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League of Women Voters of Michigan

2012 Nonpartisan

Voter
TUESDAY, November 6 7 a.m. 8 p.m.

The League of Women Voters of Michigan would like to thank the following organizations for their financial support in producing the Voter Guide:

Guide
General Election
I N D E X

A program of the Michigan Nonprofit Association

League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund

Congressional District Maps.....................2 General Information ..................................3 U.S. President/Vice President ............... 4-5 U.S. Senate ............................................... 6-7 U.S. Representative (Districts 1-14) ...8-25

State Board of Education ....................... 26 University of Michigan ..................... 27-28 Michigan State University ................ 28-29 Wayne State University .................... 30-31 Supreme Court .................................. 32-34

Court of Appeals ..................................... 35 State Ballot Proposals ....................... 36-38 Clip & Take to the Polls ........................... 40

For information on state legislative and local races, visit www.VOTE411.ORG Also see www.LWVMI.ORG for links to local Leagues and additional election information.

League of Women Voters of MI 600 W. St. Joseph, Suite 3G Lansing, MI 48933-2288

2 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE

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Congressional District Map

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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H 3

About This Guide


The League of Women Voters of Michigan contacted candidates for biographical information and answers to questions on issues. The answers are printed as submitted and have not been edited, except for necessary cutting when replies exceeded the stated character limitations. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. If the candidate did not reply by the required date for publication, the words Did not reply in time for publication appear under the candidates name.

Voting

Who Can Vote Photo Identification


A photo ID is not required in order for you to vote. Michigan does have a new ID law but if you dont have a photo ID, or didnt bring one with you to the polls, you can still vote if you sign a statement that you dont have a photo ID. Youll then be able to vote. Unless you registered to vote at your local clerks office or at a Secretary of State office, if you are a new Michigan voter, you must meet a new federal ID requirement. This requirement can be met by showing at the polls a current photo ID or a paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement or government document that shows your name and the address you used on your voter registration form.

You can vote if youve registered to vote in Michigan by October 9, 2012. You can register if you are a U.S. citizen; youre a Michigan resident; and Publication of these statements and opinions of candidates is solely in the interest you will be at least 18 years old on Election Day.
of public service and in no way is to be construed as an endorsement by the League of Women Voters. The League takes no responsibility for any of the views or facts stated by the candidates.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization established in 1920 to encourage citizen participation in government. It never supports or opposes any political party or candidates. Published by the League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund (2012, LWVMI EF)

About the League of Women Voters


MISSION STATEMENT: The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League of Women Voters is open to all citizens of voting age. For information about joining the League, please contact us at (517) 484-5383 or by e-mail: office@lwvmi.org. Tax-deductible contributions to continue this non-partisan service are welcomed by the League. Please send your check to: League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund 600 W. Saint Joseph St., Suite 3G Lansing MI 48933-2288 (517) 484-5383 website: www.lwvmi.org LWVMI President ..................................................... Susan Smith Voter Service Director .............................................. Eva Packard Voter Guide Coordinator ......................................... Judy Culham

Absentee Voter Ballots


Who can apply? You are:
Registered voters can get an absentee ballot from your local clerk for any of the following reasons: 60 years old or older unable to vote without assistance at the polls expecting to be out of town on election day in jail awaiting arraignment or trial unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct other than your own

Where and when?

Online Voter Guides


This League of Women Voters Education Fund website contains an online voters guide which displays candidate and ballot proposal information for races on the ballot as applicable for a voters voting address. All federal and state races in Michigan are available as well as local race information where prepared for their area by local Leagues. VOTE411 allows voters to compare candidate responses to questions on relevant issues. VOTE411 also offers information on voter registration, ID requirements, and election processes such as absentee voting.

You can request an absentee ballot by asking your clerk for an absentee ballot application. This application must be submitted to the clerk no later than 2 pm the Saturday before the election. This application will ask which of the reasons listed applies to you. You will then receive an absentee ballot, which can be mailed to you in another state, or overseas. If you are a new Michigan voter, and you registered to vote other than at a clerks or the Secretary of States offices, you can vote using an absentee ballot the first time you vote only if you personally apply for the ballot at your clerks office. This is because you are subject to the Federal first-time voter ID requirements.

An absentee ballot must be returned to the clerks office by 8 pm on election day. Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature on the return envelope matches your signature on file. Only you, a family member www.LWVMI.org The League of Women Voters of Michigan website or person residing in your household who is acting on your instructions, a contains this printed Voter Guide. It also links to VOTE411.org and contains mail carrier or an election official can deliver your absentee voter ballot to one document with all six ballot proposals and their Pro-Con information. the clerks office. Note that anyone else who is in possession of another perFind your Local League selection provides a list of the Local Leagues in sons absentee ballot is guilty of a felony. If you mail back your ballot, make Michigan and a link to their websites where additional local election infor- sure it has enough postage on it. Due to size, extra postage is required. mation may be available. Many list their Candidate Forums. Forums may be For more information call your city or township clerk. recorded for local cable broadcasting or online viewing.

Returning the ballot

4 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE

United States President 4-year term Vote for ONE (1)


1. The candidate must have made a public announcement of her/his intention to run for President; 2. The candidate must qualify for the ballot in enough states to win a majority of electoral votes; and, 3. The candidate must meet the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Acts minimum contribution threshold requirements for qualifying for matching funds, based on the most recent data publicly available on the FEC website.

Questions (500 characters each):


QUESTION 1: Please identify your top three goals if elected. QUESTION 2 In this time of high unemployment, what are the most important things that should be done to improve our nations economy?

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Paul Ryan Website: www.mittromney.com Campaign Phone: (857)288-3500 Address: Mitt Romney for President, PO Box 149756, Boston, MA, 02114 Personal Statement: I am running for president because I believe in America and know that our best days are still ahead. I will make it my priority to create 12 million new jobs and get our economy going again.

MITT ROMNEY, Republican

The first priority of a Romney Administration will be to create 12 million new jobs and get our economy going again. We must get our fiscal house in order. President Obama has put our nation on an unsustainable course. As president, Mitt Romney will set the country on the path to a balanced budget. And he will ensure we have a military so strong that no adversary would want to test it.

Mitt Romney will get America back to work by reforming our tax code so businesses can hire more workers, developing our domestic energy resources to create new jobs here at home, reversing burdensome jobdestroying regulationsincluding Obamacare, and ensuring Americans receive education and training for todays jobs. His plan will also get spending under control to prevent a debt crisis.

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Joe Biden Website: www.barackobama.com Campaign Phone: (312)698-3670 Address: Obama for America, PO Box 803638, Chicago, IL, 60680

BARACK OBAMA, Democrat

As a nation, our challenges can by met by rebuilding the middle class and our economy on a stronger foundation. I have laid out a set of concrete goals on manufacturing, energy, education, national security, and the deficit that will create jobs, expand opportunity, and create an economy build to last.

When I took office we were losing private sector jobs at a rate of nearly 800,000 a month. Now we have experienced 30 straight months of private-sector job growth, creating 4.6 million private sector jobs. I have proposed steps to create a million more jobs by preventing teacher layoffs, putting construction workers back to work, bringing jobs back from overseas, and helping small businesses grow. My Green New Deal will create 25 million jobs through a nationally funded but locally controlled direct employment initiative. This will eliminate long term unemployment by letting workers simply go to the local employment office and get a job. It will deliver the most effective stimulus of all: millions of workers with paychecks.

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Cheri Honkala Website: www.jillstein.org/ Email: HQ@JillStein.org Address: PO Box 260217 Madison, WI 53726-0217 Personal Statement: We cant afford four more years of Wall Street bailouts and an economy for the superrich. We must guarantee every individual a job at a living wage, quality health care, tuition-free education, Social Security and a healthy climate and environment.

JILL STEIN, Green

I stand for a Green New Deal that will deliver 1) A recession-proof economy that provides a job at a living wage for every American willing and able to work, 2) An economy based on clean, renewable energy, 3) Replacement of the predatory Wall Street banks with a public interest banking system, and 4) A real democracy in which politicians are accountable to voters not big money donors.

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Jim Gray Website: www.garyjohnson2012.com Email: mail@garyjohnson2012.com Campaign Phone: (801) 303-7922 Address: 731 E South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84102 Personal Statement: After having built a successful business, I entered public service by asking the people of New Mexico to give me an opportunity to bring common sense leadership to the Office of Governor. I pledged to reduce taxes, reduce the size of state governme

GARY JOHNSON, Libertarian

1. Balance the Federal Budget. 2. Cut Federal spending by the amount necessary to eliminate deficit spending without raising taxes. 3. Remove the United States from unnecessary and costly foreign wars and interventions, including Afghanistan.

The Federal Budget must be brought under control to eliminate the massive deficits that are threatening the economy and our security. Removing the burden of deficits and debt will restore confidence and free up capital to permit the economy to grow. I advocate a consumption tax which would allow us to eliminate taxes on income, capital gains and businesses creating millions of new jobs.

While Gary Johnson is listed in this Voter Guide because he met the LWVEF criteria, he is NOT on the Michigan ballot as he was ruled ineligible by the Michigan Secretary of State. Other Candidates: The following candidates have qualified for the Michigan ballot according to the Michigan Secretary of State, but did not meet the LWVEF criteria listed for participation in the voter guide questionnaire:
Vice-Presidential Candidate: James N. Clymer Website: www.goodeforpresident2012.com

VIRGIL H. GOODE, JR., US Taxpayers

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Luis Rodriquez Website: www.voterocky.org

ROSS C. ANDERSON, Natural Law

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H 5

Note: All candidates who meet the criteria listed at the left were invited to participate in this guide. The list of candidates on a states ballot may be different.

QUESTION 3 How can the federal government, in collaboration with other levels of government, provide an equitable, quality public education for all children pre-K through grade 12?
Mitt Romney believes that this important goal begins with providing parents with increased choice and information. He has put forth a plan that would allow federal funding to follow low-income and special needs students to the school of their choice. This plan also would support high quality charter schools in scaling up and reward states that recruit and retain the best teachers.

QUESTION 4: Please explain why you do or do not support cutting Medicare and Social Security to address the federal deficit.

QUESTION 5: Please explain why you do or do not support requiring timely and full disclosure of all political expenditures in federal campaigns.

QUESTION 6: Please explain why you do or do not support the Environmental Protection Agencys efforts to enforce strong clean air and clean water standards in America.
Mitt Romney is proud of the environmental progress that we have made to improve our nations air and water quality and supports continued progress. However, while our air and water laws have served us well over the years, he recognizes that they are significantly out of date and in need of reform.

Entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare are large parts of the federal budget. Mitt Romneys plan to reform these programs will not only protect the benefits and services of current seniors and those nearing retirement, but will strengthen the programs so they are available for future generations.

Mitt Romney understands that money can be a corrupting influence in politics. But layers of regulations have not taken money out of politics; they have instead created a system of PACs that are not accountable to the candidates they support. He believes the best solution is swift and full disclosure of all donations to candidates. This allows the American people to hold politicians accountable.

My administration spurred 46 states to raise standards for teaching and learning and strengthened Head Start. Millions of students are paying less for college because we cut student loan subsidies for banks and doubled scholarships. We will recruit 100,000 math and science teachers, train 2 million workers for real jobs through community colleges, and cut the growth of tuition in half. I will end Washingtons attempts to promote high stakes testing, corporatization of public schools, and destructive union-busting schemes. I will repeal the misguided No Child and Race to the Top laws and refocus on creating schools that prepare students for lifetime learning: full funding, small class sizes, teachers that are well trained, respected, and compensated, and parental involvement.

Social Security and Medicare are sacred compacts with seniors who earned benefits after a lifetime of hard work. I added eight years to the solvency of Medicare without cutting benefits by cracking down on waste, fraud, and subsidies to insurance companies. I have proposed steps to strengthen Medicare and Social Security without slashing benefits or subjecting it to the whims of the stock market. Neither Medicare nor Social Security will be cut under the Green New Deal. I will guarantee health care for everyone under a Medicare for All reform that will save trillions by streamlining the massive, wasteful, health insurance bureaucracy and ending runaway medical inflation. I will make Social Security permanently solvent by lifting the income cap on the payroll taxes.

Powerful special interests should not drown out the voices of the American people. We need to pass the bipartisan Disclose Act that would establish the toughest-ever disclosure requirements for election-related spending. I also support campaign finance reform, by constitutional amendment if necessary.

Nothing is more important than ensuring the air we breathe and the water we drink is safe. We have broken decades of gridlock to double fuel mileage standards, effectively cutting your cost at the pump in half and reducing air pollution. And weve set standards for new mercury and other toxic air emissions from power plants and other sources that combined will save up to 21,600 lives a year. We cannot afford the health injuries, natural resource losses, and ecological disintegration that result from lax EPA enforcement. I will require EPA to address new threats to our air, land, water, and climate from hydrofracking, deepwater drilling and more. EPA must fully implement the ozone standards that were killed by the Obama Administration.

I support full disclosure of donor identities. But we must do more to eliminate the poisonous impact of big money on our democracy. We must amend our Constitution to prevent corporations from stealing our democratic rights by claiming the same rights as real people. We also need to end the buying of elections by providing clean money funding for candidates that agree to spending limits.

The Federal government cannot and should not try to provide public education. Decades of increasing federal interference in education has done little other than stifle innovation and competition in public education. Education should be left to the states, which will permit the types of innovation and education choices that will allow us to regain its competitive advantage in global education.

It is not possible to preserve health care programs for future generations, while bringing federal spending under control and not reducing Medicare. Not addressing Medicare and Medicaid spending will result in an insolvent system. Under a program of block grants, the states can fashion their own health care programs for those who need assistance, more effectively than the Federal government.

Full and immediate disclosure and transparency for campaign contributions and expenditures is the only effective way to give the American public confidence in the system and allow them to make their own decisions regarding the propriety of how one candidate or another finances his or her campaigns.

The Federal governments most fundamental role is to protect citizens. To the extent that fulfilling that role requires enforcement actions by the EPA, that enforcement should be reasonable, but adequate to protect us from harm. The EPA, however, should not be in the business of managing the environment through regulations that force decisions that should be left to the marketplace, such as energy.

DUTIES: The President is the head of state of the United States of America and is the Chief Executive Officer and is the Commander in Chief of all military forces. The powers of the President are described in the Constitution and federal law. The President appoints the members of the Cabinet, ambassadors to other nations and the United Nations, Supreme Court Justices and federal judges, subject to Sen-

ate approval. The President, along with the Cabinet and its agencies, is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws of the United States. The President may also recommend legislation to the United States Congress. Limit of two terms. Base Salary: $400,000 per year. Copyright 2012 by the League of Women Voters Education Fund

6 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE

United States Senator


Six-Year Term Vote for One (1)
U.S. Senators share the responsibility with U.S. Representatives for enactment of the nations laws as provided in the U.S. Constitution. Senators ratify international treaties and confirm Presidential appointments of Cabinet members, federal judges, and foreign ambassadors. A Senator must be at least 30 years of age and a U.S. Citizen for at least 9 years.

Questions (500 characters each):


QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2

FEDERAL BUDGET:
How will you address the federal deficit?

HEALTH CARE:
What is your position on affordable health care for all?

Campaign Website: www.hoekstraforsenate.com Occupation / Current Position: Serve on several advisory boards and a Senior Advisor at Dickstein Shapiro Education: Bachelors from Hope College and MBA from University of Michigan Qualifications / Experience: I worked for 15 years at Herman Miller, a Fortune 500 company, becoming Vice President of Marketing. I served for nine terms as U.S. Representative for the Second Congressional District of Michigan. During my time in Congress, I served as the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

PETE HOEKSTRA, Republican

Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. We need to end duplicative programs, many have been identified by the GAO that would save billions. We need to streamline government to eliminate redundant programs between governments. We also need to return to pre-Stimulus spending levels (minus Veterans) that would save us billions more. For the long-term, we need to reform entitlement programs. A major component will be growing the economy by implementing pro-growth policies.

