A. John Peters (DFL): 2024 Election Guide
Welcome to WCCO.com's 2024 Election Guide!
We reached out to Minnesota major party candidates running in U.S. congressional races this fall. Candidates were asked to provide answers to a set of political questions of high importance to voters.
Minnesota 7th Congressional District candidate A. John Peters submitted his answers to the questionnaire below.
This is not a paid advertisement nor does WCCO endorse any candidate.
What do you believe are the most pressing issues facing constituents served by the office you are seeking?
1. Economic inequality: Too many families are struggling to make ends meet, with rising costs of living and stagnant wages. I am committed to creating good-paying jobs, raising the minimum wage, and supporting small businesses.
2. Farm Bill: It is a disgrace that a new Farm Bill has not passed. I will work for a bill that helps farmers hit by natural disasters, keeps nutrition programs intact, and reduces paperwork.
3. Health care access: Many in our district are facing barriers to affordable health care, including rural communities without access to nearby medical facilities. I will fight to expand Medicare and protect healthcare access for all.
4. Education and child care: Our schools are underfunded, and many working families can't afford quality child care. I will push for increased funding for public schools and universal pre-K programs, so every child can succeed.
5. Climate change: Addressing the climate crisis is crucial for the future of our planet and creating green jobs in our district. I will advocate for strong environmental protections and investments in renewable energy.
6. Voting rights: Ensuring that everyone has a voice in our democracy is a top priority. I will fight against voter suppression efforts and work to make voting more accessible for all citizens.
What are the three big goals or policies you hope to accomplish or pass during your time in office?
1. Strengthening economic security for working families: I am dedicated to improving economic security by raising the federal minimum wage, ensuring fair wages for workers, and expanding paid family leave. I aim to pass legislation that creates good-paying jobs and offers support for small businesses to help families thrive.
2. Expanding health care access: I will advocate for expanding access to health care, especially in rural and underserved communities. I support expanding Medicare, lowering prescription drug costs, and ensuring that everyone has access to affordable, quality health care, no matter where they live.
3. Passing a comprehensive Farm Bill: I am committed to supporting farmers and rural communities by passing a strong, comprehensive Farm Bill. My focus includes ensuring fair prices for farmers, expanding access to agricultural resources, and promoting sustainable farming practices that support small and family farms. I will push for increased funding for rural infrastructure including broadband access, to ensure that rural communities can thrive.
Do you think Congress should pass a federal law on abortion rights and what should it look like?
Yes, I believe Congress should pass a federal law to protect abortion rights. The law should codify the principles of Roe v. Wade, guaranteeing a woman's right to make decisions about her own body and reproductive health. This law should ensure that access to abortion remains safe, legal, and available in all states, without unnecessary restrictions or barriers. It must also protect the right to contraception and other reproductive health care.
Furthermore, this legislation should safeguard doctors and health care providers from legal penalties for providing care, and it should ensure that women, regardless of their socioeconomic status or location, can access the health care they need without interference from politicians. Every woman deserves the autonomy to make personal decisions about her body, free from government overreach.
According to polls, illegal crossings at the southern border and immigration policy are consistently ranked as a top issue for Americans. What do you propose to address these concerns?
Immigration reform is long overdue, and I believe we need a balanced approach that upholds the rule of law while also recognizing the human dignity of those seeking a better life. Here's what I propose:
1. Comprehensive immigration reform: We need to pass comprehensive immigration reform that creates a clear pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are already contributing to our communities. This includes Dreamers and those who have been living, working, and raising families in the U.S. for years. We must also address the backlog in processing immigration cases, which causes unnecessary delays and strains the system.
2. Modernizing border security: Border security is important, but we need smart and effective solutions, not just physical barriers. This includes using technology like drones, sensors, and surveillance to monitor the border more efficiently, and improving training for border patrol agents. We should also work with neighboring countries to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and violence, which drive people to flee their homes.
3. Reforming asylum and legal immigration processes: We need a system that upholds our values as a nation of immigrants while ensuring fairness and efficiency. This means improving the asylum process by increasing resources for processing applications and ensuring people fleeing persecution have a fair chance. It also includes expanding legal immigration opportunities, so people seeking to work, study, or reunite with family can do so through proper channels.
