1. Since it's a constant hot bed for political discussion, let's get it out in the open-- which statement most closely matches your thoughts on abortion?
Abortion is the wrong choice except in cases of incest, rape, and to save the life of the mother. Abortion should be safe, legal, and rare. Women should have the right to choose and abortion shouldn't be so stigmatized. We need to give people information because preventing unwanted pregnancy is the best strategy. It's a complicated moral decision and it's not up to me to tell someone what to do if they're faced with an unwanted pregnancy. They should consult their religious figures, families, and doctors and make the decision that's best for them-- each situation is different. I would do everything within my power to ban abortions. We should not allow the taking of a human life in any situation-- it applies to the unborn as well as the born.
2. The war in Iraq is largely considered the most important foreign policy issue of the upcoming election. What are your feelings on it?
I completely oppose to any use of military force in Iraq. That war should have never started and we need to end it now! We still have a lot to do in Iraq and we need more troops to get the job done. Initially, I supported taking action in Iraq. But now, I just feel like we need to start getting troops out of there. Many people think we're doing too much in Iraq, but I say we're not doing enough. We should have had more troops in there from the beginning.
3. Same-sex marriage is also a topic that gets people talking. So do you think gay people should have the right to wed?
I don't believe in same-sex marriage, but I do support civil unions that would recognize same-sex relationships. I just think marriage should not be dealt with on a federal level. In general though, I think we need to pass anti-discrimination and hate laws to help out the gay community. Personally, I think marriage is a union between a man and a woman. However, I do not believe the federal government should be making these decisions. Therefore, I oppose a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Marriage and civil unions should be exclusively for heterosexual couples. I support a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Marriage is a religious idea to me so I do not support same-sex marriage. However, I do believe that all civil rights should be extended to same-sex couples.
4. Another hot issue is global warming (no pun intended.) Which of these platforms would you want your future present to be behind?
I'm most concerned with reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is devastating and we have to act now. And we can't be so dependent on foreign oil-- other fuel sources are needed. I understand that global warming is a problem, but it's not just our problem. The burden shouldn't be all on us to fix things. I have consistently been at the forefront of environmental preservation legislation. We need to make the United States a leader in combating climate change. Energy independence is something we really need to strive for. Plus, green powered jobs could put more of our citizens back in the work force. It's not only about preserving the environment-- it's about improving our economy.
5. Which is the most important issue to you?
Improving health care and education Improving economic issues Improving the war in Iraq Infusing my religious beliefs with my political ones to improve the country's status