2020 North Carolina US Senate Voters Guide

Cal Cunningham (D) vs Thom Tillis (R)

US Senate | Election | Nov 10, 2020

The Candidates

Cal Cunningham

Cal Cunningham

Democrat

Thom Tillis

Thom Tillis

Republican

Incumbent

The Issues

Affordable Care Act

Support Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare?

Share Their Positions

Campaign Finance

Require more disclosure about the sources of campaign financing?

Cal Cunningham (D)

Yes. Supports HR1 and wants to eliminate “dark money” donations from anonymous donors. Overturn Citizens United decision.No position found.

Thom Tillis (R)

No position found.

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Climate Change

Consider human-caused climate change a serious threat? Support government action?

Thom Tillis (R)
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COVID-19

Support administration’s response to coronavirus pandemic?

Support administration’s economic response to coronavirus pandemic?

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Education

Use public funding for private schools?

Cal Cunningham (D)

No. Supports phasing out school vouchers to pay for private-school tuition.

Thom Tillis (R)

Yes. Supports vouchers for students to attend private schools with government assistance.

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Environment

Tighten or loosen environmental regulations?

Cal Cunningham (D)

Tighten. As a state senator, supported a Clean Smokestacks Act, requiring coal-fired power plants to reduce carbon emissions.

Thom Tillis (R)

Loosen. Supports Trump EPA head Andrew Wheeler’s attempts to loosen regulations as needless red tape. Environmental groups have criticized Wheeler’s actions.

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Immigration

Create path to citizenship for “DACA” residents brought to U.S. as children?

Support additional border walls.

Cal Cunningham (D)

Mixed. Against Trump diverting funds from military bases for border wall, but wants a mix of “physical barriers, technology and manpower.”

Thom Tillis (R)

Yes. Called Trump’s declaration of a national emergency to extend the wall executive overreach. Later voted for it as giving president tools to “keep America safe.”

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Impeachment

Support U.S. Senate calling witnesses and voting to convict President Trump? Judgment of Trump Presidency.

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Iran

Oppose military attacks on Iran without congressional approval?

Cal Cunningham (D)
Thom Tillis (R)

No. Voted against a bipartisan Senate resolution requiring congressional authorization for military action in Iran.

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Labor

Support “right to work” laws, banning unions from mandating dues for workers they represent?

Cal Cunningham (D)

Mixed. Endorsed by major unions. Calls for a “living wage” and defending workplace protections. In 2014 endorsed state’s unique “right-to-work laws.”

Thom Tillis (R)

Yes. Co-sponsored National Right to Work Act. As state speaker of the House, vowed to keep North Carolina “the least unionized state in the United States.”

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Legal Abortion

Keep legal or ban?

Thom Tillis (R)

Ban. Signed a brief asking the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. “I will never stop fighting for the sanctity of life.”

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LGBTQ Rights

Support same-sex marriage and extension of LGBTQ rights?

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Marijuana

Decriminalize or legalize?

Thom Tillis (R)

No. Opposes marijuana legalization, but backs study of effectiveness for medical use.

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Minimum Wage

Raise federal hourly minimum wage above current $7.25?

Thom Tillis (R)

No recent position found. In 2014 opposed a federal minimum wage, calling it a “defeatist mentality” compared to focusing on jobs.

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Planned Parenthood

Support Planned Parenthood’s receiving public funds for providing health care?

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Police and Community

Restrict police use of force and increase public oversight?

Cal Cunningham (D)
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Student Financial Aid

Reduce cost of college for lower-income individuals? Forgive student debt?

Cal Cunningham (D)

Mostly yes. Wants to lower the cost of college, let students refinance college loans, fix loan forgiveness and expand Pell Grants.  Unclear on forgiving student debt.

Thom Tillis (R)
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Taxes

Support administration’s $1.9 trillion (2017) tax cuts?

Cal Cunningham (D)

No. Overwhelmingly benefits “the largest corporations and the ultra-wealthy while leaving middle-class and poor … behind.”

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Voting Rights

Strict ID and other rules to combat possible fraud, even if limiting access?

Cal Cunningham (D)

No. Supports reinstating protections under the Voting Rights Act. Supports automatic and same-day registration and early voting.

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