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Former U.S. Sen. Rod Grams and Unity Party candidate Harry Welty are challenging incumbent Rep. James Oberstar in the 8th Congressional District. The 8th District encompasses about 18 Minnesota counties -- mostly rural and farmland. It includes Duluth, Cloquet, Chisolm, Hibbing, Grand Rapids, International Falls, and Brainerd.

Minnesota - 8th District (2006) Survey

What should the United States do about Iraq from this point forward?

The frontlines of the war on terror are in Iraq and the U.S. should not leave until victory is achieved.
Iraq should take care of Iraq's future. It's time for the U.S. to leave Iraq.
Set up three separate regions as independent nations or as members of a loose confederacy.

Is this issue important to you?

Not at all  Somewhat  Very

How can more children in the United States get access to health care?

A single-payer, national health insurance program.
Insurance industry reforms, greater deductibility for insurance and health care costs, and more "pooling" among groups to keep premiums low, and health savings accounts.

Is this issue important to you?

Not at all  Somewhat  Very

Do you support or oppose the Mesabi Energy Project, a coal gasification project near Taconite, Minnesota?

Neither support nor oppose.
Support
Oppose

Is this issue important to you?

Not at all  Somewhat  Very

What can be done to keep the Great Lakes shipping season open longer?

Build a second lock at Sault St. Marie to allow ice-laden vessels to pass through. Expand seaway locks.
Put together a congressional panel to work with Canada and environmental groups to figure out how to do it. Consider upgrades to allow container vessels on the Great Lakes.
Bubbler systems could help break up ice, and more ice breakers could help, but without ocean-going vessels, there is a real question as to whether year-round shipping is practical.

Is this issue important to you?

Not at all  Somewhat  Very

Do you support or oppose a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman?

Support
Oppose

Is this issue important to you?

Not at all  Somewhat  Very

What do you think can be done to return jobs to northern Minnesota?

Oppose imports of subsidized steel.
Allow more timber harvesting, more support for ethanol plants, more effort to keep ports open.
Keep the Chinese economy growing and supplied with Minnesota iron. Prudently regulate forest and water resources.

Is this issue important to you?

Not at all  Somewhat  Very

What is your opinion of organized labor?

The unions are the right way to advance the interests of America.
People should have the opportunity to be union or non-union. There's times the unions are more interested in politics than their workers.
Too many workers do not appreciate labor's role in securing the protections for workers.

Is this issue important to you?

Not at all  Somewhat  Very

How can college tuition be made more affordable?

We should have a national summit between the private and public sector to help restrain increases.
I don't know. But more federal programs aren't the answer.
Restore Pell Grants to previous levels of spending.

Is this issue important to you?

Not at all  Somewhat  Very

Should there be a constitutional amendment banning the burning of the American flag?

Oppose
Support

Is this issue important to you?

Not at all  Somewhat  Very

In theory, do you support some of the efforts on changing Social Security presented by President Bush?

Yes
No.

Is this issue important to you?

Not at all  Somewhat  Very
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