In favor of ‘domestic partner’ recognition and benefits for gays and lesbians.
Concerned about Darfur, North Korea.
'Not a rock star.'
Raised $7M in 2 months.
Wants to bring us together. American unity is shattered. We have a rural - urban division, a partisan and dysfunctional Congress, severe problems with immigration. The White House is 'out of gas.'
Knows foreign policy. Served as Ambassador to the UN. The next President of the US has to get us out of Iraq.
Was head of Dept. of Energy. Next President has to deal with energy through public and private investment. Next President must ask for sacrifice - to give us green buildings, solar and renewable energy sources, shift away from fossil fuels. Must take a lead on global warming issues. New Mexico abides by the Kyoto Treaty.
The US needs to take a lead in an era when we're known for Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib; promote democracy. Why do we forget about Africa and Latin America?
Supports early childhood education, full day kindergarten, emphasis on math and languages, shift of funds from administration to teaching staff.
Take $600B from the war and put it to domestic use, including universal community college education and vocational training. Provide universal health care. In NM, cut taxes to grow the economy.
Q&A
His strategy to win?
This country elects governors.
Can carry the Southwest - AZ, CO, NV, NM
Hispanic
Has most foreign policy experience, and most Energy experience
Outworks everyone.
'Money doesn't vote.'
A Democrat who is pro-growth and pro-Civil Rights
Does well in debate
His plan for Iraq?
Out now. If I were President now, we'd be out this calendar year with no residual, using 2 diplomatic initiatives with the Persian Gulf and the Middle East:
(1) Convene Sunnis, Shias and Kurds. Divide oil revenue, cabinet ministries.
(2) Hold a security conference, primarily with Moslem countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran and Syria.
Iraq has oil revenue, and 200K members of armed forces. There's a problem with our refusal to talk to Iran and Syria.
Israel is the cornerstone of our Middle East policy.
What's the alternative?
Where would extra troops come from?
What is his energy plan?
Develop energy alternatives that make us self-sufficient. Pledge an Apollo-like effort to reduce 65% fossil fuel dependence to 10% in ten years. Use public and private investment in solar, wind, biomass, fuel cell. We did it at the Dept. of Energy. People have to sacrifice. I’m not pessimistic about resolving problems, because of the ingenuity of the American people. We should have sacrificed after 9/11 to become energy-independent.
What is his view of oil and gas exploration and use of national forests?
I’m for responsible drilling. When you can’t do both (protect the environment and drill) I go in favor of the environment. I’m not in favor of drilling in Alaska. I favor “responsible drilling” in US including the Rockies.
What about taxes?
I’m a tax cutter. In NM we used the tax system to bring in new industry, with tax credits to hire local people, and a contribution to training programs. We should be building more oil refineries in the US.
What’s his position on medical marijuana?
I don’t enter these races just to win primary votes. Men and women are suffering. Legalizing medical marijuana is the right course of action. I’m more interested in prevention than new cures. As for drugs, I’m for more prevention, more education.
What’s his view of immigration, specifically with regard to parity in entry rights for partners of gays and lesbians?
My record on gay and lesbian issues is the best in the country.
Regarding immigration in general: I shut down the border in NM. You have to secure the border – not with ‘the stupid wall’ but we do need to reduce the flow. As a policy issue, Mexico has to create jobs on their side. We need to promote laws to punish those who are here illegally, while raising the quote for legal immigration – HB1 visas for computer operators and farm workers. Senators McCain and Kennedy proposed legalization for 12M immigrants who fulfill certain conditions over the next 10 years. We need practical strategies to reduce inflow.
Does he view the right to choose as absolute?
‘Absolutely.’ At the same time, promote family planning, acknowledge that abortions are not good and promote reintegration of the family. Noted that he is Roman Catholic.
How would he promote young people’s participation in civic life?
Their stakes include the budget deficit, a dirty planet, and a safety net not likely to be here in the future. ‘I believe in being optimistic, having lofty goals.’ Technology is an asset. He would like every 7th grader to receive a laptop computer. He would make the political process more open’ use paper ballots with optical scanner; same-day registration.
What are the incentives for growth in NM?
Reduced taxes, incentives for movies, tax incentives, loans, entrepreneurial initiatives, rural tax credits, new investments in light rail and open space.
What will you be doing in North Korea?
I’m going with some members of the White House staff. We will seek to lessen tension, and will bring some remains back.
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