Richard Cordray Answers Questions

Candidate for
United States Senate

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Ohio and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. Should the United States pay all its dues to the United Nations as was originally agreed upon in its charter?

Yes, If we want to exercise leadership in the world, as we should, we should begin by carrying out our own international obligations. We should build upon that basic responsibility by setting a positive example for other nations in terms of critical issues such as nuclear proliferation; for that reason, I strongly oppose the recent vote in the Senate not to ratify the Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty. This vote means turning our back on decades of work to make the world safer and promote the peaceful solution of international disputes

2. What specific measures, if any, would you support to reform health care?

Fist, I support the Patient's Bill of Rights, which the Senate Republican have blocked. The legislation would grant patients the right to appeal a denial of treatment, more access to specialist, and coverage of emergency room treatment. It also would hold HMO's accountable by providing legal recourse when they deny treatment recommended by the doctor. Second, I favor expanding health care coverage by ensuring that all children have access to quality health care, get the immunizations they need and receive primary pediatric care. Third, I would use any surpluses to protect Medicare and cover prescription drugs for senior citizens.

3. What measures, if any, would you support to reform our campaign finance system?

I strongly support the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform legislation, both in its current form (banning soft money) and in its previous, stronger form (including broader and more comprehensive reforms). I also would support and work toward public financing of congressional campaigns, to level the playing field between incumbents and challengers. Finally, I support measures ( both at the federal and state level) to provide a fairer, nonpolitical apportionment of legislative districts to encourage competition that benefits the voters by giving them more of a choice.