Kansas' 3rd Congressional District: Davids, Adkins and Hohe

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — 41 Action News wants to help you make an informed decision during the 2020 General Election on Nov. 3. We reached out to the campaigns for Kansas' 3rd Congressional District candidates. Here's where Democrat Sharice Davids and Libertarian Steve Hohe stand on the issues.

Republican Amanda Adkins' campaign did not respond to 41 Action News' requests to complete this survey. We've compiled her answers to the best of our abilities based past statements.

COVID-19

Gov. Laura Kelly announced a requirement for people to wear masks in public. Do you believe wearing masks should be a requirement, recommendation or neither?
Davids: "Public health professionals agree that wearing a mask is an extremely effective way to slow the spread of this virus. Therefore, masks should be a requirement."
Adkins: 41 Action News believes Amanda Adkins would answer "recommendation." In a press release following a potential exposure to COVID-19, Adkins' campaign said, "We take health and safety seriously, and we'll continue to strongly encourage guests at campaign events to follow social distancing and mask guidelines."
Hohe: Recommendation. "Governor Kelly's actions were political in nature, and destructive to both Kansas Citizens and Small businesses. Absolutely all of her State Health Directors are incompetent in handling pandemics."

What role should federal officials play in the response to the COVID- 19 pandemic? Information only, guidelines only, mandatory requirements for businesses but not individuals, mandatory requirements for businesses and individuals (subject to policymaker approval), or none of the above?
Davids: "Federal officials play an important role in response to any national crisis - and that certainly includes the coronavirus pandemic. I was proud to work alongside my colleagues in both parties to pass four coronavirus relief packages that the President signed into law immediately. These delivered critical measures including sending direct payments to Americans, providing relief to small businesses, expanding unemployment insurance, and enacting paid sick leave so no one is forced to choose between their health and their job.

But we are still facing massive challenges, and unfortunately this Administration has failed to take the steps needed to get the virus under control and keep our families safe as the economy reopens. I’ve consistently pushed for the President to implement a national testing strategy and use the Defense Production Act to ramp up the supply of medical equipment and personal protective gear needed to keep people safe as we reopen our economy, but he has failed to do so."
Adkins: Did not answer.
Hohe: None of the above. "The Federal government along with the CDC acted brilliantly everything fell apart when the states got involve and made it political."

Should locally owned small businesses receive a higher priority for CARES Act funding than publicly traded or multinational corporations?
Davids: "At a time when Kansas small businesses are struggling to pay their workers and stay afloat, it’s essential that these businesses receive a higher priority for CARES Act funding than publicly traded or multinational corporations.

I fought to secure aid for small businesses and I introduced legislation requiring transparency around relief funds to make sure they’re getting to small businesses in Kansas, not big corporations and politically connected companies that don’t need help. And I’ll continue to fight for small businesses to make sure they have the support they need as we move forward. That’s how we rebuild our economy back stronger."
Adkins: 41 Action News believes Amanda Adkins would answer "yes." According to her website, she is committed to "creating incentives for people to work, save, invest and engage in entrepreneurial endeavors," adding, "I firmly believe money is best spent by those who earn it, not the government."
Hohe: No. "If any funding the small businesses receive should be coming from the State/ Governor Kelly, she literally botched it up. In addition 8 out of 10 businesses fail in the first year because they do not have a plan, with Covid no matter what money you give them its relatively too late."

Do you believe Americans should receive a second $1,200 Economic Impact Payment, otherwise known as a stimulus check?
Davids: "I believe that Americans should receive a second Economic Impact Payment. So many families, workers, and small businesses are struggling to get by during this crisis, and extra relief would go a long way in helping those most in need."
Adkins: It is unclear how Amanda Adkins would answer this question, but her website states she is committed to "improvements to household income, quality of jobs in the Kansas City region and workforce preparedness.
Hohe: No. "Like it was done with the first stimulus? Where we were forced to take it? No. we're about six months into this, we saw the spike of unemployment, now the numbers are going down, due to those finding other work. If there are folks still unemployed due to Covid , at the Federal or State level ,"from where the money is coming from", that Treasury should have had an App in place for those who need money to sign up for it."

