Cynthia McKinney

Since being elected in 1992 as the first African-American Congresswoman
from Georgia, Cynthia Ann McKinney has gained national and international
renown as a tireless advocate for human rights, voting rights and
holding government accountable. McKinney's voting record reflects her
philosophy that government should serve to provide uplift to local
communities and the dignity of the human spirit. This means promoting
the rights of seniors, students, the disabled, minorities, veterans and
workers. She is known as a passionate, intelligent, charismatic and
effective member of the House of Representatives and of the Democratic
Party.

Cynthia McKinney on Abortion

Click here for 12 full quotes on Abortion OR other candidates on Abortion OR background on Abortion.

Consistent supporter of reproductive rights. (Feb 2008)
Supports human embryonic stem cell research. (Feb 2008)
Voted YES on allowing human embryonic stem cell research. (May 2005)
Voted NO on restricting interstate transport of minors to get abortions. (Apr 2005)
Voted NO on banning Family Planning funding in US aid abroad. (May 2001)
Voted NO on federal crime to harm fetus while committing other crimes. (Apr 2001)
Voted NO on banning partial-birth abortions. (Apr 2000)
Voted NO on barring transporting minors to get an abortion. (Jun 1999)
Recommended by EMILY's List of pro-choice women. (Apr 2001)
Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)
Protect the reproductive rights of women. (Jan 1993)
Supported funding contraception and UN family planning. (Jul 1999)

Cynthia McKinney on Budget & Economy

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We have plenty of money for programs; it's just misallocated. (Jan 2008)
Get minorities into home ownership & global marketplace. (Jan 2001)

Cynthia McKinney on Civil Rights

Click here for 17 full quotes on Civil Rights OR other candidates on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights.

Keep affirmative action in college admissions. (Feb 2008)
Supports gay adoptions. (Feb 2008)
Repeal the Patriot Act and end Islamophobia. (Jan 2008)
Reparations for former slaves, as promised & never delivered. (Jan 2008)
Introduced MLK Records Act, to unseal assassination files. (Dec 2007)
Voted NO on making the PATRIOT Act permanent. (Dec 2005)
Voted NO on banning gay adoptions in DC. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on ending preferential treatment by race in college admissions. (May 1998)
Supports reparations for slavery. (Aug 2001)
Ending racial profiling is part of fight for justice. (Jan 2001)
Constitutional Amendment for equal rights by gender. (Mar 2001)
Require "Privacy Impact Statement" on new federal rules. (Apr 2002)
Issue a commemorative postage stamp of Rosa Parks. (Dec 2005)
Rated 80% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
Rated 97% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
Supported legislation on violence against women & safety. (Jul 1999)
Supported funding for women's and disadvantaged businesses. (Jul 1999)

Cynthia McKinney on Corporations

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Corporate media limits discourse & voters therefore dropout. (Mar 2008)
US companies abide by environment & labor standards overseas. (Feb 2008)
Astounded at the corporate influence in Farm Bill. (Jan 2008)
Require reporting of outsourced jobs. (Nov 2006)
Voted NO on Bankruptcy Overhaul requiring partial debt repayment. (Mar 2001)
Sponsored bill on Code of Conduct for US corporations abroad. (Aug 2001)

Cynthia McKinney on Crime

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Replace death penalty with life imprisonment. (Feb 2008)
End the death penalty; it's based on race & class. (Jan 2008)
End racial disparities in sentencing. (Jan 2008)
Police take communities of color as rampaging ground. (Jan 2008)
Rethink prisons; reverse astronomical incarceration rates. (Jan 2008)
Voted YES on funding for alternative sentencing instead of more prisons. (Jun 2000)
Voted NO on more prosecution and sentencing for juvenile crime. (Jun 1999)
Voted YES on maintaining right of habeas corpus in Death Penalty Appeals. (Mar 1996)
Voted NO on making federal death penalty appeals harder. (Feb 1995)
Voted YES on replacing death penalty with life imprisonment. (Apr 1994)
Rated 80% by CURE, indicating pro-rehabilitation crime votes. (Dec 2000)
Moratorium on death penalty; more DNA testing. (Mar 2001)
More funding and stricter sentencing for hate crimes. (Apr 2001)
Require DNA testing for all federal executions. (Mar 2001)
Stricter sentencing for hate crimes. (Mar 1993)

