1. Would you repeal Obama’s health care plan? If so, what would you propose in its place?
Bain – Yes, I would repeal the PPACA because it is unconstitutional. I propose changes to our regulations and laws to do away the government driving up health care costs and do away with the government-enforced health insurance monopolies. This will spur competition between insurers and drive down health care and health insurance costs to provide better coverage and more coverage for everyone.
Goodlatte – I’m working to repeal the new health care law that kills jobs, raises taxes, and threatens access to care for millions of Americans. It must be replaced with commonsense reforms that lower costs and empower patients, including allowing individuals to purchase health insurance across state lines and providing malpractice reform.
Vanke – I oppose government-run health care, and I support universal health coverage (Dutch private system). The new law has too many regulations. I would repeal those, keep the expansion of access, and keep good reforms for health insurers to compete across state lines and not to breach contracts for preexisting conditions.
2. What plan do you propose for immigration control?
Bain – I propose we secure our borders and ensure individuals who want to come to America legally to chase the American dream have the opportunity to do so. I do not support blanket amnesty plans.
Goodlatte – We need to examine our legal immigration laws to make sure they reflect the needs and best interests of America. However, we first need to secure our borders and crack down on illegal aliens and those who employ them. In addition, we must not grant amnesty to illegal aliens.
Vanke – No full Reagan-like amnesty. If immigrants can support themselves for three years on visas, then green cards, otherwise deportation. Enforce law on employers. Secure border – 47% of Mexicans (50 million) want to move to the U.S. (Pew survey). Immigration is good for our economy if controlled to match economic conditions.
3. Where to you stand on the gay and lesbian marriage issue?
Bain – I believe marriage is a religious institution and the government does not need to be in the business of licensing and regulating marriage.
Goodlatte – I stand on the side of traditional marriage between one man and one woman.
Vanke – I’m for full civil union rights. States can decide for themselves whether to call it “marriage.”
4. Do you favor offshore drilling?
Bain – I do favor offshore drilling provided the government enforced liability limitations (at the behest of the oil company special interest groups and lobbyists) are lifted so companies will increase safety enforcement, increase proper safeguards, and be held accountable for their actions.
Goodlatte – I support offshore drilling. However, we must continue to increase the safety of oil and natural gas exploration and production. Our country needs to become energy independent. We need access to all our nation’s energy supplies, both traditional and renewable energy resources, to make energy more affordable for American families.
Vanke – In principle, yes. But the previous system where oil companies had a hand in self-regulation must be reformed.
5. Do you favor extending the Bush tax cuts?
Bain – In lieu of passing the FairTax Plan into law, I do support extending the Bush tax cuts provided we also cut government spending to match.
Goodlatte – I’m committed to permanently stopping all job-killing tax hikes. I strongly support extending the current tax cuts. The last thing our economy needs is crushing tax increases. Instead Congress must focus on policies that allow individuals and businesses to keep more of their hard-earned tax dollars, which would encourage investment.
Vanke – We need pay-go, variable income tax rates that increase by 1 percent per year when the budget is in deficit (suspended in times of economic recession) and that decrease by 1 percent per year in surplus. Resulting public pressure would force Congress to debate whole-budget solutions, not just partial fixes.
6. Did you favor the automotive bailout and/or the bank bailout?
Bain – No. I do not think the government should have to bail out companies and dole out corporate welfare.
Goodlatte – No, I opposed both of these costly, taxpayer-funded bailouts. I believe it is very dangerous for the federal government to provide an artificial cushion that protects private corporations from the consequences of their own bad business decisions. I also fundamentally oppose government ownership of private businesses.
Vanke – Carilion missed payroll when Wachovia teetered. 1930s-style Depression loomed. Our country needed TARP, to save innocent accounts, payroll, etc.; Goldman Sachs should have been broken up. Big economies are stuck with investment banking – you don’t throw out the economic baby with the banking bath water. I opposed the auto bailout.
7. How do you propose to break existing partisan gridlock and boost Americans faith in government?
Bain – I propose breaking partisan gridlock by pointing out to both sides of any argument that growing the government to the right or left is not the solution. I propose smaller government solutions be enacted to eliminate wasteful programs and spending so our country can return to a state of peace and prosperity.
Goodlatte – Our nation faces serious challenges and the American people deserve representatives that can work in a productive, bipartisan fashion to address these challenges. To begin restoring America’s faith in government, Congress must be transparent in its actions and dealings and accountable by responding to the will of the people.
Vanke – Partisanship is necessary and good. It’s the tone, the cynicism, and the careerist entrenchment that need fixing. For example, last July, Goodlatte joined House Republicans to block a Democratic partial repeal of the health care bill (on 1099s reporting). The solution: Term limits. Our District needs a do-over in Congress.
By Carla Bream [email protected]