Meet the Candidates: A Guide to the Republican Presidential Nominees
More by Chris Janson - 01/12
Big Dogs
Newt Gingrich 
www.newt.org
Age: 68
Origins: Born in Pennsylvania, raised in Georgia
Religion: Grew up Baptist, identifies self as a Catholic
Background:
Gingrich graduated Emory University with a degree in History. He has long been a Politician. Gingrich was elected to the House of Representatives in 1979, and served on Capitol Hill until 1999. From 1995-1999, under the Clinton administration, Gingrich was Speaker of the House.
Gingrich was a polarizing leader. With a sharp intellect and great public speaking skills, Gingrich became known as an opinionated orator and fiery debater. He is both admired and resented for this quality. Gingrich voluntarily stepped down when he lost support from his own party.
Policies:
Financial Issues: Gingrich’s policy would lower taxes primarily on wealthy individuals and corporations. His rhetoric advocates a reliance on Regan-era tactics and a repeal of recent healthcare legislation.
Foreign Policy: Gingrich takes a hard line against radical Islam while emphasizing respect for the people of the Middle East.
Immigration: In contrast with other Republican candidates, Gingrich’s position is fairly mild. He advocates a mix of border control, visa reform, legalization, and “humane deportation.”
Environment/Energy: Gingrich advocates expansion of the oil/natural gas industry by opening up protected wildlife habitats for drilling. He also promises he would weaken the EPA to encourage industrial expansion.
Education: Gingrich would support charter schools and de-unionization of teaching staffs.
Abortion: Gingrich would cut funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood, but does not advocate legislation banning abortion.
Controversy:
Revelations of lobbying activates have hurt Gingrich’s image. Gingrich’s consulting firm grossed millions in the 2000s. Gingrich was paid roughly $1.6 million by the infamous financial group Freddie Mac to voice support of its financial practices. In the face of criticism from the left and right, Gingrich asserts he only provided the company historical advice.
Furthermore, Gingrich was paid roughly $37 million by drug empires like Pfizer and Astra Zenica to advocate a Medicare proposal that would bring the companies $395 Billion. Opponents have thus labeled Gingrich as a stereotypical Washington bureaucrat–an insider, or business-as-usual politician.
Gingrich also has a questionable marital history, and has been married thrice. Gingrich supposedly approached his first wife for divorce papers while she was hospitalized with a terminal case of uterine cancer. It is believed Gingrich already knew his second wife at the time. Gingrich obtained his second divorce in 2000 and remarried the same year. Gingrich and his third wife are still together, and he has voiced remorse over mistakes he says he has made.
Mitt Romney 
www.mittromney.com
Age: 64
Origins: Born in Colorado, grew up in Detroit, has lived in Massachusetts for 30+ years
Religion: Mormon
Background:
Romney came from a powerful family. His father was the CEO of American Auto and elected twice Governor of Michigan. Professionally, Romney’s background is business. He spent two decades heading Bain & Company and Bain Capital, highly profitable investment firms. Romney touts this economic experience as a unique strength among candidates.
Romney lost a 1994 senatorial campaign to Ted Kennedy, but was elected the Governor of Massachusetts in 2002. After serving one term, Romney announced presidential aspirations. This is Romney’s second go at the Republican nomination. Romney comes off as a moderate-conservative candidate.
Policies:
Financial issues: Unlike his competitors, Romney does not advocate immediately changing personal taxes. He suggests cutting the Capital Gains Tax for those earning under $200,000 and lowering the Corporate Tax Rate from 35% to 25%. He promises a vague “conservative overhaul over the long term.” Romney also promises de-regulation and repeal of “Obamacare.”
Foreign Policy: Romney’s premise, according to his website, is that “when America is strong, the world is safer.” Accordingly, his rhetoric is largely militaristic. Romney advocates increasing military presence near Russia, China, and Iran as a deterrent.
Energy/Environment: Romney is another pro-drilling candidate. He strongly supports development of nuclear power.