I support common sense, free-market health care solutions that provide for affordable and accessible health care for all Americans. I believe every American should be able to choose their insurance, doctors, and hospitals. Patients should have the right to choose their health care provider and receive access to care when they need it. Commitment to reforms that ensure less government interference and more individual control of health care is needed. Government should not have the ability to decide who your doctors are and what insurance you have. We need to do everything we can to lower the cost of healthcare for Michigan families and businesses. I authored the provision that allowed small businesses to get a tax cut right away for providing health insurance to their employees. I have been a strong advocate for making sure women have access to basic health care services like birth control, maternity care and womens health screenings. I am also committed to preserving and protecting Medicare that our seniors have earned.

Campaign Website: www.stabenowforsenate.com Occupation/Current Position: United States Senator Education: Bachelors and Masters Degrees, Michigan State University Qualifications / Experience: Michigan has always been my home, and I care deeply about the future for our middle-class families. I believe the only way we have a middle-class in Michigan is if we are making things and growing things. I am leading the effort in a bipartisan way to bring the jobs of the future to our state.

DEBBIE STABENOW, Democrat

We need to scrutinize everything the government does and cut what is not working to reduce our debt rather than balance the budget on the backs of middle-class families and seniors. As Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I authored a bipartisan Farm Bill that cuts $23 billion in unnecessary government spending while strengthening initiatives focused on growing our economy. Creating jobs is critical we will never get out of debt with so many Americans out of work. Unlike the national debt, deficits are created each year. They are the result of Congress creating a budget that exceeds that years revenue. To avoid creating a deficit, I would oppose any budget that would increase the overall amount spent, if a deficit was incurred in the previous year. I would also call for the transparent retirement of the Federal Reserve System which enables the annual creation of deficits, and the growth of a debt that costs us more in interest and payments each year.

Campaign Website: http://scottyboman.org Occupation / Current Position: Science and Mathematics Professor at Macomb Community College and Wayne Co. Community College Dist. Education: Wayne State U: Teaching Certificate (1998) and MAT (1999) Western Michigan U: MA in Physics (1987), and BS (1985) Majors: Physics and Philosophy. Minor: Mathematics. Qualifications / Experience: Ive been a professional educator for 20 years. I served on the Wayne State U. Student Council in 1999. I was Chair of the Libertarian Party of Michigan in 2006. My most important qualification is the ability to only approve laws that are consistent with the US Constitution and individual liberty.

SCOTTY BOMAN, Libertarian

This is outside the scope of Congressional power, but it would be wonderful so long as people could choose their individualized care, and nobody is else is forced to pay for it. The best way to do this is to have transparent pricing and let providers compete for the consumers business. This would bring down prices. Also, insurance companies should be allowed to compete across state lines and offer as many different plan structures as they wish so the insured have more choices.

Occupation / Current Position: Retired U.S. Army (AIRBORNE)! Education: BA University of Detroit Mercy (Summa cum Laude) MA University of Detroit Mercy Qualifications / Experience: As a retired U.S. Army paratrooper I have lived and worked in multiple countries, I have taken the pulse of those both friend and foe of our way of life, also being inducted as a lifetime member of the Jesuit National Honor Society, VFW and DAV, I have an eye on the important social issues we face.

RICHARD A. MATKIN, US Taxpayers

Simple math, this is America we are talking about. Why limit ourself to either of the bad choices of spending cuts or tax increases, lets grow our way to greater prosperity. No need to spend valuable time on what current laws or regulations to remove, lets just not add more, American business will soon adapt and excel as long as they understand the rules and that they will remain consistent. The federal government needs to spend what is needed to keep us secure, provide opportunities, and provide for our general welfare. The federal government could eliminate the deficit overnight by printing money but that would lead to inflation. In order to control inflation the government needs to take money out of circulation by taxing people with excess income. People need to realize it is their duty to pay taxes and the more money you have the more you should be paying in taxes.

On this issue the laws have been put in place and voted on by the current two party dominated system. For the greater good or not this is a classic issue where a third party could have proved valuable in deciding how we all paid for our care, and the care of our fellow citizens.

Campaign Website: Harleymikkelson.com Occupation / Current Position: Retired Education: Bachelor of Science, Michigan State University Qualifications / Experience: Vietnam Veteran U.S. Army, 27 years as a State of Michigan Employee in the Departments of Community Mental Health, Education, and Human Services, former Union office holder, former U.S. Post Office employee, former factory worker, former telephone company employee, and farm worker

HARLEY MIKKELSON, Green

Health care in most industrial countries costs less than 10% of GNP; we pay about 17% of our GNP for health care. We need an improved Medicare program covering everyone. To pay for this Medicare program we should institute an 8% income tax and base copay and deductible amounts on ability to pay. This improved Medicare system should provide better health care at a more reasonable cost by making both the government and individuals responsible for controlling costs.

Did Not Respond in time for publication

JOHN D. LITLE, Natural Law

Lets celebrate freedom...

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H 7


QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4: QUESTION 5: QUESTION 6:

ENERGY:
Do we need a national energy plan? If so, summarize what should be included in it.

IMMIGRATION:
What changes, if any, do you support to immigration policy?

EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT:
What will you do to reduce the current level of hyperpartisanship in Congress?
Its about relationships and leadership. In many regards, the tone is set from the top. Unfortunately, Pres. Obama locked out Republicans his first two-years with wide margins in the Senate and the House. After the election, he doubled down and again refused to work with Republicans and pursued his policies through regulations. I am willing to work with anyone that is interested in reforming government, reducing wasteful spending and creating jobs through free market principles.

PRIORITIES:
What are your legislative priorities and what actions will you propose regarding them?
We need to embrace pro-growth policies. This includes tax reform, regulatory reform, domestic energy reform and spending reform that encourages investment and creates jobs. We must make the tough decisions and allow the free market to operate in order for us to leave a better country for the next generation.

The United States must adopt a long-term, multifaceted all of the above approach to addressing the current status of energy prices. For far too long we have allowed ourselves to become dependent on foreign sources of energy putting our economic and national security at risk. America could achieve energy independence. Congress must adopt a balanced energy plan that can increase production and promote conservation while protecting environmental priorities.

Continue to advocate for rational, balanced immigration reform that opposes amnesty, secures the border, does not award illegal behavior, and utilizes a workable paperwork process. Workable and effective immigration reform is an important objective and should certainly recognize our immigrant heritage. The focus, however, must be on border security and a legal identification process. Border patrol and law enforcement must be provided the tools, technology and resources to control our borders.

To get our state growing rapidly again, we must continue to transform our economy and see more advanced manufacturing in Michigan. Thats why we need a do it all energy strategy that includes more American oil and natural gas, more wind, solar, and other clean energy sources, more fuel efficiency, and more advanced batteries for vehicles. This approach will create jobs, help our companies and workers be more globally competitive, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

I have consistently supported strong border protections and tough enforcement to stop illegal immigration. It is clear that we need comprehensive immigration reform, which should be focused on supporting our national security, American jobs, and the needs of Michigan.

As Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I brought Republicans and Democrats together to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill to cut $23 billion in spending and help strengthen Michigan agriculture. I work closely with my Republican colleagues, like Congressman David Camp, on issues important to Michigan like stopping Asian Carp and protecting our Great Lakes. I work across the aisle every day on initiatives to strengthen American manufacturing and stand up for workers. Congress is almost completely made up of Republicans and Democrats, Id reduce hyper-partisanship by not being one of them. Establishment politicians in both major parties have worked to together to sink this nation ever deeper in debt, neglect the Constitution, invade our privacy, threaten us with indefinite detention, and perpetuate endless war. Id vote against deficit spending and interventionist crusades. Id support the restoration of civil liberties and the retirement of the Fed.

My top priority is getting our middle-class families back on their feet by focusing on what we do best in Michigan: making things and growing things. I will continue to push for new job opportunities in agriculture, and to advocate for policies that make Michigan a leader in manufacturing and producing advanced batteries and vehicles of the future, and will stand up to countries like China who cheat our trade laws. I will continue be a champion for our Great Lakes and natural resources. Id only support legislation that is consistent with the Constitutionally enumerated powers. Id introduce legislation to do the following, or cosponsor the same if introduced by a colleague: Repeal the detainee provisions of the NDAA of 2012. Audit and retire the Federal Reserve System. Defund undeclared wars, and phase out the occupation of foreign countries by the U.S. military. End deficit spending. Reduce Taxes. Repeal Federal Drug laws. End warrantless domestic surveillance.

Not if the implication is that Congress should do the planning. Planning of this kind is not part of the enumerated powers, and the industrial revolution took off just fine without the interference of central planners. There are, however, some changes in current policy that would help: Removing caps on liability for tangible damages by energy providers would remove the need for most of the environmental regulations imposed by the Federal Government.

Ethnicity-based quotas should be discarded. Many people immigrate illegally because the wait time for legal immigration (from their country) exceeds a normal human life-time. Immigration should be granted on the basis of the immigrants ability to be independent of government assistance. This could either be based on employment, or a sponsor who is willing to take financial responsibility for the immigrant. Political asylum should be granted when appropriate.

Yes we absolutely must have a strong national energy plan. Again this is America we are talking about, we are by far the greatest nation on the face of the earth. We can produce or acquire all the energy we need to maintain the high quality standard of living that makes America the most desired home address on the planet. No need for politcal gamesmanship on this issue.

I find we have a quality legal immigration system, and we have more than enough laws and regulations to help support it (as long as we honor them).

Not having a strong third party to force real votes on issues is an issue in itself, it is however one that we as voters can and should change starting now. I believe I give the true independent voter a viable choice.

Make the persuit of knowledge (education) in all communities our number one issue. A wise and educated society will advance the quality of life in all sections of our economy. Education will also help make strong families, families able to build a safer environment to live work and play at every age and income level. I want to give every american the freedom to excel!

We need a national energy plan which emphasizes conservation. We need a plan which encourages people to live in cities and towns; our cities and towns need to be made physically smaller so public transportation would become more attractive and people could actually walk to stores, work, and entertainment facilities. We also need a carbon tax to encourage people to purchase more energy efficient homes and cars. We need to continue to encourage renewable energy sources.

We need to make all immigrants legal and put them on a path towards citizenship. We need to liberalize our legal immigration policies, but discourage future illegal immigration by having severe penalties for people and corporations who employ illegal immigrants

Political free speech was very important to the framers of the Constitution. The Supreme Court was wrong when it ruled money equals speech. It now costs so much money to run an effective political campaign that special interest groups own our politicians. We need to make it easier for people to run for political office by providing public financing to all people running for office. Public financing would lessen the influence of special interest groups and the level of partisanship.

Our national priority should be to create a sustainable economy with increased opportunities for everyone. Education is the key to providing increased opportunity for people; I would propose increased funding for preschool through college education. To create a sustainable economy I would propose legislation which would encourage conservation, local food production and processing, and more compact livable cities and towns.

Remember to vote on November 6.

8 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE

United States Representative


Two-Year Term Vote for One (1)
U.S. Representatives share the responsibility with Senators for enactment of the nations laws as provided in the U.S. Constitution. Laws that require payment of taxes are initiated in the House of Representatives. A Representative must be at least 25 years of age and a U.S. Citizen for at least 7 years. Michigan has 14 Congressional districts as of 2013.

Questions (500 characters each):


QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2

FEDERAL BUDGET:
How will you address the federal deficit?

HEALTH CARE:
What is your position on affordable health care for all?

DISTRICT 1
Benishek2012.com Occupation / Current Position: U.S. Representative Education: I graduated from the University of Michigan in 1974 with a degree in biology. From there, I went on to graduate from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1978 afterward returning to the U.P. Qualifications / Experience: Ive lived in Northern Michigan my entire life (with the exception of my time at school). As a husband, father, doctor and small business owner I want to inject common-sense back into our government to ensure that the American Dream is accessible to all Michiganders.

DAN BENISHEK, Republican

I am a doctor first--not a politician. Like all Northern Michiganders, I am concerned about my children and grandchildrens future. One of the primary reasons I ran for Congress was to work to put our nation back on a path of fiscal stability, so that future generations will not have to pay for our free-spending ways. As my voting record shows, I have supported principled budgets that will work to reduce our Nations deficits while maintaining essential government programs. Responsible deficit reduction must begin by ending wasteful government services and spending. The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office reported that $200 billion in redundant and wasteful programs. Thats not right. We need to get our deficit under control but it must be done in a responsible way. I am in favor of eliminating Congressional earmarks, subsidies for big oil companies, tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy and foreign aid to countries like Pakistan.

As a doctor for nearly thirty years, I have witnessed the tremendous amount of waste that is built into the American health care system. It is my belief that all Americans deserve more control over their health care dollars. I support market-based reforms, such as selling insurance across state lines, the expansion of health savings accounts, and increased innovations in medical techology that will work to drive down the cost of health care and make it more affordable for all Americans. Health care costs continue to rise for average Michigan families. There have been some reforms such as holding insurance companies accountable for abuses and ensuring they can no longer deny coverage because of a pre-existing conditions we must address rising health care costs. I support Medicare and will work to keep the program strong for years to come. I will oppose cuts to beneficiaries. I will work to strengthen care for our veterans and ensure that VA clinics are more accessible. I support the repeal of ObamaCare. I would also repeal Bushs Medicare prescription drug benefit. Health care is a consumer good like food, shelter and clothing. As in those markets, consumers spending their own money caring for their own well-being informed by their own preferences will lead to greater choice, better delivery and lower prices. The last thing we need is more government responsibility for individuals health care, which will just drive up prices and lead to care shortages.

www.McDowellForCongress.com

GARY McDOWELL, Democrat

Occupation / Current Position: Farmer, small businessman Education: Lake Superior State University Qualifications / Experience: Volunteer firefighter, Volunteer EMS, Member,

Chippewa County Economic Development Council, Chippewa County Commissioner, State Representative

www.salvette.com Occupation / Current Position: Part-time research secretary, University of Michigan; community volunteer Education: BA Economics, University of Michigan; MA Telecommunication Arts, University of Michigan Qualifications / Experience: Ive been active in Libertarian Party politics since 1982, serving as Michigan State Chair and on the Libertarian National Committee. My husband of 35 years has always worked in the auto industry, so our family has ridden the roller-coaster of bad economic policies. I know something needs to change.

EMILY SALVETTE, Libertarian

Last year, the federal government borrowed 36 cents of every dollar it spent. This is unacceptable. Along with Libertarian candidate for President Gary Johnson, I support cutting federal spending to balance the budget immediately. We must get serious about cutting subsidies, incentives, bailouts and reducing defense spending by bringing troops home. We must change entitlement programs--they are unsustainable and will bankrupt us. I do not support tax increases as a way to balance the budget.

Did Not Respond in time for publication

ELLIS BOAL, Green

DISTRICT 2
www.huizengaforcongress.com Occupation / Current Position: U.S. Representative and small business owner Education: B.A. in Political Science from Calvin College, 1991 Qualifications / Experience: I was born in Zeeland and spent my whole life here in West Michigan. As a small business owner and a former Realtor, I know that it is the private sector that creates jobs. Most importantly, I am a husband and a father of five children.

BILL HUIZENGA, Republican

I was elected to Congress under the banner of Stop Spending, Create Jobs, Protect Life. That slogan still defines my role in Congress. I have voted for serious budgets proposed by the U.S. House of Representatives . Instead of getting serious about the governments spending addiction, the Senate has refused to pass a budget in four years. We must rein in government spending and I will not kick the can down the road.

