Election 2016 Candidates
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Transcript of Election 2016 Candidates
Ben Carson Republican Presidential Candidate
Retired neurosurgeon, Johns Hopkins University
Presidential Medal of Freedom,
Recipient (2008)
Birthdate: September 18, 1951
Birthplace: Detroit, MI
Bachelor’s: Yale University (‘73)
M.D.: University of Michigan Medical School
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Principal surgeon of the first successful opera-
tion for separation of conjoined twins (1987)
Author of 38 books/book chapters
In favor of improving computer technology
and virtual classrooms in order to remain
“potent worldwide leader in this age of infor-
mation.” (2012)
Was named one of the nation’s 20 Foremost
Physicians and Scientists by CNN and TIME
Magazine in 2001
“We have a tremendous amount of technology
available to us that can help us quickly close
the achievement gap that exists between our
children and those in many other advanced na-
tions.”
“America the Beautiful” (book), Jan. 2012
Has close connections with pharma-
ceutical company, Mannatech since
2004 — marketing company that pro-
duces nutritional supplements based
on the concept of “glyconutrition,” a
concept Carson advocates for
Company has been sued on several
occasions, including in 2005 for al-
leged false advertising — Carson will
not publicly address his relationship
with the company
Bernie Sanders Democratic Presidential Candidate
Senator from Vermont (2007– Present)
Former mayor (‘81-’89) and U.S. Representative
(‘91-’07)
Birthdate: September 8, 1941
Birthplace: Brooklyn, NY
Bachelor’s: University of Chicago
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Supports implementation of a “prize system”
to reward medical R&D — pushed for legisla-
tion in 2005 and 2012 for prescription drugs
and HIV/AIDS research
Supports increased research for pediatric can-
cer; co-sponsored “Conquer Childhood Can-
cer Act of 2007” to establish a national child-
hood cancer database
Strongly supports stem cell research
“Embryonic stem cell research has the sup-
port of leading scientists, health care organi-
zations, and patient advocacy groups because
it has great potential to reveal new treatments
and cures for ailments such as Parkinson’s
disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, stroke, and
spinal cord injuries”
July 2006 (regarding President Bush’s veto on The
Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act)
It is unacceptable that Americans
pay, by far, the highest prices in the
world for prescription drugs. We
need to make certain that generics
remain affordable.”
May 2015 — regarding Medicaid Generic Drug
Price Fairness Act
Huge focus towards reducing the cost of
health products/drugs for citizens
In 2013, co-signed a letter to NIH for accelerat-
ing scientific progress towards chronic medi-
cal conditions
Co-sponsored Birth Defects Prevention Act
in 1997
Feelthebern.org—where Sen. Sanders
stands on all the issues
Bobby Jindal Republican Presidential Candidate
Governor of Louisiana (2008-Present)
Former U.S. Representative (LA-01) (2003-2007)
Birthdate: June 10, 1971
Birthplace: Baton Rouge, LA
Bachelor’s: Brown University (‘91)
M.A.: New College (Oxford) (‘94)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Opposes embryonic stem cell research
Has consistently invested in Pennington
Biomedical Research Center in Baton
Rouge — the largest academically based
nutrition research center in the world
— 2008: $50 million investment
— 2014: $6.4 million towards new obesi-
ty and diabetes research program
“We must ensure that Pennington continues to be a
place where miracle cures are discovered for the
world and exciting new jobs are created for our peo-
ple. Our investment in Pennington will help attract
more skilled researchers and provide more than $40
million in earning annually, and generating an eco-
nomic impact of more than $110 million every year.”
2008 Speech to Special Legislature
Recently stated that climate change is “simply a
Trojan Horse” that allows government to impose
more economic regulations (Republican Leadership
Conference, May 2015)
In Fall 2014, released his 43-page Energy Plan
— proposes small-scale “no regrets” programs,
“green energy” R&D investments, and encour-
ages the repeal of Obama’s steps to curb CO2
emissions
(in light of Ebola outbreak) questions the Pre-
vention and Public Health Fund transfers, be-
lieves Obama administration has steered funding
towards purposes other than fighting infectious
diseases — supported House Republican’s
budget proposal to increase funding for CDC and
NIH in FY16 (June 2015)
“When that same government prioritizes funding
for jungle gyms and bike paths over steps to
protect our nation from possible pandemics, citi-
zens have every right to question the decisions
that got us to this point.”
