Candidates' positions are categorized as Pro (Yes), Con (No), Not Clearly Pro or Con, or None Found.
Candidates who have changed their positions are listed as Now their most recent position.
(Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by party; black & white photos indicate candidates who have withdrawn or who no longer meet our criteria.)
Chuck Baldwin, Founder and Minister of the Crossroad Baptist Church in Pensacola, FL, issued the following statement through his Communications Director, Mary Starrett, in an Aug. 11, 2008 email to ProCon.org:
"The US should not be involved or determining negotiations between foreign governments or organizations.
We must disengage this nation from the international entanglements which generate foreign hatred of these United States, and are used as the excuse for terrorist attacks on America and its people." Aug. 11, 2008 Chuck Baldwin
John McCain, US Senator (R-AZ), in a Feb. 18, 2008 press release titled "Senator McCain Welcomes Kosovo's Independence," stated:
"With its declaration of independence, Kosovo and the Balkans with it has taken a major step out of the 1990s and into the 21st century. Eleven years ago, that region was in flames, characterized by ethnic cleansing and widespread violence. Today, for the first time, the region is poised to move forward. The people of Kosovo should be commended for the great strides they have made and the bright future that lies ahead.
The United States and the rest of the international community can help solidify these gains by quickly recognizing Kosovo's independence." Feb. 18, 2008 John McCain
Cynthia McKinney, former US House Representative (D-GA), issued the following statement through her Press Secretary, John Judge, in a Nov. 1, 2008 email to ProCon.org:
"The US should respect the sovereignty and independence, the self determination of any people toward democracy and human rights. The U.S. should not be funding and arming groups like the KLA [Kosovo Liberation Army] with profits from drug sales or covert funds against existing governments regardless of their alleged legitimacy." Nov. 1, 2008 Cynthia McKinney
Barack Obama, US Senator (D-IL), stated in a Feb. 17, 2008 article titled "Statement by Barack Obama on the Independence of Kosovo" on his official candidate website:
"Today's announcement of independence by the leadership of Kosovo ends a chain of events that began with the bloody break-up of the former Yugoslavia. Kosovo's independence is a unique situation resulting from the irreparable rupture Slobodan Milosevic's actions caused; it is in no way a precedent for anyone else in the region or around the world.
Kosovo's independence carries with it important responsibilities. The international community has devoted enormous resources to Kosovo's political, economic and social development for nearly a decade, with results not always meeting expectations. I hope that Kosovo's government and people act with urgency to ensure that Kosovo becomes a positive example of democratic governance and the rule of law." Feb. 17, 2008 Barack Obama
INACTIVE CANDIDATES
(Candidates who have withdrawn or who no longer meet our criteria appear below in black and white and in alphabetical order by party.)
Hillary Clinton, US Senator (D-NY), stated at the Feb. 21, 2008 Democratic Presidential Debate held in Austin, TX:
"I supported the independence of Kosovo because I think it is imperative that in the heart of Europe we continue to promote independence and democracy." Feb. 21, 2008 Hillary Clinton
Daniel Imperato, an Independent candidate and business entrepreneur, stated in a Mar. 11, 2008 telephone interview with ProCon.org:
"The Kosovo independence I have to study because it is something that is, in my opinion, I believe that there was a grave mistake supporting the war from the Middle Eastern communities and not supporting the Christian communities." Mar. 11, 2008 Daniel Imperato