By addressing both security concerns and the need for humane treatment of immigrants, we can create a fairer, more efficient immigration system that works for everyone. This approach balances enforcement with compassion and reflects a comprehensive solution.
What would you do to address violent crime and drug use?
Violent crime has been on the decline for years, but we cannot become complacent. We need to address both the root causes of crime and ensure our communities remain safe. Here's what I propose:
1. Investing in programs for safe neighborhoods: The key to continuing the decline in violent crime is addressing its root causes — poverty, lack of opportunity, and access to quality education. We need to invest in programs that provide economic opportunities: job training, after-school activities, and mental health support in underserved communities. When people have more opportunity and hope for the future, they are less likely to turn to crime.
2. Reforming policing and criminal justice: Building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve is essential. We need comprehensive police reform to ensure accountability and transparency. We also need to invest in community policing initiatives that focus on building relationships between officers and residents. This will help prevent crime while reducing unnecessary confrontations.
3. Expanding mental health and addiction services: The rise in drug use, particularly opioids and fentanyl, is a serious issue. Instead of just treating it as a criminal problem, we need to treat addiction as the public health crisis it is. I will push for expanded funding for addiction treatment, mental health services, and rehabilitation programs. We must ensure people have access to the care they need, reducing the cycle of addiction and crime.
By continuing to invest in smart, proactive solutions, we can maintain the downward trend in violent crime while tackling the issues of drug use and addiction head-on.
Guns are the leading cause of death among children and teens in the United States. What do you believe the federal government should do to reduce gun violence?
It is unacceptable that guns are the leading cause of death among children and teens in the United States. I find it morally disgusting that the right of a disturbed person to own a gun outweighs the lives of children. The federal government must take immediate and comprehensive action to reduce gun violence and protect our kids. Here's what I believe should be done:
1. Implement universal background checks: We need to close loopholes that allow individuals to purchase guns without background checks, such as through private sales and gun shows. Universal background checks ensure that dangerous individuals, such as convicted felons or those with a history of domestic violence, cannot easily obtain firearms.
2. Ban assault rifles and high-capacity magazines: Weapons of war, like assault rifles, are designed to inflict maximum destruction: they have no place on our streets. We must reinstate the federal ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, which are disproportionately used in mass shootings. These steps will help reduce the lethality of gun violence and save lives.
3. Red flag laws: We should enact national red flag laws that allow family members, law enforcement, and courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who are at risk of harming themselves or others. This can prevent tragedies before they happen, especially in cases of domestic violence or mental health crises.
4. Support community-based violence prevention programs: We need to invest in programs that prevent gun violence at the community level. Programs that offer mentorship, conflict resolution training, and resources for at-risk youth have been proven to reduce gun violence. Federal funding for these initiatives is crucial to making our neighborhoods safer.
5. Increase mental health resources in schools and communities: Gun violence often stems from untreated mental health issues. By expanding access to mental health care in schools and communities, we can help identify and support individuals before they turn to violence. This is especially important for teens and young adults who may be struggling.
Reducing gun violence requires a comprehensive approach that balances sensible regulations with proactive community support. Our children's safety depends on it, and the time to act is now.
Do you believe there should be term limits for members of Congress?
Yes, I believe there should be term limits for members of Congress. Term limits would help ensure that Congress remains accountable to the people, not entrenched in political power. By setting reasonable term limits, we can encourage fresh ideas, prevent career politicians from losing touch with their constituents, and reduce the influence of special interests over time. It also allows more opportunities for new leaders to step up and serve their communities.
A good model might be limiting Members of the House to 10 terms (20 years) and Senators to four terms (20 years), ensuring that representatives have enough time to make meaningful contributions without becoming too disconnected from the everyday realities of the people they serve.
This approach balances the desire for experience with the need for new voices in government.
What economic policies do you propose to address high prices and cost of living?
The rising cost of living is hitting working families hard, and we need economic policies that provide relief and make life more affordable. Here are the key policies I propose:
1. Raising the minimum wage: It's long past time to raise the federal minimum wage. No one working full-time should be living in poverty. A higher minimum wage will help ensure that families can afford necessities like housing, food, and health care. This will also boost local economies, as more people will have money to spend on goods and services.