October 2014, POLITICO op-ed
Carly Fiorina
Republican Presidential Candidate
Former CEP, Hewlett-Packard
Ran for US Senate (CA) in 2009—lost to
Sen. Boxer (incumbent)
Birthdate: September 6, 1954
Birthplace: Austin, TX
Bachelor’s: Stanford University (‘76)
MBA: University of Maryland, College
Park (‘75)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Breast Cancer survivor; diagnosed in 2009
Stated that the scientific consensus regarding
climate change is “real and manmade” — but
argues that a single nation or state cannot re-
verse the trend (Political Breakfast, Feb. 2015)
Came out in support of federal funding for adult
stem cell research, as well as embryos that
would have otherwise been destroyed
Stated at the Iowa Freedom Summit (Jan. 2015)
that liberals are hypocrites:
Addressed the importance of basic science
funding, stating how scientists must become
“guides” - believes that the gap between what
scientists know and what the public knows is
widening
“Liberals believe that flies are worth protect-
ing, but that the life of an unborn child is not.”
(regarding medical research)
“Over the years, the federal government
has replaced private donors and corpora-
tions as the major source of funds for basic
science. We have seen an increase in the
money invested in basic science over the
past 5 years. But I happen to be one of
those people who believes that we
should be funding even more, particu-
larly at a time when our national com-
petitiveness and ability to grow and cre-
ate jobs depends on innovation.”
2004 CalTech Graduation Speech
2015, Iowa State Fair: stated her belief that
government must be investing more in basic
science — to cure debilitating diseases such
as Alzheimer’s
Chris Christie
Republican Presidential Candidate
Governor of New Jersey (2010-Present)
Former U.S. Attorney for New Jersey (2002-
2009)
Birthdate: September 6, 1962
Birthplace: Newark, NJ
Bachelor’s: University of Delaware (‘84)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Signed letter in 2010 to Congress stating
increased NIH funding is necessary
As governor, increased funding for adult au-
tism services in 2012
Author of WSJ op-ed, urging for greater in-
vestment in basic R&D
“In the past few decades, as government
spending on entitlements and health care as
a percentage of our GDP has soared, invest-
ment in R&D has been basically flat. Yet it
this exact investment in basic R&D, in
such areas as biomedical research, that
has laid the vital groundwork for so much
innovation in America’s fastest-growing
industries. America will not remain the home
of innovation if we allow our world-leading
research universities to wither on the vine.”
May 2015, WSJ Op-Ed
2014: Criticized the CDC and NIH’s Allergy
and Infectious Diseases Director on control-
ling Ebola outbreak — claimed their policies
were “behind”
Signed the Offshore Wind Economic Devel-
opment Act in 2010 to help push NJ to be a
leader in wind power
— appears to have shifted his view by
repeatedly stalling wind-turbine construction, and
diverting money away from the NJ Clean Energy
Fund
Endorsed New Jersey’s University of Medi-
cine and Dentistry Advisory Committee in
2011 for their plan to transform medical edu-
cation and ensure the state’s lead in biomedi-
cal research
Donald Trump
Republican Presidential Candidate
Real Estate developer
Birthdate: June 14, 1946
Birthplace: Queens, New York City
Bachelor’s: University of Pennsylvania (‘68)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Resorted to Twitter to express disdain for
Obama’s actions to fight Ebola outbreak —
called for travel ban on all flights from West Afri-
ca, despite NIH/CDC advice against this dan-
gerous tactic
Questioned President Obama’s mental health in
reaction to Ebola crisis
Believes vaccines cause autism — com-
ments go as far back as 2007
Criticizes vaccine administration — tweeted,
“No more massive injections. Tiny children
are not horses—one vaccine at a time, over
time.” (Sep. 3, 2014)
“I've seen people where they have a perfectly healthy
child, and they go for the vaccinations, and a month
later the child is no longer healthy. It happened to
somebody that worked for me recently. I mean, they
had this beautiful child, not a problem in the world.
