Dale Kerns
Dale Kerns (Libertarian Party) ran for election to the U.S. Senate to represent Pennsylvania. He lost in the general election on November 6, 2018.
Kerns completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2018
General election
General election for U.S. Senate Pennsylvania
Incumbent Bob Casey Jr. defeated Lou Barletta, Dale Kerns, and Neal Gale in the general election for U.S. Senate Pennsylvania on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Bob Casey Jr. (D) | 55.7 | 2,792,437 |
 | Lou Barletta (R)  | 42.6 | 2,134,848 | |
 | Dale Kerns (L) | 1.0 | 50,907 | |
 | Neal Gale (G) | 0.6 | 31,208 | |
| Total votes: 5,009,400 | |||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Pennsylvania
Incumbent Bob Casey Jr. advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Pennsylvania on May 15, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Bob Casey Jr. | 100.0 | 752,008 |
| Total votes: 752,008 | |||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Brian Kelly (D)
- Ray Uhric (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. Senate Pennsylvania
Lou Barletta defeated Jim Christiana in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Pennsylvania on May 15, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Lou Barletta | 63.0 | 433,312 |
 | Jim Christiana | 37.0 | 254,118 | |
| Total votes: 687,430 | |||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Joseph Vodvarka (R)
- Cynthia Ayers (R)
- Paul DeLong (R)
- Bobby Lawrence (R)
Campaign themes
2018
Campaign website
Kerns' campaign website stated the following:
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Abortion Historically, most criminal matters (including murder) have been decided at the state level, and abortion should be no different. No federal mandate can adequately gauge the interests of 330 million people. The principles of liberty and pursuit of happiness are useless without first protecting life. In order to reduce abortion, the easiest initial solution is to incentivize private businesses, schools, and charities to increase sex education and access to birth control. Even in states where abortion remains, it ought to be safe, legal, and most importantly, rare. The biggest driver of abortion is overwhelmingly poverty. To this end, the abortion issue is entangled with economic outcomes, particularly in impoverished urban areas. If abortion is to become rare or obsolete, we must first work toward establishing economic opportunity zones for those who are too often overlooked by our current economic system, including those of color. This would include reform of regulations and taxes levied on small businesses which prevent employers from taking on new hires. Americans overwhelmingly want to contribute to our economy, and we should give them that opportunity. Another important issue linked to abortion is the freedom of religion. Many religious beliefs speak against abortion, and as a central tenet of American liberty, no person should be forced to finance abortions with their tax dollars. Those who wish to peacefully protest in front of abortion clinics should be afforded that opportunity, as proscribed in the First Amendment. As your United States Senator, I will vote for judges who will overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey so that the issue of abortion can return to the state level. I will also vote to defund Planned Parenthood so that no one is required to send their money to an institution that performs a procedure which they find morally objectionable. Immigration The current immigration system is completely broken. Over 11 million immigrants live in the shadows, undocumented and afraid of what their futures might hold. Rather than castigating or demonizing these would-be Americans, we ought to welcome them into our communities and allow them to live peacefully among us, just as we have done in prior generations. Contrary to what some may believe, immigrants (including those who are undocumented) commit less crime than those who are native-born. They also take less in government benefits than they pay into the system. In addition to the positive effect these immigrants have on the prices of services and goods, American citizens benefit greatly from increased levels of immigration. The easiest way to solve the problem of illegal immigration is simple: make it easier to immigrate legally. A century ago, many of our ancestors came to Ellis Island with little but hopes and dreams. Following a criminal background check and disease check, they were allowed in with few questions asked. Today, those who wish to immigrate face a labyrinth of bureaucracy which stands in their way. In a best-case scenario, these immigrants can come into the country in five years. In other cases, it can be more than a decade. It’s time for us to return to the system of free immigration which our great-grandparents enjoyed. As your United States Senator, I will fight for immigration reform which allows entry to those who wish to contribute to our economy and help their families. I will present a plan which expands immigration visas and green cards while simplifying the current system so that anyone who yearns for the American Dream can attain it. Free Trade Tariffs are nothing but another way of levying taxes on those who can least afford them. When other countries decide to trade their goods at cheaper rates, there is no losing involved. The middle-class benefits immensely, as they can buy items they may not have been able to before. Those in the U.S. which cannot compete can relocate their resources so as to be more efficient, and all sides benefit. Every country is in different stages of economic development, and specializes in different areas. By allowing for each nation to pick different facets, the world economy efficiently allocates its resources in a way which best utilizes the talents of everyone. The most immediately noticeable benefit of trade throughout history is that it is the surest guarantee for peace. Simply put, when countries see the benefit in exchanging goods, they almost quickly realize the folly of engaging in armed combat against one another. By reaching and trading with as many nations as possible, the United States breaks out of the failed policy of isolationism which too often leads to war. As your United States Senator, I will vote against any tariffs or protectionist schemes, all of which only harm average Americans at the expense of wealthy elites. I will vote for any programs which expand