H/T Aaron Biterman on Joe Kennedy’s facebook fan page: http://libertyslate.com/candidates/candidates-by-rank/
LibertySlate 2010 Endorses Joe Kennedy for Senate; only non-Republican included in the Slate
LibertySlate 2010 ranks non-incumbent candidates based on five fundamental issues in regards to spending, debt/economy, foreign policy, civil liberties, and entitlement programs. Additionally, we consider both website quality and chance of winning as factors in the ranking of the non-incumbent LibertySlate 2010 candidates.
The “LibertySlate Ranking & Platform,” our position on the various issues and how we rank the candidates:
Spending
LibertySlate 2010 supports candidates who favor reduced federal spending. Many modern Republicans talk about lowering taxes. Without a reduction in spending, a lower tax burden is meaningless. LibertySlate 2010 therefore endorses candidates who pledge to reduce spending.
Debt/Economy
LibertySlate 2010 supports candidates who support policies favorable to economic prosperity for all Americans. Without a strong commitment to balanced budgets, consistent adherence to free-market principles, and a respect for sound monetary policy, Americans will continue to burden future generations with insolvent economic policies. LibertySlate 2010 therefore endorses candidates who pledge to reduce government involvement in the economy.
Foreign Policy
LibertySlate 2010 supports reduced involvement in military affairs abroad. To keep America strong, including our commitment to a strong National Defense, LibertySlate 2010 supports candidates who favor reduced foreign aid and entanglements, bringing American troops home from Iraq as soon as possible, free trade, diplomacy, and a strong National Defense. LibertySlate 2010 opposes U.S. involvement in the UN.
Civil Liberties
LibertySlate 2010 supports candidates who favor abundant civil liberties for all law-abiding American citizens. Recognizing that a free society respects the rights of individuals, LibertySlate 2010 endorses candidates who oppose the USA Patriot Act, the REAL ID Act, and policies of torture and who support property rights, protection of personal privacy, and the protections of the First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments.
Entitlement Programs
LibertySlate 2010 supports candidates who oppose entitlement programs as a policy solution. This includes opposition to bailouts and stimulus plans. Entitlement programs are costly, inefficient, bureaucratic, ineffective, and generally cause more problems for the people who need the most help. LibertySlate 2010 endorses candidates who support free-market or private health care solutions, privatization or phasing out of Social Security, and reduction in other federal entitlement programs.
Total Score & Rank
In addition, candidates are ranked on the quality of their website, including the information it presents and its appearance. Candidates are also ranked on their potential to win. Website quality is a ranking of 0 to 3, with 3 being the best quality website. Chance of Winning is a ranking of 0 to 5, with 5 being the best chance of winning.
The maximum score for each candidate is 13: five on issues + three on website + five on chance of winning. Receiving a 13 does not mean that the candidate will win their respective race, but indicates that the candidate is better positioned to win their race than a candidate who receives a significantly lower score.