And all of a sudden, they go in, they get this monster
shot. You ever see the size of it? It's like they're pump-
ing in—you know, it's terrible, the amount. And they
pump this into this little body. And then all of the sud-
den, the child is different a month later. And I strongly
believe that's it."
(Fox News Interview, 2012)
Believes and pushes for autism spectrum
disorders to be covered under private insur-
ance companies
Calls women’s health issues “very im-
portant.” (Meet the Press, 2015)
George Pataki
Republican Presidential Candidate
Former Governor of NY (1995-2007)
Former Mayor of Peekskill, NY
(1981-1985)
Birthdate: June 24, 1945
Birthplace: Peekskill, NY
Bachelor’s: Yale University (‘67)
J.D.: Columbia Law School (‘70)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Donated $12 million to Cornell University for En-
ergy Recovery Linac (ERL) research project —
engineering project underfunded by NSF and
believed to create brightest source of X-rays in
the world
Oversaw the creation of NYSTAR in 1999 (New
York State office of Science Technology and Aca-
demic Research) - bridging the gap between
basic science and commercialization
Staunch supporter of speeding research devel-
opment to spur economic growth—-spearheaded
multi-billion dollar biotechnology Center of Ex-
cellence Initiative in 2001, anchored by major
research centers across NY.
“Today is clearly the dawn of a new economic paradigm--
where brains rather than brawn, research rather than
resources, will be the determining factors in the in-
creasingly global competition for growth, investment &
jobs.” (2006 State of the State address)
Advocate for increased mental health coun-
seling and preventative care—in 2006, signed
“Timothy’s Law”, expanding health coverage
to include mental illnesses
Believes one of the most severe public health
threats is the rise in substance abuse among
children/teens—in favor of implementing
stronger drug and alcohol education programs
Supports federal funding for climate
change research (2000 National Association Gov-
ernor’s Policy)
In 2007, endorsed “25x.25”: an effort to
pushing for America's farms, forests and
ranches to provide 25% of the total energy
consumed in the United States by 2025
Hillary Clinton
Democratic Presidential Candidate
Former First Lady and U.S. Secretary of State
Senator from NY (2001-2009)
Birthdate: October 26, 1947
Birthplace: Chicago, IL
Bachelor’s: Wellesley College (‘69)
J.D.: Yale Law School (‘73)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Strongly supports increased NIH funding
Adamant about the dangers of sequestra-
tion for medical research
“We risk losing the next generation of medical
researchers. This impact is not hypothetical. It is
already being felt in labs across the country. We
need to be very loud and passionate about the
continued research funding that is necessary.”
June 2013 Keynote Address, Citizens United for Re-
search in Epilepsy event
Active advocate for AIDS research and
treatment
In favor of increasing mental health services
for older Americans—introduced Positive
Aging Act in 2005
Supports expansion of services for those suf-
fering from autism—sponsored Promise for
Individuals with Autism Act 2007
Supports increased research towards pediat-
ric cancer; co-sponsored bill to establish a
national childhood cancer database —
Conquer Childhood Cancer Act 2007
“Investing in our future is one of the
smartest investments we can make.”
2011, NIH AIDS Conference
Believes in strengthening public health efforts;
taking action against infectious diseases
Strong supporter of increased funding for
breast and cervical cancer research
Encourages using scientific advances to
stem global health pandemics
Jeb Bush
Former Governor of Florida (1999-2007)
Birthdate: February 11, 1953
Place of birth: Midland, TX
Bachelor’s: University of Texas
Republican Presidential Candidate
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
“Florida’s growing life sciences sector is
poised to spur medical advancement and drive
economic development through scientific dis-
covery for generations to come
(November 2006, BioFlorida Conference)
Opposes embryonic stem cell research
In favor of adding a long-term spending initia-
tive that invest in long-term research and de-
velopment
Criticized funding towards women’s health
issues (2015)
Supports investment in life-science re-
search—opened Scripps Research Institute
branch in Florida; help create “biotech
hubs”
Stated his belief that research funding is a
federal responsibility, not state (2001)
As governor, repeatedly cut funds towards
adult mental health for jail inmates
Skeptical towards climate change
May 20th, 2015: “For the people to say the science
is decided on this is really arrogant, to be honest
with you” (on climate change)
“As we’ve cut back with NIH funding and other
types of research funding, we lose the initia-
tive to cure diseases. And I think this is an
appropriate role for government.”
