Samantha Meadows

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Samantha Meadows completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Meadows' responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading-bio-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am a former Membership Manager for the Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland, EMT-I &amp; AmeriCorps Member. I am a lifelong Southern Ohioan who grew up on a small family farm in Scioto County. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Services. \r\n<p>I am running for US Congress because I believe that rural America has been underrepresented in national politics. OH2 is 8,000 square miles and 18.7% of the state, which is primarily rural communities. As capital flows to urban areas, rural folks are faced with geographical isolation, lack of healthcare providers, crumbling roads, and a lack of broadband. The economical divide is growing. \r\n</p>\nAs a rural Southern Ohioan, I know that we have shared values of independence, freedom, common sense, tradition, family, and hard work. We don't want a handout; we want a hand up. We need a Rural Representative for a Rural District.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading-key-message-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Politics is about people. Governing with compassion and empathy is essential in politics. In order to fairly represent people, you must know them. I am committed to consistently engage with the community. I show up before an election and will show after as well. I believe in the power of the people and will work to restore faith and trust in our government.</li><li>I support Workers' Rights and unionization. As an Associate Member of the United Mine Workers of America, I know the importance of safe workplaces, good wages and benefits, and strong representation. I will fight for the Dignity of Work.</li><li>Poverty is not a moral failure; it is policy failure. The wage gap in the US keeps the rich, rich, and the poor, poor. We need policies focused on opportunities for lower income workers to have upward mobility. We need to level the playing field. We must end food insecurity, lack of affordable healthcare and housing, and improve conditions for ALL Americans.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading1-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tPoverty, Workers' Rights, Women's Rights, &amp; Public Education\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading2-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHow the Rural Poor Got Power<br/>\r\nPaul Wellstone\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading3-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEmpathy, Authenticity, Honesty, Integrity, Resiliency, &amp; Courage\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading4-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe core responsibilities for a member of Congress must center around a trusting relationship with their constituents. In order to fairly represent the people of their district, they must listen to them. For me, this means traveling the district and engaging with folks where they are at. Political power must be shared with everyone, regardless of their zip code. A Representative needs to be present in the communities, even in the most rural areas. Regardless of political party affiliation, a member of Congress is the voice of people of their region. They must take that voice to Washington, DC, and legislate accordingly.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading5-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI want to leave the legacy of hope and inspiration powered by enthusiasm and strength to do the right thing. Humankind was created to do good. It is in our very nature to want to help one another. We live in a country that has the ability to support every single American. We have wealth, land, opportunities, and strength. We have everything that we need to make the American Dream possible for all, regardless of a person's zip code. Yet, there is insatiable greed and corruption. Somewhere we lost our way, but we do not have continue down this path. The rich stay rich because they keep the poor at odds with one another. I want to leave a legacy of helping the rural poor and the urban poor. I want to bridge that gap so that they can truly gain the power that they need to have real political power. That is when our country will start to live up to its promises to all of our citizens.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading6-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs James Madison wrote, House members should have \"an immediate dependence on, and intimate sympathy with, the people.\" This uniquely makes them servants to the will of the people of their district. They have a direct connection to promote citizen led government.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading7-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo, I do not think it is beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics. As addressed above, James Madison intended for the House of Representatives to be occupied by ordinary citizens who have an intimate understanding of the people of their district. I believe that politics has become tainted by lifetime politicians who put a party agenda over the people. We need more folks, like me, who aspire to be a member of Congress to improve conditions for ordinary citizens.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading8-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe ending or escalation of the extreme political chaos the United States is currently experiencing will dictate our greatest challenges over the next decade. Escalation will endanger our democracy while well-grounded patriotism will strengthen us. It is the responsibility of our elected leaders to recognize the much-needed unity of our citizens. The global power of the United States rests in the hands of responsible, empathetic, honest, and strong leaders. Overcoming this challenge is imperative in effectively addressing others. <br/><br/>\n<p>Healthcare will be a significant challenge we will face. Modern medicine has provided longevity of life, but we must meet that with the quality of life. We will need to provide quality affordable care to an expanding aging population in addition to younger generations. This gap will require healthcare reform to ensure that all citizens are able to afford the care that they need. This includes Veteran's healthcare and the current negative effects of means testing. <br/><br/>\r\nClosing the wealth gap is a challenge that directly affects all Americans. Wealth inequality limits the opportunities for hardworking Americans while the 1% monopolizes businesses, including the growing expansion into farming and purchasing ag land that will never return to hands of the American farmer. The extreme gap in CEO pays and worker pay is not sustainable, nor should it be. We must advocate for the dignity of work, support unionization, level the playing field for small business owners, and create adequate, fair tax reform to address this issue. <br/><br/>\r\nHuman rights are the greatest challenge we will face. When women's reproductive rights were struck down, it laid the foundation for all human rights to be dismantled. The basic and essential right for a woman to freely make decisions about her own healthcare is a basic human right. This is in violation of the Constitution. <br/><br/>\n</p>\nScare resources, climate change, and immigration are considerable challenges as well.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading9-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading10-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI support term limits, as does the majority of Americans. I believe serving for decades oftentimes creates deadlock in Congress. We need fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and opportunities for citizens from differing backgrounds to serve our country. Term limits could also reduce corruption in Washington, DC and decrease the outside influence of greedy corporations and lobbyists. The argument for experienced legislators can be countered with stagnant ideologies. We term limit Presidents, the same should be considered for Congressional members.