1) What is the No. 1 issue in your district and how would you address it?
The lack of jobs is issue number one. The federal government should spend on infrastructure projects to stimulate job growth..
2) How would you promote job growth in your district?
Infrastructure spending such as on the CREATE program to alleviate the rail bottleneck that slows freight traffic in my district.
3) Should the federal government cut spending and where?
Yes, less spending on defense and overseas nation building.
4) Give an example of something you’ve done that is bipartisan in nature.
I give credit to Republicans when they’re right. President Bush, for example, was right in advocating comprehensive immigration reform. Sen. McCain is right that torture is contrary to American principles.
5) Name one good policy idea that comes from the opposing party.
Ron Paul has some good ideas about ending our expensive and ineffective War on Drugs.
6) How do you define family values?
I define it as respect for everyone, regardless of whether they conform to a traditional 1950s family style. We should not condemn same-sex couples who seek the legal right to marry.
7) What are your thoughts on the healthcare law?
I support the law, though I would prefer a public option to better serve consumers.
8) Who is your political role model?
My role model is Toni Preckwinkle. She is a woman who keeps her campaign promises to streamline county government, to repeal the Stroger sales tax hike, and to balance the budget. She has challenged a status quo that was overdue for reform. She has done so in a bipartisan manner. I admire her style and effectiveness.
9) What’s on your iPod?
A variety of music that I rarely get a chance to listen to.