(March 2015)
Jim Gilmore Republican Presidential Candidate
Former Governor of VA (1998-2002)
Former Attorney General of VA
(1994-1997)
Birthdate: October 6, 1949
Birthplace: Richmond, VA
Bachelor’s: University of Virginia (‘71)
J.D.: University of Virginia Law School (‘77)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Former Chairman for U.S. Congressional Advisory
Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities
for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruc-
tion (“Gilmore Commission”) (1999-2003)
As chairman, recommended various public
health strategies, one being that the Department
of HHS develop a public education strategy on the
prevention, risks, and symptoms after a naturally
occurring outbreak.
Was disappointed in how the Obama Administra-
tion handled the Ebola crisis:
Opposes embryonic stem cell re-
search, stating, “We can’t create peo-
ple in order to experiment with peo-
ple.” (2007 GOP primary debate)
Stated in a 2007 interview that his
views towards bioethics issues such as
euthanasia and human cloning fall with
the “pro-life” movement
Opposes prioritizing “green energy”
Believes EPA regulations are “too re-
strictive”
“More than a decade after the Gilmore Com-
mission completed its work, it is an outrage
that the Executive and Legislative Branches
have yet to address issues involving the
spread of fatal disease in a cohesive way,
and the Ebola crisis offers a mere preview of
the dangers of further inaction .”
October 27, 2014—Fox News Op-Ed
Jim Webb Democratic Presidential Candidate
Former Senator of Virginia (2006-2013)
Served as U.S. Marine Corps commander (1968-1972)
Former Secretary of the Navy (1987-1988)
Birthdate: February 9, 1946
Birthplace: St. Joseph, MO
Bachelor’s: United States Naval Academy
(‘68)
J.D.: Georgetown University Law School (‘75)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Strongly supports aeronautic research—
introduced / successfully passed amendment to
restore funding for aeronautic research at NASA
Langley Research Center (FY’08 budget)
“"This research is essential for the United States to
maintain its advantage in aeronautics technologies
and air superiority within the military.”
(Webb Press Release, March 2007)
Voted in favor of Energy Independence and Se-
curity Act of 2007 — co-sponsored amendments
to increase investment in carbon capture and stor-
age technologies
However, supports limiting EPA’s power— in
2011 voted in favor of amendment to halt the EPA’s
ability to regulate greenhouse gases.
Co-sponsored Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of
2007
Supports federal funding for embryonic stem
cell research—voted YES in 2007 to expand
research to more embryonic stem cell lines
Believes in cutting the federal budget by first con-
ducting “bottom up program reviews” for every
federal agency
Supports using technology to attack nation’s
problems, but
"First of all, I'm an engineer. I didn't want to
become an engineer. I went to the Naval Acad-
emy, and they made me become an engineer.
... I'm a big believer in technology and that
technology can solve problems. I believe that's
possible with coal.”
(June 2015, Des Moines Register Interview) "I am not convinced the Clean Air Act was ever intended to
regulate or classify as a dangerous pollutant something as
basic and ubiquitous in our atmosphere as carbon dioxide."
(Senate Floor Speech, Clean Air Act 2011)
John Kasich Republican Presidential Candidate
Governor of Ohio (2011-Present)
Former U.S. Representative (OH-12) (1983-2000)
Birthdate: May 13, 1953
Birthplace: McKees Rocks, PA
Bachelor’s: Ohio State University
(‘74)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Chairman, Budget Committee in 1996 — ap-
proved a House budget that would have cut
(and frozen) NIH budget by 5% for 6 years
2012: as governor, announced a tenfold boost
towards Ohio’s Academic Research Network
(OARnet) bandwidth — to further enhance re-
search and innovation
At the Iowa State Fair (2015) remarked, “we
do need to double the NIH budget and begin
to do the vital medical research, and it should
be a priority of the government."