2. Tackling corporate price gouging: We need stronger regulations to prevent large corporations from using inflation as an excuse to raise prices unnecessarily, driving up the cost of goods. I propose creating a federal task force to investigate price-gouging practices and hold corporations accountable for exploitative behavior.
3. Expanding affordable housing: Housing costs are skyrocketing, making it harder for families to find affordable homes. I will advocate for investments in affordable housing construction, expanding tax credits for first-time homebuyers, and increasing funding for rental assistance programs to ensure that working families have access to safe, affordable housing.
4. Lowering prescription drug costs: The high cost of prescription drugs is a burden for many families. I support legislation that allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices, which will lower costs for everyone. Additionally, capping out-of-pocket costs for life-saving medications like insulin will provide immediate relief to those who need it most.
5. Expanding child care and paid family leave: The cost of child care is often one of the biggest expenses for working families. I propose expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care and passing legislation that provides paid family leave, so families don't have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for a loved one.
6. Tax relief for working families: We should expand tax credits like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which provide direct relief to working families. These credits help reduce the financial strain on families by putting more money back in their pockets.
What is the government's responsibility when it comes to climate change? How would you address it?
The government has a moral and practical responsibility to address climate change. This is not just an environmental issue; it's an economic, health, and national security issue. Weather has changed enough now that we must prepare for the guaranteed future changes. Here's how I would address it:
1. Leading the transition to renewable energy: The government must take the lead in transitioning away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal. This can be achieved by investing in clean energy infrastructure, providing incentives for renewable energy development, and phasing out subsidies for oil and gas companies. Expanding renewable energy will not only reduce emissions but also create millions of good-paying jobs in the green economy.
2. Enforcing strong environmental regulations: The government must strengthen and enforce regulations to limit carbon emissions from major polluters, particularly the energy and transportation sectors. This includes reinstating and expanding emissions standards for vehicles, power plants, and factories. Regulations must hold corporations accountable for their environmental impact and ensure that the burden of climate change isn't disproportionately placed on vulnerable communities.
3. Investing in climate resilience and adaptation: Climate change is already causing extreme weather events — hurricanes, wildfires, floods — that threaten lives and infrastructure. The government needs to invest in climate resilience by modernizing infrastructure to withstand these events. This includes updating energy grids, strengthening flood defenses, and investing in disaster preparedness and response systems.
4. Supporting innovation and research: The government should fund research and development for cutting-edge technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes developing new energy storage technologies, improving energy efficiency, and supporting sustainable agriculture practices. Investing in innovation will ensure our nation remains a global leader in the fight against climate change.
5. Addressing environmental justice: Marginalized communities are often hit hardest by the effects of climate change, from air pollution to rising sea levels. The government must ensure that these communities are prioritized in climate action plans, providing funding for clean air and water initiatives, and targeting pollution reduction efforts where they are most needed. Environmental justice should be at the center of any climate policy.
6. International leadership and cooperation: Rejoining the Paris Agreement on climate change puts the United States in a framework to limit global warming and build resilience to the impacts from climate change we already see. As an international leader we must cooperate with other nations to share technology and data to build our economy and social systems for the changing climate.
7. Creating green jobs and retraining workers: As we transition to a green economy, we need to ensure that workers in traditional energy sectors are supported. This includes providing job retraining programs, creating green jobs, and ensuring that no worker is left behind as we move toward renewable energy.
Addressing climate change requires bold, decisive action, and the federal government has the responsibility to lead the way. By embracing a comprehensive approach, we can protect the planet for future generations while creating new opportunities for today's workers.
As government, health care, and financial institutions face increasing threats to cybersecurity, what measures should policymakers and Americans alike take to protect people from these ongoing threats?
