Christopher Schmidt, Libertarian for Congress

Humane Education Network
Candidate Questionnaire

1.) Do you support a strengthened Endangered Species Act?
Maybe. I support many specific measures to increase protection for animals, both individually and for species-protection. In particular, I would like to see federal agents spend less time on drug trafficking and more time on illegal animal products trafficking (ivory, coral, etc.). Generally, I do not believe that animal protection results in net job losses. I oppose giant 'omnibus' bills that pack a lot of bad legislation in with good legislation. Those who love animals should lobby for short, specific bills, and fight DC's tendency to pork-laden omnibus bills that accumulate riders which undermine the original concepts.
2.) Do you support a prohibition on sport hunting and trapping in our National Wildlife Refuges?
Maybe. I support outright prohibition of cruel practices, such as steel jaw leghold traps, but I would stop short of a total ban on sport hunting in National Wildlife Refuges. I would like to see a transfer of most federal lands to private hands. Private owners are far less likely than federal managers to allow harmful exploitation of their property.
3.) Do you support a ban on the use of the steel jaw leghold trap?
Yes.
4.) Do you support requiring the use of non-animal toxicity tests for non-medical products?
I support the banning of cruel animal toxicity tests for any product, but I do not support the requiring of other specific testing technologies.
5.) Do you support more humane treatment of animals on factory farms?
Yes.
6.) Are you a member of the Congressional Sportmen's Caucus or do you plan to join?
No.