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Affirmative Action

Affirmative action refers to policies intended to promote access to education or employment aimed at a historically socio-politically non-dominant group (typically, minorities or women). Motivation for affirmative action policies is to redress the effects of past discrimination and to encourage public institutions such as universities, hospitals and police forces to be more representative of the population.

Hillary Clinton on Affirmative Action More on this candidate

Stance:	Supports
Description:	"For millions of Americans, affirmative action has knocked down the barriers of the past that prevented them from attending college, law school, serving in the military, or working in our country's leading companies and the small businesses in our hometowns and neighborhoods. When our public places are as diverse as our great nation, then our country grows stronger and we move closer to the America we dream about." - Hillary Clinton
Citations:

Statement of Senator Hillary Clinton Re: Supreme Court's Decision Upholding Affirmative Action (9/26/07)
Today, the American ideals we cherish: freedom and equal opportunity for all were upheld by the Supreme Court's 5 to 4 decision. This single decision will help millions of Americans continue the path toward progress so that our institutions of higher learning, our government, military and our places of business large and small continue to reflect the diversity of our great nation.

Stephen Colbert on Affirmative Action More on this candidate

Stance:	Does not see race.
Description:	Stephen Colbert is unable to see different races so he cannot make decisions based on race.
Citations:

1.	Episode 3132 (10/16/2007) (10/18/07) On October 16, 2007, Stephen Colbert said "I don't see race. So, for all I know, I am African-American. People tell me I'm white, and I believe them, because I am also running as a Republican." on the Colbert Report.
2.	Stephen Colbert's Bio (10/17/07) 'Views' section quotes The Colbert Report show, with Colbert explaining his inability to see race.

John Cox on Affirmative Action More on this candidate

Stance:	Skeptical about its implementation
Description:	"Affirmative action based on race is racist - plain and simple. I adamantly oppose racism of all kinds. Is there a place to help those who haven't had economic opportunity? Yes, but we need to be very careful that corruption and cronyism are not part of the equation and unfortunately, that is often the case when government picks winners and losers in the economy." - John Cox
Citations:

SGT interviews presidential candidate John Cox (9/12/07)
JC: Affirmative action based on race is racist - plain and simple. I adamantly oppose racism of all kinds. Is there a place to help those who haven't had economic opportunity? Yes, but we need to be very careful that corruption and cronyism are not part of the equation and unfortunately, that is often the case when government picks winners and losers in the economy.

John Edwards on Affirmative Action More on this candidate

Stance:	Supports
Description:	John Edwards has stated that he supports affirmative action.
Citations:

1.	John Edwards - Affirmative Action (7/31/07) Supports Affirmative Action by: 1.) ensure that appointed judges believe in affirmative action. 2.) create magnet schools to actively desegregate.

Mike Huckabee on Affirmative Action More on this candidate

Stance:	Opposes
Description:	Huckabee supports no affirmative action for state contracts and colleges.
Citations:

1.	No affirmative for state contracts nor colleges (8/21/07) Q: Affirmative Action: Should race, ethnicity, or gender be taken into account in state agencies' decisions on: Q: College and university admissions A: No. Q: Public employment A: No. Q: State contracting A: No.

Duncan Hunter on Affirmative Action More on this candidate

Stance:	Very limited affirmative action
Description:	Representative Duncan Hunter believes affirmative action should be used in very limited circumstances.
Citations:

An Interview With Duncan Hunter (8/21/07)
John Hawkins: Affirmative Action.

Duncan Hunter: I'm for a very conservative approach to Affirmative Action.

John Hawkins: So, the one where you basically just tell people about the job, but you don't give any preference based on race?

Duncan Hunter: I would say it's in very, very limited areas where Affirmation Action - I would say building opportunity, affording opportunity, but not giving hand-outs.

Dennis Kucinich on Affirmative Action More on this candidate

Stance:	Make affirmative action into federal law
Description:	Make affirmative action into federal law
Citations:

1.	Democratic Candidates Back Affirmative Action (8/13/07) Kucinich saying we need affirmative action to be a federal law

Ron Paul on Affirmative Action More on this candidate

Stance:	Opposes
Description:	Representative Ron Paul opposes affirmative action in government programs.
Citations:

1.	Congressional Election 1996 National Political Awareness Test (8/21/07) "The federal government should not provide any affirmative action programs."

Bill Richardson on Affirmative Action More on this candidate

Stance:	Supports
Description:	Governor Bill Richardson supports using affirmative action in government programs.
Citations:

Democratic Debate Transcript, Howard University, June 28, 2007 (8/21/07)
"Leading on the issues of race is about being authentic, about speaking honestly. Race is a major issue in this country, and the next president has to talk about it. Race is not just passing new laws. Race is not just naming solid Supreme Court justices. Race is also dealing with bigotry and racism that exists in this country.

And I believe very strongly that the next president is not just going to have to pass laws and take the steps necessary to reaffirm affirmative action and take steps to make sure that our schools are integrated, but also the next president is going have to lead and speak passionately about a dialogue among all people.

And I believe very strongly that issues of diversity, for me, the first Latino to run for president, aren't talking points; they're facts of life."

Mitt Romney on Affirmative Action More on this candidate

Stance:	Opposes
Description:	While governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney used an executive order to end affirmative action in government hiring practices.
Citations:

1.	Romney says he will alter diversity plan (8/19/07) This article discusses Governor Mitt Romney's actions to end affirmative action in Massachusetts government hiring.

Fred Thompson on Affirmative Action More on this candidate

Stance:	Supports
Description:	In 1995, Thompson voted against Senate amendment 1825 to H.R. 1854 (the "Gramm Amendment") which would have banned affirmative action in the awarding of federal contracts. Thompson also voted against amendment 1826 to H.R. 1854 (the "Murray Amendment") which reaffirmed the use of affirmative action programs in federal contracts provided that the beneficiaries are qualified.
Citations:

1.	Senate Votes on the Gramm Amendment (10/30/07) A vote to ensure equal opportunity and merit selection in the award of Federal contracts. Thompson votes 'Nay'.
2.	A Vote Summary on an Amendment to the Murray Amendment (10/30/07) A vote to provide that none of the funds in this Act may be used to award Federal contracts to unqualified persons, in reverse discrimination, or in quotas, or is inconsistent with the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in ADARAND CONSTRUCTORS, INC., v. PENA on June 12, 1995. Thompson votes 'Nay'.

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Stance:	Generally supports
Description:	McCain feels affirmative action is good for specific programs, but not to fill quotas.
Citations:

Affirmative Action

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