I believe that we can achieve affordable health care for all by finding innovative, free market based solutions that reduce prices for everyone. This Congress, I introduced H.R. 3819, the Health Freedom for Seniors Act, which allows seniors to roll their retirement accounts into tax-free Health Savings Accounts. Other needed reforms include allowing insurance companies to compete across state lines, and giving young people the option to invest in health options other than Medicare.

Did Not Respond in time for publication

WILLIE GERMAN, JR., Democrat


Government spends too much because it does too much and everything (including defense and entitlements) needs a critical eye. Its time to reassess the role of the federal government and identify responsibilities that could be returned to the states or be met more efficiently by the private sector where there would be efficiency and accountability. Republicans and Democrats arent really interested in doing this. If they were they would have done it by now. Health care is personal and could be more affordable if government stays out of it. Fewer government mandates and less regulation will allow innovation and competition to make health care more affordable and more accessible to all Americans. Removing arbitrary obstacles to interstate competition among health insurance providers will reduce costs. Medicare and Medicaid costs can be contained with vouchers for seniors and block grants to the states.

MARY BUZUMA, Libertarian


electmarybuzuma.com Occupation / Current Position: Secretary Libertarian Party of Michigan. US Navy Retired Education: B.A. Political Science Qualifications / Experience: 26 years as an Intelligence Specialist in the US Navy.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H 9


QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4: QUESTION 5: QUESTION 6:

ENERGY:
Do we need a national energy plan? If so, summarize what should be included in it.

IMMIGRATION:
What changes, if any, do you support to immigration policy?

EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT:
What will you do to reduce the current level of hyperpartisanship in Congress?

PRIORITIES:
What are your legislative priorities and what actions will you propose regarding them?

An all-inclusive national energy plan, which will work to eliminate burdonsome regulatory red tape, streamline federal processes, and modernize energy production will be vital to creating jobs and growing our economy. As a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, I have supported this type of legislation, and look forward to continuing to do so in the future.

Immigration must be legal and regulated, and our borders must be secure. Uncontrolled access to our country increases entitlement expenses, decreases available jobs, and renders us vulnerable to terrorists who want to harm us. This is a national security issue with which we cannot compromise. However, we must ensure that adequate visas are available to skilled workers who are not otherwise competing for jobs with American citizens.

As most know, I am not a partisan man. In fact, one of my great friends in Congress is a Democrat. Now, that doesnt mean we agree on all of the issues, but we certainly do have a good working relationship. As a doctor, you dont treat patients based on party affliation. I tend to view my colleagues in Congress the same way. If someone has a good idea, I try to learn more about it. It doesnt always work out, but I think this approach works well. Washington is broken. There are very few people in Congress willing to work across the aisle to solve the many problems facing our country. Whats worse, the special interests are using their unlimited resources to get what they want while leaving regular people out of the process. In Congress, I will look out for the regular working people of Northern Michigan. I will work across the aisle to do whats right for the middle class, not the special interests.

My number one priority is improve the economy and bring jobs to Northern Michigan. I believe we can do this by creating a healthier regulatory environment for our job creators and small businesses, as well as by reducing federal spending and taxes. I will continue to support tax reform that lowers overall rates for individuals and corporations while closing loopholes for special interest groups.

Energy independence is not just an economic issue but a matter of national security. Ill fight to reduce our dependence on foreign oil by supporting a strategy that includes alternative energy like wind, solar and biofuels while responsibly expanding production of American oil and natural gas. Michigan is the ideal place to manufacture the products needed in a clean energy economy. I will work to eliminate subsidies and tax breaks for big oil and instead invest in American sources of en No, we do not need a national energy plan. In fact, we should eliminate the federal Department of Energy.

Washington has failed when it comes to solving the problem of illegal immigration. We need to secure the borders and the federal government has got to crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants. Its time we held these corporations accountable. We also need to increase our enforcement of laws against passport and visa fraud. I oppose any type of amnesty for illegal immigrants. We need a fundamental, bipartisan common sense solution to immigration reform, now more than ever. I welcome those who want to come to America and support open borders. Those who come here should be screened for violent criminal background and infectious diseases, but beyond that, its a free country and people should be able to come and go as they wish. One of the most pernicious effects of current immigration policy is the governments intrusion into the employeremployee relationship. Job creation depends on employers being able to hire workers easily without a lot of red tape.

Ill protect Medicare and Social Security and oppose any effort to privatize them. Ill preserve our Great Lakes by opposing drilling, preventing a company from bottling our water for profit and preventing invasive species from entering our lakes. Ill fight for good paying jobs in Northern Michigan by opposing free trade deals that dont protect jobs, help small business hire locally by ensuring they have access to credit and support our tourism industry by promoting Northern Michigan. I would work to end all wars now. In addition to bringing the troops home from Afghanistan and refocusing our military on defense rather than offense, I would try to end Congress relentless pseudo-wars on drugs, immigrants and business. Repeal Dodd-Frank. No more stimulus programs. Extend Bush tax cuts. Congress should stand down from trying to micro-manage every aspect of our lives. Its efforts do nothing but create uncertainty, inefficiency and spend us into ruin.

The cure for hyper-partisanship is easy: If Congress werent for sale, people wouldnt be fighting so viciously over the spoils. We need small, limited government that focuses on protecting the rights of all individuals equally, not a government doling out tax-funded favors to special interests and influential voting blocs. For less strife, be independent. Live Free.

I believe in an all-of-the-above energy policy. The age of picking winners and loser is over. Debacles such as Solyndra prove that the government cannot be trusted to invest taxpayer dollars in questionable ventures. What the government can do is to remove the red tape hindering projects like the Keystone XL Pipeline. This would create thousands of jobs without passing expenses on to the taxpayer.

Americas immigration policy is broken. A workable and effective immigration bill is an important objective and the discussion should certainly recognize Americas immigrant heritage and respect the enormous contributions of immigrants by encouraging and enforcing legal immigration. I will advocate for rational and balanced immigration reform that opposes amnesty, ensures more secure borders, urges respect for the rule of law, and does not reward illegal behavior.

I believe it is important to work together with Democrats and President Barack Obama as much possible without sacrificing core principles. People from across the country are elected on different platforms, but all of them are held in check by their constituents. As long as we can work towards reining in federal spending, creating jobs and protecting life, I am more than willing to compromise with Americans of any political persuasion.

Creating jobs remains the top priority. At this date, the House of Representatives has passed 30 job-creating bills that are languishing in the Senate. I will continue to support bills that roll back excessive red tape, avoid impending tax hikes on both the American people and small businesses, and stop the unsustainable spending. Secondly, I believe in protecting the sanctity of life. I introduced language that would ban taxpayer funded abortions, and I will continue to fight for the unborn.

We dont need a national energy plan. The government needs to stop picking winners and losers through subsidies and incentives for specific energy resources. The free market will meet our energy needs in the most economical and efficient manner.

Make it easier for a potential immigrant to get a work visa. Repeal the arbitrary and restrictive cap on H1-B visas for highly skilled workers. Create a temporary worker program for lower skilled workers to meet long-term labor demand and reduce incentives for illegal immigration. Refocus border-control resources to keep criminals and terrorists out of the country.

I would not vote for any legislation without first consulting the Constitution to be sure its within the power of the federal government. It wouldnt matter if a Republican or Democrat introduced it. I would follow Ron Pauls lead to encourage constitutional debate in the nation by engaging in constitutional debate in Congress.

Show the American people that Im really concerned about cutting spending by letting sequestration happen. No federal program should be immune from budget cuts. I would not vote to raise the debt ceiling. I would vote to repeal Obamacare before it kills us and I would not vote to replace it with Romneycare. Get our military men and women out of Afghanistan as quickly and as safely as possible. Insist on a non-interventionist foreign policy both militarily and financially.

10 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE

United States Representative


Two-Year Term Vote for One (1)
U.S. Representatives share the responsibility with Senators for enactment of the nations laws as provided in the U.S. Constitution. Laws that require payment of taxes are initiated in the House of Representatives. A Representative must be at least 25 years of age and a U.S. Citizen for at least 7 years. Michigan has 14 Congressional districts as of 2013.

QUESTION 1

QUESTION 2

FEDERAL BUDGET:
How will you address the federal deficit?

HEALTH CARE:
What is your position on affordable health care for all?

DISTRICT 2 (continued)
Did Not Respond in time for publication

RONALD E. GRAESER, US Taxpayers


By getting rid of the Federal Reserve System. A portion of every dollar they print is skimmed into their dirty hands. This process results in a perpetual debt or deficit. Abe and Jack had the right idea when it came to who should print our money. Medicare for all floats my vote

No website at this time. Occupation / Current Position: Truth Seeker & Poet. Retired (Steel Sales) Education: Some Qualifications / Experience: None.

WILLIAM J. OPALICKY, Green

DISTRICT 3
Did Not Respond in time for publication

JUSTIN AMASH, Republican STEVE PESTKA, Democrat


I believe in a balanced, responsible approach to reducing the unsustainable federal deficit. I support a threeto-one plan that would cut $3 in federal government spending for every $1 of revenue increases. We will have to make some tough decisions in order to cut the deficit to a sustainable level. I believe that universal access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege. We must ensure that all people have access to affordable healthcare, and that our healthcare systems are as effective as possible. An alarming trend in Congress right now is to attack critical health care services for women, such as screenings for breast and cervical cancer, and access to contraception. I will fight every single day to make sure access to these critical services is never jeopardized.

votepestka.com Occupation / Current Position: Small Business Owner (Property Management) Education: B.A, University of Michigan (1974); J.D., Detroit College of Law (1977) Qualifications / Experience: Former Assistant Kent County Prosecutor, Kent County Commissioner, State Representative, and Circuit Court Judge. Over 30 years of small business experience.

Did Not Respond in time for publication

BILL GELINEAU, Libertarian

DISTRICT 4
www.davecampforcongress.com Occupation / Current Position: Representative in Congress Education: Law degree, University of California at San Diego, 1978; Bachelors degree in economics with honors, Albion College, 1975 Qualifications / Experience: U.S. House of Representatives, Member of Congress, 1991-present; Michigan State House of Representatives, 1989-90; Administrative assistant for U.S. Rep. Bill Schuette, 1984-86; Special Assistant State Attorney General, 1980-84; Attorney with firm Riecker, George,Van Dam, Camp & Gannon, 1978-1990

DAVE CAMP, Republican

We need to restore fiscal responsibility, cut spending, reform and save Social Security and Medicare, and enact pro-growth tax reform to foster investment and job creation. I am opposed to simply raising taxes to fuel runaway spending. Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Instead of raising taxes, we should implement comprehensive tax reform to foster economic growth and job creation, which will boost government revenues to address our fiscal imbalance. The budget deficit was caused by waging two wars without paying for them, and tax breaks for those who least need them. The richest American corporations and individuals should pay their fair share of taxes. We must examine and reign in the defense budget. We must cut waste and pork barrel programs, in the defense budget or wherever we find them.

Ensuring access to high quality, affordable health care for all Americans remains my top priority. The Affordable Care Act, however, is not the proper approach and should be repealed. During consideration of the Act in the House, I offered the only alternative that would lower premiums for families by as much as $3,200 annually. It is possible to reform our health care system in a way that ensures better access to care, increases patient choice and control, and does not add to our debt.

www.Wirth4Congress.com Occupation / Current Position: I closed my personal injury law practice in Kansas City, Missouri to return to Michigan 2 years ago. Education: Lansing Waverly HS 1970; Michigan State University 1974; Thomas M. Cooley Law School 1977. Qualifications / Experience: I have never run for office before. I served as an Ingham CO Assistant Prosecutor, and for 20 years in my law practice I listened to and fought for everyday people, injured and seeking justice against massive insurance companies and corporations.

DEBRA FREIDELL WIRTH, Democrat

I support the Affordable Care Act, not because it is the best solution, but because it can lead to a better health care solution in the future. I prefer the single-payer option, with limited private sector involvement.

Did Not Respond in time for publication

JOHN GELINEAU, Libertarian

Did Not Respond in time for publication

GEORGE M. ZIMMER, US Taxpayers

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H 11


QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4: QUESTION 5: QUESTION 6:

ENERGY:
Do we need a national energy plan? If so, summarize what should be included in it.

IMMIGRATION:
What changes, if any, do you support to immigration policy?

EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT:
What will you do to reduce the current level of hyperpartisanship in Congress?

PRIORITIES:
What are your legislative priorities and what actions will you propose regarding them?

Yes, we do. First things first: shut down the nukes and go ape over wind, solar and geothermal power.

What immigration policy?

Thats not hyper-partisanship, thats one big act. Two bottles/same wine!

Restore the Bill of Rights. Medicare for all. Tax increases for the wealthy (up to 75%). Legalize marijuana. The actions that I propose will be based on facts and common sense. Not to worry, I aint got a chance.

We need a sensible approach to our energy future. We should encourage and pursue alternative energy, but we also must understand that those sources wont immediately fulfill our energy needs overnight. I have always supported a balanced approach to ensure we have enough energy now to drive the country and economy while constantly looking toward the future so that we can break free from our dependence on foreign sources of oil.

We need to implement comprehensive immigration reform, similar to the landmark bill introduced by Senators Kennedy and McCain in 2005. Any immigration plan needs to include elements of legalization, guest worker programs, and tougher border enforcement. We must balance a need to protect our borders with a need to stimulate economic growth through immigrant labor.

The polarization of our government is unsustainable, counterproductive, and harmful to the American people. I am proud of my history of bipartisan cooperation, and will work to encourage civility and compromise in Congress. Democrats and Republicans must work together to solve the many problems facing this country. Partisanship only adds to these problems.

The most pressing issue facing Michigan and the entire United States right now is the struggling economy and high unemployment. I believe in a balanced, multifaceted approach to stimulating our economy. We need to invest in education to prepare our workers for a competitive global economy. We also must create more fair-paying jobs by improving our infrastructure and stopping the outsourcing of American jobs. We also need to establish a more fair and economically viable tax system.

Yes. We need an all of the above energy plan that utilizes Americas abundant natural resources and promotes new energy technologies to reduce our reliance on foreign sources. The U.S. has 50 years worth of oil and natural gas in Alaska, the deep waters of the Outer Continental Shelf, and newly-discovered formations throughout the continental U.S. We should begin construction of the Keystone pipeline, which will bring new oil supplies to refineries in the Gulf.

First and foremost, we must secure the border and prevent illegal border crossings to protect American jobs and save taxpayer dollars. That means enhancing physical barriers and establishing a permanent security presence on the border. We must also bolster federal efforts to locate those here illegally by expanding pilot programs like as E-Verify, which matches workers Social Security numbers with the government database.

Divided government often makes for messy debates. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle need to remember they were sent to Congress to achieve results by working across the aisle, not engaging in partisan gamesmanship. I have a long record of doing so. Most recently, I helped negotiate a bipartisan agreement to extend the payroll tax holiday, unemployment benefits, and Medicare physician payment rates. This is 1 of 4 bills the President has signed into law this Congress that I authored. I have not observed the Democratic members of Congress to be hyper-partisan. Only 240/430 Republican members have made it a policy to be uncooperative with the Democratic members, obstructing progress and hoping to stir in their favor voters disgust with the deadlocked federal government. Until voters realize this and elect a House that is less lopsided, I am not optimistic I can do anything to solve this problem.

The most pressing issue facing the nation is the state of the economy. I am focused on fostering economic growth and job creation by advancing legislation in four areas: reducing out-of-control federal spending; preventing tax hikes while pursuing comprehensive tax reform; enhancing Americas global competitiveness by increasing exports; and reducing unnecessary and burdensome federal regulations.

The Presidents Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future is a balanced and thoughtful approach to integrate all sources of American energy production, prioritizing clean energy. I do not share the Presidents enthusiasm for nuclear energy. Three Mile Island and the nuclear disasters at Chernobyl and Fukushima last year are wake-up calls. We need pragmatic, not problematic, solutions.