trade among nations. When it comes to trade agreements, I will engage in vetting of the proposals to ensure that they are indeed promoting free trade and not a corrupt cronyist scheme. Foreign Policy Every year, the United States government uses the valor and heroism of thousands of young Americans to send them to engage in missions without American interests in mind. Many return home without limbs or other body parts. Far too many more lose their lives in wars without any clear goals. Perhaps most tragic of all is those who return to their communities with the invisible injury of PTSD, which can plague them for the rest of their lives. After their sacrifice, the government offers the lowest and poorest quality care at the VA, where many have died waiting for medical attention. Though not nearly as important as the human toll, the economic toll of foreign adventurism has made its mark. The U.S. currently spends more on the military than the next eight world countries combined. If this were being used responsibly to defend our citizens, perhaps it could be considered reasonable. However, as with nearly all government programs, the military budget is riddled with waste and bureaucracy. Further, the proliferation of the American military has led to an unnecessary presence around the world, with the U.S. holding an absurd 800 military bases in 70 countries. Too often, this continuous presence creates resentment among those in the nations where the U.S. is stationed, giving a propaganda tool to radical groups. This is of particular concern in the many nations where the U.S. government has toppled secular dictators, leaving a power vacuum. These troops should not be put in harm’s way any longer. Absent a significant, important national security reason, these military bases should be closed and these American heroes should be allowed to come home to their families. As your United States Senator, I will make sure that any declarations of war are voted on by the Congress, as proscribed in the Constitution. I will also ensure that any military missions which continue forward are given a clear, articulable mission and exit strategy before they begin. I will vote against any effort to restart or expand the military draft and will vote to reform the VA system and give our veterans the quality healthcare they deserve. Economy and Jobs The current federal tax code is thousands of pages of bureaucracy laced with loopholes for the biggest corporations. While the wealthiest have the resources to hire attorneys and accountants to find every advantage possible, everyday Americans struggle. The code is so complicated that not many citizens can ever be truly confident that they have correctly completed their tax returns. We must simplify this system so that Americans can more easily complete their taxes. This includes eliminating the IRS, abolishing the federal income tax, and transitioning into a consumption tax which is fair and treats all Americans equally. A less visible tax is the one which is levied through inflation. Since the founding of the Federal Reserve in 1913, the U.S. dollar has lost 96% of its value. Through its influx of paper money which has no real value, the Fed has stolen money from the pockets of the poorest in our country so that elites can receive more government spending. This action by the Fed has also contributed immensely to ever-growing disparities of wealth between the rich and poor, and directly led to the Housing Crisis in 2008 with its arbitrary setting of interest rates. Even with cuts in taxes, nothing will change if we do not address the issue of out-of-control spending. This begins with baseline budgeting, meaning that instead of the Washington status quo of simply cutting the rates of increase, our government must first freeze spending and then begin reductions from that point. Billions are wasted every year due to the inadequacies of government, and this has led to a $21 trillion deficit which we will be handing to our children. As your United States Senator, I will bring fiscal restraint to Washington, D.C. It is immoral and irresponsible to shackle future generations with ever-growing debt. I will introduce legislation to drastically simplify our tax code and will also sponsor the “Audit the Fed” bill which has previously been introduced to the Senate floor. I will also most importantly vote to cut wasteful spending, and will not take any programs off the table when it comes to debt reduction. War on Drugs When our friends and family face the painful struggle of addiction, government cannot solve that problem with more prisons, police, and punishment. Instead, we should shift our focus to solutions which incorporate compassion, community, and care. Over the last 40 years, the United States has spent over $1 trillion in taxpayer dollars, only to see the federal prison population increase by nearly 800%. Nearly half of current federal prisoners are serving their sentences for drug offenses. The U.S. leads the world in incarceration rates, topping the draconian regimes of China and Russia combined. In addition, the War on Drugs does not treat Americans equally. In spite of the fact that they use drugs at nearly the exact same rate, black Americans are six times more likely than white Americans to be imprisoned for drug crimes. Unquantifiable is the deterioration of trust between communities of color and police as governments have militarized and armed those in blue to fight a full-scale war on our own streets. As your United States Senator, I will fight for a system which addresses addiction as the medical problem it is, rather than a criminal issue. I will end the federal prohibition on marijuana and work to create a system like in Portugal or Switzerland, where drug use is not romanticized, but those with substance issues are given requisite care and empathy in their battles to overcome addiction. Both those countries saw a sharp turn against addiction issues with their reforms, and I believe we can see the same. The Democrats and Republicans always attempt to justify why they need to intervene in your life. They think they know what’s best for you. As your Senator, I will fight to defend your individual liberty. The government does not own you or your body — you do. The disastrous War on Drugs is a shining example of the pain and suffering that is caused when the government sticks their nose where it doesn’t belong. On March 12, 2017, Dale held a town hall meeting to mark the beginning of a grassroots bill drafted