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading11-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI do not want to model myself after anyone. I am unique in my approach to politics and people. I have an admiration for various past members of the House, Senate, and President. I realize they were all flawed to some degree, but have deep respect for the contributions of Bobby Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Paul Wellstone, and Jimmy Carter.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading12-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tDuring a bean dinner, following a parade, in a deeply rural district in OH2, I had a gentleman approach me. He was wearing a Vietnam War Veterans hat. He was a small, frail man. He approached me calling me ma'am, reaching out his hand as it shook. I extended my hand and greeted him by thanking him for his service and encouraging him not to call me ma'am because he was my elder and I had the deepest respect for him. He began to cry, pleading with me to help him. He told me that he needed a ramp to his house but did not qualify because he was still ambulatory, although he appeared to me to be barely so. He claimed his VA insurance would not cover it. In front of me was a Vietnam Veteran, frail with age and illness, begging me, a candidate, for help. At that moment, I realized the power of the office I was running for, it was to serve folks just like him. He needed to be heard and helped. As he sobbed, still holding my hand, I knew that this man would get a ramp even if I had to build it with my bare hands. He got that ramp shortly thereafter, he just needed advocacy for that to happen. I will carry that with me for the rest of my life and strive to advocate for Veterans at every opportunity possible. Serving our country is noble and Veterans deserve to retire and age with dignity and respect. I stand with Veterans.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading13-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe compromise is a necessity.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading14-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Origination Clause ensured the \"power over the purse\" would be given to the legislative body closest to the people, the House of Representatives. The power of this role would be used to achieve, as I mentioned above, the will of the people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading15-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tResponsibly. Congress has gotten out of control with frivolous investigations that are for political gain only. The record shows that many of these investigations had no teeth to them from the beginning. This has created a circus type of environment that damages the credibility of our institutions. We must return to electing members of the House who are willing to reach across the aisle to serve the American people. The abuse of the House's investigative powers is an offense to all sensible people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading16-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tUSW1, UMWA, IBEW 575, Greater Cincinnati UAW CAP COUNCIL, Ohio AFL-CIO, OAPSE AFSCME Local 4, AFSCME Council 8, American Federation of Government Employees, Cincinnati AFL-CIO CLC, IBEW 317, ODP, Our Revolution Ohio, Candidate for Vote Common Good\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading17-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tSmall Business, Veterans' Affairs, Homeland Security, Education and the Workforce, Natural Resources, Agriculture\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-202888-2024-08-11\" id=\"heading18-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-202888-2024-08-11\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-202888-2024-08-11\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-202888-2024-08-11\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFinancial transparency and government accountability are critical in maintaining public confidence.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nSamantha Meadows completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Meadows' responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am a former Membership Manager for the Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland, EMT-I & AmeriCorps Member. I am a lifelong Southern Ohioan who grew up on a small family farm in Scioto County. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Services. I am running for US Congress because I believe that rural America has been underrepresented in national politics. OH2 is 8,000 square miles and 18.7% of the state, which is primarily rural communities. As capital flows to urban areas, rural folks are faced with geographical isolation, lack of healthcare providers, crumbling roads, and a lack of broadband. The economical divide is growing. As a rural Southern Ohioan, I know that we have shared values of independence, freedom, common sense, tradition, family, and hard work. We don't want a handout; we want a hand up. We need a Rural Representative for a Rural District. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Politics is about people. Governing with compassion and empathy is essential in politics. In order to fairly represent people, you must know them. I am committed to consistently engage with the community. I show up before an election and will show after as well. I believe in the power of the people and will work to restore faith and trust in our government. I support Workers' Rights and unionization. As an Associate Member of the United Mine Workers of America, I know the importance of safe workplaces, good wages and benefits, and strong representation. I will fight for the Dignity of Work. Poverty is not a moral failure; it is policy failure. The wage gap in the US keeps the rich, rich, and the poor, poor. We need policies focused on opportunities for lower income workers to have upward mobility. We need to level the playing field. We must end food insecurity, lack of affordable healthcare and housing, and improve conditions for ALL Americans. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Poverty, Workers' Rights, Women's Rights, & Public Education Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? How the Rural Poor Got Power Paul Wellstone What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Empathy, Authenticity, Honesty, Integrity, Resiliency, & Courage What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibilities for a member of Congress must center around a trusting relationship with their constituents. In order to fairly represent the people of their district, they must listen to them. For me, this means traveling the district and engaging with folks where they are at. Political power must be shared with everyone, regardless of their zip code. A Representative needs to be present in the communities, even in the most rural areas. Regardless of political party affiliation, a member of Congress is the voice of people of their region. They must take that voice to Washington, DC, and legislate accordingly. What legacy would you like to leave? I want to leave the legacy of hope and inspiration powered by enthusiasm and strength to do the right thing. Humankind was created to do good. It is in our very nature to want to help one another. We live in a country that has the ability to support every single American. We have wealth, land, opportunities, and strength. We have everything that we need to make the American Dream possible for all, regardless of a person's zip code. Yet, there is insatiable greed and corruption. Somewhere we lost our way, but we do not have continue down this path. The rich stay rich because they keep the poor at odds with one another. I want to leave a legacy of helping the rural poor and the urban poor. I want to bridge that gap so that they can truly gain the power that they need to have real political power. That is when our country will start to live up to its promises to all of our citizens. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? As James Madison wrote, House members should have \"an immediate dependence on, and intimate sympathy with, the people.\" This uniquely makes them servants to the will of the people of their district. They have a direct connection to promote citizen led government. