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Troy Downing's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Republican for U.S. House (MT) - District 2

Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.
What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2024.

  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We are all concerned about the amount of money spent on campaigns. But, this is a First Amendment issue. I am not willing to deviate from the black and white of the constitution. The further we move from the constitution, the more problems we create." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "The best way to create economic growth and opportunity is to get the government out of our way and allow us to keep more of our earnings." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Why student debt? Why not mortgage debt to help people stay in their houses? Why not credit card debt to help those most vulnerable? Why reward those who borrowed and didn't pay on the backs of those who worked hard to pay their debt? It's a ridiculous precedent." (x.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "As a member of the Board of Land Commissioners, Downing has voted to increase access to public lands and promote agriculture and natural resource development by approving timber sales, oil and gas leases, and agriculture projects that grow our economy and create high paying jobs." (www.troydowning.com)
  • "I am an unwavering supporter of the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution. The right to keep and to bear arms shall not be infringed. The 2nd Amendment is about our right to defend ourselves and to stand against tyranny. I am and will always be a vigorous defender of these rights." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you generally support gun-control legislation? "No" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "The discourse on the ACA has been completely backward. We have been arguing about how to insure a broken system rather than fixing the broken system. We need to focus on "health care", not "health insurance". Let's fix the problems that make health care in the US expensive. The problems include tort abuse, pharma costs, hospital billing practices, etc. Let's remove the problems causing soaring health care costs, and then allow the markets to prevail in the health insurance industry. Mandates, are fundamentally un-American. Let's allow Americans to choose what coverage they want and then allow insurance markets to compete." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "We first need to stop the leaking. Secure our borders! Then, abolish any sanctuary cities or sanctuary states. If you are here illegally and caught breaking the law, you are surrendered to ICE for deportation. Once we stop the leaking and remove the bad actors, we need to agree on a comprehensive immigration plan that sets standards, rules, and requirements to deal with new immigrants and a comprehensive plan for dealing with those here already." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "We first need to stop the leaking. Secure our borders! Then, abolish any sanctuary cities or sanctuary states. If you are here illegally and caught breaking the law, you are surrendered to ICE for deportation. Once we stop the leaking and remove the bad actors, we need to agree on a comprehensive immigration plan that sets standards, rules, and requirements to deal with new immigrants and a comprehensive plan for dealing with those here already." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship? "Yes" (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
Pro-life Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
I was the result of an unplanned, teenage pregnancy, this is a personal issue for me. I will always defend the child from the point of conception.
No In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
No In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
I believe we can get more out of our defense dollars by employing common-sense private sector accountability. Currently, spending in government programs is inefficient and wasteful because government programs are all run like government programs. In any case, reduction in defense spending will not put a dent in the ~$21T deficit.
No Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
We are all concerned about the amount of money spent on campaigns. But, this is a First Amendment issue. I am not willing to deviate from the black and white of the constitution. The further we move from the constitution, the more problems we create.
No Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
Yes Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
The best way to create economic growth and opportunity is to get the government out of our way and allow us to keep more of our earnings. Lower corporate taxes allow companies to create more jobs, pay higher wages, and invest more capital to grow. This helps stimulate the economy and create opportunities that help the vast majority of Americans. The best way to float all boats is to get out of our way and allow us to keep more of our money.
No Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
Government is most efficient at the most local level. This starts from the family, to the community, and expands from there. It is impossible for a large central government to understand the unique needs and desires of every community across the nation. We are best at deciding what happens in our own back yards.
No Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
No Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
We need to better understand what the real effects would be before we make decisions that will harm families, communities, and the economy.
No Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
I am an unwavering supporter of the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution. The right to keep and to bear arms shall not be infringed. The 2nd Amendment is about our right to defend ourselves and to stand against tyranny. I am and will always be a vigorous defender of these rights.
Yes Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
The discourse on the ACA has been completely backward. We have been arguing about how to insure a broken system rather than fixing the broken system. We need to focus on "health care", not "health insurance". Let's fix the problems that make health care in the US expensive. The problems include tort abuse, pharma costs, hospital billing practices, etc. Let's remove the problems causing soaring health care costs, and then allow the markets to prevail in the health insurance industry. Mandates, are fundamentally un-American. Let's allow Americans to choose what coverage they want and then allow insurance markets to compete.
Yes Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
Yes Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
We first need to stop the leaking. Secure our borders! Then, abolish any sanctuary cities or sanctuary states. If you are here illegally and caught breaking the law, you are surrendered to ICE for deportation. Once we stop the leaking and remove the bad actors, we need to agree on a comprehensive immigration plan that sets standards, rules, and requirements to deal with new immigrants and a comprehensive plan for dealing with those here already.
No Do you support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes?
Under very strict control, I support the medical use when a proven, clinical need is established.
Yes Should the United States use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a nuclear weapon?
Yes Do you support increased American intervention in Middle Eastern conflicts beyond air support?
Air superiority is the preferred method for protecting our interests abroad. On a case-by-case basis, boots-on-the-ground may be required when warranted.
Support our military, make sure they have the resources needed to win the fight & Reform the VA make sure our vets get the care they deserve when they come home. Help grow the economy by lowering taxes & simplifying the complicated tax code, reducing regulations. Support President Trump?s America First Agenda by securing our border & stopping Illegal Immigration All of the above will be funded by reducing regulations, lowering taxes, and stimulating the economy. If we allow Americans and American business to thrive and grow, we create the ability to reduce deficits and fund programs. Remove government waste.

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