We must: (#1) Control the border, especially the southern border; (#2) Deal with illegal immigrants who are long-time citizens; (#3) Improve temporary worker programs for highly-skilled professionals in certain areas. Since the DREAM Act was stalemated in Congress this summer, I support Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy which stops deportation for those who would have qualified for the DREAM Act.

Job creation is my TOP priority. The private sector has no incentive to hire employees, unless consumers have jobs and money to spend. The government should hire employees in programs that would accomplish other goals, most obviously maintain and improve our countrys infrastructure. The government should explore subsidizing employment in the private sector until the economy improves. Veterans need additional assistance.

12 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE

United States Representative


Two-Year Term Vote for One (1)
U.S. Representatives share the responsibility with Senators for enactment of the nations laws as provided in the U.S. Constitution. Laws that require payment of taxes are initiated in the House of Representatives. A Representative must be at least 25 years of age and a U.S. Citizen for at least 7 years. Michigan has 14 Congressional districts as of 2013.

Questions (500 characters each):


QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2

FEDERAL BUDGET:
How will you address the federal deficit?

HEALTH CARE:
What is your position on affordable health care for all?

DISTRICT 4 (continued)
www.pattimmonsforcongress.com Occupation / Current Position: In retirement, I have joined the board of Disability Network Northern Michigan. Education: BA, University of Michigan, 1972, English & Sociology, MA, Eastern Michigan University, 1974, Educational Leadership Qualifications / Experience: 3 lessons from my work experiences stand out: 1. As a high school principal I learned that an atmoshpere of respect for all was necessary to building a good team. 2. I helped teams at Ford solve recurring technical problems. 3. I can listen to other side and use the best of their arguments.

PAT TIMMONS, Green

The budget will have to be addressed with a mix of tax increases and spending cuts. The Simpson - Bowles panel provides a way to proceed. Spending cuts will have to come from all of the Federal Departments: Personal entitlements [Social security, Medicare, etc], Corporate entitlements, [Subsidies, tax loopholes and tariffs] and Military spending. We know what to do. We lack the courage to look our grandchildren in the eye and say, We have spent too much, but we will make it up to you.

America currently spends the most money in the world on Health care and gets below average outcomes. The market approach has not been working. The affordable care act is worth a look - especially since the results in Massachusetts have been very encouraging. We have to be smarter about when and where we apply market based solutions. For example, our tariffs on sugar coupled with our subsidies on corn, distort our food prices and cause obesity in our children. We can do better.

DISTRICT 5
www.slezakforcongress.com Occupation / Current Position: Business owner, Vice President Photo Factory USA Education: Yale University, 1989 B.A. Political Science Qualifications / Experience: State Representative 50th District 2009-2010. Business owner. Worked in both public and private sector.

JIM SLEZAK, Republican

To stop unnecessary government spending. Only spend what we take in. Economic Rule #1: If your outgo is more than your income, than your upkeep will be your downfall. We need to restructure our tax code. We need to promote small business and not keep putting unnecessary regulations on them that hurts business. Small businesses need more economic certainty to survive and thrive.

The Federal Government takeover of healthcare has to stop. I believe we need to repeal the healthcare legislation that was passed in Washington D.C.. We need to bring control back to the states when deciding what healthcare legislation is best for everyone. Health care should be affordable for everyone, every state is different and if we get every state to look at what we need in health care and how it can be affordable we will have better health care coverage. I consider it fundamental that all Americans have access to affordable health care. The Affordable Care Act is a key step to accomplish this goal, and I will strongly oppose any effort to block its full implementation. I also believe we should take steps to curb the growth of health care costs by, for example, allowing the government to negotiate prescription drug prices for Medicare. This policy, along with the Affordable Care Act, will increase access to quality and affordable health care.

www.dankildee.com Occupation / Current Position: President & CEO, Center for Community Progress (currently on leave) Education: Central Michigan University, Bachelor of Science in Administration Qualifications / Experience: Flint School Board Member, Flint Board of Education (19771985) Youth Specialist, Whaley Childrens Center (1976-1985) Genesee County Board Commissioner, Genesee County (1985-1997) Genesee County Treasurer, Genesee County (1997-2009)

DANIEL T. KILDEE, Democrat

To balance the budget we must grow the economy and put America back to work. History has demonstrated that only with a robust economy will produce a balanced budget. We must reform our tax system to be fair for all Americans. When Warren Buffet and Bill Gates make the case for higher taxes for the super-rich admitting that they themselves do not pay their fair share we know our tax system is out of balance. We also must modernize government for the 21st century - eliminating redund

Occupation / Current Position: Medical Records Clerk Education: Chadsey High School graduate, class/1975, attended Wayne County Community College for fire protection/fire science. Qualifications / Experience: founding member of Brass Roots (pro-gun group); pro MCRI 2006 (proposal #2) Detroit coordinator; L.E.C. at-large director;

GREGORY CRESWELL, Libertarian

I will vote for, sponsor or co-sponsor all bills that would: Eliminate all foreign aid completely; eliminate all welfare programs; cut the staff size, perks, power, pay, benefits and control of Congress 99%; follow the U.S.Constitution/Declaration of Independence 100%; submit a bill that would balance the budget in 1 year ($1.9T)

The best way is the free market, we must remove the government completely out of health care. Before politicians got involved, health care was not as costly and it was accessible to almost everyone. There were charity clinics, charity hospitals and doctors, nurses etc made house calls.

(Facebook) Davenport for Congress/ David Davenport Occupation / Current Position: I am the Owner of the United Drivers Coalition, Also attending College for my Bachelors Degree. Education: High school Diploma, Associates Degree in general studies, with Emphasis on computer information technology. Working on Bachelors Degree, in computer information technology. Qualifications / Experience: I am presently a member of the Flint School board of education since 2009, that sets policy for the school district. I am and have been on all sub-committees, Academic, Finance, Human relations, community relations, I am also MASB board certified, with the 2nd year Merit award.

DAVID DAVENPORT, No Party Affiliation

I will address the Federal deficit, first by cutting out waist full spending. I will work hard to bring our troops out of these foreign countries, from losing their lives. I noticed we are spending 606 billion dollars a year, on defense and foreign aide. We could use some of that money to cut back on the deficit and educate our children that will be leading our country in the future. Secondly I would ask all of the, Congress and Senate members along with the President to take a salary cut.

(Health care), not just Affordable Health care is due to every individual that is breathing. How long you live should not depend on how much money you have. I will support the fact that EVERYONE should be allowed to have government funded Healthcare,but i do not feel that the government should mandate it to the citizens. If someone does not want it they should not have to receive it, and should not be penalized for not accepting it.

Vote Tuesday, November 6

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H 13


QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4: QUESTION 5: QUESTION 6:

ENERGY:
Do we need a national energy plan? If so, summarize what should be included in it.

IMMIGRATION:
What changes, if any, do you support to immigration policy?

EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT:
What will you do to reduce the current level of hyperpartisanship in Congress?

PRIORITIES:
What are your legislative priorities and what actions will you propose regarding them?

We need to accept two realities that are not recognized by the two major parties. 1. Peak oil is occurring and the world will have less oil available soon. 2. Burning fossil fuels at such a high rate is changing our climate for the worse. Both of these facts argue for an industrial policy that reduces the amount of fossil fuels we use. Since economic growth relies on energy use, we need to transition away from the growth economy to a steady state economy. We need to prepare for this change.

We are a nation of immigrants. Acceptance of immigrants has been one of the brightest practises in our nations history. We need to develop a policy that does recognize the family rights of those with long standing ties in this country. We also need a strong border to restrict unwanted or dangerous individuals from entering the country.

At the alternative high school I led there was a long standing policy of showing respect for all in the learning community. The entire staff of the school was tasked with developing respect by our actions and by expecting respect from all of the student body. I would try to spread that ethic in the House. I would hope that the members of Congress could match the mature behavior of my high school students.

1. Reform the Government The Citizens United decision has created a mess in our election laws. Money from PACs and Special Interests are interfering with the will of the people. 2. Repay the Debt The two major parties have failed to resolve this issue for over sixty years. Small party candidates like myself could start the solution moving in the next budget year. 3. Restore the Environment We have tried to overpower nature. It is not working. Live within our means.

The plan we need is to use the current resources that we have around us right now to become more energy independent. We need to drill for oil and natural gas in our own country. We need to eliminate the Department of Energy and than do what it was suppose to do from the onset, to become less dependent on foreign oil.

We need to enforce the laws that we currently have in this country.

The thing that is needed in Washington D.C. are leaders with a vision for the future to promote the general welfare for all of the citizens. A leader is someone that can work with everyone to find solutions that will best fit the needs of the American people. I have been and will be that leader.

Eliminate the Department of Education and spend the money on our children, not on the people that think they are making the right decisions for them. Every state has a Department of Ed. Parents, teachers and administrators should be able to decide what is best for our own children. We need to create an economic climate that is more conducive to bringing businesses back from outside our borders. We need to spend American money on Americans.

We need an energy plan balancing need for a robust economy with affordable energy and stewardship of the resources of the land. We must reduce our dependence on foreign oil and expand our use of renewables. Solar, wind, and geo-thermal should be priorities for development, and we should continue the careful recovery of abundant natural gas. We need to reduce the environmental impact of energy production while investing in research of innovative energy technologies, creating good paying jobs.

We are a nation of immigrants, and it is a central component of the American dream to provide a pathway to prosperity for all those who travel here seeking a better life. We should enact a comprehensive immigration policy that protects our borders and ensures that legal immigration serves our economic interests - without targeting those young people born and raised here and who simply want to work hard and succeed in America.

I consider it my obligation to do whatever I can to restore civility in Congress. I am weary of partisan bickering and gamesmanship. Our system of government was intentionally designed assemble many diverse points of view from across the nation to a Congress that is committed to finding mutually agreeable solutions. The framers of the Constitution intended that those diverse interests find common ground which requires compromise. Congress must seek compromise in the name of principle. I will always be partisan when it comes to defending individual rights and the free market. And of course defending liberty.

My top priority is getting Americans back to work. To be the greatest economy in the world, we must manufacture products made by our own people and end tax giveaways to companies that outsource American jobs. I will work to pass legislation to hold countries accountable that manipulate their currency and will fight to increase domestic content requirements for purchases made by government.

Yes. What we need is a free market energy plan. Get politicians out of the way of this issues. Politicians should not help nor hinder a private company from acquiring a product unless it would violate someones individual rights. No tax money shall be used, period. Also, the federal government must defeat fraud.

Get rid of the welfare state, defend the borders with the military, sell to private interest or give back all of the federal land to the states so they can do with it what they want. I support a controlled immigration plan as it was in the early part of the 20TH century but without any discrimination based on skin color or race. But we must ban a person using their health and or criminal record. I do believe that we as a country should spend more on our borders, to prevent illegal immigration. I also believe that until we get a tighter grip on border patrol, that if a child is born here in the United States, the child should be labeled a citizen, because the child had no choice as to where he/she was born.

For each I will vote for, sponsor or co-sponsor these bills. Restoring the U.S.A. to the gold and silver standard. Repeal the 16TH Amendment. Repeal regulations that violate individual rights. Reducing the power, control, income, perks, benefits, staff size etc of politicians. Reducing the size of the federal government to what it was in 1880.

Yes we do need a national Energy plan, I believe that we as a country should start investing in solar,Recycling, and Windmills. These Energy strategies will take us far into the 21st century and cause less damage to the ozone layer, in which will preserve the earth longer, and our children will have a chance to live longer.

I will urge the Parties to come together as one, to stop this feuding between each other;I am non party affiliation because, different parties have different agendas and those agendas are not good for everyone in the district. While in congress I want to address everyones concerns with the same passion, I am tired of discrimination,and that is what it is when we choose a political party. While in congress; your concerns will be addressed with the same passion,no matter the political party.

My top priorities will be writing legislation, to have vouchers drawn up for all senior citizens to be EXEMPT from paying property taxes. Senior citizens should not have to worry about where they are gonna lay their heads;considering what has been done for this country. 2. ALL college students would be entitled to receive an associates degree,(paid for by the government) no matter how much their parents make.Now is the time for change, and to have someone, that will not discriminate is change.

Use the form on page 40 to write down your ballot choices.

Clip it and take it to the polls with you!

14 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE

United States Representative


Two-Year Term Vote for One (1)
U.S. Representatives share the responsibility with Senators for enactment of the nations laws as provided in the U.S. Constitution. Laws that require payment of taxes are initiated in the House of Representatives. A Representative must be at least 25 years of age and a U.S. Citizen for at least 7 years. Michigan has 14 Congressional districts as of 2013.

Questions (500 characters each):


QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2

FEDERAL BUDGET:
How will you address the federal deficit?

HEALTH CARE:
What is your position on affordable health care for all?

DISTRICT 6
www.fredupton.com Occupation / Current Position: U.S. Representative Education: B.A.in Journalism, University of Michigan Qualifications / Experience: As Chair of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, my top priorities include working hard to secure our families futures by supporting local job creation, ensuring that MI businesses have what they need to put our state back on track and supporting an all of the above energy plan.

FRED UPTON, Republican

Our $16 trillion national debt is unsustainable, leading us down a path to fiscal ruin. I supported the Budget Control Act that placed caps on all spending bills and I have advanced recommendations to offset the sequester by providing for more than $114 billion in targeted savings over the next decade. I also support a number of major reforms to move us toward a balanced budget, including a constitutional balanced budget amendment, the presidential line-item veto, and the earmark ban. As a household or business knows, we reduce our deficit and national debt by growing the economy, reducing spending, and increasing revenues. One solution, like just cutting taxes will not suffice. We must also transition our economy from spending to investing. We will both grow jobs and the economy by realigning corporate taxes to return jobs to the U.S. from overseas, promoting renewable energy jobs, and investing in our crumbling infrastructure. We need to do some nation building at home!

Theres a real need of reform in our healthcare system to reduce costs and improve access to quality care. I support full repeal of the Presidents massive healthcare takeover, which is misguided and dangerous, spending money we dont have on challenges that cant be solved with government spending. Instead, we need commonsense reforms that drive down costs such as medical liability reform, allowing consumers to purchase coverage across state lines, and expanding Health Savings Accounts. The cost of health care is not sustainable, creating a drag on global competitiveness. We need quality insurance at affordable rates, regardless of existing conditions or financial ability. Combining roles of the government and free market can provide this. The government can remove caps on coverage, or the canceling of policies due to illness or pre-existing conditions. Then as we compare and buy car insurance, the free-market should be able to compete and drive down overall costs.

www.mikeobrienforcongress.com Occupation / Current Position: Development Director at Herman Miller Education: BA in Business at Washington University Qualifications / Experience: Reconnaissance Marine, business development and consulting, renewable energy executive, and farmer.

MIKE OBRIEN, Democrat

Did Not Respond in time for publication

CHRISTIE GELINEAU, Libertarian JASON GATTIES, US Taxpayers


no response to question no response to question

www.gatties.org Occupation / Current Position: Business Manager and Security Consultant at Rover Security Guard Agency in Benton Harbor, Mi. Education: St.Joseph High School (Class of 1994) Qualifications / Experience: Even though my name will remain on the ballot, I suspended my campaign on September 10, 2012 and endorsed Democrat Mike OBrien.