Controversy:
Mitt Romney has drawn enormous slack for inconsistency with his positions. Long-time Massachusetts resident David Probert, 60, summed it up like this: “when people tell me they support Mitt Romney, I ask them which one.”
Romney has reversed his stance on many issues. As a young congressman, Romney painted himself as an advocate for gay rights, but now says he opposes both gay marriage and civil union. Romney was once pro-choice, but now says he is strongly pro-life.
Most puzzling, while Romney denounces Obama’s public healthcare, he passed major health legislation while Governor of Massachusetts. Romney’s plan was a model for “Obamacare.” It even included a public option, a liberal measure that didn’t even make it into “Obamacare.” Critics accuse Romney of lacking any real principle, and changing positions to try to appeal to the conservative base.
Romney’s religious beliefs have also caused controversy. Romney served as a Mormon missionary in France after college and has held leadership positions in his church, including Bishop. Some conservative Christians, who distrust Mormonism in general, have been alienated by this history.
Secondary Competitors
Ron Paul
www.ronpaul2012.com
Age: 77
Origins: Born near Pittsburgh, has lived in Texas since 1968
Religion: Baptist
Background:
Paul received his education in Medicine, and was a physician for most of his professional life. Paul took an interest in politics later on, taking issue with the way Washington dealt with financial issues. Paul has served a total of 12 two-year terms in the House of Representatives since 1976. He is a major proponent of small government and a believer in the power of the free market. This is Paul’s 3rd presidential bid (1988, Libertarian, and 2008, Republican).
Paul is known to stand steadfastly by his principles, both in his public policy and personal life. For example, Paul refuses to sign up for a government pension which he does not believe in.
Policies:
Financial issues: Paul’s conservative stance is clear. Paul would like to abolish the federal income tax, among others. He says he would veto any budget that was not fully balanced. Paul is committed to drastically cutting spending, and would shut down entire government departments (Energy, Housing, Commerce, Interior, and Education) to save money.
A unique position, Paul advocates the disestablishment of the Federal Reserve. A strong proponent of the gold standard, Paul believes the Fed politicizes money and contributes to our debt. He supports alternative “sound money”—money pegged to gold and silver.
Security/Foreign Policy: Paul’s website says “Acting as the world’s policeman and nation-builder weakens our country, puts our troops in harm’s way, and sends precious resources to other nations in the midst of an historic economic crisis.” This differs radically from other candidate’s views, which often tout American exceptionalism and military expansion.
Paul advocates an end to missions like Iraq and Afghanistan in order to focus on anti-terrorism measures that actually keep Americans safe. He supports revising the Military’s budget to eliminate waste. He would also shut down expensive bases in allied countries around the world and cut billions in military nations to other nations, including Egypt and Pakistan.
Paul, who clearly values privacy, opposes the Patriot Act and TSA body-scanning machines.
Abortion: With a background as an OB/GYN, Paul strongly opposes abortion. He is intent on passing legislation that would define life as beginning at conception.
Education: Paul believes education should be controlled by the family and by local teachers, not any centralized plan or curriculum. He is a strong supporter of homeschooling.
Energy/Environment: Paul is a proponent of increased drilling. He says he would also like to remove obstacles in the way of nuclear and coal energy.
Controversy:
Unlike most Republican nominees, Paul has yet to be plagued by a major scandal, and maintains a devoted following. He is known as a fairly radical candidate for his “libertarian” views.
Rick Perry 
www.rickperry.org
Age: 61
Origins: Life-long Texan, 5th generation
Religion: zealous Methodist Christian
Background:
After spending 5 years in the Air Force, Perry followed in his father’s footsteps and became a politician. Perry served in the Texas House of Representatives as a Democrat 1984-1990. In 1989, Perry switched parties and became a Republican. Perry then served two terms as the state’s Agriculture Commissioner, 1990-1998.