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? No, I do not think it is beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics. As addressed above, James Madison intended for the House of Representatives to be occupied by ordinary citizens who have an intimate understanding of the people of their district. I believe that politics has become tainted by lifetime politicians who put a party agenda over the people. We need more folks, like me, who aspire to be a member of Congress to improve conditions for ordinary citizens. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? The ending or escalation of the extreme political chaos the United States is currently experiencing will dictate our greatest challenges over the next decade. Escalation will endanger our democracy while well-grounded patriotism will strengthen us. It is the responsibility of our elected leaders to recognize the much-needed unity of our citizens. The global power of the United States rests in the hands of responsible, empathetic, honest, and strong leaders. Overcoming this challenge is imperative in effectively addressing others. Healthcare will be a significant challenge we will face. Modern medicine has provided longevity of life, but we must meet that with the quality of life. We will need to provide quality affordable care to an expanding aging population in addition to younger generations. This gap will require healthcare reform to ensure that all citizens are able to afford the care that they need. This includes Veteran's healthcare and the current negative effects of means testing. Closing the wealth gap is a challenge that directly affects all Americans. Wealth inequality limits the opportunities for hardworking Americans while the 1% monopolizes businesses, including the growing expansion into farming and purchasing ag land that will never return to hands of the American farmer. The extreme gap in CEO pays and worker pay is not sustainable, nor should it be. We must advocate for the dignity of work, support unionization, level the playing field for small business owners, and create adequate, fair tax reform to address this issue. Human rights are the greatest challenge we will face. When women's reproductive rights were struck down, it laid the foundation for all human rights to be dismantled. The basic and essential right for a woman to freely make decisions about her own healthcare is a basic human right. This is in violation of the Constitution. Scare resources, climate change, and immigration are considerable challenges as well. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes. What are your thoughts on term limits? I support term limits, as does the majority of Americans. I believe serving for decades oftentimes creates deadlock in Congress. We need fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and opportunities for citizens from differing backgrounds to serve our country. Term limits could also reduce corruption in Washington, DC and decrease the outside influence of greedy corporations and lobbyists. The argument for experienced legislators can be countered with stagnant ideologies. We term limit Presidents, the same should be considered for Congressional members. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? I do not want to model myself after anyone. I am unique in my approach to politics and people. I have an admiration for various past members of the House, Senate, and President. I realize they were all flawed to some degree, but have deep respect for the contributions of Bobby Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Paul Wellstone, and Jimmy Carter. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? During a bean dinner, following a parade, in a deeply rural district in OH2, I had a gentleman approach me. He was wearing a Vietnam War Veterans hat. He was a small, frail man. He approached me calling me ma'am, reaching out his hand as it shook. I extended my hand and greeted him by thanking him for his service and encouraging him not to call me ma'am because he was my elder and I had the deepest respect for him. He began to cry, pleading with me to help him. He told me that he needed a ramp to his house but did not qualify because he was still ambulatory, although he appeared to me to be barely so. He claimed his VA insurance would not cover it. In front of me was a Vietnam Veteran, frail with age and illness, begging me, a candidate, for help. At that moment, I realized the power of the office I was running for, it was to serve folks just like him. He needed to be heard and helped. As he sobbed, still holding my hand, I knew that this man would get a ramp even if I had to build it with my bare hands. He got that ramp shortly thereafter, he just needed advocacy for that to happen. I will carry that with me for the rest of my life and strive to advocate for Veterans at every opportunity possible. Serving our country is noble and Veterans deserve to retire and age with dignity and respect. I stand with Veterans. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? I believe compromise is a necessity. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? The Origination Clause ensured the \"power over the purse\" would be given to the legislative body closest to the people, the House of Representatives. The power of this role would be used to achieve, as I mentioned above, the will of the people. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? Responsibly. Congress has gotten out of control with frivolous investigations that are for political gain only. The record shows that many of these investigations had no teeth to them from the beginning. This has created a circus type of environment that damages the credibility of our institutions. We must return to electing members of the House who are willing to reach across the aisle to serve the American people. The abuse of the House's investigative powers is an offense to all sensible people. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? USW1, UMWA, IBEW 575, Greater Cincinnati UAW CAP COUNCIL, Ohio AFL-CIO, OAPSE AFSCME Local 4, AFSCME Council 8, American Federation of Government Employees, Cincinnati AFL-CIO CLC, IBEW 317, ODP, Our Revolution Ohio, Candidate for Vote Common Good What committees interest you? Small Business, Veterans' Affairs, Homeland Security, Education and the Workforce, Natural Resources, Agriculture What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? Financial transparency and government accountability are critical in maintaining public confidence.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Meadows’s campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>Rural Power</b><br/>\nA LIFELONG RURAL DEMOCRAT, I AM DEDICATED TO ENGAGING WITH DISENFRANCHISED VOTERS<br/>\nPOVERTY IS NOT A MORAL FAILURE; IT IS A POLICY FAILURE.<br/>\nOH2 consists of 15 ¼ counties: 3 suburban, 12 ¼ rural. It is the largest geographical district in Ohio. 11 of the counties rank in the top third of impoverished people in the state. \n</p><p>Once thriving industrial towns, factories were either shutdown or were moved out of the United States. Mines were closed. Small family businesses were shuttered. Local economies were devastated. \n</p><p>But rural Americans are built strong. We are self-reliant, resourceful, resilient, with shared values. \n</p><p>We have a deep love of family and community. \n</p><p>I WANT TO ENERGIZE, ENGAGE, AND BRING RURAL AMERICANS BACK INTO POLITICS. I COMMIT TO LISTEN TO THE GOOD FOLKS OF MY DISTRICT AND TAKE THEIR CONCERNS TO WASHINGTON, DC. <br/>\nWE NEED A REAL RURAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR A RURAL DISTRICT: SAMANTHA MEADOWS!\n</p><p><b>MEDICARE, SOCIAL SECURITY &amp; RETIRED WORKERS</b><br/>\n“Samantha is a very dedicated supporter of the issues that the people of the 2nd Congressional District face. She is very strong on the protection of Veterans’ Rights, has marched beside me in an Organized Labor Rally near Valley Forge, PA, and is a tough fighter in the fight to correct the drug problem that is prevalent in each of the 15 counties that make up the 2nd Congressional District.” \n</p><p>Charles Williams, Retired Worker, UMWA\n</p><p>The Issues\n</p><p>AT A GLANCE\n</p>\n<ul><li>Social Security provides crucial income to millions of Americans.</li>\n<li>Ensuring benefits remain intact for our citizens is a top priority for me.</li>\n<li>We need better programs to safeguard families from losing their savings and homes due to extended illnesses.</li>\n<li>Medicare must include vision, dental, and hearing.