DISTRICT 7
Did Not Respond in time for publication

TIM WALBERG, Republican KURT RICHARD HASKELL, Democrat


We must have shared sacrifice to control our national debt and deficits. First, business tax incentives, tax credits and deductions should be reviewed to ensure they are incentivizing American jobs. If they arent then they should be repealed. Second, the Bush tax cuts for those making over $250,000 should be allowed to expire. Third, the Defense budget should be reduced as we continue to wind down the war in Afghanistan. Fourth, foreign aid not in line with our national interest should be cut. We need a balanced budget that provides for a reduction in federal spending of trillions of dollars, audit the Federal Reserve, end all our wars both foreign and domestic, and end our empire building foreign policy, bring all of our troops home. We need to end all corporate welfare, subsidies, stimulus programs, and earmarks. Medicare and Medicaid funding should be block granted to the states and we must repeal the Obama health care plan as it will do more harm more than good. The Affordable Care Act is a free market solution to the problem of uninsured American citizens. I believe that some further reforms should be implemented; however, the overall plan allows competition and market access to lower costs for everyone. This is not socialized medicine. The Affordable Care Act is a good first step toward health care reform; however, it should include market reforms which continue to incentivize healthy behavior through tax policy and health policy.

www.kurthaskellforcongress.com http://www.facebook.com/KurtHaskellForCongress Occupation / Current Position: Senior Partner/Haskell Law Firm, P.C. Education: B.S. Biology/S.V.S.U. J.D./Thomas Cooley Law School. L.L.M.(Masters Degree) in Tax Law/ Wayne State Law School Qualifications / Experience: I have a broad range of experiences. Ive worked in the public sector as an IRS Attorney. I also have owned my own business for the last 11 years. I grew up poor and have worked hard to be successful. For these reasons, I have a unique perspective which would be invaluable in Congress.

Website not available at this time Occupation / Current Position: Working part time in home repair. Education: Degree in Industrial Technologies Qualifications / Experience: Student of American history, economics and sociology. Well versed in foreign policy and other government program failures. Out of the five candidates for Governor of Michigan in 2010, I came in third in vote totals.

KEN PROCTOR, Libertarian

Obamacare is a monster of mandates, tax increases, and government intrusion into the private sector that will kill competition, price transparency and innovation. We need to reduce federal mandates, and regulations and eliminate the barriers that keep health insurance from being offered across state lines. Americans have become an unhealthy lot, with 75% of us overweight and about a third of us obese. Americans are overfeed and undernourished. There are better answers.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H 15


QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4: QUESTION 5: QUESTION 6:

ENERGY:
Do we need a national energy plan? If so, summarize what should be included in it.

IMMIGRATION:
What changes, if any, do you support to immigration policy?

EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT:
What will you do to reduce the current level of hyperpartisanship in Congress?

PRIORITIES:
What are your legislative priorities and what actions will you propose regarding them?

Definitely yes, which is why I continue to lead the charge in the House for an all-of-the-above national energy policy that puts a premium on North American energy production. Whether its developing our vast natural resources oil, coal, and natural gas promoting safe nuclear power, or harnessing alternative technologies, we need it all. I have also been a leading supporter of the Keystone XL pipeline project, which will create good-paying jobs and help fortify our nations energy security. A national all of the above energy policy would include current means, as well as adding renewable sources like wind, solar, batteries and more. It is critical to our national security, energy independence, cost of energy, and our role as stewards of the environment. Energy efficiency measures are also important to reduce use in the first place. A truly comprehensive policy that includes renewable energy, will add hundreds of thousands of new jobs on top of todays existing energy jobs.

Our current immigration system is not working and it is well past time for Congress to take up real immigration reform. That begins with enforcement of immigration and border security laws that are already on the books. Enforcement must also be paired with an overhaul of immigration policy that addresses the fact that immigrant labor is vital to the success of many domestic industries. Above all, I have never supported blanket amnesty for those already living in this country illegally. Immigration is the foundation of our nation, celebrated in our Constitution and on our iconic national symbol, the Statue of Liberty. To remain a beacon of freedom and opportunity, and to ensure our economic growth, we must streamline the path for new immigrants, ensure strict enforcement of our laws and our borders, and establish a clearly defined process for dealing with workers who may be here illegally. The bi-partisan Dream Act is a step in the right direction.

On my very first day as chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I instituted a new change in the committees rules when marking up legislation: no one would be denied an amendment, but amendments that were bipartisan would be first in the queue. The vast majority of bills passed by our committee have had significant bipartisan support. On every bill Ive pursued, Ive tried my best to reach across the other side of the aisle. On my first day in office I will work to create a coalition of new members, as well as existing members, who have the political courage to join me in reaching across the isle to get meaningful work done. I am confident that there are others who will join me once the first hand is extended. I believe that in this election cycle the voters will make it clear to Washington that they expect this.

From reducing the regulatory burden on small business to helping address rising healthcare and energy costs, jobs and the economy here in southwest Michigan remain my top priorities. Most recently, the House passed my bipartisan FDA reform bill to streamline the federal approval process for drugs and medical devices. By instituting a more efficient, consistent and transparent approval process within FDA, Michigan manufacturers can better compete, create jobs, innovate, and serve patients. My legislative priorities are to promote job growth through tax policy, promoting manufacturing and renewable energy, and committing to infrastructure projects across the country. I will work to return to a balanced budget as we had in 2001. I will also fight to ensure that our public education system is second to none, and that our seniors are not neglected. Finally, I will work tirelessly to return civility and bipartisanship back to Congress, and renew pride in our government.

no response to question

no response to question

no response to question

no response to question

A national energy plan should include several things. First, tax incentives to encourage research and development in new energy sources for tomorrow. Second, incentives and regulations should be used to reduce energy use. Three, a national energy plan must include long term planning about tomorrows infrastructure, energy costs, and research.

I follow some broad principles about immigration. First, America was built by immigrants from countries around the world. Second, I believe that our system of immigration must be fair to American citizens first; however, I believe that we should allow the best and brightest people from around the world to immigrate here. Third, we are a nation of laws which means we should work to enforce our current immigration laws while also working toward an immigration reform resolution. I agree with Libertarian Presidential candidate Gary Johnson when he says: America is a land of immigrants. Legal immigration should focus on making it easier and simpler for willing workers to come here with a temporary work visa, pay taxes, contribute to society, and fill jobs the market demands. We can do a better job on immigration while not mistreating people on either side of our borders.

I believe that policies that work to rebuild the middle class are common sense solutions that both parties can get behind. Big ideas will create public pressure which will force elected officials to get in line or get out of the way. I will support campaign finance reform which will force members of Congress to listen to their constituents rather than just big donors. I will continue to support big ideas from both sides of the aisle which address the major problems that America is facing.

First, I will work to rebuild the middle class through government investment in infrastructure, education, and American workers. These common sense solutions will help put America back to work. Second, I will support common-sense solutions to balance the budget and pay down the national debt. Solutions must include a combination of tax reforms and spending cuts. Third, I will fight to protect Americans rights from government intrusion by repealing the Patriot Act and NDAA. Our economy is being artificially propped up right now and will get worse after the election. The Middle Class and the Working Poor are the real engine of our economy and must have the means and encouragement to reduce their debts and create whatever life they seek for themselves. We need to make real cuts in the size and cost of government and to remove laws, red tape and other government created barriers to job creation. We need to end all of our wars including the war on drugs.

We need a plan that eliminates subsidies and incentives based on which special interest buys the most members of Congress. All energy options should be able to compete in the energy marketplace including the environmentally sound bio-fuel Hemp. All energy regulations should be subjected to a cost-benefit analysis. A lot of our energy costs are higher than they could be due to government overreach. Government programs like the cash-for-clunkers, do more harm than good.

We can change the special interest elite culture of Washington by making sure we elect people who actually believe in our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We need leaders who believe that the role of government is to protect its people from aggression, fraud, and theft rather than protecting those who commit these acts. Electing another democrat or republican will make no difference; it hasnt done so in the last 50 years.

16 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE

United States Representative


Two-Year Term Vote for One (1)
U.S. Representatives share the responsibility with Senators for enactment of the nations laws as provided in the U.S. Constitution. Laws that require payment of taxes are initiated in the House of Representatives. A Representative must be at least 25 years of age and a U.S. Citizen for at least 7 years. Michigan has 14 Congressional districts as of 2013.

Questions (500 characters each):


QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2

FEDERAL BUDGET:
How will you address the federal deficit?

HEALTH CARE:
What is your position on affordable health care for all?

DISTRICT 7 (continued)
Occupation / Current Position: Bookseller/taxi driver Education: BA University of Michigan, 1965

RICHARD E. WUNSCH, Green

I believe the problem simply lies in the failure to provide adequate revenue to do all the projects the politicians desire. It also can be simply stated: While the military budget is grossly over sized, the education budget and other sensible sections (eg. infrastructure) is grossly underfunded.

A single payer system (Medicare for all) would solve the problem without requiring the socialization of anything. It would replace the 30-35% overhead of the health insurance industry (profits, advertising, etc.) with the 1-2% of Medicare. It would also make the legions of billing clerks health providers must each have quite unnecessary. It would end many of the trips to the emergency room made by indigent people with no insurance and no doctor. Huge losses would be avoided for hospitals.

DISTRICT 8
Did Not Respond in time for publication

MIKE ROGERS, Republican


I support the Peoples Budget of 2012. This Progressive budget actually addresses the financial issues of our nation, while eliminating our debt by 2021. I also realize that we need to raise taxes, and make our tax system more equitable and equal. We also need to look at programs that have run their course and are not necessary anymore. I support the Affordable Care Act, but will also say it did not go far enough. I support a single payer public option, and believe health care to be right not a privilege.

www.Lance2012.com Occupation / Current Position: Candidate United States Congress MI-08 Education: B.S. Political Science, Lake Superior State University B.S. Secondary Education/ teacher Certification L.S.S.U. M.S. Special Education/ LD,EI Michigan State University Qualifications / Experience: I bring my life experience; government consulting, corporate executive,small business owner, and public school teacher. I also bring my desire and passion to serve the PEOPLE.

LANCE ENDERLE, Democrat

www.dangoebel2012.com Occupation / Current Position: Self-employed, General Repairs Education: Mechanical Engineering, The University of Michigan 1977-1980 B.S. Trade and Industry, Madonna University 1981 Completion of Education major 1982 Graduate student, Eastern Michigan University 83-86 Qualifications / Experience: I am presently Vice Chair for the Livingston County Libertarian Party and a Precinct Delegate for the Republican Party. I have been an active member of Campaign for Liberty since it was created in 2008 and have represented them at public hearings. I have also been an active member of Down Size D.C

DANIEL GOEBEL, Libertarian

I would vote to balance the budget and make the necessary cuts ASAP. I believe that two term Governor and Libertarian candidate for president Gary Johnson has the right answer, and I would work to implement it. The federal government is far too big and most of what it does can be done far more efficiently at the State and Local levels.

Federal government intervention into health care is a primary reason for health care becoming too expensive for the average person. The so called affordable health care Bill is filled with special interest provisions that will stagnate free market solutions, and who wants their private health records in government files for all the world to see? I think that health care savings accounts should be tax free and that doctors should be able to discount services paid for upon treatment. We all need health care. It is as important as food, clothing and shelter. The US is the only industrialized country without universal healthcare. No one should have to go bankrupt if they get sick. Pay for OUTCOMES NOT SERVICES. Healthcare is not a free market. Most do not know the total cost of their healthcare. Our healthcare system is 20th in the world in outcomes and #1 in cost. Make Medicare available to all US citizens over 18. Premiums adjusted for age, income and health status.

www.brooks4congress2012.org Occupation / Current Position: Captain, US Navy (ret), Professor, Computer Science & Engineering, Oakland University, Rochester, MI Education: (1) BS, Nuclear Engineering, US Naval Academy; (2) Master of Science, Electrical Engineering (EE), & Degree of Professional Engineer, (EE), Stanford University (3) MBA, University of San Diego (USD) Qualifications / Experience: Career in US Navy Reactor Officer, managed 2 nuclear reactors in aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). Commanded guided-missile destroyer, USS COONTZ (DDG-40). Professor, Marketing, USD Software Project Manager, SAIC, Inc. Professor, Computer Science & Engineering, Oakland University

PRESTON BROOKS, No Party Affiliation

Address COST and REVENUE. COST: Pay for OUTCOMES, not SERVICES. Each federal dept mission drives budget. Reduce defense-leave Afghanistan and reduce foreign bases. Adopt Simpson-Bowles (SB) entitlement reform. REVENUE: Adopt SB revenue policy. No tax cuts for incomes over $250K. No oil subsidy; use for renewable energy. Corporate tax rate to 20% with a min tax paid by all operating in US. Corp. taxes paid by shareholders not consumers. Tax credit for hiring vets, bringing jobs back.

DISTRICT 9
www.VoteVolaric.com Occupation / Current Position: Managing General Agent / Owner / Freedom Health Insurance Agency. www.freedomhealthinsurance.net Education: Im a High school graduate and some college. Like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerburg, I too sought out higher education only to realize that what they were teaching was not productive for me. Qualifications / Experience: Digital Media Experience: Color Lithography / Print Media 18 to 37 From Apprentice to Executive in charge, Finance Experience: GMAC, Mortgage Banking, Health Insurance Agency Experience: Individual, Group, Senior Supplements & Life Insurance, Agent of the year 2008-2009, In 2010 Nominee for Congress

DON VOLARIC, Republican

By changing the paradigm of how the federal government does business. 1 Federal tax reform is a must to compete in a worldwide economy. 2 Analyze all trade agreements, if they dont promote U.S. manufacturing, throw them away and replace with ones that do. 3 Energy independence and above all stop the overreaching, out of touch, spend addicted, unconstitutional way of our elected officials. Cut, cap and balance to a percentage of GDP, 15 percent is a good start.

Im 100 percent against any kind of socialized healthcare for all. As an Executive in the Healthcare Industry, The PPACA, (Obamacare), was meant to drive the private sector out of the industry. Once the private sector is out of the way, what remains is CMS (Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services). Thats a single payer system! For Socialized Healthcare to work, it needs an Independent Payment Advisory Board. The IPAB is a 15 member, un-elected United States Government Agency created in 2010.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H 17


QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4: QUESTION 5: QUESTION 6:

ENERGY:
Do we need a national energy plan? If so, summarize what should be included in it.

IMMIGRATION:
What changes, if any, do you support to immigration policy?

EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT:
What will you do to reduce the current level of hyperpartisanship in Congress?

PRIORITIES:
What are your legislative priorities and what actions will you propose regarding them?

Obviously We should stop subsidies to the fossil fuel industry and increase subsidies and other supports for new and renewable sources. Just as important, maybe more, we must decentralize the entire system whenever we can. It makes no sense to place wind, solar and other such energy sources under the control of huge energy conglomerates. We should support small units suitable for single homes, farms and co-operatives.

My approach is that individual peoples needs have not been adequately considered. Whether it is a foreign engineering student who has a limited time to find employment or leave the county; or a youngster who was brought here as a baby. People have been moving around the Earth forever. That is not going to stop. I hope that, as a Congressman, I would have access to the information necessary to make good, humane decisions in this area.

I think the hyper-partisanship in Congress is caused by the fact that there are two groups of the Oligarchy (parties) struggling for power and the huge economic advantages it gives. Thats why there will be billions spent this election cycle. I, and the Green Party, represent the desire of the People to regain power for ourselves and for the country! The only way hyper-partisanship will be reduced is when politicians are making decisions for the benefit of the Country, instead of themselv

If we fail to balance the budget and reduce the deficit, the future looks bleak for ourselves. we wont have to wait for future generations to see suffering. I will propose we reduce the expenditures on the American Empire (which is an empire for the international banking and corporate stricture). I will propose we reduce the huge amounts of money we waste on drug wars (which exacerbate the problems). I will propose we increase taxes on the wealthy to levels before trickle down economics.

Yes we need a national energy plan. I am an advocate for Green technologies and see this area as a way to increase our countrys manufacturing base as well as making our country more secure from foreign threat. I believe developing a strong national energy plan also increases the security of our great nation. I will be introducing a plan for 500,000 Green jobs for 2013.