“Our state has tremendous advanced re-
sources in medical research that are the
envy of the nation, and this is just the be-
ginning. Enhancing our already impressive
broadband network with minimal invest-
ment is certain to reap the benefits for our
next chapter in innovation and growth.”
2012, State of the State Address (OARnet)
July 2015—established Ohio Federal Re-
search Network with $20 million over next 2
years for new centers of excellence and
STEM initiatives
Expanded Medicaid for Ohio
Supports shared medical research
Co-sponsored Birth Defects Prevention Act in
1997
Opposes stem cell and fetal tissue re-
search
Voted against National Competitiveness Act of
1993 that increased the number of NSF re-
search centers
Lincoln Chafee Democratic Presidential Candidate
Former Governor of Rhode Island (2011-2015)
Former Senator of Rhode Island (1999-2007)
Birthdate: March 26, 1953
Birthplace: Providence, RI
Bachelor’s: Brown University (‘75)
Montana State University: horseshoeing school;
racetrack farrier
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research Served as a Republican U.S. Senator; left the party
in 2006 to become member in Independent Party;
switched to Democratic party in 2013 during his 1st
gubernatorial term
Supports telemedicine — adopted the “Medicare
Telehealth Validation Act” in 2002 while Senator
Supports stem cell research; outspoken about
American leadership in medical research
co-sponsored The Stem Cell Research Enhance-
ment Act of 2005 while Senator
Supports NIH-funded work in his home state
— The Rhode Island Idea Network of Bio-
medical Research Excellence (RI-INBRE)
was awarded an additional $18.8 million in
federal funding to expand their program and
promote statewide research capacity in the
biomedical sciences
“Through this important funding from the
NIH, the University of RI will continue to
strengthen the ‘meds and eds’ in our sate. I
am pleased that the NIH continues to recog-
nize the outstanding work of URI and I be-
lieve that are well on our way to becoming a
leader in the biomedical research field.”
June 2014—regarding URI NIH-funding
“Every scientist is saying that the real potential is
in embryonic stem cells. That’s where the real po-
tential is for the cures for Alzheimer’s, Parkin-
son’s, spinal cord injuries, and cancer. If the US
does not fund that research, it’s going to go
elsewhere; some other country is going to
take advantage and be in the forefront of cur-
ing these diseases.”
2006 Senate Primary debate
Favors increased studying/research towards
environmental causes of breast cancer—
introduced The Breast Cancer and Envi-
ronmental Research Act of 2000
Lindsey Graham
Republican Presidential Candidate
Senator of South Carolina (2003-present)
Former U.S. Representative (SC-03) (1995-2003)
Former S.C. city attorney
Birthdate: July 9, 1955
Birthplace: Central, S.C.
Bachelor’s: University of South Carolina (‘77)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Co-chair of the NIH Senate Caucus,
formed May 2015
Supports increased funding for NIH —
voiced concern in 2012 regarding FY13
flat funding levels
In favor of vaccinations and supports its
scientific basis
In favor of increased funding for occupa-
tional and physical therapy—signed Medi-
care Access to Rehabilitation Services Act
in 2011
“The purpose of this caucus is to shine a light
on what the NIH do, inform the American tax-
payer that this a great return on investment—
about 30 billion dollars a year. I would tell the
American taxpayer for the money that we
spend, percentage wise of the budget—and
its a very small percent of the budget, return
on investment is enormous.”