</li></ul>\n<p>CURRENT OH2 CONGRESSMAN’S STANCE\n</p>\n<ul><li>Brad Wenstrup consistently votes against retirees, senior citizens, and the disabled.</li>\n<li>Voted against requiring Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors.</li>\n<li>Voted against protecting consumers against fraudsters and stimulus payments for seniors affected by COVID-19.</li></ul>\n<p>Social Security provides crucial income to millions of Americans. Retirees, senior citizens, disabled, and surviving spouses should never have to worry about the loss of their income. Ensuring that those benefits remain intact for our citizens is a top priority for me. I have volunteered as an End-of-Life Companion because I know that Medicare does not provide adequate coverage for longterm at-home care. Caring for your dying loved ones is heartbreaking and stressful. The last thing the families need to worry about are finances, but it looms heavy on their minds. We need better programs to safeguard families from losing their savings and homes due to extended illnesses. In addition, Medicare must include vision, dental, and hearing. I would fight for the addition of those services because I know how they directly affect families. I care.\n</p><p><b>ECONOMY</b><br/>\nPresident Biden’s economic plan has created nearly 11,000,000 jobs and dropped the unemployment rate to a historical low of 3.5%. 750,000 manufacturing jobs have been created. Folks are being put back to work! \n</p><p>But obstacles in rural communities are preventing them from benefitting from these historical accomplishments. Many of our counties still do not have access to broadband. The good paying jobs created by these policies are not reaching rural communities. Opportunities to make a living wage are scarce unless you live closer to a Columbus and Cincinnati. \n</p><p>RURAL AMERICA DESERVES TO HAVE THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES AS METROPOLITAN COMMUNITIES. \nI WILL WORK HARD TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD SO THAT THE RURAL POOR CAN LIVE \nTHE AMERICAN DREAM.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_3-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-3\">[3]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Samantha Meadows’s campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-4\"><a href=\"#cite_note-4\">[4]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Samantha Meadows completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Meadows' responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading-bio-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am a former Advanced EMT-I, First Responder, AmeriCorps Member and assisted the local VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) in my community. I have attended both Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, OH, as well as Ohio Christian University in Circleville, OH. I am grateful to both for the excellent educational opportunities right here in the heart of Ohio. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services. I have devoted my life to serving others, whenever possible. I believe that true leadership is based on the ability of the leader to lift others up, in order to strengthen our communities.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading-key-message-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Together, we can overcome any obstacles to become a more perfect union.</li><li>Our communities in the 2nd Congressional District have been neglected &amp; underrepresented. I will change that for all of our citizens.</li><li>To serve Southern Ohioans, it takes a Southern Ohioan. I am a lifelong Southern Ohioan who knows the needs and issues of our communities intimately.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading1-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCurrently, the economy, voting rights, and healthcare reform (including Medicare extension of eye, vision, &amp; dental, eldercare, VA benefits, addiction services, etc.). Right now, people are worried about putting food on the table and filling up their gas tanks. Worker's wages haven't kept pace with the rise in costs of everyday living expenditures. Corporations have made record profits off of the pandemic. There needs to be progressive taxing of the rich. Decreasing the wealth gap would benefit our country both economically and socially. However unfortunate, there are no quick fixes, but we need Democrats at the helm to ensure that workers, small businesses, family farmers, and the most vulnerable in our communities have the support they need to get by until this storm has been weathered. <br/>\r\nAlthough these are the key issues that we need to focus on right now, I am committed to fight for social equality, inclusiveness, reproductive rights, racial justice, and the resurrection of a country whose common goals are to work with one another, not against one another. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading2-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe person I look up to the most is Bobby Kennedy. He had a deep understanding of the human condition. He was empathetic, caring, and committed to fight for social equality. As an Attorney General, he played a pivotal role in the Cuban Missile Crisis as well. He lost his brother, President John F. Kennedy, to an assassin's bullet. But he was willing to suffer the same consequences in order to serve the people of the United States and abroad. His writings and speeches are what I look to for inspiration and guidance. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading3-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tBobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading4-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tStrength with compassion, actively listening, transparency and practicing servant leadership. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading5-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe in and practice servant leadership. In order to represent others, you must realize that you are there to serve their needs, not your own. I am empathetic, compassionate, and care deeply about people. Serving in the House of Representatives would be the honor of my life, so that I could help others on a larger scale. I am a fighter for the underdog. EMS has trained me to run straight for challenges, not avoid them. If there are obstacles in my way, preventing me from my objective, I will relentlessly work towards my goal until I have achieved it. I can triage any situation and see the opportunities available for me to create better outcomes. But what I think is most important is that I do not forget where I come from, ever. If elected to this office, I would not turn and run. I would always come back to each county. I would always stay connected to the people of Southern Ohio. I would make a difference.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading6-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe core responsibilities are to create and promote legislation that improves the lives of our citizens. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading7-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI want my legacy to be that I made a difference. I want people to remember that when I saw a wrong, I worked hard to correct it. I want people to remember that when I saw injustice, I sought justice. I want to people to remember that I was not great, but that I set forth actions that brought out greatness in others. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading8-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe explosion of the Space Challenger in 1986 is the first historical event that I can remember. I was approximately 14 years old. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading9-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAlthough I started my first significant job as a unit clerk in an emergency room, I moved quickly into EMS. I worked my way up from a wheelchair driver to an Advanced EMT-I, through the Paramedic program at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, OH. I worked 120 hours every 2 weeks, 24 hours on duty, 48 hours off duty. During that time, I was a young single mother. I was also a full-time employee and college student. I would go to class while on duty, if an emergency call came in, I would have to leave class to respond. This was my life for an entire year. The experience left me with a sense of accomplishment and deep respect for our EMS &amp; First Responders. