This article presents an unbiased comparison of the political positions and policies of Kirsten Gillibrand and Bob Turner, Democratic and Republican candidates respectively for the 2012 senate election in New York.
WINNER: Kirsten Gillibrand
Comparison chart
 | Bob Turner | Kirsten Gillibrand |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Religion | Roman Catholic | Roman Catholic |
| Occupation | Media executive, Politician | Politician, Attorney |
| Alma Mater | St. John's University (New York) | Dartmouth College (A.B.) UCLA School of Law (J.D.) |
| Residence | Rockaway Point, Queens, New York City | Hudson, New York |
| Spouse(s) | Peggy Turner | Jonathan Gillibrand |
| Website | http://bobturner.house.gov/ | http://www.kirstengillibrand.com |
| Political Party | Republican | Democratic |
| Date of birth | May 2, 1941 | November 9, 1966 |
| Place of birth | New York City | Albany, New York |
| Current Position | Congressman from New York's 9th district | Junior United States Senator |
Differences in Economic Policy
Tax Policy
- Turner Sept 2011 Cut taxes & spending to end economic crisis
- Gillibrand Oct 2010 Extend Bush-era tax cuts, except earners over $250K
Stimulus Spending and Bailouts
- Turner Jan 2011 Balanced budget amendment to the US Constitution
- Gillibrand Feb 2009 $825B economic recovery; $15B auto bailout; $60B stimulus
Social Security
- Turner Sept 2011 Oppose efforts to privatize or bankrupt the system
- Gillibrand Aug 2010 Reject privatization; don't raise the retirement age
Healthcare Policy
- Turner Sept 2011 ObamaCare places an enormous burden on private businesses
- Gillibrand Jan 2009 Financially supported by Emily's List
Social Issues
Abortion
- Turner May 2011 Prohibiting forced abortions by UN Population Fund
- Gillibrand Nov 2006 Medicare for all; allow drug reimportation
Immigration
- Turner Oct 2011 Deport foreign criminals;punish nations denying repatriation
- Gillibrand Aug 2010 Create a real path to earned citizenship
Civil Liberties and Homeland Security
- Turner Sept 2011 Don't try foreign terrorists in a civilian court
- Gillibrand Feb 2011 Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's roving wiretaps
Differences in Foreign Policy
- Turner Aug 2011 Withhold UN funding until voluntary and program-specific
- Gillibrand March 2007 Acknowledge the Armenian Genocide of the early 1900s
Position on Iran
- Turner May 2011 No contact & enforce sanctions on Iran until threat is gone
- Gillibrand April 2009 Sanctions on Iran to end nuclear program
Energy Policy
- Turner Nov 2010 Opposes cap-and-trade
- Gillibrand Nov 2006 Raise CAFE; plus alternative energy R&D
Environmental Policy
- Turner Sept 2011 Stop considering manure as pollutant or hazardous
- Gillibrand Mar 2009 Make tax deduction permanent for conservation easements
Barack Obama 
Obamacare 
Republicans 
Liberal 
Scott Brown 
Tammy Baldwin
Comments: Bob Turner vs Kirsten Gillibrand