May 2015, NIH Caucus Launch
Co-sponsored legislation establishing
national childhood cancer database
— Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of
2007
Strongly opposes embryonic stem
cell research
Supports renewable energy
Marco Rubio Republican Presidential Candidate
Senator from Florida (2011– Present)
Former Speaker and Majority Leader, House of Rep-
resentatives (2000-2008)
Birthdate: May 28, 1971
Birthplace: Miami, FL
Bachelor’s: University of Florida (‘93)
J.D: University of Miami Law School (‘96)
Chairman for Subcommittee on Oceans,
Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
(2015-2016)
Opposes embryonic stem cell research
In favor of increased development,
stronger stability, and more innovation for
the commercial space sector
“To achieve a new American Century,
we need to reduce costly regulations
that hinder American innovation and pri-
vate sector growth,"
(May ‘15) (regarding Commercial Space Launch
Competitiveness Act; S.1297, co-sponsor)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Supports basic scientific research and laboratory
work , but argues the federal government plays a
“limited role”
Believes strengthening research-business collabo-
ration will quicken research-to-marketplace mecha-
nism
In favor of increasing awareness and treatment for
mental health illnesses
Skeptical towards the science underlying climate
change
"The federal government has a limited but important
role in supporting basic research, and our network of
national labs has long been a leading source of that
research. The INNOVATES Act we introduced in the
Senate would make it easier for our labs to work to-
gether with businesses of all sizes to bring ground-
breaking research to fruition in the marketplace, cre-
ate jobs and help solve 21st century problems,"
(July 2014) (regarding The INNOVATES Act, co-sponsor)
Martin O’Malley
Democratic Presidential Candidate
Former Governor of Maryland (2007-2015)
Former Mayor of Baltimore (1999-2007)
Birthdate: January 18, 1963
Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
Bachelor’s: Catholic University of America (‘85)
J.D.: University of Maryland School of Law (‘88)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
In 2010, co-signed letter with 24 governors to
leaders in Congress, pushing for 3.2%
funding increase for NIH
Supports protecting public health and safety
through health information exchange and in-
teroperable communications
Strong supporter for cancer-related is-
sues — consistently refused to reduce fund-
ing for Breast/Cervical Cancer Screenings
while governor
Introduced his “15 Goals to Build the Amer-
ican Dream” in August 2015—includes ad-
vancing American renewable energy and re-
ducing infant mortality by 10%
In 2007, approved legislation to create Mary-
land’s “Life Sciences Advisory Board” — 15
member panel tasked with creating
strategic plans to ensure continue
growth in life sciences sector
Launched “BioMaryland 2020” in
2009— a $1.3 billion strategy to boost biosci-
ence industry and enhance state’s R&D
“Maryland’s life sciences industry continues to be
one of our strongest economic drivers, creating
high-paying jobs even in tough times and helping
to feed, fuel, and heal our planet with life-
saving discoveries. Together, we can unlock
our future potential, while offering moral leader-
ship in an increasingly connected world.”
Supports stem cell research
Envisions Maryland to be a continued global
leader in bioscience research
Mike Huckabee
Republican Presidential Candidate
Former governor of Arkansas (1996-2007)
Former Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas (1993-1996)
Birthdate: August 24, 1955
Birthplace: Hope, AR
Bachelor’s: Ouachita Baptist University (‘76)
Baptist Minister - Baptist Theological Seminary (‘77)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2002 —
promoted “Diabetes Solution Kit,” attacked
Pharma companies
“Prescription drugs aren’t going to cure you.
They’re only going to keep you a loyal pill-
popping , finger pricking, insulin shooting
customer so Big Pharma and the mainstream
medical community can rake in over $100
billion a year annually”
2002 — “Diabetes Solution Kit” promotion
Believes in changing health, not just
healthcare
Supports increasing awareness for Alzhei-
mer’s Disease — champion of finding cures
and protecting elderly health
Top aide suggests his support for greater
federal investment in scientific research
“Gov. Huckabee strongly supports NIH funding be-
cause Americans rely on its innovative collaborative
research for scientific breakthroughs that will help
find cures for so many debilitating diseases. Hope-
fully one day that will include Alzheimer’s. Governor
believes we must protect and expand critical medi-
cal investments.”