In 1998, Perry successfully ran for the position Lieutenant Governor of Texas. When George W. Bush resigned from his post as Governor of Texas to become President, Perry filled his spot. Perry has served as Governor of Texas ever since.
Besides this experience, Perry touts his record as a job creator as a qualification for nomination. According to his campaign’s figures, “nearly 40% of all net new American jobs have been created in his home state.” He positions himself as an unapologetic fiscal and social ultra-conservative.
Policies:
Financial issues: Perry takes a familiar conservative stance: simplify the tax code, lower corporate taxes, reduce federal spending, reduce regulatory “red tape,” etc. Perry voices a unique amount of interest in Medicare/Social Security reform, with a goal of strengthening the programs in the long run. Perry is a vehement opponent of “Obamacare.”
Security/foreign policy: Perry’s website declares he has “an unshakeable belief in American exceptionalism.” His views reflect this belief. An Air Force vet, Perry believes military spending cuts are “dangerous.” He believes the military should be bolstered and maintain a strong international presence.
His plans for use of this powerful military are vague, and Perry offers up few solutions on how to improve relations with other countries. Perry takes a hard line against Iran and Syria.
As governor of Texas, it is no surprise Perry preaches boarder control. His plan involves deployment and training of guardsmen to the boarder, as well as “expedited” construction of “strategic fencing”
Social issues: Perry is extremely pro-life, and would pursue a number of anti-abortion legal measures if elected. Perry takes a hard line against homosexuality, and would pursue legal measures to federally ban gay marriage. With an “A+” rating from the NRA, Perry supports gun rights, including the right to carry a concealed weapon on public property.
Perry personally believes in intelligent design, and has supported measures to add creationism to Texas school curriculums. Perry has not made this a major tenet of his presidential campaign.
Controversy:
Perry has also avoided major media scandal. However, while his ultra-conservative views are an asset in some demographics, they are sure to alienate some potential voters.
Michele Bachmann 
www.michelebachmann.com
Age: 55
Origins: Born in Iowa, lives in Minnesota
Religion: Christian, Evangelical affiliation
Background:
Michele Bachmann received an education in Tax Law, and worked for the IRS for 5 years. Bachmann first served in public office as a Member of the Minnesota state senate, where she was elected to 3 terms 2000-2006. Bachmann was elected to the US House of Representatives in 2006, and has served there since.
Policies:
Economy: Bachmann's economic plan is generically conservative. She advocates principles like small government and low taxes without providing specific solutions. The crux of her stance focuses on encouraging companies with foreign operations to bring profits home through a series of strategic tax cuts. This idea is not unique to Bachmann among the candidates, but she emphasizes it strongly.
Foreign Policy: Bachmann's website says: "preserving our security comes down to one simple maxim: stand up for our friends … stand up to our foes … and know the difference. " Bachman voices strong anti-Iran rhetoric. She has criticized Obama for involvement with Libya and the repeal of don't-ask-
Environment/Energy: Bachmann has actively supported exploratory drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. She looks to weaken the EPA and open protected lands for energy drilling, mining, logging, and shale oil production as a way to boost the economy.
Abortion: Bachmann is strongly pro-life.
Controversy:
Bachmann and her husband run a "Christian Counseling Firm" which has taken a controversial position on Gay rights. Bachmann's husband has been known to view homosexuality as a personal choice and a threat to America. The group has been charged with offering reparative therapy–attempting to "cure" gays of their sexuality. This stance, some say, goes beyond opposition to same sex marriage and indicates a negative attitude towards gay people and their rights.
Fringe Candidates
Rick Santorum is a Pennsylvania Congressman. Santorum’s conservative fiscal views and ultra-conservative social views give him a profile similar to that of Rick Perry and Michelle Bachmann.
Jon Huntsman was the US Ambassador to China. Huntsman is a mild conservative. While Huntsman’s financial positions are fairly typical, he strikes a different note on foreign policy issues, with deliberate, intellectual solutions that reflect his background in diplomacy. Huntsman is also mild on social issues, notably supporting civil unions.
