SELF DEFENSE: In favor of repealing the existing law and abolishing the ballistic fingerprint system; repealing the existing law and abolishing the integrated mechanical lock and "smart gun" mandates; revising the existing law and recognizing self-defense as a "Good and Substantial" reason for a citizen to be issued a permit to carry a concealed handgun; revising the existing law to add a requirement that the Maryland State Police "Shall Issue" a permit to carry a concealed firearm for the purpose of self-defense to any citizen who is of legal age and not otherwise prohibited from owning or possessing a regulated firearm; and repealing the existing law requiring that a citizen first attempt to retreat before taking defensive action when under violent attack and replace it with language stipulating that private citizens have no duty to retreat when confronted by a violent attacker. I promise to sponsor or support new legislation to prohibit the police, the military and/or other government agencies from confiscating privately-owned firearms during or following natural disasters or periods of civil unrest and to make permits to carry a concealed firearm issued by other states valid in Maryland.
MARRIAGE: Members of the General Assembly should maintain the state's current definition of marriage and oppose legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage.
ABORTION: Abortion should be prohibited except when it is necessary to prevent the death of the mother, in cases of incest committed against a minor, and in reported cases of forcible rape. There need to be realistic programs to support women with unwanted pregnancies so they can carry that pregnancy to full term and deliver a child who will be welcomed by those seeking to adopt. The Federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires states to create health care insurance exchanges, but allows them to opt out of providing abortion coverage through health plans on the exchange. The General Assembly should pass a law exercising this option, so state taxpayers and participants in the exchange will not be required to pay for abortions in their insurance plans. The General Assembly should require abortion clinics to meet the same state health and safety regulations as ambulatory surgical facilities. I would support legislation requiring an abortionist who performs an ultrasound prior to performing an abortion to offer the mother the opportunity to see the active untrasound image of her unborn baby is she elects to do so.
DELEGATE PAT MCDONOUGH: I have pledged to support his Citizens' Rights Act to be introduced in the Maryland 2011 General Assembly session. This Act is modeled after Arizona Bill 1070, which is designed to protect the citizens and work to strengthen immigration laws.
TAXPAYER PROTECTION PLEDGE: I have signed this pledge that I will oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.