppose the death penalty on both moral/ethical and fiscal grounds. In terms of the moral/ethical, the fact that a
number of states in recent years have declared moratoriums because it was discovered that innocent people had been put to
death clearly demonstrates that the system is flawed. I cannot, in good conscience, vote for legislation that would reinstitute
the death penalty in Wisconsin knowing that there is the potential for an innocent person to be put to death.
In terms
of the fiscal, many studies over the years have concluded that the cost of imprisoning a convicted murderer for life is far
less than carrying out a sentence of death when appeals, court costs, and other factors are taken into consideration. It is
less burdensome on taxpayers, therefore, to simply imprison rather than execute."
On TABOR:
"I oppose the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, known as TABOR, because, even though I am concerned about taxes just as much as
the next person, I also understand that things come up once in a while--projects that need to be finished or undertaken, crises
of different sorts throughout the state that need to be addressed. Therefore, the state needs the option of having that crucial flexibility
at its disposal when it comes to taxation, which TABOR greatly hampers. In addition, TABOR hurts basic public services,
such as education."
On sex education in public high schools:
Robertson believes firmly in a comprehensive, unbiased, sex education taught in public high schools. He's a realist who
understands that the behavior of others cannot always be regulated and that sex is just one of those facts of life that cannot
be simply swept under the rug as if it's non-existent. He also understands that leaving this topic solely to the discretion
of parents is dangerous, as many parents try to avoid at all costs "the talk" with their children out of discomfort.
Give students the facts and resources they need in order to make healthier, wiser decisions.
In the end, this is an excellent pro-life policy. It will lower the rate of unwanted pregnancies, which in turn translates
into fewer abortions. Additionally, it will alleviate other social ills that are tied to teen sex, such as the spreading
of STDs, and, in the case of teen parents often times, poverty.
On concealed firearms:
"An adult citizen should be allowed to carry a concealed firearm so long as s/he does not have a felony conviction and
so long as s/he agrees to participate in an established system of accountability that would include periodic background checks,
periodic continuing education requirements (such as a safety course(s)), and of course, a permit.
After tragedies such
as Columbine, Virginia Tech, and Crandon, not to mention the daily occurrences of violent crimes throughout our state and
country like murders, rapes, and armed robberies, the issue of concealed firearms needs to be given fair and full consideration.
Citizens who are both law-abiding and trained should be allowed to carry a concealed firearm in order to protect themselves,
their loved ones and friends, and other innocent bystanders from these atrocious crimes and senseless tragedies."
UPDATE: On the 2008 candidate survey from the Wisconsin Sheriffs & Deputy Sheriffs Association,
Robertson agreed with the organization that retired law enforcement officers
who receive regular training and agency certification should be allowed to carry a concealed firearm.
On school choice, home schooling, and virtual schools:
A Democrat who opposes the proposed Healthy Wisconsin initiative:
"I oppose Healthy Wisconsin, or any similar universal state healthcare plan, largely for two reasons.
The first is that I currently pay under $50 per month for health coverage. My coverage is not tied to an employer, meaning
that I will still have it if I am ever unemployed, laid off, etc. I am happy with this coverage. If a plan such as the proposed
Healthy Wisconsin initiative is passed, that $50 per month will, without a doubt, sharply increase, as it calls for a significant
percentage to be taken from each paycheck. I am confident many others will find themselves in the same position.
The second, yet most important reason here is that, should a plan such as the Healthy Wisconsin initiative be
passed, all Wisconsin taxpayers would be contributing toward the cost of each abortion conducted in the state. It is alarming
enough that Wisconsin taxpayers are already collectively funding all abortions performed for state employees.
A third reason would be that, as absurd as this may sound, there are actually people out there who do not want health
coverage. To them, it is not a matter of not being able to afford coverage. They simply do not want it. Why, then, should
they have to pay for something they do not want, and why should other taxpayers have to contribute toward it, as well?"
On improving healthcare:
"Despite opposing Healthy Wisconsin and any similar proposal, however, I sincerely share the concerns of countless
people across the state and country over the affordability of, and access to, healthcare.
To address these concerns, I favor a combination of tax credits, health savings accounts, electronic records, and legislation
mandating the disclosure of quality-control statistics and prices by healthcare providers. I also support increased tax incentives
for businesses wishing to implement, or expand on, a health/wellness program for their employees, and support the pooling of
resources by small businesses to strengthen their abilities to negotiate better prices for health coverage."
On corporate taxes:
"Greatly decrease the corporate tax rate, but aggressively work to close corporate tax loopholes and aggressively pursue
those corporations owing substantial back taxes."
We need to send a message to companies wishing to do business in Wisconsin that says, in part, 'We thank you for
creating and maintaining jobs in Wisconsin. We thank you for wishing to relocate to, or expand in, Wisconsin. We value you.
As a reward, here's a highly competitive tax rate. But in turn, we simply expect you to play fair.' "
On campaign finance reform:
Robertson is committed to meaningful, bipartisan campaign finance reform.
On a photo ID requirement for voting purposes:
"I do not accept the argument that a required form of photo identification for voting purposes will disenfranchise the
elderly, minorities, and those deemed economically disadvantaged. A State of Wisconsin --issued photo ID card can be obtained
from any Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Service Center at an extremely affordable price. A photo ID requirement is
necessary to combat voting fraud."
On the environment and energy:
"I am concerned about the environment, yet I am hesitant to call for greater government involvement on this issue. I
believe that market forces, combined with a strong and free press, increased education, awareness, and public outcry
are already addressing this issue adequately. I see large corporations, grass-roots organizations, and individuals alike doing
what they can to minimize harm to the environment without government regulations, and I commend them all.
I favor further
use of nuclear power."
On a proposed statewide smoking ban:
"I oppose the proposed statewide smoking ban in places such as bars, restaurants, and workplaces. Though I do not smoke,
I will certainly not punish those who choose to do so. Like my position on further government involvement when it concerns
the environment, I contend that education, awareness, and public outcry are already doing enough. Many, many people have willingly
given up smoking because they know what it can do to themselves and others. Leave the decision to ban smoking up to the individual
businesses and establishments."
On same-sex marriage and civil unions:
"In regards to recognizing same-sex marriage and civil unions, the majority of voters (59% - 41%) in a November 2006
statewide referendum did not want to see either allowed.
The referendum was binding, and, therefore, an amendment
to the state's Constitution prohibiting the recognition of these relationships was enacted. I intend to honor the wishes of
the majority and to defend the state's Constitution."
On the right of states to address the issue of illegal immigration:
"Ideally, state government should not have a role in addressing illegal immigration. The result of doing so is a messy
patchwork, a hodge-podge, across the country, of contradicting regulations, procedures, and strength-levels when it comes
to enforcement.
However, there is no doubt that the federal-level system is not in optimum shape. Enforcement is not strong enough; loopholes
exist; those wishing to
enter the country illegally are always searching for new, more creative ways of doing so; and federal officials, both
elected and non-elected, cannot arrive at a consensus on how to fix the system.
With that said, unless and until problems on the federal level are worked out, I can understand why states are seeking
to address the problem of illegal immigration on their own, and I sympathize with their efforts.
States have the right to protect the interests of their legal residents. They have the right to make sure that
their legal residents are not losing jobs to illegal aliens. They have the right to prevent the loss of commerce within their
borders, which occurs when illegal aliens are sending money home to their families, money that would otherwise be largely
spent within their borders by legal residents (of course, to be fair, there are legal residents who send money to their families
in other countries, as well, and I acknowledge that). They have the right to make sure that their streets are safe from criminal
elements and enterprises being imported into their borders by illegal aliens. We can go on and on, of course."