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading10-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe Prophet by Kahlil Gibran because it is a beautifully written book on every subject in life. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading11-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tToss up: Indiana Jones or Sherlock Holmes\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading12-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFrank Sinatra's \"The House I Live in\" and Dion's \"Abraham, Martin, &amp; John\"\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading13-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI have a rare hidden neurological disability that took 17 years to diagnose properly. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading14-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe the purpose of the HOR is unique. It is meant to be a direct line from the people in our districts to Washington, DC. There is a reliance upon one another. Having intimately knowledge of the issues of the people of the district is the key to proposing legislation that can help them. It is a two-way street that can either be used for stagnation or growth, depending on the Representative. But I believe that it is an honor to be trusted by the districts' citizens to serve their needs. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading15-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNo. According to James Madison, who was a key figure in writing the Constitution, it is a position that requires the least amount of experience with the government. It was meant to be a working relationship between the Representative and their constituents. The purpose of the HOR is to send an ordinary person to represent ordinary, folks. You can only do that effectively if you are a member of that specific region. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading16-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI suspect that the greatest challenge for the United States of the next decade is unifying our citizens. The Trump Era didn't create fringe groups, but it did empower them. We faced the biggest challenge of our lifetime with the Covid pandemic. But it did not bring us closer together, to fight the blight on our citizens, it divided us. Instead of circling the wagons and taking care of each other, there was a fight on every corner. It became a \"me\" mentality rather than an \"us\" mentality. Trump-fueled conspiracy theories and lies only furthered the gap. It is going to take time to recover, but we will. And this time, we will get it right. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading17-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tVeteran's Affairs, Agriculture, and Education\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading18-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI do believe it is the right term, however if term limits applied, I would suggest 6 years. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading19-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe there should be terms limits. As with the POTUS, there is a time to serve and a time to leave. As we are seeing in the current political climate in Washington, DC, leaders who have been there for decades have become embroiled in a standoff that gets nothing done. Bringing in new members with different life experience, opinions, and ideologies would be good for our country. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading20-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tNancy Pelosi\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading21-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI have heard so many meaningful personal stories that choosing one is like picking a favorite star in the sky. They are all significant to me. But I will share one that happened today, actually. I was in a waiting room with another lady who seemed stressed. I asked her how she was doing, and she opened up quickly to me. I asked her if she followed politics. She answered \"sometimes.\" So, I explained that I was running for Congress, and I wanted to know what issues were important to her. She explained to me that her husband was disabled and that their family was struggling with food insecurity and did not qualify for SNAP benefits. He was a laborer his entire life, and it took a toll on his body. He was unable to work. I shared my personal story of illness. It let her know that I understood poverty and hopelessness. We discussed every issue that was taking a toll on her, lack of food, money for gas, healthcare (including mental health) and a general feeling of helplessness. I listened to her for an hour. She was grateful to me for listening and I was grateful to her for sharing. These conversations are why I am running for Congress. I want to help people, but first I must understand how they need help. I learn from actively listening and caring about these folks. For Southern Ohio, her circumstances were not unique. It is more widespread than most people understand. But I understand and want to help. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading22-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI dreamt last night that I was a muffler. I woke up exhausted. I dreamt last night that I was a wheel. I woke up tired. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading23-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAbsolutely. Without compromise, we have nothing. As power shifts hands during election cycles, we can no longer go on blocking everything that the other party introduces. We cannot be enemies. We must find a way to work together, listen to one another, and serve our communities. The bluster and bravado have to go. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-104345-2022-03-29\" id=\"heading24-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-104345-2022-03-29\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-104345-2022-03-29\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-104345-2022-03-29\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThis role would allow me to cast votes that would support the will and needs of my constituents. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "Meadows’s campaign website stated the following:\n“ Rural Power A LIFELONG RURAL DEMOCRAT, I AM DEDICATED TO ENGAGING WITH DISENFRANCHISED VOTERS POVERTY IS NOT A MORAL FAILURE; IT IS A POLICY FAILURE. OH2 consists of 15 ¼ counties: 3 suburban, 12 ¼ rural. It is the largest geographical district in Ohio. 11 of the counties rank in the top third of impoverished people in the state. Once thriving industrial towns, factories were either shutdown or were moved out of the United States. Mines were closed. Small family businesses were shuttered. Local economies were devastated. But rural Americans are built strong. We are self-reliant, resourceful, resilient, with shared values. We have a deep love of family and community. I WANT TO ENERGIZE, ENGAGE, AND BRING RURAL AMERICANS BACK INTO POLITICS. I COMMIT TO LISTEN TO THE GOOD FOLKS OF MY DISTRICT AND TAKE THEIR CONCERNS TO WASHINGTON, DC. WE NEED A REAL RURAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR A RURAL DISTRICT: SAMANTHA MEADOWS! MEDICARE, SOCIAL SECURITY & RETIRED WORKERS “Samantha is a very dedicated supporter of the issues that the people of the 2nd Congressional District face. She is very strong on the protection of Veterans’ Rights, has marched beside me in an Organized Labor Rally near Valley Forge, PA, and is a tough fighter in the fight to correct the drug problem that is prevalent in each of the 15 counties that make up the 2nd Congressional District.” Charles Williams, Retired Worker, UMWA The Issues AT A GLANCE Social Security provides crucial income to millions of Americans. Ensuring benefits remain intact for our citizens is a top priority for me. We need better programs to safeguard families from losing their savings and homes due to extended illnesses. Medicare must include vision, dental, and hearing. CURRENT OH2 CONGRESSMAN’S STANCE Brad Wenstrup consistently votes against retirees, senior citizens, and the disabled. Voted against requiring Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors. Voted against protecting consumers against fraudsters and stimulus payments for seniors affected by COVID-19. Social Security provides crucial income to millions of Americans. Retirees, senior citizens, disabled, and surviving spouses should never have to worry about the loss of their income. Ensuring that those benefits remain intact for our citizens is a top priority for me. I have volunteered as an End-of-Life Companion because I know that Medicare does not provide adequate coverage for longterm at-home care. Caring for your dying loved ones is heartbreaking and stressful. The last thing the families need to worry about are finances, but it looms heavy on their minds. We need better programs to safeguard families from losing their savings and homes due to extended illnesses. In addition, Medicare must include vision, dental, and hearing. I would fight for the addition of those services because I know how they directly affect families. I care. ECONOMY President Biden’s economic plan has created nearly 11,000,000 jobs and dropped the unemployment rate to a historical low of 3.5%. 