Considering the pandemic, do you believe K-12 classrooms should reopen in the fall?
Davids: "We all want students back in the classroom safely. I support school districts in Kansas making their own decisions about how to best return to in-person learning for those who are able to. But in order to ensure that this can happen, we first and foremost must get the coronavirus under control, follow public health guidance, and ensure that students, families, and educators have access to the personal protective equipment and resources they need to return to the classroom."
Adkins: 41 Action News believes Amanda Adkins would answer "yes, with a virtual option." In an interview with 41 Action News in July, Amanda Adkins said, "I definitely agree with the Academy of American Pediatrics and their comment was that schools should open. We just need to make sure that we open them in a safe manner for both children and teachers."
Hohe: Yes, with a virtual option. "Please do the Science, the Kids should have been in school or had the option to go vitual a long time ago. what the Public School syystem has caused more mental anguish to the kids and economic damage to families."

If students return to the classroom in fall 2020, do you believe they should be required to wear masks?
Davids: "For the health and safety of our children, families and educators, I believe that masks should be required in schools."
Adkins: It is unclear how Amanda Adkins would answer this question. When speaking about her own children during an interview with 41 Action News, she said, "We already have received guidance for this fall, and I feel very comfortable with it as a parent. They will have to have their temperature taken when they go to school, they will have to answer questions, and they are going to have to wear masks in school."
Hohe: No. "Please do the Science, then decide if you want to wear a mask. at this point it should be a personal decision because of a family member who could contract and die from covid."

HEALTH CARE

Do you support the repeal of the Affordable Care Act?
Davids: "I do not support repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which would cause millions of Americans to lose their health coverage during a global pandemic. During this time of uncertainty, no Kansan should have to worry about whether they will receive the care that they and their families need to stay healthy.

I’m fighting to protect and improve the ACA by lowering the cost of premiums and prescription drugs and making it easier for families to receive the care they need. I’m also a strong proponent of Medicaid expansion, which would increase access to affordable health coverage, meaning more people are protected during emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic."
Adkins: 41 Action News believes Amanda Adkins would answer "yes." Her website states, "The Affordable Care Act (ACA) “Obamacare” experiment has only resulted in increasing the cost of care for the American people. I am committed to affordability, value and choice in healthcare."
Hohe: Yes. "First of all the Affordable Care Act is a violation of the Federal Government to buy healthcare. ACA is and will be The Worst Piece of Federal Legislation of the 21st Century in the United States. Yes! You can quote me on it!"

ABORTION

Mark the mandates you support. Any mandate left unmarked will indicate you do not support it unless you check "Prefer not to answer." Some candidates provide additional comment below the chart.

Davids: "I believe that abortion is a decision best left to women, their families, and their medical professionals. As I’ve said throughout my campaign and in Congress, my top priority is ensuring
all Americans have access to quality health care - and that includes the full range of reproductive care."
Adkins: "As a pro-life advocate, I am committed to supporting life from conception until natural death," Amanda Adkins writes on her website.
Hohe: "Personally Abortion is wrong. As for myself and other taxpayers I would not Federally fund Abortion. It is sad that women would end a life out of convenience. I would leave it to States to license doctors and legalize abortion or Not."

GUN CONTROL

Mark the mandates you support. Any mandate left unmarked will indicate you do not support it unless you check "Prefer not to answer." Some candidates provide additional comment below the chart.

Davids: "Like many Kansans, I’m heartbroken over the epidemic of gun violence and mass shootings we’ve seen in this country and in our own community. I’m the daughter of a military veteran, and I respect the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens. But I’m tired of politicians bending to the influence of the gun lobby and doing nothing to stop these senseless killings.

I have taken the lead on finding common sense solutions to keep our children and communities safe. Within my first two months in office, I voted to pass bipartisan gun safety measures that would implement universal background checks and close loopholes in gun purchases. I also support red flag laws to help keep guns out of the hands of people who would be a danger to others or themselves, including those who have been convicted of domestic violence."
Adkins: "I am a staunch supporter of our constitutional rights, and I will work to protect freedom at every turn. This includes strong support for the Second Amendment – the ‘right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed,'" Amanda Adkins posted on her website.
Hohe: Did not provide additional comment.

POLICING

Several U.S. cities are now discussing reallocating some police funding to other forms of public safety and community support, including to social services, mental health & addiction resources, housing, and health care. Do you support redirecting some funding from local law enforcement agencies to support other government agencies funded by local municipalities?
Davids: "I do not support defunding local law enforcement agencies. In fact I’ve voted to fund essential training and equipment for law enforcement. And to improve community policing and response to school emergencies."
Adkins: In an interview with 41 Action News, Amanda Adkins stated, "I am not in favor of defunding the police. I've publicly said multiple times that I back the blue."
Hohe: No. "I am not into defunding police."