We are a country of immigrants, we need to address our immigration policy in America so it reflects the character of our country. I support the Dream Act and immigration policy which embraces immigrants and allows for the American Dream to continue.

I make a commitment that I am going to Washington to serve the people, not special interest. We must learn to work together and find the common agreement instead of the divisive issues that cause the hyper-partisanship in Congress. I am a Progressive, and I will always move forward.

1. Jobs, I have a plan for 1,000,000 jobs tomorrow! 2.The Economy, we need to monitor and regulate our banking system and Wall Street. I support the New Glass-Stegal introduced by Elizabeth Warren. 3. Human Rights and equality;Womens issues,LGBT,immigration 4. Education Reform 5.Environmental Protections, I am a fierce opponent of fracking, and want to make sure this practice is outlawed. 6. Health Care, I support a single payer public option 7.Social Security, preserve from privatizati I would sponsor and/or cosponsor legislation to bring the troops home *now* and end the intervention into the internal affairs of other countries. I would propose closing many of the bases in other countries and reduce military costs. I would support the repeal of legal tender laws so that Americans would be free to trade in other currencies. I would propose a Bill to Audit the Pentagon and find out what happen to that $2.3 Trillion Rumsfeld talked about the day before the 9/11 attack. Respect and empower women. Their contribution to economic, community and family life is essential. Establish metrics for health care outcomes with fair payment. Create good jobs. Public-private partnerships for infrastructure upgrade, including high-speed/ light rail. Use natural gas as a transition to hydrogen economy. Renew alternative energy tax credits.Federal Renewable Portfolio Standards and Renewable Energy Credits. Need regulations sunset policy. Federal guidelines for fracking.

I believe that good government should lead by setting a good example for others to follow. For example all federal cars and trucks could run on hydrogen with no carbon emissions. This would set up a market for these vehicles as well as a network for fueling them. Any national energy plan put together in Congress would most certainly be compromised by special interest groups and contain mandates that would do more harm than good. Create SUSTAINABLE national energy plan transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Use natural gas for transportation and electrical generation as bridge to the hydrogen economy with fuel cells. Fossil fuel out by 2040. Create islands of distributed renewable energy for residential microgrids. Renewable energy provides 50% of all residences by 2050. More energy-efficient buildings. Decommission old nuclear plants and install 4th generation safe plants (ceramic fuel,helium cooled).

I believe that immigrates should be able to speak English, or learn it, before attaining citizenship, and not be violent criminals. I also believe that they should not be able to draw from social services such as Social Security and government subsidized higher education until after they have paid into it for some time. Benefits should not be given to those that have not contributed and babies born on U.S. soil should not automatically become U.S. Citizens if the parents are here illegally. We are a nation of immigrants. The best way to protect borders is 2-year guest worker program with biometric ID cards. Removes incentive for illegal entry. Renewable. Require biometric ID card for employment. Violation means mandatory jail time for employer. Deport immigrant & family. Path to citizenship. Done in 5 years or revoke ID card. Automatic green cards for alien US university grads. Minimum 7 year period plus 5 family 7-year visas. Alien military veterans should become citizens.

Indeed a two Party system was never written into the Constitution and has created many problems. As a Libertarian I will not be a part to partisanship. My goal is to reduce the Federal Governments powers down to those listed in the Constitution and protect individual rights from being trampled on.

Our 2-party system incapable of governing. Not what Founders intended. Good ideas have no labels: not democrat, not republican. Shouldnt reject good ideas based on party. Reelection and ideology trump whats best for the people. Fuels the money machine in Congress, creating a system of greed. US Reps spend 75% of their time raising money. Elect Independents who get funding only from individuals, max amount ($100). No PACs, corporations, special interest money. Makes US Reps accountable.

The department of energy is one of the agencies I would fight to eliminate at the federal level. The federal government spends 45 Billion dollars annually to promote wealth for other countries and ignore our own energy independence and how many jobs come with it. The states would do a much better job. We need the bureaucrats out and the experts in with common since regulations at the state level. Oil, Natural Gas, Clean Coal, Nuclear, Hydrogen, Hydro..... with new infrastructure to deliver it.

The Immigration policy to become a United States citizen isnt broke & needs no fix. Illegal immigration is another story....

I have the executive skills to articulate that change is at the front door and the old way of doing business is over. You need the courage and passion to fight for our children & grandchildrens future. If we the people can elect like minded federal officials & stop playing politics we can turn this debacle around & save our country. If we keep electing the same people over and over again and expecting a different result. Then we have no one to blame but ourselves for that is insane.

To govern at the federal level in the name of our forefathers (The Constitution of the United States). The Federal government has a spending problem not a revenue problem. Federal tax reform, Repeal (Obamacare), Stop outrageous cuts to our military, Energy independence, The government has assets to make social security solvent, Illegal immigration, Analyze all trade agreements, if they dont promote U.S. manufacturing, replace with ones that do. Prosperity and Jobs is the key to fix the roots.

18 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE

United States Representative


Two-Year Term Vote for One (1)
U.S. Representatives share the responsibility with Senators for enactment of the nations laws as provided in the U.S. Constitution. Laws that require payment of taxes are initiated in the House of Representatives. A Representative must be at least 25 years of age and a U.S. Citizen for at least 7 years. Michigan has 14 Congressional districts as of 2013.

Questions (500 characters each):


QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2

FEDERAL BUDGET:
How will you address the federal deficit?

HEALTH CARE:
What is your position on affordable health care for all?

DISTRICT 9 (continued)
www.levinforcongress.com Occupation / Current Position: United States Representative Education: I attended Detroit Central High School, the University of Chicago and Columbia University and received a law degree from Harvard University. Qualifications / Experience: Top Democrat on Ways and Means Committee, focuses on economic issues, job creation, fair trade policies and protecting Medicare and Social Security

SANDER LEVIN, Democrat

Immediate steps to boost the economic recovery will help the longer-term federal deficit. We need a balanced approach to deficit reduction that combines revenue, spending reductions and the maintenance of key investments in our future like education, medical research and advanced technologies. I support allowing the tax breaks for the very wealthiest to expire, closing loopholes for Big Oil, and ending tax incentives for shipping jobs overseas. First, we need to stop spending money we dont have. One solution is to implement the Peoples Central Bank, eliminating the privately owned Federal Reserve and replacing it with a 50 state managed central bank which would fund all 4 levels of government with interest from loans to private sector borrowers. Much of the governments debt is currently owed, directly or indirectly, to the member banks of the Federal Reserve. The new central bank would likely choose to forgive much of this debt. I will propose an amendment to the Constitution addressing several problems which will include a Citizens Line Item Veto, which will require every appropriation bill passed by Congress cite the section or sections in the Constitution which allow the spending proposed by the bill. Any citizen will have standing to question the Constitutional authority for the spending authorized by any spending bill, or any part of such bill, and for any non-spending provision inserted in such bill. Deficits are not the problem, especially now. Our country is in the grip of the worst income inequality since the Gilded Age. We have spent trillions on war, given trillions to the very banks that caused this crisis, and wasted billions of dollars on inefficient health insurance subsidies. If we reduced our military budget by 50%, we could create millions of new, green, jobs. By changing our tax law, creating a financial transaction tax, we could fund Medicare for All. We need a Green New Deal.

I support health care reform to reduce health care costs, end insurance abuses, and expand coverage. The new health care law is working and repealing it would have real-life consequences. Children with pre-existing conditions cant be coverage; young adults up to age 26 have health insurance on their parents plan and seniors are saving money on prescriptions.

www.jimfulner.com Occupation / Current Position: Husband, Father, Systems Engineer Education: OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE~ Software Engineering NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY ~ Political Science (BS 2005) Qualifications / Experience: 29 Years old, every year a citizen. I understand that the proper role of government, when it exists, is only the protection of Individual Rights. Governments acting beyond this capacity should be abolished. For more information, please read the Declaration of Independence and JimFulner.com

JIM FULNER, Libertarian

Each attempt the government has made at making health care better or more affordable has lead to more people going bankrupt paying for increased medical bills. Licensing requirements give us fewer choices and give fewer folks good paying jobs in health care. The so-called affordable care act is only going to make the average dollar spent per patient more than double compared to what it was 10 years ago. Allowing private companies to compete with visible prices means lower costs for all. Obamacare is blatantly unconstitutional and is an example of an activist judge legislating from the bench. The Constitution does not give Congress unlimited authority to tax our people. This repulsive act must be repealed by Congress, or if such repeal is vetoed, Congress must use its authority under Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution to mandate that our courts require all imposts, duties and excises be uniform as required by the Constitution. See my website for details.

www.voteforles.info Occupation / Current Position: Retired. My career with the IRS included every noncriminal enforcement position in the IRS. Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Finance and a Minor in Political Science from Central Michigan University. Attended college on the G.I. Bill Qualifications / Experience: I ran a small third party pension administration business which gave me experience in dealing with the problems faced by small business. I also retired from the IRS after a career which included every non-criminal position in the IRS. I have worked with very convoluted and complicated laws.

LES TOWNSEND, US Taxpayers

http://juliawilliamsforcongress.com/ Occupation / Current Position: Registered Nurse, citizen-politician Education: ADN Qualifications / Experience: I have been active politically since I was first registered to vote. I have also volunteered for campaigns, read and studied politics, economics, history, and sociology throughout my adult life. As a Green I have also been exposed to and educated myself on matters of pollution, and technology.

JULIA WILLIAMS, Green

As a critical care RN, I am very aware of the problems we face in this country related to healthcare. As a member of Physicians for a National Health Program, I support the creation of Medicare for All. This would save us billions of wasted dollars now spent on bloated salaries and other overhead given to insurance and pharmaceutical companies. In addition, it would place businesses of all sizes on a level playing field with the rest of the developed world, who have some form of universal care.

Did Not Respond in time for publication

CANDICE S. MILLER, Republican


Website COMING SOON Occupation / Current Position: Democrat: Work Experience Vassar Township Trustee For 4 years, Including help create b Education: Education Degree in Accounting with Business Law License Practical Nurse training leading to License Practical Nurse Construction classes leading to a Residential & Alterat Qualifications / Experience: Work Experience-Vassar Township Trustee For 4 years Accountant and co-owner of Stadler Bookkeeping & Tax Service License Practical Nurse Licensed Residential Builder & Alteration Contractor Honorable Discharge from US Navy MS3 Petty Officer during the Vietnam Era

DISTRICT 10

CHUCK STADLER, Democrat

NATIONAL MONORAIL SYSTEM THE ANSWER TO OUR NATIONAL DEFICIT BRINGING THE NATIONAL DEFICIT DOWN IS A JOB IN ITSELF, CREATING JOBS IS THE NUMBER ONE WAY OF ACCOMPLISHING THIS TASK. MONORAIL systems have been built in many countries around the world, many of them on elevated tracks through crowded cities. A NATIONAL MONORAIL SYSTEM, OFF THE GROUND WILL REDUCE CONGESTION IN LARGE CITIES BY REDU

Yes, Obamacare I support, it is not a perfect Bill, and I would make some Changes. Senator Ted Kennedy had a dream to have a healthcare bill passed by Congress, he believed that that all Americans should have healthcare, many American people cannot Afford Health Insurance, insurance companies take insurance away from people who become Sick after they paid premiums for years, insurance companies take away their insurance, that Is not right. The McCar

Did Not Respond in time for publication

BHAGWAN DASHAIRYA, Libertarian

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H 19


QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4: QUESTION 5: QUESTION 6:

ENERGY:
Do we need a national energy plan? If so, summarize what should be included in it.

IMMIGRATION:
What changes, if any, do you support to immigration policy?

EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT:
What will you do to reduce the current level of hyperpartisanship in Congress?

PRIORITIES:
What are your legislative priorities and what actions will you propose regarding them?

Our nation needs to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, curb carbon emissions and provides affordable energy for industry and consumers. I support tax incentives in advanced energy manufacturing as well as renewable energy production. Along with developing new sources of energy, and the jobs that come with them, we must make sure traditional forms of energy production are made cleaner to protect health and the environment. The government needs to stop picking winners and loser in the energy race. The subsidizing of ethanol and the production requirements that go along with it are leading to higher prices for everything in the grocery store. Now they are trying the same thing trying to encourage other green energy. Elimination of government sanctioned energy monopolies and regulations is necessary to ensure competition in the marketplace that will lead to quicker changes in energy availability and affordability. We need to end the current national energy plan which is preventing us from developing our own resources. Alternative sources of energy will be developed when they become economically viable. After we stop Congress from looting the Social Security Trust Funds, we need to transfer oil and gas property owned by the Federal Government into them with a legislative mandate that the properties be developed so the leasing and royalty revenues can be used to pay Social Security and Medicare benefits. Our dependence on oil is a national security issue, therefore it is most appropriate that the government address our energy policy. We need to stop subsidizing private companies that pollute our air, land, and water, and invest in new, green jobs, research and technology. We are fast being left behind by Europe and Asia in this regard. Investing in grants and loans to local innovative businesses, a Green jobs Initiative, and retrofitting our infrastructure will create a sustainable future.

Our immigration system needs reform. It forces years of separation on families who legally immigrate; provides inadequate worker protections that contribute to exploitation and depress the wages of legal workers; and shortchanges security at our borders and ports. I support the DREAM Act so children, who came to this country through no fault of their own, have gone to school or served in military are not deported.

This is a period of deep disagreement about the direction our nation should take on major issues. I agree with two nonpartisan Congressional scholars, who said: The GOP has become an insurgent outlier in American politics. It is ideologically extreme; scornful of compromise and dismissive of the legitimacy of its political opposition. When one party moves this far from the mainstream, it makes it nearly impossible for the political system to deal constructively with the countrys challenges. You hit the nail on the head. Hyper-partisanship ensures that there is a constant argument while ever increasing the size of government: a left and a right foot marching strongly against each other, yet both marching forward towards tyranny. While I think its more likely that it will be eliminated after the people take over through non-violent rEVOLution, the only way short of a complete change in government would be to elect third party candidates to congress, eliminating the natural divide The hyper-partisanship in congress is caused by the two party system which gives one party control of the committee chairmanships and the ability to control all legislation. This situation will only end when a viable third party emerges so that one party can no longer control Congress. Ending the polarization in Congress requires the voters to remove the hyper-partizan congress critters who place party loyalty above their oath of office. You can start this process by electing me to Congress. Hyper-partisanship is a result of a corrupt system that rewards those that accept corporate campaign contributions and return favors in kind. The professional politicians care only for their own sinecure and power, not the welfare of the country and its citizens. We need to revoke corporate personhood, strengthen voter rights and vote count integrity, and institute strict public financing of campaigns. In addition, instant runoff voting and proportional representation reflect true voter choice.

