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:
On improving healthcare:
"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 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."
