Election 2022: Your guide to the 11th Congressional race

Gun Rights

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Incumbent Republican Lloyd Smucker faces Democratic challenger Bob Hollister in the Nov. 8 election for the 11th Congressional seat.

The district covers all of Lancaster County and southern York County.

The York Daily Record asked the candidates a series of questions on a variety of topics, including inflation, abortion, and elections. Each question had a 500-character limit, and the responses were not edited.

Here are their answers:

Bob Hollister, Democratic

Age: None given

Campaign website: www.hollisterforcongress.com

Campaign Twitter: www.instagram.com/HollisterForCongress

Campaign Facebook: www.facebook.com/HollisterForCongress

Occupation: Retired educator

Primary residence: Conestoga

What is the top issue facing this office, and what are your plans to address it?

At the core of our democracy is the fundamental issue of voting rights. Rather than trying to strip away this sacred right, our leaders should work to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. Elections should be fair, accessible, and safe to ensure all citizens voices are heard. I support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 as well as other bills that are already in Congress seeking to strengthen the right to vote.

Would you support legislation that would ensure legal access to abortions? What, if any restrictions should be placed on abortion?

Roe Vs. Wade was the compromise on this issue. This issue is ultimately a personal and private health care decision for a woman. In Congress I would fight any attempt by federal or state governments to interfere with or restrict healthcare decisions, including reproductive decisions and access to contraception.

Do you agree with the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, and what, if any, steps should be taken to ensure free and fair elections?

The 2020 presidential election was free and fair, with no evidence of voter fraud that would change the outcome of the results. I support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act as well as the Freedom to Vote Act in order to strengthen voting rights in this country.

What is your plan to address inflation?

Inflation is an issue of supply and demand affected still by the coronavirus, war, and supply chain issues which are worldwide issues, not just in America. I believe the Federal Reserve is doing what it can by manipulating interest rates. The main thing that Congress needs to focus on is incentivizing companies to produce more goods in the United States. Far too much production capacity has gone offshore, bringing that back can help alleviate this issue that has plagued us for decades.

Hydraulic fracturing for natural gas has been a concern over its potential environmental harm. Can the two sides of natural gas production be balanced or should further production be limited in favor of renewable energy?

Hydraulic fracking is a necessary option that this state and country must use in transition from coal and other fossil fuels to renewable energy. We cannot make the change over night and need transition fuels like natural gas to get us to a cleaner and greener future. This state and Congress need to address environmental concerns about fracking by reducing pollutants that are used in the process and hold companies accountable when they commit ecological damage.

Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures?  If yes, what? If no, why not?

We have a gun violence problem in this country. I believe that we must take action in order to protect people. This includes red flag laws, implementing and upholding universal background checks by federal and state authorities, strengthening domestic violence laws against gun ownership, ending the gun show loophole, and eliminating ghost guns.

Do you believe there should be term limits for Supreme Court justices or that the Supreme Court should be expanded? Explain your position.

I believe that there should be some update to the Supreme Court in order to decrease the politization of the body. I am open to ideas of term limits or ideas such as each president appointing a justice, but do not have firm convictions on a single answer.

What can you bring to the table to promote unity?

As a Superintendent of a school district I had to listen to everyone, that is something we have modeled with this campaign and something I will continue to do in Congress. This campaign has Republicans, Independents, and Democrats all advising it, and there is always a seat at the table for a differing opinions. I recognize that politicians need to listen to all constituents, not just their supporters, which is what I have been and will continue to do if elected.

Lloyd K. Smucker, Republican

Age: None given

Campaign website: www.electsmucker.com

Campaign Twitter: @LloydSmuckerPA

Campaign Facebook: www.facebook.com/SmuckerforCongress

Occupation: Congressman

Primary residence: West Lampeter Township, Lancaster County

What is the top issue facing this office, and what are your plans to address it?

The #1 issue I hear about from constituents across the district is rising costs and the impact of inflation. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrat’s reckless spending has created the perfect storm for inflation and a recession. It’s costing Pennsylvania families more than $600 a month. In Congress, I’ll continue to work to enact a pro-growth policy agenda to rebuild a strong economy and reduce the tax burden for low and middle-income families.

Would you support legislation that would ensure legal access to abortions? What, if any restrictions should be placed on abortion?

I am proud to represent a district that believes in the sanctity of human life. I have a 100% pro-life voting record. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed that Roe v Wade was not correctly decided in the eyes of the law and has returned the decision to state legislatures. Instead of promoting the barbaric practices of on-demand and late-term abortions, we should work towards solutions to support unexpectant mothers and pre-born babies.

Do you agree with the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, and what, if any, steps should be taken to ensure free and fair elections?

The PA Dept. of State, Gov. Wolf and the PA Supreme Court destroyed voter confidence in 2020 with last-minute changes and efforts that bred confusion among voters and election officials. Since then, Democrats and the news media have muzzled voters and elected officials who ask questions which created skepticism. With a Republican Governor, the state will need to make reforms to Act 77 and internal practices. I believe voter ID and routine audits are necessary to secure our elections.

What is your plan to address inflation?

Many economists agree that Biden’s American Rescue Plan sparked the highest inflation in 40 years, costing PA families more than $600 a month. People are being forced to get second jobs and often do more with less. To stop inflation, Biden and congressional Democrats need to end the spending spree and allow the free market to thrive. We must conduct rigorous oversight to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars, and enact a pro-growth agenda to rebuild a strong economy.

Hydraulic fracturing for natural gas has been a concern over its potential environmental harm. Can the two sides of natural gas production be balanced or should further production be limited in favor of renewable energy?

I believe you can find a balance. Expansion of natural gas has helped reduce U.S. energy-related carbon emissions by 14% in just over a decade. It has been vital in helping our nation transition away from high carbon-emitting energy on a sustainable timeline that doesn’t burden hard-working households with higher costs. It is crucial that we become less dependent on our enemies. We must cut the red tape and increase domestic production to make energy more affordable for hard-working families.

Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures?  If yes, what? If no, why not?

I’m proud to represent a district that values the second amendment and have earned A+ ratings from the NRA for my voting record that ensures the second amendment is not infringed on. Congress must engage in a meaningful conversation to reduce gun violence in an evidence-based way without taking away constitutional rights from law-abiding citizens. I’ve been supportive of local community projects to cut down on gun violence and empower school districts to make decisions to keep our students safe.

Do you believe there should be term limits for Supreme Court justices or that the Supreme Court should be expanded? Explain your position.

We have seen our judicial system become overtly political, which is not as our nation’s founders envisioned the function of the three branches of government. Judges are to interpret the law and make rulings. They are not social activists who decide matters based on public opinion and the political climate. I don’t believe in packing the courts for political expediency or limiting the service of Supreme Court justices.

What can you bring to the table to promote unity?

Democrats in Congress have completely shut out dissenting opinions and opportunities for bipartisanship. Instead of being a commander in chief, Biden hosted a press conference calling many Americans fascists, disenfranchising the majority of the 11th Congressional District. When we win the majority, Republicans will make a case to the American people and commit to being the party that will rebuild our nation. I believe this will be a unifying moment for our country.

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