Cynthia McKinney on Drugs

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Legalize medical marijuana & needle exchanges. (Feb 2008)
End the war on drugs. (Jan 2008)
CIA has admitted it was involved in drug-dealing. (Jan 2008)
Detoxification & rehabilitation--not incarceration. (Jan 2008)
Voted NO on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism. (Sep 2001)
Voted NO on prohibiting needle exchange & medical marijuana in DC. (Oct 1999)
Rated +20 by NORML, indicating a pro-drug-reform stance. (Dec 2006)

Cynthia McKinney on Education

Click here for 10 full quotes on Education OR other candidates on Education OR background on Education.

Something wrong with $38B on education & $700B on defense. (Jan 2008)
No Child Left Behind aimed at dismantling public education. (Jan 2008)
Our public schools are in a serious state disrepair. (Dec 2007)
No Child Left Behind is an unfunded mandate. (Dec 2007)
Voted YES on $84 million in grants for Black and Hispanic colleges. (Mar 2006)
Voted YES on requiring states to test students. (May 2001)
Voted NO on allowing vouchers in DC schools. (Aug 1998)
Voted NO on vouchers for private & parochial schools. (Nov 1997)
Voted NO on giving federal aid only to schools allowing voluntary prayer. (Mar 1994)
Supported funding for teacher training & other initiatives. (Jul 1999)

Cynthia McKinney on Energy & Oil

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Declare US carbon-free and nuclear-free. (Feb 2008)
Implement Kyoto; raise CAFE; oppose drilling ANWR. (Feb 2008)
Leave the oil in the soil. (Jan 2008)
Protect ANWR; fund sustainable power sources. (Dec 2007)
Voted YES on keeping moratorium on drilling for oil offshore. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on scheduling permitting for new oil refinieries. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on authorizing construction of new oil refineries. (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)
Voted YES on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001)
Voted YES on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol. (Jun 2000)
Regulate wholesale electricity & gas prices. (Mar 2001)
Preserve Alaska's ANWR instead of drilling it. (Feb 2001)
Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)

Cynthia McKinney on Environment

Click here for 7 full quotes on Environment OR other candidates on Environment OR background on Environment.

We need sustainable production and consumption policies. (Jan 2008)
Add organic farming, sustainability, and GM ban to Farm Bill. (Jan 2008)
Recognize Katrina victims as Internally Displaced Persons. (Jan 2008)
Assess toxic contaminants in aftermath of Katrina & Rita. (Nov 2006)
Voted YES on increasing AMTRAK funding by adding $214M to $900M. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on deauthorizing "critical habitat" for endangered species. (Sep 2005)
Sponsored bill prohibiting commercial logging on public land. (Apr 2001)

Cynthia McKinney on Families & Children

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Voted YES on reducing Marriage Tax by $399B over 10 years. (Mar 2001)
Supported funding child care, child health, & child housing. (Jul 1999)

Cynthia McKinney on Foreign Policy

Click here for 16 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR other candidates on Foreign Policy OR background on Foreign Policy.

Close the School of the Americas. (Feb 2008)
Targeted by AIPAC for opposing Israeli occupation. (Feb 2008)
Make US a partner for peace in global community. (Jan 2008)
Listen to advocates in Israel & Palestine, not to AIPAC. (Jan 2008)
Pressure government to refrain from interference in Africa. (Jan 2008)
No military assistance to Nigeria. (Nov 2006)
Voted NO on deterring foreign arms transfers to China. (Jul 2005)
Voted NO on reforming the UN by restricting US funding. (Jun 2005)
Voted YES on keeping Cuba travel ban until political prisoners released. (Jul 2001)
Voted NO on withholding $244M in UN Back Payments until US seat restored. (May 2001)
Voted YES on $156M to IMF for 3rd-world debt reduction. (Jul 2000)
Voted NO on Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China. (May 2000)
Voted YES on $15.2 billion for foreign operations. (Nov 1999)
Allow Americans to travel to Cuba. (May 2000)
Supported sending Colin Powell to Durban racism conference. (Aug 2001)
Multi-year commitment to Africa for food & medicine. (Apr 2001)