750,000 manufacturing jobs have been created. Folks are being put back to work! But obstacles in rural communities are preventing them from benefitting from these historical accomplishments. Many of our counties still do not have access to broadband. The good paying jobs created by these policies are not reaching rural communities. Opportunities to make a living wage are scarce unless you live closer to a Columbus and Cincinnati. RURAL AMERICA DESERVES TO HAVE THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES AS METROPOLITAN COMMUNITIES. \nI WILL WORK HARD TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD SO THAT THE RURAL POOR CAN LIVE \nTHE AMERICAN DREAM. [3] ” —Samantha Meadows’s campaign website (2024) [4]\n\n\nSamantha Meadows completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Meadows' responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am a former Advanced EMT-I, First Responder, AmeriCorps Member and assisted the local VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) in my community. I have attended both Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, OH, as well as Ohio Christian University in Circleville, OH. I am grateful to both for the excellent educational opportunities right here in the heart of Ohio. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services. I have devoted my life to serving others, whenever possible. I believe that true leadership is based on the ability of the leader to lift others up, in order to strengthen our communities. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Together, we can overcome any obstacles to become a more perfect union. Our communities in the 2nd Congressional District have been neglected & underrepresented. I will change that for all of our citizens. To serve Southern Ohioans, it takes a Southern Ohioan. I am a lifelong Southern Ohioan who knows the needs and issues of our communities intimately. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Currently, the economy, voting rights, and healthcare reform (including Medicare extension of eye, vision, & dental, eldercare, VA benefits, addiction services, etc.). Right now, people are worried about putting food on the table and filling up their gas tanks. Worker's wages haven't kept pace with the rise in costs of everyday living expenditures. Corporations have made record profits off of the pandemic. There needs to be progressive taxing of the rich. Decreasing the wealth gap would benefit our country both economically and socially. However unfortunate, there are no quick fixes, but we need Democrats at the helm to ensure that workers, small businesses, family farmers, and the most vulnerable in our communities have the support they need to get by until this storm has been weathered. Although these are the key issues that we need to focus on right now, I am committed to fight for social equality, inclusiveness, reproductive rights, racial justice, and the resurrection of a country whose common goals are to work with one another, not against one another. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? The person I look up to the most is Bobby Kennedy. He had a deep understanding of the human condition. He was empathetic, caring, and committed to fight for social equality. As an Attorney General, he played a pivotal role in the Cuban Missile Crisis as well. He lost his brother, President John F. Kennedy, to an assassin's bullet. But he was willing to suffer the same consequences in order to serve the people of the United States and abroad. His writings and speeches are what I look to for inspiration and guidance. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Strength with compassion, actively listening, transparency and practicing servant leadership. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? I believe in and practice servant leadership. In order to represent others, you must realize that you are there to serve their needs, not your own. I am empathetic, compassionate, and care deeply about people. Serving in the House of Representatives would be the honor of my life, so that I could help others on a larger scale. I am a fighter for the underdog. EMS has trained me to run straight for challenges, not avoid them. If there are obstacles in my way, preventing me from my objective, I will relentlessly work towards my goal until I have achieved it. I can triage any situation and see the opportunities available for me to create better outcomes. But what I think is most important is that I do not forget where I come from, ever. If elected to this office, I would not turn and run. I would always come back to each county. I would always stay connected to the people of Southern Ohio. I would make a difference. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibilities are to create and promote legislation that improves the lives of our citizens. What legacy would you like to leave? I want my legacy to be that I made a difference. I want people to remember that when I saw a wrong, I worked hard to correct it. I want people to remember that when I saw injustice, I sought justice. I want to people to remember that I was not great, but that I set forth actions that brought out greatness in others. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? The explosion of the Space Challenger in 1986 is the first historical event that I can remember. I was approximately 14 years old. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? Although I started my first significant job as a unit clerk in an emergency room, I moved quickly into EMS. I worked my way up from a wheelchair driver to an Advanced EMT-I, through the Paramedic program at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, OH. I worked 120 hours every 2 weeks, 24 hours on duty, 48 hours off duty. During that time, I was a young single mother. I was also a full-time employee and college student. I would go to class while on duty, if an emergency call came in, I would have to leave class to respond. This was my life for an entire year. The experience left me with a sense of accomplishment and deep respect for our EMS & First Responders. What is your favorite book? Why? The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran because it is a beautifully written book on every subject in life. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? Toss up: Indiana Jones or Sherlock Holmes What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Frank Sinatra's \"The House I Live in\" and Dion's \"Abraham, Martin, & John\" What is something that has been a struggle in your life? I have a rare hidden neurological disability that took 17 years to diagnose properly. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? I believe the purpose of the HOR is unique. It is meant to be a direct line from the people in our districts to Washington, DC. There is a reliance upon one another. Having intimately knowledge of the issues of the people of the district is the key to proposing legislation that can help them. It is a two-way street that can either be used for stagnation or growth, depending on the Representative. But I believe that it is an honor to be trusted by the districts' citizens to serve their needs. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? No. According to James Madison, who was a key figure in writing the Constitution, it is a position that requires the least amount of experience with the government. It was meant to be a working relationship between the Representative and their constituents. The purpose of the HOR is to send an ordinary person to represent ordinary, folks. You can only do that effectively if you are a member of that specific region. