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2024 Election Candidate Survey

2024 Election Candidate Survey Responses

In September, Indiana Disability Rights invited candidates for elected office to answer questions about how people with disabilities may be affected by their respective platforms. IDR is a nonpartisan organization and took efforts to ensure that all candidates were treated fairly. All responses IDR received have been listed below. Candidate responses will be added to this page as they are received, until Election Day, November 5, 2024. At the bottom of this webpage, you will find full details of IDR's procedure for conducting this survey, under the heading, "Survey Process," and an explanation of party labels you may encounter, under the heading, "Key."

Question 1 -  How have Hoosiers with disabilities been involved in your campaign, and how will you ensure their continued involvement should you win the election?

  • United States Senate
    • Valerie McCray (Democrat) - "I have engaged Hoosiers with disabilities and their caregivers, across all age groups, throughout my campaign and my travels across the state. I also engage with either Hoosiers with disabilities or caregivers in my role as a clinical psychologist. It is critically important to me that I hear from all Hoosiers about their experiences, their needs, where they are being failed by the systems we have in place, and what they think would make it better. I have worked tirelessly to travel the great state of Indiana many times over to engage Hoosiers where they live, and when elected I will not relent in my pursuit of feedback and input from all groups, including Hoosiers with disabilities. I encourage individuals to engage with me and my campaign, or my office if elected, but I also will work to host advocacy groups regularly to ensure that Hoosiers with disabilities are being heard and considered in Congress."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 1
    • Dakota Miskus (Libertarian) -  "While I’m running a one-person campaign and haven’t had any staff or volunteers, with or without disabilities, I have actively sought input from Hoosiers in our district, both with and without disabilities, to better understand their concerns and ensure their voices are heard. Moving forward, I plan to maintain an open line of communication with the disability community, incorporating their feedback and perspectives into my policy decisions. I am committed to being an advocate and ensuring that their needs are represented at every step."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 2
    • Lori Camp (Democrat) -  "I have Emily Voorde (informally) helping educate me on disability rights and legislative issues. I say informally because we have no paid staff at all, so all who help are volunteers or folks who just help when they can."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 4
    • Derrick Holder (Democrat) - "We have had many Hoosiers with disabilities involved in our campaign. They have sent postcards, made phone calls, and canvassed with us. I will make sure that we have a spectrum of abilities represented within the office after the election."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 7
    • Rusty Johnson (Libertarian) - "I am a Disabled Veteran. I was bit in the spine by a coral snake. I had my 29th back surgery 9 years ago. I have other Disabled Veterans volunteering to help me spread the word about our campaign."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 9
    • Russell Brooksbank (Libertarian) - "Currently, my campaign is unstaffed. This is deliberate. I believe that taking on the responsibilities of all aspects of the campaign makes me a better candidate. If I should win, I will definitely work to ensure that all who wish to be involved are given the opportunity. I believe in judging people according to their abilities not their disabilities."
    • No other candidates responded.

Question 2 - What do you believe is the biggest concern for Hoosiers with disabilities? If elected, how will you work to address it?