by the people most affected by the War on Drugs. The “Addiction Is Not A Crime” bill was born on that day in celebration of Dale’s cousin Dan’s birthday. Dan died of an overdose in 2015. Education The current system has completely failed students, teachers, and parents all across the country. The Department of Education has taken all of the power in deciding policies in schooling and put it into the hands of bureaucrats in Washington, rather than where it belongs: at our homes and in our local communities. Across all federal departments, spending on K-12 education has risen to over $80 billion annually, and our nation spends more than nearly any other in this worthy endeavor. But what have we got to show for it? Despite imposing costly and difficult rules on state education programs, the Department of Education supplies only about 11 cents of every dollar each state spends on education. Meanwhile, testing results have not improved, and students have felt the consequences. Families without the luxury to move their homes or pay for private education are trapped and forced to finance failing schools which provide sub-par services. This is prevalent nowhere more than in the poorest communities and in communities of color, where families long for the opportunity to send their children to schools where they can build better futures. I propose that we return these important decisions to the people. It begins with abolishing the Department of Education and making education a decision which is made with a full selection of options at our disposal. Whether through private, parochial, public, charter, or home schooling, every child is unique and deserving of individualized education which works for them. Rather than spending billions preparing students for new standardized tests which provide no real value, let’s create a market where different schools compete to innovate and revolutionize teaching methods. As your United States Senator, I will propose legislation to grant to families the right for their tax dollars to attach to their children and have this funding follow these students to whichever school districts they find to be the best. There is no one-size-fits-all policy in schooling, and families have the right to find those programs which harness their children’s strengths and improve upon their weaknesses. Health Care The current system is broken, and has been for some time. The Affordable Care Act (better known as ObamaCare) hasn’t done much to help, and Democrats and Republicans cannot agree on any sort of solution. Even before ObamaCare, government intervention in the market immensely drove up prices, with only about 13 cents of each dollar spent on health care coming from the actual consumers. These subsidies, while seemingly beneficial, provide no incentive for providers to lower their prices, leading to out-of-control costs as insurance companies and government reap the rewards. Also present in the health care market is protectionism and corruption produced by the FDA. By preventing new drugs and competitors from moving into the market, the status quo of higher prices and fewer options remains. It takes an average of 14 years and $1.4 billion for any potentially lifesaving medicine or treatment to navigate its way through the bureaucracy of the FDA. The FDA’s approval should be made advisory rather than compulsory. At the heart of increased cost lies a very fundamental issue of third-party costs. Because health insurance is now used to pay for a large portion of health care costs, there is no incentive for suppliers to lower their prices. While prices have skyrocketed and quality has stagnated in recent decades, an exception is in Lasik eye surgery, which is not coincidentally not covered by health insurance. Because consumers and doctors must actually gauge the cost and worthiness of engaging in such a procedure, they have reason to provide a better and cheaper service. As your United States Senator, I will reform our health care system so that it provides competition and quality for Americans. I will propose to change the tax treatment of employer-provided health insurance and expand Health Savings Accounts, so that insurance can become personal and portable, rather than provided at the whim of an employer. I will also promote for Americans the ability to purchase insurance across state lines so that companies cannot become cartels without competition. I would give seniors more options in Medicare by turning the program into vouchers supplied to each individual which they can then spend on private insurance. Lastly, I would allow the states more options in using their Medicaid funds through block grants, so that they can experiment to find the most effective ways to deliver care. Second Amendment Gun rights protect Americans against those who wish to do them harm. The impetus for the Second Amendment came during the Colonial era, when Americans wished to organize freely, but British soldiers soon declared their meeting “unlawful.” When the Americans again attempted to organize, and the British attempted to break up the meeting a second time, the Redcoats were surprised to find the colonists armed with muskets and instead retreated. Gun control schemes in other countries too often depend upon violations of civil liberties and human rights. Whether it involves a supposed “gun buyback” or listing of those unfit to own guns, government must necessarily trample the rights of the lawful majority to enact their plans. Every life lost due to gun violence is tragic. That does not justify suspending the rights of lawful gun owners. The issue of these outbursts, and particularly school shootings, ought to be centered around giving adequate treatment to those who are mentally ill, an overwhelming majority of whom do not engage in such heinous acts. Giving mentally ill Americans attention does not mean stigmatizing this group by placing them on an arbitrary list or suspending their rights entirely. Instead, we ought to give these people the attention which they so often need, not just for their own sake, but for the sake of their peers. As your United States Senator, I will protect the rights of gun owners. Each person is an individual and ought to be treated accordingly. With that in mind, we need to move toward solving the underlying root cause of the problem: mental health. Those who are crying out for help should receive the adequate resources before they do something which might harm themselves or others. “I think the Constitution