Hogan Gidley, Huckabee top aide, May 2015
Mocked a 2006 NSF study on
how changing ocean conditions
affect animals’ resistance to dis-
ease — considered it “wasteful
government spending”
While running for Senate in 1992, opposed in-
creased federal funding in search for AIDS
cure — suggested Hollywood celebrities fund
AIDS research “out of their own pocket” rather
than federal health agencies
Supported AIDS quarantine in the ‘90’s
Rand Paul Republican Presidential Candidate
Senator from Kentucky (2011– Present)
Ophthalmologist
Birthdate: January 7, 1963
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, PA
Bachelor’s: None
Medical School: Duke University
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Questions science research funding
Strongly pushes for increased transparency
of federal agencies NIH and NSF
In his FY2012 budget plan, proposed
drastic cuts to numerous biomedical
sectors:
— NSF by 62%, NASA by 25%, FDA by 20%, NIH by
20%, Dept. of Agriculture by 49%, CDC by 20%, elimi-
nation of Dept. of Energy
Falsely claims the NIH budget has been
“increasing for years”
Has mocked scientific studies on
multiple occasions
Member of American Physicians and
Surgeons (AAPS) — a group that works
to fight “socialized medicine and govern-
ment takeover of medicine”
Everybody was going crazy about Ebola, and
they’re like, oh Republicans didn’t spend enough
at the NIH. Turns out, the budget had been going
up for years and years at NIH, the budget had
been going up for infectious disease. You know
how much they spent on Ebola? One-40th of the
budget was being spent on Ebola. But you know
what we did discover? They spent a million dol-
lars trying to determine whether male fruit flies
like younger female fruit flies .”
(February 2015, American Spectator Gala)
Similarly, the National Institutes of Health has
engaged in the funding of wasteful projects like
$258,000 on a website for the first lady's White
House garden . In the new Congress, Republi-
cans, the party of limited government, should
propose legislation to eliminate the funding of
wasteful projects--and focus on smart invest-
ments instead. “
(January 2015, POLITICO Op-Ed)
Rick Perry Republican Presidential Candidate
Former Governor of Texas (2000-2014)
Prior Offices: Lieutenant Governor, Agriculture Commis-
sioner, and Texas House of Representatives
(1984-2000)
Birthdate: March 4, 1950
Birthplace: Paint Creek, TX
Bachelor’s: Texas A&M University (‘72)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
As governor, signed a budget that provided an
additional $1 billion to health programs,
In favor of returning Medicare/Medicaid to state
authority
invested $3 million towards the Center for Cell
and Organ Biotechnology
Created the Texas Emerging Technology Fund
(TETF) — advisory committee that reviews po-
tential research projects and makes funding rec-
ommendations
Stressed the importance of university research: issued an executive order mak-
ing the cervical cancer vaccine
mandatory for Texas girls (2007)
Months later however, because
of backlash/criticism, allowed
passage of bill to undo execu-
tive order
"The investment is all a part of the culture
of creation we've nurtured in Texas, built
upon the concept that if you give bright
and visionary people the freedom to
innovate and pursue their dreams,
good things will happen. I could not be
prouder that this life-affirming research
will be conducted here in our state, and I
can't wait to see it put into action."
Sep. 2013 (on CCOB investment)
“University research is the lifeblood of our state’s innovation,
medical treatments and job creation. As governor, I have priori-
tized university research with hundreds of millions of dollars of
state-funded grants from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund
and Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, while
putting more Texas universities on the path to Tier One status
through the National Research University Fund. “
(Op-Ed article, May 2011)
RICK SANTORUM
Republican Presidential Candidate
Former Senator of Pennsylvania (1995-2007)
Former U.S. Representative (PA-18) (1991-1995)
Birthdate: May 10, 1958
Birthplace: Winchester, VA
Bachelor’s: Pennsylvania State University (‘80)
Master’s (MBA): University of Pittsburgh (‘81)
J.D.: Dickinson School of Law (‘86)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Strongly supported the Responsible Stem Cell
Research Act of 2001—requiring Secretary of
HHS to maintain a stem cell donor bank with stem
cells derived from adult tissues, placentas, and
umbilical cord blood; a 50% increase in NIH fund-
ing for this research
However, strongly opposes embryonic stem cell
research - introduced the Alternative Pluripotent
Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act in 2006
In 1998, supported doubling the NIH budget
over a 5-year period (up to $27.2 billion, FY ‘03)
While running for President in 2012, however,
promised to lower federal non-discretionary
spending to FY 2008 levels. This would have
cut NIH funding by 7%
“These limitations unintentionally discourage biotech-
nology research and leave the firms that would oth-
erwise conduct that research in dire financial straits.