Cynthia McKinney on Free Trade

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No Fast Track; no MFN for China; no WTO; no CAFTA. (Feb 2008)
Repeal NAFTA & CAFTA to address immigration problems. (Jan 2008)
Put a stop to these "free trade" agreements, and quickly. (Jan 2008)
Voted NO on implementing CAFTA, Central America Free Trade. (Jul 2005)
Voted YES on withdrawing from the WTO. (Jun 2000)
Voted NO on 'Fast Track' authority for trade agreements. (Sep 1998)
No MFN for China; condition trade on human rights. (Nov 1999)

Cynthia McKinney on Government Reform

Click here for 14 full quotes on Government Reform OR other candidates on Government Reform OR background on Government Reform.

Called for impeachment of Bush & Cheney. (Feb 2008)
Long been a supporter of publicly financed elections. (Feb 2008)
End privately-owned and party-run voting machines. (Jan 2008)
Do better on gov't contracting for small & minority business. (Dec 2007)
Proposed proportional or instant runoff voting for Congress. (Nov 2006)
Voted NO on requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections. (Sep 2006)
Voted NO on restricting independent grassroots political committees. (Apr 2006)
Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits about obesity against food providers. (Oct 2005)
Voted NO on limiting attorney's fees in class action lawsuits. (Feb 2005)
Voted NO on banning soft money donations to national political parties. (Jul 2001)
Voted YES on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)
Election reform is #1 priority to prevent disenfranchisement. (Jan 2001)
Sponsored bill for IRV voting for Electoral College. (Mar 2001)
Allow same-day voter registration on election day. (Jan 2001)

Cynthia McKinney on Gun Control

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Voted NO on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers. (Oct 2005)
Voted NO on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1. (Jun 1999)

Cynthia McKinney on Health Care

Click here for 18 full quotes on Health Care OR other candidates on Health Care OR background on Health Care.

Supports single-payer universal health care. (Feb 2008)
Resources for health needs, pre-natal & post-natal care. (Jan 2008)
Take insurance companies out of health-care equation. (Jan 2008)
Affordable health care is a matter of national security. (Dec 2007)
Against rationing or voucher-based system of insurance. (Dec 2007)
Voted NO on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay. (Feb 2006)
Voted NO on allowing suing HMOs, but under federal rules & limited award. (Aug 2001)
Voted NO on subsidizing private insurance for Medicare Rx drug coverage. (Jun 2000)
Voted NO on banning physician-assisted suicide. (Oct 1999)
Increase funding for AIDS treatment & prevention. (Jan 2001)
More funding for Rx benefits, community health, CHIPs. (Jan 2001)
MEDS Plan: Cover senior Rx under Medicare. (Jan 2001)
Provide mental health services for older Americans. (May 2005)
Make health care a right, not a privilege. (Nov 1999)
Supported funding women's health needs. (Jul 1999)
Supported funding older women's health. (Jul 1999)
Supported funding Prenatal and Postpartum Care. (Jul 1999)
Supported funding Family and Children's Coverage. (Jul 1999)

Cynthia McKinney on Homeland Security

Click here for 22 full quotes on Homeland Security OR other candidates on Homeland Security OR background on Homeland Security.

End the rollback of our civil liberties. (Mar 2008)
Questions Bush administration involvement in 9/11. (Mar 2008)
PhD thesis: role of assassination as a state political tool. (Mar 2008)
Pentagon lost $2.3T; let's cut their funding. (Feb 2008)
Maintain habeas corpus; oppose Patriot Act. (Feb 2008)
Bring home all troops stationed abroad. (Jan 2008)
we have not had truth about September 11. (Jan 2008)
Don't give up liberty in exchange for security. (Jan 2008)
Criticized excessive secrecy in 9/11 investigation. (Dec 2007)
Speak out against Pentagon waste, fraud, and abuse. (Dec 2007)
Allow concurrent veterans' disability & retired pay. (Dec 2007)
Suspend use of depleted uranium munitions. (Nov 2006)
Voted NO on allowing electronic surveillance without a warrant. (Sep 2006)
Voted NO on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight. (Apr 2006)
Voted NO on federalizing rules for driver licenses to hinder terrorists. (Feb 2005)
Voted NO on continuing military recruitment on college campuses. (Feb 2005)
Voted NO on $266 billion Defense Appropriations bill. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on deploying SDI. (Mar 1999)
End the use of anti-personnel mines. (Mar 2001)
Address abuses of electronic monitoring in the workplace. (Apr 1993)
Establish a Women's Bureau in Dept. of Veterans Affairs. (Aug 1993)
Recognize women veterans; assist military families. (Jul 1999)

Cynthia McKinney on Immigration

Click here for 7 full quotes on Immigration OR other candidates on Immigration OR background on Immigration.