speaks for itself. Nowhere does it read, hunting, gun collection, or target shooting. It also doesn’t read magazines of a certain size, having to leave your gun at home, or a restriction of any kind. I would oppose any and all restrictions on the second amendment. ” Career Politicians Despite the fact that nearly 80% of the country disapproves of the job Congress is doing, incumbents get re-elected 90% of the time. Democrats and Republicans gerrymander and maneuver to keep the status quo in place. Those in office care less about putting forward meaningful legislation and more about grandstanding and clinging to their positions of power. Voters see it every election cycle. The in-party enters with grandiose predictions, claiming to enact its agenda and help all Americans. However, when push comes to shove, there is always an excuse. Like clockwork, when that party finally stretches the patience of its constituents past its limit, the opposing party promises that it will be different. Of course, as the two teams point and blame one another for the state of politics, they agree on one thing: there are only two options. As is often the case, however, they are wrong again. As your United States Senator, I will bring an independent and tempered voice to Washington. My allegiance will be not to any party boss, but rather to the people of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Constitution. I will vote with whichever Senators are working to advance liberty. As the first Libertarian Senator, I will be in a unique position to act as an intermediary between the parties and build coalitions which expand individual liberty. Additionally, I pledge to serve only one term in the Senate, and will not accept a taxpayer-funded pension or healthcare. It is my hope that others will follow my example so that they may perform their jobs without worry about an endless number of future elections. After brief tenures in Washington, they can return to private life in their home states and again become valuable contributors to their communities. [1] |
” |
| —Dale Kerns’ campaign website (2018)[2] | ||
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Dale Kerns completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kerns' responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Balanced budget amendment Bringing war powers back to congress Criminal Justice Reform/Addiction is Not a Crime Bill
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Fiscal responsibility, labor laws, criminal justice reform, education reform, healthcare reform and monetary policy.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
I do not look up to any man or want to follow anyone. Being a good leader is why Pennsylvanians should want to send me to DC, not for being a follower.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
Creature from Jekyl Island, Economics in one Lesson, or It is Dangerous to be Right when the Government is Wrong.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Honesty, integrity, compassion and a moral compass.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
Ability to lead, ability to work with people, strong will and determination, and the need to solve problems.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
To protect and defend the constitution and Liberty of every individual.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I want people to say that Dale Kerns changed the system and reformed Washington DC.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
Reagan saying to "knock down that wall". I was 4 or 5 years old.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
I worked for the highway department from 9th grade to the age of 18 or 19.
What happened on your most awkward date?
I spent the night in the ER after contracting the flu.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
4th of July, because of the meaning behind it and the historical reference to Liberty.
What is your favorite book? Why?
Creature from Jekyl Island - this book woke me up to the terror that is our monetary policy.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Samuel Culper (fictional name but non-fiction story)
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My family, for obvious reasons.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
My daughter always sings a song from Tangled, I have no idea what it is called but I will gladly sing it for you if you ask.
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Coming to terms with the fact that so many I know and love are struggling with addiction and there is a way that we can stop this madness. We just have to look at Portugal, Switzerland and Ireland. So I wrote a bill "Addiction is Not a Crime".
What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?
Getting away from "what we have always done, simply because we have always done it".
What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?
The institution has lost its way. The qualities demanded are not exactly the qualities that sit within it. The biggest demand, the ability to stay within the confines of the U.S. Constitution.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?
No, that is part of the problem. Too many career politicians forgetting why they went to Washington in the first place. I will bring fresh ideas and bold solutions that solve problems.
What do you think of the filibuster?
I will use it early and often.
What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees?
The Constitution will be the guiding light, or the nominee will be sent into the darkness.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other senators?
Yes, it is a must if you wish to get anything done. One must build without compromising principles.
If you are not a current senator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
I am happy to take part in any committee that should need my help - but am interested mostly in Criminal Justice, Monetary and Foreign Policy committees.
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. Senate, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
I think we need to do away with such roles. Let's stop the divide and get to work!
Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
I would say a combination of all the good qualities - no one man or woman is perfect.
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See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Dale Kerns’ campaign website, “Issues,” accessed November 1, 2018