  • United States Senate
    • Valerie McCray (Democrat) - "I believe accessible, affordable healthcare is likely a leading issue among Hoosiers with disabilities. I am committed to fighting for universal, single payer healthcare reform that ensures every Hoosier can receive the care they need when they need it. Hoosiers with disabilities should not be forced to leave their health at the whim of a state budget or for-profit company."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 1
    • Dakota Miskus (Libertarian) -  "The biggest concern for Hoosiers with disabilities is the lack of financial stability and the fear of losing essential benefits, especially when trying to achieve important life milestones like marriage. If elected, I will prioritize increasing disability benefits to a livable level that allows for a dignified life, and I will work to ensure that people with disabilities can get married without fear of losing their only source of income. Everyone deserves to live with dignity, and I will work to ensure that our policies support and uplift people with disabilities, providing them with the opportunities and security they deserve."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 2
    • Lori Camp (Democrat) -  "The biggest concern is that if my opponent wins most, if not all, programs that help those with disabilities will be stopped or curtailed to such an extent that they will no longer be useful. If elected I will work tirelessly to make sure all Hoosiers are given the tools and programs they need to succeed."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 4
    • Derrick Holder (Democrat) - "The biggest concern for Hoosiers with disabilities is accessibility to healthcare and employment opportunities. If elected, I’ll work to expand job training programs, ensure equal access to healthcare, and fight for legislation that improves infrastructure for accessibility."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 7
    • Rusty Johnson (Libertarian) - "The GOP has a Candidate who says, "It is okay to make fun of Disabled Veterans. It is just Politics!" he said. We have to prevent idiots like that from getting into office. I have helped 1,051 Veterans in getting their 100% disability. And another 460 Veterans get their 60-90% disability free from the Veterans Administration."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 9
    • Russell Brooksbank (Libertarian) - "I believe the biggest concern for Hoosiers with disabilities is the same as those without disabilities. I believe we all want our rights to be recognized and to be treated equally. As a member of Congress, I will work tirelessly to secure the rights of all people. I will work to remove any barriers to our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that our government has erected."
    • No other candidates responded.

Question 3 - Do you believe the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act is effective in assuring that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education?

  • United States Senate
    • Valerie McCray (Democrat) - "One of the primary challenges is the chronic underfunding of education, particularly special education where there is a shortage of trained, qualified teachers. Additionally, charter and voucher schools has created a situation where some schools receive public funding but are not held to the same level of accountability as traditional public schools when it comes to supporting students with disabilities. This can result in situations where students with exceptionalities are left without the appropriate services or accommodations that they are entitled to under IDEA. We must fund our public education which includes improving teacher and special educator pay, but we must also give educators the time and space to do their job and reward them for their time instead of legislating their every word and action."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 1
    • Dakota Miskus (Libertarian) -  "The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has been instrumental in assuring educational opportunities for students with disabilities; however, there is still significant room for improvement. Many schools lack the resources and support needed to provide a truly inclusive education. If elected, I will advocate for increased funding and resources for schools, ensuring that students with disabilities receive an appropriate public education that empowers them to succeed."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 2
    • Lori Camp (Democrat) -  "To an extent, but we can and should be doing more. Especially in states with voucher programs where monies are sent to private schools that do not accept students with disabilities. This means that the public schools have fewer dollars to spend on all children, but this draining money from schools that educate all children regardless of ability/disability is just wrong, we must do all we can to stop this."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 4
    • Derrick Holder (Democrat) - "Yes, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is largely effective in ensuring that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education. However, there is room for improvement in funding, resources, and equitable access to ensure all students benefit equally."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 7
    • Rusty Johnson (Libertarian) - "We need to update the Disabilities Act as well as others ones to make them more up to date. Currently, our government has many government agencies with tremendous amounts of money which has been mismanaged. We need to prevent that from happening by prosecuting those who abuse the system. The Secretary of the VA announced last month he is $15 billion dollars in the red.  How come he waited until he was in debt by that amount? We need better leadership!  We need Candidates who are Not For Sale!  Candidates who care about the people and not the almighty dollar!  I am that Candidate!"
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 9
    • Russell Brooksbank (Libertarian) - "I don't believe anything the government does is as effective as what the people can accomplish on our own. If we are going to demand that our children attend public school then we should also demand that the children receive the best education possible. The IDEA attempts to do that in my opinion. Can it be better? Sure. The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement."
    • No other candidates responded.

Question 4 - Do you believe Congress has a role in addressing the current direct care workforce shortage?

