Richard Rist
Historical Details
Position on Issues
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government ban certain "military-style" firearms, such as the AR-15?
"We had a ban from 1994-2004 and the results have been disputed. However, since then the number of mass shootings using assault style weapons has skyrocketed. This fact cannot be ignored. So as difficult as it might be to negotiate with gun groups, I do propose we try it again and see if it helps."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Do you support abolishing any federal agencies or departments?
"Generally I think the federal agencies and departments are fine, although I do think we should always be reviewing the outcomes of various programs to see if they are helping Americans, and never revisiting them. I think it was duplicative to start a new branch of the armed forces for Space Force, and it should be brought in under the Air Force and not a separate branch. Looking into the future the lines between the sky and space may begin to blur and we need one branch of service to coordinate our military response to any threat from above. It sounds cool to have a Space Force, but as a practical matter it is duplicative and limiting on our national defense."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Do you support a constitutional amendment limiting terms for U.S. representatives and senators?
"That's complicated, but I feel like the ability to make a lifetime career out of politics has made many feel the need to win at all costs. The resulting hateful and hyperbolic rhetoric only serves to further divide the country. This decision is up to Congress, but generally speaking I'm supportive of term limits."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government combat inflation by requiring budget cuts to match any new federal spending?
"For"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government combat inflation by capping price increases by large businesses?
"Against"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Do you support mandatory competency tests for federal candidates over age 75?
"No, that should be left to the voters."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government combat inflation by decreasing tariffs on imports from foreign countries?
"Against"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the U.S. send military forces to Taiwan if China attacks the island?
"I could say a lot about this topic, but many don't seem to realize that technology has made invading another country and taking it over very different now than it has been historically. If Ukrain's success has shown us anything it's that maintaining internet access from satellites enables the citizens to communicate and coordinate resistance indefinitely. In the past, an invading army would take the capital and just assume control of the government and the military, and the rest of the country would wake up to a new government and nothing they could do about it. Taiwan is very technologically advanced with many large technology companies. If they were invaded it would could cause an enormous economic impact around the globe. Moreover, just like we have seen with Russia, China would become an international pariah which would destroy China economically. So although it would be important to live up to our previous commitments to defending Taiwan, it acts more of a deterrent. The reality is that it would be very likely that defending Taiwan would be an international effort, much like Russian invading Ukraine. If it ever came to that, America would have to have a debate about sacrificing military forces to defend Taiwan. For now we need to stand by our previous commitments to defend Taiwan."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Do you support a federal rule that would oblige automakers to make 50% or more of the vehicles they sell electric?
"I would have to look into the numbers to form a firm position. A lot would depend on the time frame for implementation, and the status of a national charging network. Also, buyers need to willing to buy them, so forcing manufacturers to produce a set percent without a market large enough to sell the vehicles they produce is not a tenable situation. So while I support setting goals for emissions reduction, I couldn't support requiring car manufactures to to build federal mandated numbers of a particular type of vehicle."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Do you support ending China's Permanent Normal Trade Relations status?
"Covid blaming has caused some very toxic international relations with China that is very counterproductive and we don't need to compound that and cause severe business disruptions that would result from abruptly revoking normal trade relations."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Do you support revising Title IX to limit participation in female sports based on an individual's reproductive biology and genetics at birth?
"There is so much I want to say about the whole topic of sexuality and gender identification, but to answer this limited question, I do think high school and college athletics should limit participation in female athletics to their reproductive biology at birth. Overall, men have physical advantages to women in sports which is why they don't compete against each other. A male who transitions to a woman does not change the physical advantages."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government ban some abortions?
"I fully support abortion rights, but I also think we need some guardrails in the form of national abortion access legislation. A hodgepodge of various state laws is not a viable solution I support abortion procedures up to 20 weeks, which represents a compromise between mainstream republicans open to 16 weeks and democrats arguing for 24 weeks. Beyond 20 weeks there should be exceptions for cases involving the life or health of the mother. I would add that we need to expand access to all forms of birth control and enhance the adoption system and government oversight. From my observation, more money is spent promoting the adoption of dogs that human babies."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government pass a law guaranteeing the right to choose abortion before fetal viability (generally 24 weeks gestation)?