No skilled worker visas; but no border fence either. (Feb 2008)
Corporations found scapegoats in "illegal immigrants". (Jan 2008)
Illegal immigration shouldn't be a labor policy. (Dec 2007)
Voted NO on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on preventing tipping off Mexicans about Minuteman Project. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on extending Immigrant Residency rules. (May 2001)
Voted NO on more immigrant visas for skilled workers. (Sep 1998)

Cynthia McKinney on Jobs

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If minimum wage kept up with CEO pay, it'd be $22/hour. (Mar 2008)
Authored a living wage bill. (Feb 2008)
Gainful employment at a guaranteed income for every family. (Jan 2008)
Unions essential to protecting wages & worker safety. (Dec 2007)
Debt relief for black farmers who were cheated in '80s loans. (Nov 2006)
Voted YES on $167B over 10 years for farm price supports. (Oct 2001)
Voted NO on zero-funding OSHA's Ergonomics Rules instead of $4.5B. (Mar 2001)
Sponsored bill requiring disclosure of outsourced employees. (Feb 2001)

Cynthia McKinney on Principles & Values

Click here for 17 full quotes on Principles & Values OR other candidates on Principles & Values OR background on Principles & Values.

Our winner-take-all electoral system pushes conformity. (Mar 2008)
Dissociated with Dems after Capitol guard assault incident. (Mar 2008)
Address people who have withdraws from electoral process. (Feb 2008)
Ban malicious party-crossover voting in open primaries. (Feb 2008)
Running to institutionalize Green Party & Ten Key Values. (Feb 2008)
Helped draft the Reconstruction Party Manifesto. (Jan 2008)
Oct. 2007: Resigned Democratic Party & joined Green Party. (Dec 2007)
Lost 2002 primary; sued against "open primary" & lost. (Dec 2007)
Apology on House floor for punching Capitol Police officer. (Dec 2007)
Advocate of Hip-Hop movement for social justice. (Dec 2007)
Republicans have deceived us; Democrats have failed us. (Dec 2007)
Supported by Green Party for state Legislature & US Congress. (Dec 2007)
Religious affiliation: Catholic. (Nov 2000)
Member of Congressional Black Caucus. (Jan 2001)
Reject Bush's Florida electors due to election fraud. (Jan 2001)
Member of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues. (Jul 2001)
Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. (Nov 2007)

Cynthia McKinney on Social Security

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Voted YES on raising 401(k) limits & making pension plans more portable. (May 2001)
Voted YES on reducing tax payments on Social Security benefits. (Jul 2000)
Voted YES on strengthening the Social Security Lockbox. (May 1999)
Changing Social Security disproportionately affects women. (May 2001)
Reject proposals for private saving accounts. (May 2002)
Supported pension reform and tax credits for long-term care. (Jul 1999)

Cynthia McKinney on Tax Reform

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Voted NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Dec 2005)
Voted NO on $99 B economic stimulus: capital gains & income tax cuts. (Oct 2001)
Voted NO on Tax cut package of $958 B over 10 years. (May 2001)
Voted NO on eliminating the Estate Tax ("death tax"). (Apr 2001)
Voted YES on eliminating the "marriage penalty". (Jul 2000)
Voted NO on $46 billion in tax cuts for small business. (Mar 2000)
American People's Dividend: Give $300 to every person. (Feb 2001)
Rated 100% by the CTJ, indicating support of progressive taxation. (Dec 2006)
Tax incentives for child care; eliminate marriage penalty. (Jul 1999)
Tax incentives for education, new schools, & families. (Jul 1999)

Cynthia McKinney on Technology

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Voted YES on establishing "network neutrality" (non-tiered Internet). (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on increasing fines for indecent broadcasting. (Feb 2005)