CandidatesPresidential CandidatesWhere America Stands
Where Do Your Candidates Stand
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Why It's Important to Know

“We have much work to do to build on our progress in the fight against cancer and other major chronic diseases that impact so many individuals and their families. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is proud to work with Research!America and so many partner organizations in urging access to quality health care and sustained support for lifesaving research programs, especially at a time when that support has waned and we risk losing ground in our progress. The Your Candidates-Your Health initiative is part of a concerted effort by advocates across the board to elevate the importance of these issues and ask government to stand with us in this fight.”

John R. Seffrin, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, American Cancer Society



“We should all do our best to try to stay healthy. But creating an environment that enables all Americans to achieve optimum health requires leadership from our elected officials. We need political leaders who are committed to improving and protecting the public's health. Not sure how improving the nation's health ranks with your elected officials? Ask them today.”

Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (Emeritus), Executive Director, American Public Health Association



“Where our elected representatives stand on issues relating to health and medical research is important information for every American voter. Your Candidates-Your Health is a unique and valuable resource that can help voters make informed choices on these issues, which touch all our lives.”

Darrell G. Kirch, MD, President and CEO, Association of American Medical Colleges



“Public health is your health; it matters for you, for your family and for your communities. Only with a system that focuses on health can people live healthier and longer. While healthcare costs escalate, as a nation we are less healthy with a system that is increasingly dysfunctional. We must implement policies that strengthen public health. This issue is vital for the American people. Candidates need to state their views on health and research as part of their core platform. Your Candidates-Your Health is an important step.”

Harrison C. Spencer, MD, MPH, President and CEO, Association of Schools of Public Health



“As the epidemic of chronic diseases continues to drive healthcare costs in the U.S., it is critical that we elect leaders who understand the importance of increasing our investment in prevention, providing the right incentives to treat chronic diseases more effectively and efficiently, and maintaining an environment that fosters medical advancement. The Your Candidates-Your Health initiative gives candidates the opportunity to illustrate their commitment to improving the healthcare system—a top priority of the American people—and will provide an important tool for voters to help guide their choices this November.”

Christopher Viehbacher, President, North American Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline



“Clinical research has led to breathtaking improvements in the quality of life for all Americans, and nowhere is that more clear than to those who practice medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian. When President Eisenhower suffered his heart attacks, hospitals, for the most part, could watch and wait. Hospital time was measured in weeks in some cases. Today, with newer treatments, hospital time for a heart attack can be measured in hours or even minutes based on severity. Outcomes are better—more people survive and recover. More importantly, we are able to treat and prevent a heart attack in many cases before it occurs. All this because of our greater understanding of the heart, thanks to clinical research. Investing in research pays so many dividends for the future that it is the most responsible thing policy makers can do. Candidates for Congress and the White House owe it to the public to share their views on this critical set of issues.”

Herbert Pardes, MD, President and CEO,, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital



“It is critical that the American electorate become both more informed and more engaged on the issues of federal funding for biomedical research and health care reform. Key to this is knowing where the candidates stand and letting them know that voters are watching. This project will enable us to better inform members of the next Congress on these important issues.”

Edward D. Miller, MD, Dean of the Medical Faculty, CEO, Johns Hopkins Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine



“No issue is as central to the expression of a democratic civilization than the preservation and advancement of the health of all its people. Citizens expect and deserve to know how candidates think about medical research and its translation into health enhancement and clinical care delivery.”

Reed Tuckson, MD, Member of the Board, United Health Foundation