2012 SelectSmart.com Presidential Candidate Selector Positions Mark Sanford (born May 28, 1960) is an American Republican politician who has been Governor of South Carolina since 2003.

Foreign policy and war issues: Supports a two-state resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Source

Security/liberties: Sanford supported the interests of the American Civil Liberties Union 29 percent in 2000. Sanford supported the interests of the Human Rights Campaign 0 percent in 1999-2000. Governor Sanford supported the interests of the Center for Security Policy 79 percent in 1997. Source

Social Security: Opinion not known.

Stem cell research: Opinion not known.

Same sex issues: Voted against H Amdt 1286 to HR 3396: An amendment to suspend the federal definition of marriage contained in the bill when a state, through normal democratic procedures, establishes a different definition. Source
No civil unions; define one-man-one-woman marriage Source

Trade issues: As a member of Congress, Sanford voted consistently for free trade. In the view of the CATO Institute, Sanford had among the best free-trade voting records. Source

Budget issues: Opposes Obama's stimulus package. "It will not solve the problem because us. I think in fact it'll make it worse," Governor Mark Sanford said. Despite a nationwide recession and a state unemployment rate nearing 10 percent, Governor Mark Sanford standing firmly opposed to the president's 800 plus billion dollar plan. Source Sanford supported the interests of the Americans for Tax Reform 85 percent in 1999. On the votes used to calculate its ratings, the Concord Coalition attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 1999, the Concord Coalition gave Governor Sanford a rating of 96 percent. Sanford supported the interests of the Children's Defense Fund 33 percent in 1999. On the votes used to calculate its ratings, the Concord Coalition attaches more value to those votes it considers more important. For 1999, the Concord Coalition gave Governor Sanford a rating of 96 percent. Governor Sanford supported the interests of the National Taxpayers Union 85 percent in 1999. Source

Business & labor issues: "History also shows Depression-era policies of expanding labor-union power and increasing spending did little to improve the economy: We had nearly 20 percent unemployment in 1939, ten years after the stock-market crash. For today’s policymakers, that should underscore how important it is that this administration not pass the so-called card check legislation, which would repeat the expansion of union power that harmed job creation in the 1930s." -National Review. January 9, 2009 Source

Abortion issues: Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape. Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered. Eliminate public funding for abortions and public funding of organizations that advocate or perform abortions. Source
Sanford supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 85 percent in 1999-2000. Sanford supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 0 percent in 1999. Source

Capital punishment: Supports death penalty. Source

Marijuana: Voted to prohibit needle exchange & medical marijuana in DC Source

Gun control: Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns. Allow citizens to carry concealed guns. Source

Minimum wage: As a member of Congress voted against six minimum wage increases. Voted for a minimum wage bill in 1996. Source

Health care: Voted NO on Prescription Drug Coverage under Medicare. (Jun 2000) Voted NO on banning physician-assisted suicide. (Oct 1999) Source

Prescription drugs: Voted NO on Prescription Drug Coverage under Medicare. Source

Environmental issues: Sanford supported the interests of the American Land Rights Association 73 percent in 2000. Sanford supported the interests of the League of Conservation Voters 30 percent in 1999-2000. Source

Immigration issues: Voted YES on more immigrant visas for skilled workers. (Sep 1998) Declared English the official language of the US. (Jan 1999) Source Rep. Sanford supported continuing a guestworker program for foreign nurses through his vote IN FAVOR of the Burr Amendment to H.R.2202. Those favoring the amendment said many rural areas had a shortage of nurses and needed the foreign workers. The 262-154 majority, however, let the foreign nurses program end, contending that there are more than enough Americans trained in nursing to do the job if the pay and working conditions are appropriate. Source Gov. Sanford said,"[w]e've said from day one that while we're a nation of immigrants, we're also a nation of laws - and that South Carolina shouldn't be in the business of sanctioning illegal activity with a wink and a nod. Source

Education issues: Supports national standards and testing of public school students. Supports displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools. Endorses teacher-led voluntary prayer in public schools. Source

Social Security Voted NO on reducing tax payments on Social Security benefits. (Jul 2000) Voted NO on strengthening the Social Security Lockbox. (May 1999) Reduce taxes on Social Security earnings. (Sep 1994) Source

Link to voting records and special interest group ratings. (If available).

SC governor's website