Economic recovery, job creation, and assisting those who have lost a job because of the Recession. I have introduced legislation to re-start programs the Republican Majority let expire to support businesses and private-public partnerships that invest in infrastructure and create jobs. I introduced legislation to end Chinas currency manipulation and have changed trade agreements so they end unfair foreign barriers to our autos and include enforceable worker rights and environmental standards. END ALL WARS: Your tax money is killing people in your name. We should bring to the all military members from all over the globe back within the US border and cut spending accordingly. Similarly we need to end the war on drugs which is also killing in your name. SEPARATION OF MARRIAGE AND STATE: Everyone should be treated as individuals whether single, married, gay or straight. FREE SOFTWARE: Promote the use of Freedom Respecting (GNU) Software, including in public schools and government offices I will propose a Constitutional Amendment which will include the Marriage Amendment and Parental Rights Amendment as well as ending birthright citizenship and defining natural born citizen. It will stop Congress from looting Social Security, end government mandated discrimination, make English our official language, prohibit the Federal Government from requiring the purchase of any good or service and prohibit laws against growing, marketing, possession or use of any herb. See website. 1. End the Wars: Congress is responsible for declaring and funding wars, it needs to take responsibility back from the executive and defund our military actions 2. A Jobs Plan: Congress can pass a budget that includes grants, subsidies, federal programs to create jobs for all 3. Medicare for All: Pass HR 676, a 30 page bill that would ensure coverage for everyone. 4. Tax the Rich: Tax capital gains more equitably, pass a more progressive tax code, and remove the cap on Social Security tax

The border is nothing other than an artificial line used to control people. It is immoral to treat individuals differently based on what side of said artificial line they happen to have been born on. As such I will stop at nothing less than a fight for open borders. In a libertarian society, no individual would be involuntarily made into a citizen of an artificial entity like a nation or state. People should be free to choose their government just as they are free to choose their own religion. We need to finish the fence along our southern border. We also need to amend our Constitution to end birthright citizenship and I have included this provision in my draft of a proposed amendment. In addition we need to substantially reduce the amount of legal immigration. When millions of our own citizens can not find jobs, it is absurd to be admitting over a million immigrants to take jobs which should be filled by our own citizens. We also need to make English our official national language. The contributions of new citizens throughout our history has enriched us. Immigration has been our lifeblood. Immigration policy should be fair, humane,and take into account the contributions of the law-abiding, hard-working people who are seeking citizenship. We can also remove the incentives for illegal immigration and the resultant abuse of the system and workers, by changing our foreign trade policy that destroys indigenous economies, and punishes companies that lure cheaper labor.

THE BIGGEST THING WE TO DO IS DIVERSIFY IN OUR ENERGY USAGE, DRILL FOR OIL, USE SOLAR & WIND ENERGY,AND MAKE OUR MODES OF TRANSPERTAION MORE EFFICIENT, WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY,STOP BACK TRACKING. A NATIONAL MONORAIL SYSTEM WOULD CUT ENERGY COST MORE THAN 20 PERCENT IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS. GOVERNMENT & THE RAILROAD INDUSTRY KEEP FIGHTING AGAINST IT, BY BIG INTEREST GROUPS. MANY OTHER COUNTRIES MOVED INTO THE 21ST CENTURY. TO MANY INCUMENTS IN CONGRESS, NOT WILLING TO CHANGE.

The role of the federal government in immigration matters is to determine if a person can become a US citizen through proper channels or determine if a person from another country can enter with a VISA. Complete background checks should be done so we do not allow persons with terrorist ties or criminals to become US citizens. Federal government should secure our borders, immigrants need to follow proper procedures.

We should make the nominating signature requirements the same for third parties as the 2 Main parties for U.S Congress, a true Democracy. Make there more competition for the congressional position, then maybe Democrats and Republicans will work together the peoples concerns. President should be voted in by popular Vote, again a true Democracy.

Jobs are my number one issue in our country. If we created a National monorail system that partnered with big business and the monorail was manufactured in the United States by Americans, this would provide over 20 million jobs in the next 5 year. Low cost transportation, cleaner environment, reducing dependency on foreign oil. Bring this country into the 21st century. This would provide brighter future for our Children. This would be great for the people of M

20 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE

United States Representative


Two-Year Term Vote for One (1)
U.S. Representatives share the responsibility with Senators for enactment of the nations laws as provided in the U.S. Constitution. Laws that require payment of taxes are initiated in the House of Representatives. A Representative must be at least 25 years of age and a U.S. Citizen for at least 7 years. Michigan has 14 Congressional districts as of 2013.

Questions (500 characters each):


QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2

FEDERAL BUDGET:
How will you address the federal deficit?

HEALTH CARE:
What is your position on affordable health care for all?

DISTRICT 11
As Redistricted effective 2013: Oakland County: Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, north part of Clawson, Commerce Twp, Farmington, Highland Twp, Lake Angelus, Lyon Twp, Milford Twp, Northville, Novi, Novi Twp, southwest part of Rochester Hills, South Lyon, Troy, Walled Lake, Waterford Twp, northwest part of West Bloomfield Twp, White Lake Twp, Wixom. Wayne County: Canton Twp, Livonia, Northville, Northville Twp, Plymouth, Plymouth Twp. See US Representative District 11 for Partial Term to fill vacancy in old Congressional District after District 14 below.

www.kerrybworksforme.com Occupation / Current Position: High School Teacher (Resigned to Run) Education: Oakland Community College (AA); St. Marys College (BA); Marygrove College (M.Ed) Qualifications / Experience: Current Small Business Owner; High School Teacher; Former Homebuilder; Former Auto Design Engineer; Served in two foriegn wars - Vietnam and Iraqi Freedom; Served on home front during Desert Storm

KERRY BENTIVOLIO, Republican

Our deficit stems from decades of failed leadership from both sides have the aisle. The unfunded liabilities from Social Security and Medicare are estimated to be around 100 trillion dollars. We cannot hope to pay that back by going down our current path. Entitlement reform is needed in order to avoid a crisis similar to that facing Europe. We need to act now in order to prevent a bleak future for our children and grandchildren.

Like a majority of Americans, I oppose Obamacare. The government takeover of nearly one-fifth of our economy increased the cost of healthcare and health insurance. The market works best when it is not being strangled by regulations and government monopolies. The tax subsidy for employer purchased insurance should be removed as well so people are not bound to their jobs. Private purchasing organizations would then likely take advantage of economies of scale, without government manipulation. As a physician with forty years in the medical field, health care reform is an issue I am very passionate about. The Affordable Care Act is a market-based solution to our health care system and I support it. I support the individual mandate, treatment of pre-existing conditions, how it lowers overhead costs, and the state exchanges. However, it is not without its flaws and in Congress I will advocate a patient-outcome model based on patient outcomes and quality care to improve the ACA. Obama care is sick/drug care. We, as the American people, need to learn, teach and understand that our bodies need natural healthy foods, not foods filled with antibiotics, growth hormones, GMO and MSG. Our bodies cannot tolerate synthetic foods,Franklinfoods and drugs. We need to stop Chem trails that are putting poisons into our atmosphere, aluminum, barium, strontium, poisoning our soil a our bodies. The American people will become healthier and, therefore, reduce the need for sick care. The largest unnecessary cost to the US health care system is the privatized for profit insurance industry. We can provide health care for every American for what we already pay in the cost of medicare and medicaid by eliminating the private for profit insurance industry. We can provide to ourselves what we are now being forced to give a private for profit interest 20 cents of every health care dollar for (80/20 rule in the Affordable Health Care Act).

www.tajforcongress.com Occupation / Current Position: Physician-Internist, Former Chief of Medicine-Oakwood Hospital Education: Medical School-India, Post Graduate work Great Britain Qualifications / Experience: Physician of 40 years and Canton Township Trustee (20082012)

SYED TAJ, Democrat

Fixing the federal deficit requires a balanced approach of cutting costs and raising necessary revenues. As a member of Congress I will support a phase-out of the Bush tax cuts with exemptions for middle-income families, capping the value of most deductions at 28% (saving $400 billion over the next decade), eliminating interest deductions for second mortgages, raising the Alternative Minimum Tax, cuts in defense spending, and reducing the corporate tax rate to 26% while eliminating loopholes. Bring all the military home from foreign countries. We cannot afford to be the worlds policemen. Eliminate regulations that plague American small businesses, thus reducing regulatory departments. Eliminate the Department of Energy which has failed its prime objective to eliminate America from the dependance on foreign oil. Eliminate the Department of Education and other non-essential departments. Bring back, start up manufacturing in America. AMERICANS and FREEDOM FIRST-My Prime Object. Tax the rich and the corporations. End off shoring of profits. End offshore tax havens. Provide for heavy tariffs on imported goods. Heavy taxation on capital gains. Return the inheritance tax to pre Bush levels. Tax large volume trading on the stock exchanges. End subsidies to multi-national multi-billion dollar corporations. Eliminate the cap on payroll taxes. Consider all dividend income as wages and tax it equally. Then and only then we can talk about entitlements.

michiganlp.org/2012/tatar/john.html Occupation / Current Position: Taught many subjects, among them were home construction, American history and government. Education: BS, MS, Command and General Staff Military College Qualifications / Experience: Eagle Scout, Lieutenant Colonel Army Reserves, Executive Officer and other positions of leadership. Ran a construction company, built homes,and home repair, 19 years as a home construction teacher in Livonia. Leader of an all-occasion band. Built a car. Raised 2 very successful children.

JOHN J. TATAR, Libertarian

www.StevenPaulDuke4congress.com Occupation / Current Position: Piano player Education: High School Diploma, some college. Qualifications / Experience: Elected officer positions in various Veteran organizations.

STEVEN PAUL DUKE, Green

Did Not Respond in time for inclusion

DANIEL JOHNSON, Natural Law

Lets celebrate freedom...

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H 21


QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4: QUESTION 5: QUESTION 6:

ENERGY:
Do we need a national energy plan? If so, summarize what should be included in it.

IMMIGRATION:
What changes, if any, do you support to immigration policy?

EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT:
What will you do to reduce the current level of hyperpartisanship in Congress?

PRIORITIES:
What are your legislative priorities and what actions will you propose regarding them?

America needs an all of the above energy policy. Even if fossil fuels are not the fuels of the future, we should not inhibit their extraction today. Prohibiting safe drilling causes a massive trade deficit and places our country at risk as we become more dependent on oil from nations that are not in line with our values. Prohibiting needed pipelines also increases dependence. Opening up more land for extraction and transportation by responsible parties will make our nation more secure.

We must first secure the border. I also oppose any amnesty. I support student visas and work visas obtained through proper legal process. I would not oppose an increase in student and work visas as long as illegal immigration were curtailed. People who are already here should be able to petition for work or student visas but none should be necessarily guaranteed.

I think both parties have tried too hard to stay in power, rather than represent the interests of the people. I am not going to DC to fight the opposition, I am going to represent the people. I will not make a political adversary an enemy. I am a conservative and will vote my conscience. I believe government is rarely the answer to the problems of individuals. If someone else agrees, we can work together regardless of their party.

1. Stop spending our childrens futures through government borrowing. I propose entitlement reform as good first step. We cannot turn the United States into Greece. 2. Promote government accountability and transparency. I will post all of my votes online for the public. I also pledge to serve a max. of 6 years and to fight for term limits. 3. Provide proper treatment for veterans. In particular, proper mental health care is needed to address the current epidemic of veteran suicides. The first is to aid our nation down the path to economic recovery. This involves investing in growing industries in Michigan, lowering the costs of higher education, strengthening the Dodd-Frank Act, tax incentives for small businesses to hire new workers, passing the State Small Business Credit Initiative, and agreeing on a framework for our nations debt ceiling as part of a larger negotiation on reducing the deficit. I will also introduce legislation to better support our nations veterans. Remove Federal Reserve Charter from Washington up for renewal 2013. Return the control of the money to Congress where it was Constitutionally mandatednot the private banking cartel that has destroyed the economy, stealing the heritage and future generations wealth into the hands of the few. Repeal the Patriot Act, the NDAA and the Obama sick care. Remove all troops from foreign shores, eliminate Homeland Security. Take control of the Congressional Industrial War Complex/CIA. AMERICANS FIRST Please see the Green Party Platform and remember What Harry Truman said A party platform is a contract with the people.

We are unquestionably in need of a federal energy plan. As a member of Congress I will advocate a comprehensive approach to energy that (1) invests in all forms of energy, not just coal, oil and natural gas, (2) makes our economy less dependent on foreign oil markets, (3) incentives fuel efficiency and renewable energy, especially through investments in R&D, and (4) ensures environmental sustainability. We also need to bring emerging economies to the table to agree on global carbon emissions. We need to free the American people from government regulations and intrusions to promote new energy sources such as hydrogen, helium, water (HHO), wind, solar and Tesla technology, we have the knowledge and the resources to improve our way of life, we need a lot less control of government. Promote and award American ingenuity. American ingenuity is what made America great.

We are a nation of immigrants, a notion very personal to me as I am an immigrant myself. We need a coherent federal immigration policy that ends disjointed state action on the issue. This includes retaining highly skilled immigrants, creating a path to citizenship by passing the DREAM Act, securing our borders and better funding for our border agents, and preserving the family unit in the immigration process. Streamlining our immigration policies is both an economic and moral imperative. Close the borders because we need to control those that wish to come to America. We then need to deal with immigration on an individual bases.Who, what, when, where, why.

Washingtons toxic political environment is one of my foremost motivations for running for Congress. My objective is not to cajole others to one viewpoint but to engage in a healthy discussion of public policy and values based on mutual respect and reasoned argument. This is the standard our constituents should hold us to and that both parties have neglected for years. Lets have a conversation about the Line-Item Veto Act to counteract gridlock or freezing Congress pay during shutdowns. Members of government are our Public Servants. They are Not leaders, they represent the peoples wishes. We the people, need much more involvement in our political process not to be distracted by all the issues and toys of life. The difference between a Republican and Democrat is an Illusion. They are both the same horse with a different color, Absolutely nothing has changed in America over the last 100 years. We still have war, ridiculous defects, foreclosures, dwindling personal wealth. There is nothing I can do to stop the side show that has supplanted our democracy and the rule of law. Nothing I can do individually to put a stop to the demagogy and sophistry visited on the American people posing as learned opinion. There is something each and everyone of us as citizens can do, but only together. That is our job as citizens in a democratic republic, if thats what we intend to keep. It can be one for all or it can be all for none,but it cant be both. Thats the choice we have

The question isnt whether there is some magic bullet that is going to completely eliminate the need for the burning of carbon to provide for a steady and dependable source of energy.The question is how much we have to rely on it.The problem isnt that we cant significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels for electricity, heat and transportation. The problem is that even half of US energy needs being provided by cheap renewable resources is 50% less profit for the private energy companies.

The immigration system is broken. More important then the illegal immigrant problem is the illegal employer problem.More important then the few undocumented are the multitude of tax paying migrant workers being scapegoated for the sins of an out of control financial system.The refusal to see the consequence of our free trade policies on Mexico and Central America in particular. Most who would come to America should be honored for their hard work and sacrifice. We are a Nation of immigrants.

Remember to vote on November 6.

22 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE

United States Representative


Two-Year Term Vote for One (1)
U.S. Representatives share the responsibility with Senators for enactment of the nations laws as provided in the U.S. Constitution. Laws that require payment of taxes are initiated in the House of Representatives. A Representative must be at least 25 years of age and a U.S. Citizen for at least 7 years. Michigan has 14 Congressional districts as of 2013.

Questions (500 characters each):


QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2

FEDERAL BUDGET:
How will you address the federal deficit?

HEALTH CARE:
What is your position on affordable health care for all?

DISTRICT 12
www.kallgrenforcongress.com Occupation / Current Position: Small Business Owner Education: Southgate Highschool, Class of 1978, Michigan State University, 1978-1981, Deaf Education, Eastern Michigan University, 1981-1983, B. A. in Social Science Qualifications / Experience: Small Business Owner, Candidate for State Representative, 2010, Consultant,

CYNTHIA KALLGREN, Republican

I would address the federal deficit by growing the economy to bring in new revenue and substantially reducing government spending. I would make permanent the Bush tax rate cuts, cut the corporate tax rate and eliminate onerous regulations on businesses to encourage expansion, new hiring and the creation of more taxpayers. I would reduce government spending by reforming our entitlements, principally health care --- the greatest single threat to budget stability Something must be done to address our federal deficit. However, our economic recovery is still not where we would like it to be and we must be careful not to harm growth through unwise reductions. We need a balanced deficit-reduction plan that cuts spending, increases revenues, and makes everyone pay their fair share. Comprehensive tax reform is one place to start. Social Security and Medicare also must be reformed to make them sustainable long-term, but they do not need radical overhauls. In order to reduce the deficit we MUST put the federal government on a diet. I would like to see a dramatic reduction in spending but realistically an annual reduction of 5% of current spending until income equals expenses would be a start. Simpson Bowles with an annual reduction of 5%.

