Here's how candidates in some of November's toughest Senate races match up on key tech issues
A new study from Tusk Ventures and Engine Advocacy hands out report cards to candidates in some of November's tightest Senate races. The study graded 22 candidates vying for 11 of the 34 Senate seats up for grabs in November, eliminating the races that are likely to be total blowouts.
The candidates were graded on their actions - like votes, letters, and the co-sponsorship of bills - as well as their public statements, and were evaluated in four categories: broadband access & infrastructure, intellectual property, data security & privacy, and talent. Candidates without a record on an issue were given an "incomplete" for that category.
No candidate got a perfect grade on the issues, and some candidates have no history of speaking about or voting on tech at all - although it's worth noting that several of the Senate candidates have never run for office before or are somewhat new to politics. The category of data privacy and security - a key issue in a year when hacking and cybersecurity has been on the forefront - had some of the worst grades, and only one candidate got an A.