I have taught computer and network security in college. I now teach senior citizens and businesses how to protect themselves. online. Cybersecurity is one of the most pressing challenges facing government, health care, and financial institutions today. As these threats grow more sophisticated, it's critical that policymakers and the public take action to safeguard sensitive information and national security. Here are the measures I propose:
1. Strengthening federal cybersecurity standards: Policymakers must require stronger cybersecurity standards across all government agencies and sectors critical to national security. By enforcing cybersecurity requirements, regular vulnerability assessments, and ensuring that all federal systems are updated with the latest security measures we can reduce the risk of breaches and attacks.
2. Public-private sector collaboration: Cybersecurity is not just a government issue — private companies, especially in health care and finance, are also targets of cyberattacks. We need better collaboration between the public and private sectors to share information about threats in real time and coordinate responses to breaches. This means setting up systems that allow for faster information-sharing and joint efforts to improve security practices across industries.
3. Expanding cybersecurity workforce and training: There is a critical shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, which leaves institutions vulnerable to attacks. We need to invest in education and training to grow a robust cybersecurity workforce. This includes creating public-private partnerships to provide apprenticeships, job training programs, and certifications in cybersecurity. Schools and universities should receive incentives to offer more programs in cybersecurity to build a pipeline of talent.
4. Promoting cybersecurity awareness and education: Americans need to be educated about the risks they face online and what steps to follow to protect themselves. Campaigns promoting the use of strong passwords; two-factor authentication; and safe browsing practices would raise awareness. Schools and workplaces should provide training on basic cybersecurity hygiene; reducing human error which is often a key vulnerability in cyberattacks.
5. Enhancing infrastructure protection: Critical infrastructure like health care systems, financial institutions, and energy grids are highly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Policymakers must ensure that these sectors receive the funding and support needed to implement advanced cybersecurity protections. This includes investing in AI and machine learning technologies to detect threats early; building redundancies to prevent catastrophic failures; and conducting regular security audits of critical systems.
6. Encouraging regular audits and risk assessments: Regular cybersecurity audits and risk assessments should be mandated across government agencies and critical industries. This will help identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited and ensure that outdated systems are upgraded or replaced. A proactive approach to cybersecurity, rather than a reactive one, is key to mitigating future threats.
7. Holding cybercriminals accountable and international cooperation: Many cyberattacks originate from outside the United States. Policymakers should work with international allies to track down and prosecute cybercriminals. This includes improving global coordination to dismantle cybercrime networks and imposing penalties on nations that harbor hackers or cyber terrorists. A strong international stance on cybersecurity is crucial to keeping both domestic and global institutions safe.
8. Protecting personal privacy while enhancing security: As we work to improve cybersecurity, we must also ensure that individual privacy rights are protected. Any expansion of government cybersecurity efforts should be balanced with safeguards to prevent overreach and the misuse of data. Clear legal frameworks must be in place to protect citizens personal information while fighting cybercrime.
9. Supporting research and development: Policymakers should invest in R&D to stay ahead of cyber threats. New technologies like quantum computing and blockchain could revolutionize cybersecurity, but we need government support to make these breakthroughs widely available. By funding cybersecurity innovation, we can ensure that our defenses evolve as quickly as the threats we face.
10. Enhancing cybersecurity in elections: Securing our elections from cyber threats is crucial to protecting democracy. Policymakers should work to ensure that voting systems are secure, tamper-proof, and regularly updated. This includes mandating paper trails for voting machines, improving security for voter registration databases, and defending against foreign interference.
Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue — it's a matter of national security, economic stability, and personal privacy. We need comprehensive action at all levels of government, and individuals must also play a role in protecting themselves from cyber threats. Together, we can build a safer digital future.
Who won the 2020 Presidential election? How confident are you in the integrity of our elections?
Joe Biden won the 2020 Presidential election. He received 306 electoral votes compared to 232 for Donald Trump and won the popular vote by more than 7 million votes.
As for the integrity of our elections, I have strong confidence in it. Numerous audits, recounts, and investigations across multiple states confirmed that the 2020 election was secure; there was no widespread fraud that would have affected the outcome. The U.S. has a robust election system with protections in place to ensure fairness, transparency, and accuracy: paper ballots, nonpartisan election observers, and thorough post-election audits.
While improvements can always be made, particularly regarding voting access and security, the evidence proves our elections are conducted with integrity.