The Justice in Policing Act of 2020 could implement the following ways to reform policing and hold police officers accountable. Mark the mandates you support. Any mandate left unmarked will indicate you do not support it unless you check "Prefer not to answer." Some candidates provide additional comment below the chart.

Davids: "I voted for the Justice in Policing Act, which would enact comprehensive reforms to law enforcement to increase transparency and accountability while improving police training and practices. In my conversations with law enforcement officials, I’ve heard repeated support for these efforts. They are necessary steps to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve."
Adkins: In an interview with 41 Action News, Amanda Adkins stated, "I think that what the police department can do - it's really critical to be very transparent. If there are bad actors, they should be transparent. Those bad actors should be held accountable." She added, "I do think it's worthwhile to look at and consider additional investment in training."
Hohe: "To create a National Policy for all states to follow is a "one size fits all' for police to follow, but if limits police to do thier job, "enforcement" then we might compromise the safety and security of all citizens. I prepose the equiping and using body cams on all officers interacting with the public is a must. The best approach is first allow States to create thier own Policies and Procedures followed by all personnel top-down. All potential hires starting in law enforcement or transferring from another state must go through that's state police academy training to assure consistancy in enforcement and weed out potential bad actors."

LGBTQ RIGHTS

Do you believe the 1964 Civil Rights Act should protect gay, lesbian and transgender employees from discrimination based on sex?
Davids: "LGBTQ people should be protected under the 1964 Civil Rights Act in all aspects. They should have the same rights and responsibilities under the law as anyone else. I was proud to champion the Equality Act in Congress, which would do just that."
Adkins: Did not answer.
Hohe: Prefer not to answer.

Should federal law protect LGBTQ people from discrimination when it comes to health care and health insurance?
Davids: "No one should face discrimination in health care, period. I support implementing a federal law that would protect LGBTQ people from discrimination when it comes to health care and health insurance."
Adkins: Did not answer.
Hohe: Yes.

IMMIGRATION

Mark the mandates you support. Any mandate left unmarked will indicate you do not support it unless you check "Prefer not to answer." Some candidates provide additional comment below the chart.

Davids: "Our immigration system is clearly broken. I believe we need bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform that secures our border, creates a pathway to citizenship - especially for those who serve in our military, and ensures that those who come here in search of a better life are treated fairly and humanely.

Additionally, Kansas businesses depend on high-skilled workers to be competitive and to contribute to the local economy. I’ve worked to advance legislation that would ease green card backlogs and help businesses in Kansas retain the high-skilled staff they need to thrive.
Adkins: "I support building a border wall, increasing investments in technology and surveillance to help border agents, and we must de-fund sanctuary cities," Amanda Adkins said on her website.
Hohe: "We need immagration reform. I would rather want immigrants to respect our borders and enter our country legally, plus be able to take care of themselves, food, housing, education and health, and not be a burden to the State or Federal Government."

Should undocumented immigrants be covered under a government-run health plan?
Davids: "During a global pandemic where 180,000 people have died in the United States alone, we should be looking for ways to expand Kansans’ access to healthcare. But instead my opponent is working to tear down the Affordable Care Act, ripping thousands of Kansans off their health coverage and jeopardizing protections for people with pre-existing conditions."
Adkins: Did not answer.
Hohe: No.

FINAL THOUGHTS

What is the most important issue of this election?
Davids: "Health care is the number one issue I hear about from my constituents. Too many Kansans are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of health care and prescription drugs - and that was even before we faced this unprecedented pandemic that has caused millions of Americans to lose their health insurance.

I’m fighting every day in Congress to ensure Kansans have access to quality, affordable health care that protects those with pre-existing conditions. I’ve voted for dozens of bills that would lower health care costs including premiums and prescription drug prices, encourage Kansas to expand Medicaid, and strengthen protections for people with pre-existing conditions. I’ve also introduced my own bill to help end surprise medical billing. We need leaders in Washington who will fight to lower health care costs and protect people with pre-existing conditions, not rip away Americans’ health care during a pandemic."
Adkins: Did not answer.
Hohe: "The National Debt"

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41 Action News is committed to providing comprehensive information on the 2020 primary and general elections with an emphasis on several key issues — the economy, the COVID-19 pandemic and race relations. Count on us to provide news and information to help you make an informed choice at the polls.