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? I suspect that the greatest challenge for the United States of the next decade is unifying our citizens. The Trump Era didn't create fringe groups, but it did empower them. We faced the biggest challenge of our lifetime with the Covid pandemic. But it did not bring us closer together, to fight the blight on our citizens, it divided us. Instead of circling the wagons and taking care of each other, there was a fight on every corner. It became a \"me\" mentality rather than an \"us\" mentality. Trump-fueled conspiracy theories and lies only furthered the gap. It is going to take time to recover, but we will. And this time, we will get it right. If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of? Veteran's Affairs, Agriculture, and Education Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? I do believe it is the right term, however if term limits applied, I would suggest 6 years. What are your thoughts on term limits? I believe there should be terms limits. As with the POTUS, there is a time to serve and a time to leave. As we are seeing in the current political climate in Washington, DC, leaders who have been there for decades have become embroiled in a standoff that gets nothing done. Bringing in new members with different life experience, opinions, and ideologies would be good for our country. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Nancy Pelosi Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? I have heard so many meaningful personal stories that choosing one is like picking a favorite star in the sky. They are all significant to me. But I will share one that happened today, actually. I was in a waiting room with another lady who seemed stressed. I asked her how she was doing, and she opened up quickly to me. I asked her if she followed politics. She answered \"sometimes.\" So, I explained that I was running for Congress, and I wanted to know what issues were important to her. She explained to me that her husband was disabled and that their family was struggling with food insecurity and did not qualify for SNAP benefits. He was a laborer his entire life, and it took a toll on his body. He was unable to work. I shared my personal story of illness. It let her know that I understood poverty and hopelessness. We discussed every issue that was taking a toll on her, lack of food, money for gas, healthcare (including mental health) and a general feeling of helplessness. I listened to her for an hour. She was grateful to me for listening and I was grateful to her for sharing. These conversations are why I am running for Congress. I want to help people, but first I must understand how they need help. I learn from actively listening and caring about these folks. For Southern Ohio, her circumstances were not unique. It is more widespread than most people understand. But I understand and want to help. Tell us your favorite joke. I dreamt last night that I was a muffler. I woke up exhausted. I dreamt last night that I was a wheel. I woke up tired. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Absolutely. Without compromise, we have nothing. As power shifts hands during election cycles, we can no longer go on blocking everything that the other party introduces. We cannot be enemies. We must find a way to work together, listen to one another, and serve our communities. The bluster and bravado have to go. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? This role would allow me to cast votes that would support the will and needs of my constituents.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Meadows' campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>ABORTION RIGHTS</b>\n</p><p><b>At a glance</b>\n</p>\n<ul><li>Abortion is not a moral issue – it is a Constitutional issue.</li>\n<li>Our founders defined what was off-limits for the state to infringe upon – our \"person, houses, papers, and effects.\"</li>\n<li>Overturning Roe was an egregious miscarriage of justice.</li></ul>\n<p><b>My Opponent’s Stance</b>\n</p>\n<ul><li>Brad Wenstrup has stated, “I am strongly pro-life and believe that life begins at conception.”</li>\n<li>Co-sponsored three radical bills to end access to abortion services.</li>\n<li>Pushed to end family planning assistance and vowed to fight Roe being codified.</li></ul>\n<p>When I was a young woman, just starting a career in EMS, I did not fully understand the term \"abortion.\" I was handed a specimen jar and asked to take it to the lab. It was marked, \"incomplete abortion.\" When I returned from the lab, I saw a heartbroken couple sobbing as they left the emergency room. Abortion was not a moral issue. \n</p><p>Here in Ohio, a 10-year-old-girl was denied the right to an abortion. 10 years old. She is a victim. Her rights were violated by her rapist. Then, the Supreme Court of the United States gave Ohio the ability to yank away that child's right to the healthcare that she needs. Her tiny body would most likely have difficulty bearing a child. She is being victimized again by a system that believes forcing childbirth on a child is the moral thing to do. The suffering that she is being forced to endure is a moral issue. The fundamental right to her reproductive health is a Constitutional issue. \n</p><p>Overturning Roe was an egregious miscarriage of justice. 5 unelected judges – several of whom lied to the Senate to get confirmed – decided that the women and girls of this country will be governmentally mandated to give birth. This decision was politically motivated to strip women of their autonomy and equality. When Texas initiated the attack on Roe, the House passed a bill to make it law; 2 GOP members did not vote, the rest voted against it. The Senate only voted on whether to debate it. Six members did not vote, one Democrat voted no. This was a political hitjob by the GOP that has real-world effects on women that will change our lives forever. There is no legal certainty without Roe about the treatment of ectopic pregnancies &amp; non-viable pregnancies that will result in the death of the mothers. \n</p><p>This decision on Roe has opened the floodgates on issues of same-sex marriage, interracial marriage, contraception, the right for grandmothers to live with their families, the right to parental decision-making, the right for adults to engage in consensual sexual relations in private, the right to accept or refuse unwanted medical treatment, and privacy issues regarding search warrants, Miranda Rights, etc. \n</p><p>Roe is not a moral issue; it is a Constitutional issue.\n</p><p><br/>\n<b>MEDICARE, SOCIAL SECURITY &amp; RETIRED WORKERS</b>\n</p><p><b>At a glance</b>\n</p>\n<ul><li>Social Security provides crucial income to millions of Americans.</li>\n<li>Ensuring benefits remain intact for our citizens is a top priority for me.</li>\n<li>We need better programs to safeguard families from losing their savings and homes due to extended illnesses.</li>\n<li>Medicare must include vision, dental, and hearing.</li></ul>\n<p><b>My Opponent’s Stance</b>\n</p>\n<ul><li>Brad Wenstrup consistently votes against retirees, senior citizens, and the disabled.</li>\n<li>Voted against requiring Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors.</li>\n<li>Voted against protecting consumers against fraudsters and stimulus payments for seniors affected by COVID-19.</li></ul>\n<p>Social Security provides crucial income to millions of Americans. Retirees, senior citizens, disabled, and surviving spouses should never have to worry about the loss of their income. Ensuring that those benefits remain intact for our citizens is a top priority for me. I have volunteered as an End-of-Life Companion because I know that Medicare does not provide adequate coverage for longterm at-home care. Caring for your dying loved ones is heartbreaking and stressful. The last thing the families need to worry about are finances, but it looms heavy on their minds. We need better programs to safeguard families from losing their savings and homes due to extended illnesses. In addition, Medicare must include vision, dental, and hearing. I would fight for the addition of those services because I know how they directly affect families. I care.