Without these firms, the money that is being
poured into research at the National Institutes of
Health (NIH) and elsewhere to combat diseases
such as cancer, AIDS, hepatitis, cardiovascular
ailments, diabetes, and central nervous system
disorders, as well as many rare diseases, will
have a significantly reduced potential to lead to
new cures. We may never know what cures will be
lost without action.”
(October 2003, on S.1773)
Co-sponsored “Combating Autism Act” in 2006
— Called for $176 million dollars annually for the
next five years to support autism research/
screening
Introduced the Biotechnology Future Invest-
ment Expansion Act (S.1773) in 2003 and
2005—encourage biotech research and combat
its financial hurdles
Scott Walker Republican Presidential Candidate
Governor of Wisconsin (2011-Present)
Former Milwaukee County Executive (2002-2010)
Served in Wisconsin State Assembly (1993-2002)
Birthdate: November 2, 1967
Birthplace: Colorado Spring, CO
Bachelor’s: None
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research Supports adult stem cell research, but oppos-
es embryonic stem cell research
Selectively quoted the NIH on campaign website
to distinguish between the two
— however, site failed to mention that embry-
onic stem cells can become all cell types of the body,
whereas adult stem cells are limited to differentiating
into cell types of their tissue of origin
“Scientists have shown us that the greater
possibilities, the real science movement,
has been with adult stem cell research. It
has not been with embryonic. That’s not a
political statement; that’s a statement of sci-
entific fact out there.”
October 2010 news conference
2015 budget eliminates half of the state
Department of Natural Resources science
staff — scientists fear for their jobs; oppo-
nents warn of future, costly environmental
damage
Supports the groundbreaking research
done in his state in the fight against neu-
rodegenerative diseases
“Both of these institutions have conducted
groundbreaking research in this area, and
through this collaboration, they hope to devel-
op ways to not only slow down the pace of
Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative dis-
ease, but also enable early diagnosis. Every
67 seconds someone in the U.S. develops
Alzheimer’s, and we must use every means
possible to fight this disease that not only
kills, but also drastically reduces one’s
quality of life.”
April 2015, Memorandum of Understanding
signing
Opposes “clean power” legislation, as
well as most bills aimed at curbing cli-
mate change
Ted Cruz Republican Presidential Candidate
Senator from Texas (2013—Present)
Former Solicitor General of Texas (2003-2008)
Birthdate: December 22, 1970
Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Bachelor’s: Princeton University (‘92)
J.D.: Harvard (‘95)
Views on Health, Science, & Medical Research
Chairman of the Space, Science, and Competi-
tiveness Subcommittee (2015-2016)
Argues that Earth Science is not a “hard sci-
ence”
Criticizes Obama Administration for increasing
funding NASA’s Earth Science program
Strongly supports space exploration, encour-
aging increased funding for planetary science,
heliophysics, and astrophysics
“Science needs to drive NASA’s mission ra-
ther than the political winds of Washington.”
(Feb. 2015, Senate Commerce Hearing)
The path to achieving cures is long and capital
intensive. Yet often it seems that when it comes
to medical research we are penny wise and
pound foolish. We pay billion and trillions on the
back-end—dealing with the consequences of
these horrific diseases—rather than investing
and creating incentives on the front-end, to cure
these diseases once and for all.”
(July 2015, Senate Commerce Hearing)
Recognizes U.S. biomedi-
cal research and innova-
tion has been lagging in
recent years
Supports the development and investment
in biomedical cures
Skeptical towards climate change — sees
this research as both extraneous and a
“political distraction”