"I have found that both democrats and republicans can agree on 20 weeks. That's 5 months into a pregnancy and seems reasonable and represents 99% of all abortions in 2020. However, as president, I would be open to whatever would get both democrat and republican support."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Do you support increasing oil and natural gas leases on publicly owned land and water?
"President Biden recently used oil and gas leases to stabilize/reduce gasoline prices after the Ukraine war put a stress on oil and gas supplies. What this points to is the caution we should take in reducing domestic oil production. So I'm generally against increasing oil/gas leases on federal land them, but can see how they can be used to stabilize markets during uncertain times, and as we transition to renewable fuels."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government limit certain firearm purchases to residents over age twenty-one?
"I fully support the second amendment and plan to make a pledge about that if I make it to the general election. However, I do feel there is much more we can do to reduce gun violence in this country. My Dad was murdered by a guy who should have never been allowed to have a gun, when I was 14 years old and I've been on my own ever since. So I support background checks,reasonable red flag laws, and safe storage laws. However, I would like to work with republican gun owners to see where we can find common ground."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the government legalize marijuana at the federal level?
"Yes, a mix match of federal and state laws is not a good solution."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government reform Social Security by requiring means testing?
"The solvency of social security is a serious issue as many Americans rely on social security as a primary source of income in retirement. It's one of the biggest obligations the federal government has to all Americans."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the U.S. build a physical wall between Mexico and the U.S.?
"We should have wall or fences where it is practical and helpful, but most of the border does not require a physical barrier. However, experience shows that those barriers only slow people down."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Do you support using military force against drug cartels inside Mexico?
"I would need hear the details from military professionals, but I am totally open to this idea. Cartels are a serious threat to the United States. They have fueled the fentanyl epidemic resulting in approximate 100,000 fatalities a year and untold number of addicts. Moreover, they are a big part of why migrants are seeking asylum at the border, and cartels are heavily involved in human trafficking. I would work with central and south American countries as much as possible (preferably), but with or without the host country's support, I support using US troops to support local law enforcement or unilaterally, I would definitely explore those options."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the U.S. government continue to provide military aid to Ukraine (without putting U.S. soldiers on the ground)?
"Absolutely. This is the most important war in modern times. If any country is allowed to just invade another without provocation, it is imperative that the peace loving world not let that stand. If we don't do everything we can to support Ukraine, who is next? We can't live in a world that everything could be taken away at any time by a foreign invader."
Undecided| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Would you pardon former president Donald Trump if he is convicted?
"That's a great question. I would consider it if I felt it was in the best interest of the country. However, before I would consider it, all of his cases would have to work their way through the court system, and as is customary, he would have to admit to his wrongdoing."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Do you support allowing the federal government to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs covered under Medicare?
"It's crazy that Medicare is barred from negotiating lower prices. That was a clear attempt to appease legislators with big Pharma donors."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government privatize some or all of Social Security?
"The solvency of social security is a serious issue as many Americans rely on social security as a primary source of income in retirement. It's one of the biggest obligations the federal government has to all Americans."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government reform social security by raising the cap on income subject to the Social Security tax?
"The solvency of social security is a serious issue as many Americans rely on social security as a primary source of income in retirement. It's one of the biggest obligations the federal government has to all Americans."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government reform Social Security by raising the retirement age from today's age of 67?
"The solvency of social security is a serious issue as many Americans rely on social security as a primary source of income in retirement. It's one of the biggest obligations the federal government has to all Americans."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government combat inflation by raising taxes to reduce the budget deficit?
"For"
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government combat inflation by repealing or revising the Jones Act to allow more foreign involvement in shipping between U.S. ports?
"For"
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2023
Should the federal government combat inflation by supporting further Federal Reserve interest rate hikes?
"Against"
