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Minnesota - 3rd Congressional District (2012) Survey

What should the federal government do to stimulate job creation and economic development?

Be a strong partner, like during the Space Race of the 1960s. The government set a goal, provided a little investment, and then government and private business spawned new industries that not only got us to the moon, but changed life as we know it.
Support moving forward on free trade agreements to open up new markets for exports, incentives for small businesses to hire new employees and re-invest in their companies and a simplified tax code making it easier for families and businesses to work, save and invest.

Is this issue important to you? Not at all  Somewhat  Very

Where are three specific areas where federal spending should be cut? Are there any specific areas where federal spending should be increased?

Enforce stricter rules on defense spending, work to get Minnesota a better return on federal taxes paid, and look to curb fraud from health insurance companies. More spending shouldn't be sought until the federal budget it balanced.
Vote against bailouts, require the Congress to adopt a balanced budget and support a line item veto for the president.

Is this issue important to you? Not at all  Somewhat  Very

Do you support extending the Bush-era tax cuts? If so, all of them?

Yes, all of them.
Yes, but not all of them -- under one condition: I would allow the tax cuts for individuals making more than $1 million to expire if every single dime of that revenue goes to paying down the deficit.

Is this issue important to you? Not at all  Somewhat  Very

Do you support the farm bill passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House?

We need reform of a lot of the spending programs in the Senate farm bill before it's passed through the House. Food stamp reform should be part of that.
Yes.

Is this issue important to you? Not at all  Somewhat  Very

What should be done with the Social Security program?

It should be preserved and protected. The government should also support incentives to boost personal savings and investment.
We need to replenish the trust fund that both parties have looted over the past 20 years. All ideas need to be on the table, including revising the cap on the Social Security tax.

Is this issue important to you? Not at all  Somewhat  Very

What types of changes should be made in the health care system?

Repeal the president's health care law. Support solutions including: not allowing insurance companies to deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions; paying for quality, not quantity; focusing on prevention and wellness; allowing insurance to be purchased across states lines and allowing small businesses to pool together; leveling the playing field by giving the same tax benefits to individuals as those with employer sponsored coverage; stopping lawsuit abuse so doctors don't have to practice defensive medicine; and repeal the $30 billion excise tax on medical devices.
Healthcare reform, modeled after RomneyCare, was a big step forward. We need to watch and learn as it phases in, and focus our efforts now on cost reduction. Repeal the $30 billion excise tax on medical devices.

Is this issue important to you? Not at all  Somewhat  Very

What changes, if any, would you support in Medicare?

Allow individuals to voluntarily opt out of Medicare Part A when they become eligible for the benefit.
The program should negotiate for lower drug prices. It should not be turned into a voucher program.

Is this issue important to you? Not at all  Somewhat  Very

What changes would you make to federal education policy?

Support changes that ensure that our education system is accountable to students, parents, teachers, and the taxpayer; support investment in science, technology, engineering and math to ensure that America continues to lead the world in technological innovation.
I will promote and expand pre-K, and work to end the practice of unfunded public school mandates on the states, and address the rising costs of college by capping student loan interest rates at 3.4 percent -- (if banks can borrow at that rate, students should be able to as well) -- and make tuition tax deductible. We want our businesses and institutions to thrive, and that means having a well-educated, well-trained work force.

Is this issue important to you? Not at all  Somewhat  Very

What changes would you make to federal energy policy?

Fuel standards increase is a huge deal. Let's apply the Space Race mindset to getting beyond oil in 25 years.
Expand nuclear and renewable energies, build the Keystone Pipeline and become less reliant on foreign sources of energy.

Is this issue important to you? Not at all  Somewhat  Very

Should the federal government's environmental protection efforts be changed? If so, how?

Offshore drilling should be increased, federal solar energy programs should be cut, permitting for mining on federal lands -- including the BWCA -- should be streamlined.
No. But a comprehensive energy policy focused on clean renewables will go a long way in protecting our environment.

Is this issue important to you? Not at all  Somewhat  Very

Where do you stand on legalized abortion?

Abortion should be illegal.
It should be safe, legal and rare.

Is this issue important to you? Not at all  Somewhat  Very

Should same-sex marriage be legal?

No.
Yes.

Is this issue important to you? Not at all  Somewhat  Very

What are your views concerning immigration?

Do not support the DREAM Act, which would allow some upstanding undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S.
I will support reform that helps us retain the talent produced by our universities, supports job creation, protects our borders and enforces existing laws against exploiting undocumented workers. It must be fair to taxpayers and to legal immigrants. There should be a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, but one that would require them to pay taxes and go to the back of the line.

Is this issue important to you? Not at all  Somewhat  Very
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