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Don Benton

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Don Benton is an American politician of the Republican Party. He is originally from Los Angeles, California[1] and has been a member of the Washington State Senate since 1996.[2] Benton unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.[3][4] After serving as the Chairman of the Washington State Republicans in 2000, he resigned eight months later amid several controversies.[5]

Political positions

Abortion

In a 2012 survey collected by the Life Political Action Committee of Southwest Washington, Benton indicated that he believes life begins at conception, the State has a compelling interest in protecting human life beginning at conception, abortion is never morally permissible, and medical professionals should be allowed to deny service based on their moral, ethical or religious beliefs. In the survey he also said, "To my knowledge, I am the only Senator to ever sponsor and successfully pass parental notification law in the state senate. It was killed in the House."[6]

Gay Marriage

Benton opposes gay marriage and civil unions, saying on the Senate floor that those laws affect "less than a half of one percent of the population."[7]

Government Regulation

Senator Benton has voted against two bills regulating mortgage brokers that have since been signed into law. The first requires that mortgage brokers act within the best interests of borrowers[8]and the second requires mortgage brokers to disclose the difference between the interest rates they charge borrowers and the interest rates borrowers actually qualify for.[9]

Taxes

The Senator supports reducing taxes on businesses[10] but voted against lowering taxes for working families[11] and against allowing homeowners to defer property taxes.[12] Benton says he is in alignment with members of the Tea Party movement.[13]

References

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