  • United States Senate
    • Valerie McCray (Democrat) - "Absolutely - Congress has a role in ensuring the care workforce is paid appropriately by strengthening labor protections, including strengthening unions and collective bargaining power to improve retention. However, we also must work to improve recruitment of new workers into the care workforce, and this includes immigration reform to make it easier for those looking to join the care workforce."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 1
    • Dakota Miskus (Libertarian) -  "Yes, I believe Congress has a vital role in addressing the current direct care workforce shortage. Direct care workers are essential in providing support for people with disabilities, and we must invest in their training, improve working conditions, and ensure fair wages. I will support legislation to address these needs, making direct care a more attractive and sustainable career, ultimately ensuring that people with disabilities receive the quality care they deserve."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 2
    • Lori Camp (Democrat) -  "Yes, Congress should be the safety net and as such we must ensure that we are doing all we can to help when there is a need."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 4
    • Derrick Holder (Democrat) - "Yes, Congress has a crucial role in addressing the direct care workforce shortage by funding training programs, supporting fair wages, and improving working conditions for care workers. It's essential to ensure quality care for our aging population and disabled individuals."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 7
    • Rusty Johnson (Libertarian) - "Yes I do! They have not made it more enticing for the people to go back to work. Also, the people get their benefits immediately cut. They need to gradually come off the program. They lose everything because of the current laws and regulations."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 9
    • Russell Brooksbank (Libertarian) - "Other than getting out of the way of people wanting to provide this service, I don't believe Congress has a role."
    • No other candidates responded.

Question 5 - The rate of mental illness among the nation's youth population is sizable. Do you believe Congress has a role in addressing mental illness?

  • United States Senate
    • Valerie McCray (Democrat) - "Yes, that is why I am so passionate about my candidacy for Senate, because if elected I would be the only clinical psychologist in the Senate. I am interested in looking at how every bill and policy proposal will impact mental health, and make sure that we are considering mental health, particularly in our youth, in every bill passed by Congress."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 1
    • Dakota Miskus (Libertarian) -  "Absolutely. Congress has a responsibility to address the growing mental health crisis among youth. This includes increasing funding for mental health services, ensuring schools have adequate mental health professionals, and expanding access to affordable care for all. I will advocate for policies that integrate mental health support into our education and healthcare systems, reducing stigma and ensuring young people receive the help they need to thrive."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 2
    • Lori Camp (Democrat) -  "Yes, as the nation's safety net we need to make sure that all policies and monies spent are doing the most good, and that means addressing the mental illness healthcare shortfall we have, so that youth and honestly, adults, can get the care they need."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 4
    • Derrick Holder (Democrat) - "Yes, Congress has a critical role in addressing youth mental illness. By increasing funding for mental health services, expanding access to care in schools, and supporting early intervention programs, we can provide the resources needed to ensure a healthier future for our youth."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 7
    • Rusty Johnson (Libertarian) - "I believe it should be addressed every quarter.  Changes are happening every day.  The US Government needs to be more proactive in protecting our kids!  A big issue is the Pharmaceutical Companies are paying off the Politicians and Doctors to help sale their drugs.  Many do not have any idea of the side effects or dangers."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 9
    • Russell Brooksbank (Libertarian) - "The role of Congress is to secure our rights. Nothing more. Nothing less. I believe issues such as the mental health crisis among the nations youth are best addressed by the local community. They are closest to the issue and know what is best for their children."
    • No other candidates responded.

Question 6 - Why should Hoosiers with disabilities vote for you?

