Trending: The last candidates standing
February 23, 2016
And then there were seven. A primary season that began with 22 serious contenders hoping to become presidential nominees is now nearing its end. After months of listening each candidate make their cases, the voters of Kansas will receive the opportunity for their voices to be heard on March 5. With Governor Jeb Bush’s abrupt withdrawal from the race, Kansans now likely have four Republicans and two Democrats to choose from. For most high school seniors, this is the first election in which they will be eligible to vote. To help them make up their minds, we’ve highlighted a few of the things that each candidate brings to the table.
Bernie Sanders (D Vermont) wants to ignite a progressive political revolution in order to significantly reduce income inequality and control big business. Widely regarded as one of the most genuine candidates in the race, Senator Sanders calls for the government to increase regulations on Wall Street, provide free college for all, reform the criminal justice system, raise the minimum wage and create Medicare for all. He looks to nations like Sweden and Denmark for inspiration.
Hillary Clinton (D New York) proposes continuing progressive changes to government by building on many of President Obama’s projects. As a former First Lady, Senator and Secretary of State, Clinton presents herself as the most experienced candidate in the race. She advocates closing corporate loopholes, creating “no-fly zones” in Syria, fighting climate change, defending the Affordable Care Act and cutting taxes for the middle class. She is currently the favorite to win the Democratic nomination.
Ben Carson (R Michigan) hopes that his status as a Washington outsider will help him unite a broken political system. One of the country’s most-respected neurosurgeons, Carson is considered one of the GOP’s most thoughtful and soft-spoken candidates. He claims to embrace a 15% flat tax for all, a reduction in government departments and spending, an end to “political correctness” and the revitalization of honesty in politics.
Donald Trump (R New York) plans to “Make America Great Again” by using unconventional methods and refusing to hold back anything that is on his mind. One of the world’s most successful businessmen, Trump believes that his background provides him with the knowledge and experience necessary to provide a shot of adrenaline to the US job market, win at trade overseas, increase benefits to Veterans and dramatically clamp down on illegal immigration. He is currently the GOP Frontrunner.
John Kasich (R Ohio) hopes to combat the anti-establishment movement by bringing back traditional, moderate Republican values to the White House. Kasich is the last GOP governor standing in the race and boasts a 60% approval rating in his home state of Ohio. Having balanced both the US national budget and Ohio state budget, he promises to enact an amendment that requires a balanced budget at the national level every year.
Marco Rubio (R Florida) looks to unite the Republican establishment by embracing a combination of moderate and “Tea Party” stances. Endorsed by the likes of Pat Roberts, Sam Brownback, Bob Dole and Mike Pompeo, Rubio is a favorite of high-profile Kansas Republican leaders. He hopes to reduce the number of tax brackets, lower taxes, halt relations with Cuba, restore a market-based health care system and establish income-based repayment on student loans.
Ted Cruz (R Texas) is preparing to wage a conservative war on establishment politics in Washington. Given a 97% Liberty Score by Conservativereport.com, Senator Cruz touts himself as the most consistent conservative in the race. He has made it his mission to erase the traces of the Obama administration by repealing Obamacare, revoking the Iran deal, challenging the legality of gay marriage and fighting against amnesty.