This year’s congressional race features a familiar lineup as entrepreneur and military veteran Catherine “Cat” Ping (R) faces off against longtime incumbent Andre Carson (D) once more for the District 7 spot. Ping, who was defeated by Carson in 2014, is touting many of the same ideas she’s used in past races: scaled back government, a repeal of the Affordable Care Act and a more stringent approach to illegal immigration. Drew Thompson (L), an attorney with more than two decades of experience, offers a “third alternative.” His platform addresses a decrease in governmental spending, limited military influence overseas and an end to long jail sentences for drug-related offenses.
Throughout his eight-year term, Carson has served on a variety of congressional subcommittees, and in 2014, he became the first Muslim to serve on the U.S. House of Representatives Intelligence Committee. His voting record shows a strong, consistent support of most Democratic legislation.
Summary of platforms
Carson
For:
• Expanding Affordable Care Act
• Greater transparency from colleges and universities on employment trends and job placement
• Women’s right to choose
• Repealing “stand your ground” laws
• Same-sex marriage
• Government-enforced affirmative action
• Campaign finance reform
• Higher taxes for the wealthy
• Creating a pathway for illegal immigrants to gain citizenship
• Stricter gun laws
• Enhanced workforce development
Against:
• Stricter drug laws
• Voter ID requirements
• Social Security privatization
Ping
For:
• Anti-abortion policies
• Keystone XL Pipeline
• Increasing the number of oil processing refineries
• More lenient business taxes
Increased domestic border control
Against:
• Raising the debt ceiling
• Expansion of the Affordable Care Act
Thompson
For:
• Reductions in national debt
• Restoration of line-item veto
• Reduction of student loan debt
• Marijuana decriminalization
• Second Amendment rights
Against:
• Government spending beyond budgeted revenues (except during times of war)
• Affordable Care Act
• Income taxes
• The Patriot Act