  • United States Senate
    • Valerie McCray (Democrat) - "I am the only candidate for US Senate in Indiana who will fight for Hoosiers with disabilities to receive the care, support, and respect they deserve. I am ready to bring radical sensibility back to Washington DC, and I hope Hoosiers with disabilities will join me in this fight."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 1
    • Dakota Miskus (Libertarian) -  "Hoosiers with disabilities should vote for me because I believe in true freedom for every individual, and that includes standing up for those who need support. You can’t have true freedom when life kicks you down and your neighbors and elected officials stand idly by. I will work tirelessly to ensure that disabled people in our district, state, and country have the resources and government backing they need to live a happy and fulfilling life with true freedom. I am committed to representing everyone and fighting for the rights of all."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 2
    • Lori Camp (Democrat) -  "I promise that as the US Rep, I will fight for Hoosiers with disabilities, making sure that those with disabilities are given the tools and supports they need to not just survive, but to thrive. A disability accommodation should never be thought to be a burden, but rather a means to make sure a person can reach their full and happiest protentional. I realize that the accommodations may be/will be different for all, but it is the absolutely right and necessary thing to do to make sure Hoosiers with disabilities are not at a disadvantage, physically, socially, or mentally. Be it insurance to cover healthcare or needed tools or enacting building codes to make sure all public buildings are welcoming and accessible, I will always put forth the legislation that makes sure Indiana is place where having a disability isn't a barrier to success, but rather a model of what we can do to help those that need accommodation! I would love for Indiana to be at the forefront of accessibility and a model of how healthcare, both mental and physical can be done!"
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 4
    • Derrick Holder (Democrat) - "As a Congressional candidate, I believe in empowering all Hoosiers, including those with disabilities. I will advocate for equal access, workplace inclusion, and better healthcare. Every voice matters in shaping our future, and I will fight to ensure that all voices are heard."
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 7
    • Rusty Johnson (Libertarian) - "I am one of them! I care about the people! Not money or politics! I stand up for and with each and everyone of them! Both of the two major parties have brought the division, the hatred and the anger not only to our doorsteps, but to our schools and our streets. We have to stand up against both of them and tell them, NO More! We are better together than we ever will be a part!  Elvis Presley said, "The same God who made you, made me!  And He does not make mistakes! I live every day saying this over and over again. With our current politicians, nothing is getting done except for name calling. We are better than this! We deserve better than this! I have plans to revise the Veterans Administration and Social Security to make it easier for our Disabled to apply and receive their disability. I also have plans on preventing both agencies from taking the disability payments away from the people. While John Schmitz is saying it is okay to make fun of Disabled Veterans, we have to wonder who else is he going to go after? For the past 2 years, I have prevented John Schmitz and his wife from winning any of their offices they have sought. Never is it okay to make fun of anyone with disabilities!"
    • No other candidates responded.
  • United States House - District 9
    • Russell Brooksbank (Libertarian) - "People should vote for me if they are tired of the two old parties promising the world only to deliver on zero of their promises. I can't promise overnight change. What I can promise is that I will do what I can to get government out of the way of those who want to help people with disabilities. I can promise to never vote for a piece of legislation that violates the rights of even one person. I can promise to really listen to your issues and concerns and work with you to find the best possible solutions. If you truly want change in D.C. you are going to have to summon up the courage to vote for that change. Libertarians want to secure the rights of all people regardless of abilities."
    • No other candidates responded.

Survey Process

In September, questionnaires were sent synchronously to the candidates' campaign contact information on file with the Indiana Secretary of State or US Federal Election Commission. When all candidates for a particular office had email addresses on file, IDR disseminated its questionnaire by email. If only a mailing address was on file for a candidate for a particular office, all candidates for that office received the questionnaire by US mail. In several circumstances, IDR received an automatic email response. If an automatic response provided an alternative email address, IDR promptly forwarded the questionnaire to that address. No mailed questionnaires were returned.

Unfortunately, in some circumstances IDR could not locate any contact information for certain candidates. Those candidates did not receive the questionnaire. In the interest of candor, candidates who did not receive the questionnaire are: Mike Hubbard (I), a candidate for House District 2; Ashley Groff (L), a candidate for House District 4; James Sceniak (L), a candidate for House District 6; and K. Richard Fitzlaff (L), a candidate for House District 8.

Key

  • "D" means "Democrat"
  • "I" means "Independent"
  • "L" means "Libertarian"
  • "R" means "Republican"