\n</p><p><br/>\n<b>ECONOMY</b>\n</p><p><b>At a glance</b>\n</p>\n<ul><li>I came from a household that went from middle-class to impoverished pretty quickly.</li>\n<li>I will support unions in their fight for fair wages and worker protections.</li>\n<li>We need more support from the government related to prices for basic necessities like groceries &amp; medication.</li></ul>\n<p><b>My Opponent’s Stance</b>\n</p>\n<ul><li>As a millionaire Cincinnatian, he is out of touch with the average Southern Ohioan.</li>\n<li>Voted against legislation that would stop big business from price-gouging.</li>\n<li>He has voted for taxing the middle class 92% of the time. He has voted in favor of big business 100% of the time.</li></ul>\n<p>I know that things are tough right now. I came from a household that went from middle-class to impoverished pretty quickly. Many of us today are only one paycheck away from a financial crisis. It’s frightening. I understand. We are struggling. I won’t lie to you, it is not going to get better quickly. We are in this for the long haul. But President Biden’s infrastructure plan pumped money into our states to get people working. When the shovel hits the dirt, we are going to see an influx in demand for laborers. I will support unions in their fight for fair wages and worker protections. Those jobs are going to stimulate our economy. It will help. In the meantime, we have had the opportunity to pass legislation that would stop big business from price-gouging us. \n</p><p>My opponent, incumbent Brad Wenstrup, voted against the bill. We also need help from the government to defray the prices we are forced to pay for basic necessities like groceries &amp; medication. We can do something about this to help us weather inflation. It is possible but we need people in Congress who know and care about what is happening to the average American. I know because I am walking in your shoes too. I will work to take the burden off of the lower and middle class.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_3-1\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-3\">[3]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Samantha Meadows' campaign website (2022)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-5\"><a href=\"#cite_note-5\">[5]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Meadows' campaign website stated the following:\n“ ABORTION RIGHTS At a glance Abortion is not a moral issue – it is a Constitutional issue. Our founders defined what was off-limits for the state to infringe upon – our \"person, houses, papers, and effects.\" Overturning Roe was an egregious miscarriage of justice. My Opponent’s Stance Brad Wenstrup has stated, “I am strongly pro-life and believe that life begins at conception.” Co-sponsored three radical bills to end access to abortion services. Pushed to end family planning assistance and vowed to fight Roe being codified. When I was a young woman, just starting a career in EMS, I did not fully understand the term \"abortion.\" I was handed a specimen jar and asked to take it to the lab. It was marked, \"incomplete abortion.\" When I returned from the lab, I saw a heartbroken couple sobbing as they left the emergency room. Abortion was not a moral issue. Here in Ohio, a 10-year-old-girl was denied the right to an abortion. 10 years old. She is a victim. Her rights were violated by her rapist. Then, the Supreme Court of the United States gave Ohio the ability to yank away that child's right to the healthcare that she needs. Her tiny body would most likely have difficulty bearing a child. She is being victimized again by a system that believes forcing childbirth on a child is the moral thing to do. The suffering that she is being forced to endure is a moral issue. The fundamental right to her reproductive health is a Constitutional issue. Overturning Roe was an egregious miscarriage of justice. 5 unelected judges – several of whom lied to the Senate to get confirmed – decided that the women and girls of this country will be governmentally mandated to give birth. This decision was politically motivated to strip women of their autonomy and equality. When Texas initiated the attack on Roe, the House passed a bill to make it law; 2 GOP members did not vote, the rest voted against it. The Senate only voted on whether to debate it. Six members did not vote, one Democrat voted no. This was a political hitjob by the GOP that has real-world effects on women that will change our lives forever. There is no legal certainty without Roe about the treatment of ectopic pregnancies & non-viable pregnancies that will result in the death of the mothers. This decision on Roe has opened the floodgates on issues of same-sex marriage, interracial marriage, contraception, the right for grandmothers to live with their families, the right to parental decision-making, the right for adults to engage in consensual sexual relations in private, the right to accept or refuse unwanted medical treatment, and privacy issues regarding search warrants, Miranda Rights, etc. Roe is not a moral issue; it is a Constitutional issue. MEDICARE, SOCIAL SECURITY & RETIRED WORKERS At a glance Social Security provides crucial income to millions of Americans. Ensuring benefits remain intact for our citizens is a top priority for me. We need better programs to safeguard families from losing their savings and homes due to extended illnesses. Medicare must include vision, dental, and hearing. My Opponent’s Stance Brad Wenstrup consistently votes against retirees, senior citizens, and the disabled. Voted against requiring Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors. Voted against protecting consumers against fraudsters and stimulus payments for seniors affected by COVID-19. Social Security provides crucial income to millions of Americans. Retirees, senior citizens, disabled, and surviving spouses should never have to worry about the loss of their income. Ensuring that those benefits remain intact for our citizens is a top priority for me. I have volunteered as an End-of-Life Companion because I know that Medicare does not provide adequate coverage for longterm at-home care. Caring for your dying loved ones is heartbreaking and stressful. The last thing the families need to worry about are finances, but it looms heavy on their minds. We need better programs to safeguard families from losing their savings and homes due to extended illnesses. In addition, Medicare must include vision, dental, and hearing. I would fight for the addition of those services because I know how they directly affect families. I care. ECONOMY At a glance I came from a household that went from middle-class to impoverished pretty quickly. I will support unions in their fight for fair wages and worker protections. We need more support from the government related to prices for basic necessities like groceries & medication. My Opponent’s Stance As a millionaire Cincinnatian, he is out of touch with the average Southern Ohioan. Voted against legislation that would stop big business from price-gouging. He has voted for taxing the middle class 92% of the time. He has voted in favor of big business 100% of the time. I know that things are tough right now. I came from a household that went from middle-class to impoverished pretty quickly. Many of us today are only one paycheck away from a financial crisis. It’s frightening. I understand. We are struggling. I won’t lie to you, it is not going to get better quickly. We are in this for the long haul. But President Biden’s infrastructure plan pumped money into our states to get people working. When the shovel hits the dirt, we are going to see an influx in demand for laborers. I will support unions in their fight for fair wages and worker protections. Those jobs are going to stimulate our economy. It will help. In the meantime, we have had the opportunity to pass legislation that would stop big business from price-gouging us. My opponent, incumbent Brad Wenstrup, voted against the bill. We also need help from the government to defray the prices we are forced to pay for basic necessities like groceries & medication. We can do something about this to help us weather inflation. It is possible but we need people in Congress who know and care about what is happening to the average American. I know because I am walking in your shoes too. I will work to take the burden off of the lower and middle class. [3] ” —Samantha Meadows' campaign website (2022) [5]"}]