I favor affordable health care, but with a free market approach. I would (i) allow insurance companies to compete across state lines; (ii) eliminate community rating systems; (iii) eliminate tax breaks for employersponsored health care plans and give everyone a tax credit to purchase insurance; (iv) turn Medicare into a means-tested voucher program for buying insurance and Medicaid into block grants to the states; and (v) create high risk pools to insure those with pre-existing conditions. I have always believed that affordable health care for all is a right and not a privilege. I was proud to sit next to the President when the Affordable Care Act was signed into law. Already Michigan seniors, young adults, and small businesses are benefiting from the ACA and over 30 million Americans that previously did not have health care now do, saving the taxpayers and containing costs. America offers the best health care in the world and the ACA will allow us to remain leaders. Let consumer get a 100% federal tax credit for purchasing private health insurance. Instead of requiring insurers to provide mandated coverage let individuals purchase only the coverage they need, including catastrophic coverage and health saving accounts.

www.DingellForCongress.com Occupation / Current Position: U.S. Congressman Education: JD, Georgetown University, 1952 BS, Chemistry, Georgetown University, 1949 Qualifications / Experience: Serving 29th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor, 1953-1955 Attorney, Private Practice. Second Lieutenant, United States Army, 1944-1946 Park Ranger

JOHN D. DINGELL, Democrat

Occupation / Current Position: Retired from Ford Motor Co; Millwright (Skilled Trade) Education: Trade School, some college Qualifications / Experience: One term as Township Trustee, also served on Planning Commissino.

RICHARD J. SECULA, Libertarian

DISTRICT 13
Did Not Respond in time for inclusion

HARRY T. SAWICKI, Republican


I support an approach to long-term deficit reduction that includes short-term job creation programs to jump start the economy, an end to the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, responsible cuts to defense programs, and the closure of corporate tax loopholes. I would not support a deficit reduction plan that cuts Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security benefits. I believe that all Americans should have access to quality, affordable health care for all. I am a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act. I ultimately believe that United States should adopt a publicly-funded, privately-delivered Medicare For All national health insurance system.

www.johnconyers.com Occupation / Current Position: United States Representative; House Committee on the Judiciary Ranking Member Education: Wayne State University, B.A. and J.D.

JOHN CONYERS, JR., Democrat

Did Not Respond in time for inclusion

CHRIS SHARER, Libertarian MARTIN GRAY, US Taxpayers

Did Not Respond in time for inclusion

DISTRICT 14
Did Not Respond in time for inclusion

JOHN HAULER, Republican GARY PETERS, Democrat


Our budget deficits are unsustainable and represent a significant challenge. Getting our fiscal house in order will require a three-legged stool: economic growth and job creation; sensible spending cuts; and new revenues. To address this we must reform our tax code, lowering rates for families and small businesses while raising a significant amount of new revenue by closing loopholes and implementing reforms like the Buffett Rule. Healthcare is a basic human right. Everyone should have access to quality, affordable healthcare services. I am proud to have voted for healthcare reform, which is a first step towards expanding access to care, controlling costs, and improving the health of all American citizens. Although provisions of the Affordable Care Act could always be improved and strengthened, I am committed to fighting efforts to overturn the healthcare law and rollback its protections through relentless challenges.

www.petersforcongress.com Occupation / Current Position: U.S. Representative Education: Rochester High School; B.A. in Political Science, Alma College; M.B.A. in Finance, University of Detroit Mercy; J.D., Wayne State University Law School; M.A. in Philosophy, Michigan State University Qualifications / Experience: 22 years of investment experience as manager for Merrill Lynch, Paine Weber and UBS; Rochester Hills Council 1991-1994; Michigan State Senator 1994-2002; Michigan Lottery Commissioner 2003-2007; U.S. Representative 2009 to present; Fmr Lt Commander, U.S. Navy Reserve.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H 23


QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4: QUESTION 5: QUESTION 6:

ENERGY:
Do we need a national energy plan? If so, summarize what should be included in it.

IMMIGRATION:
What changes, if any, do you support to immigration policy?

EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT:
What will you do to reduce the current level of hyperpartisanship in Congress?

PRIORITIES:
What are your legislative priorities and what actions will you propose regarding them?

We need a national energy plan that emphasizes development of our abundant supplies of oil, natural gas and coal. I would remove restrictions on drilling for oil in the ANWAR region and off shore; move forward on the Keystone pipeline construction; encourage the development of the fracking process for extracting oil; and cancel the strangling regulations designed to put the coal industry out of business. I would encourage private development of renewable energy. Addressing energy policy legislation and reducing Americas dependence on foreign oil must be a top priority of Congress. We need more sources of domestic energy but we also need to ensure that we go about getting them in environmentally sustainable ways. We must also fight to put policies in place that create domestic demand for clean energy so that we can regain our leadership position in the clean energy race. I believe that good environmental policy and good energy policy go hand in hand. NO. Let consumers decide what is best. End subsidies to Ethanol, wind and solar power.

Our present immigration policy does little to stop the flow of illegal aliens into our country which presents a national security concern and strains our already overloaded welfare system. I would build a fence along our southern border to discourage illegal entry. I would take appropriate action concerning illegal aliens presently in this country. I would eliminate country immigration quotas and encourage the best and brightest from around the world to apply for citizenship. Our immigration system is broken. This country was built on the hard work of immigrants and we should continue to ensure that the American dream is still available to those who work hard and play by the rules. Our current system is not accomplishing this ideal, nor is it working for our economy. We need comprehensive immigration reform, which secures our borders, allows people to enter the country legally, assures a supply of skilled workers, and promotes family reunification. Do not provide incentives for people to violate our laws. Bring our troops home to secure our borders instead of the borders of foreign countries.

To reduce the current level of hyper-partisanship in Congress, I would look for opportunities to compromise on legislation without compromising my core principles of limited government, free enterprise and self reliance. I would search for people on the other side of the aisle who have a reputation for working with those with whom they disagree and seek to find common areas of agreement from which to forge compromises acceptable to both sides. I am deeply disappointed by the unwillingness of members of all parties to come together for the common good. There was a time when Republicans and Democrats worked well together. Members of both parties came to the table ready to work, debate and negotiate. This partisan viciousness needs to stop. I will continue to call on my colleagues in both parties and the Administration to put the interests of this great nation before partisan political interests. Reducing spending will reduce the partisanship. Both of the old parties are fighting for more power and money for their supporters. Instead of fighting over more Warefare or more Welfare I would advocate MORE FREEDOM

Priority number one is creating jobs. To promote hiring, I would make permanent the Bush tax rate cuts, cut the corporate tax rate, freeze new regulations and repeal Obamacare. Other priorities include (i) reform the tax code by reducing its complexity, broadening the base and reducing marginal rates for individuals and corporations; (ii) rebuild our national security structure; (iii) promote affordable health care; (iv) develop our natural resources; and (v) reform immigration laws. Our economic recovery continues to be my top priority. We have to recruit new industries aggressively and do more to ensure that all those that want jobs can find jobs. The Big Three are all running profits again, auto sales are poised for a second straight year of growth in 2012 but we all have to work across the aisle to pass an infrastructure package, get people the training they need for new economy jobs, and continue to support federal and state investment that will create new businesses. Put the Federal Government on a strict diet. I would support and work for a Balanced Budget amendment.

I support a national energy plan. Such a plan should support the research and development of low-carbon renewable energy sources, provide loan guarantees and other assistance to help the auto industry produce fuel efficient vehicles, and make investments in updating our aging national power grid.

I support comprehensive immigration reform that secures our borders and provides a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. I am also a strong supporter of the Dream Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for young adults who were raised in the United States.

I believe we can decrease hyper-partisanship in Congress by actively working across party lines on issues of common interest and by decreasing the influence of money in campaigns. The pressure to constantly campaign often prevents Members from building personal relationships with members of the other party.

My legislative priorities include creating a national jobs plan, strengthening our manufacturing sector, protecting the civil rights of all Americans, and improving access to healthcare. I have introduced legislation that addresses each of these issues. I also support the Presidents jobs bill and will defend efforts to undermine his landmark reforms to Wall Street and our health care system.

Yes. We need a national energy policy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and harmful greenhouse gas emissions. That is why I voted for the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which would have required utilities to meet 20% of their customers energy needs through renewable sources, incentivized the domestic production of new green technologies, required a 17% reduction in harmful greenhouse gases, and provided for the modernization of our electrical grid.

We need comprehensive immigration reform that will enforce the law, secure our borders, hold businesses accountable for exploiting undocumented workers, and allow undocumented immigrants to come out of the shadows and start paying taxes. We should also address visa backlogs and allow small businesses to hire the skilled workers needed to grow and create more jobs. We also need to pass the DREAM Act, which would allow those who came to the U.S. as children to earn a chance to stay here legally.

I have a strong record of bipartisanship and experience building bipartisan coalitions on important issues, such as housing, small business lending, and support for the auto industry. I am a member of a bipartisan working group that gives Members opportunities to meet, discuss issues, and find common ground and new ideas for collaboration. While I will never be afraid to fight for my principles, I will continue to prioritize practical problem solving above empty posturing and reflexive attacks.

Creating good paying jobs by helping small businesses and entrepreneurs get access to the help they need to grow and expand. Protecting the social safety net and critical programs that protect our most vulnerable like Social Security, Medicaid, S-CHIP, and Medicare. Making necessary investments to grow our economy in a fair way by replacing aging infrastructure and investing in an education system that allows all of our citizens to reach their full potential.

24 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE

United States Representative


Two-Year Term Vote for One (1)
U.S. Representatives share the responsibility with Senators for enactment of the nations laws as provided in the U.S. Constitution. Laws that require payment of taxes are initiated in the House of Representatives. A Representative must be at least 25 years of age and a U.S. Citizen for at least 7 years. Michigan has 14 Congressional districts as of 2013.

Questions (500 characters each):


QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2

FEDERAL BUDGET:
How will you address the federal deficit?

HEALTH CARE:
What is your position on affordable health care for all?

DISTRICT 14 (continued)
www.LeonardSchwartz.us Occupation / Current Position: retired professor of law & economics Education: BA, Univ. of Chicago; MA, Johns Hopkins Univ; JD, Wayne State Univ. Law School

LEONARD SCHWARTZ, Libertarian

Making future generations pay for excessive expenditures by this generation is immoral. To reduce the deficit, we should reduce expenditures, not raise taxes. Democrats & Republicans think they can spend your money & manage your life better than you can. Libertarians arent busybodies. We dont want to spend your money or manage your life.

(1) End the war on herbal medicines, such as marijuana. Many people consider herbal medicines gifts from God or prefer herbal medicines as safer, more effective, or less expensive than synthetic drugs. Democrats & Republicans care more about drug company profits than your health or prosperity. (2) Reduce & simplify other regulations that make health care expensive but not safer.

http://www.gp.org/campaigns/occupy-america/join-us.php Occupation / Current Position: Registered Professional Engineer Education: Bachelors, Engineering Qualifications / Experience: Not owned by special interests.

DOUGLAS CAMPBELL, Green

Immediately implementing a full-employment economy and creating 25 million green jobs is much more important right now than balancing the federal budget. The economy is in persistent doldrums and theres no sign that the current path leads to recovery. This could be paid for by ending the war, scaling back our military posture, eliminating corporate welfare, subsidies & tax loopholes and enacting tax rates on millionaires & billionaires more like those of the 1950s & 1960s.

I fully support a universal single-payer health-care system like the one defined by Congressman John Conyers H.R.676, or as enacted by just about every civilized nation on Earth. Its time to stop thinking about health care as a for-profit commodity and start thinking about it as a necessary public service, like police and fire protection. Isnt there some value in knowing that the people handling your food arent carrying antibioticresistant tuberculosis?

DISTRICT 11 PARTIAL TERM


to end of 2012 Vote for One (1)
(To fill vacancy for rest of 2012 for U.S. Congressional District 11)
2003-2012 district boundaries: Oakland County: Commerce Twp, Highland Twp, Lyon Twp, Milford Twp, Northville, Novi, Novi Twp, South Lyon, Walled Lake, northwest corner of Waterford Twp, White Lake Twp, Wixom. Wayne County: Belleville, Canton Twp, Garden City, Livonia, Northville, Northville Twp, Plymouth, Plymouth Twp, Redford Twp, Van Buren Twp, Wayne, Westland.

See Response for US District 11 Full Two-Year Term

KERRY BENTIVOLIO, Republican DAVID A. CURSON, Democrat

www.cursonforcongress.com Occupation / Current Position: Executive Assistant to the Secretary Treasurer Education: attended Wastenau Community College, University of Toledo, Eastern Michigan University, University of Michigan (no degrees) Qualifications / Experience: represented working people for 39 years

Job creation - repeal legislation that incentivizes outsourcing of jobs - enhance domestic manufacturing dramatically reduce the trade deficit, particularly with China - reinstate federal money to states to assist in providing vital public services (police, fire, teachers, etc) - eliminate unfair tax loopholes for the wealthiest Americans and multinational companies

Health care costs have cripled American business, in particular small business, and has put an unfair burden on the individual citizen. Unbridled cost increases in health care continues and has created a cost shift to workers and retirees. The same services and medications in other countries cost much less. The Affordable Health Care Act needs to be fully implimented after certain inefficiencies are addressed including the reinstatement of the government option.

See Response for US District 11 Full Two-Year Term

JOHN J. TATAR, Libertarian

Did Not Respond in time for inclusion

MARC J. SOSNOWSKI, US Taxpayers

Want to know more about the state ballot issues?


The nonpartisan Citizen Research Council of Michigan has in-depth analysis of all the state proposals.

Visit election.CRCMICH.org

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MICHIGAN 2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H 25


QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4: QUESTION 5: QUESTION 6:

ENERGY:
Do we need a national energy plan? If so, summarize what should be included in it.

IMMIGRATION:
What changes, if any, do you support to immigration policy?

EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT:
What will you do to reduce the current level of hyperpartisanship in Congress?

PRIORITIES:
What are your legislative priorities and what actions will you propose regarding them?

(1) Reduce fossil fuels used by government by reducing government bureaucracies. (2) End tariffs on imported ethanol, made from sugarcane, and subsidies for domestic ethanol, made from corn. Making ethanol from sugarcane, which grows well in the tropics, is more efficient & creates less pollution. We dont need high taxes, subsidies & burdensome regulations.

Immigration policy should focus on people who are a threat to our safety or who want to sponge off our welfare system. Stop wasting taxpayer money on walls & fences that try to keep out honest people who want to contribue to our society.

Democrats & Republicans think they can spend your money & manage your life better than you can. Libertarians arent busybodies. We dont want to spend your money or manage your life. Libertarians are the only moderates, from the only middle-of-the-road party. Only Libertarians can broker compromise between Democrats & Republicans in Congress.

(1) End the war on herbal medicines, such as marijuana. (2) Reduce & simplify regulations. They are voluminous & vague; but ignorance of the law is not considered an excuse. People who mistakenly violate regulations are fined & imprisoned. Democrats & Republicans rarely keep promises to reduce or simplify regulations. Only Libertarians truly want to protect you from the goverment. (3) Let cell phone service providers charge only for calls you make, not those you receive. Reverse the Citizens United ruling End the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, withdrawing American troops, mercenaries and contractors Cut off the presidents war funding and cut the Pentagon budget by 50% Enact the Full Employment Program and directly provide 25 million green jobs in sustainable energy, mass transit, organic agriculture and clean manufacturing Make the minimum wage a living wage Withdraw from NAFTA and other free trade agreements that export American jobs and depress wages

America has needed a national energy plan since 1973 and before. First: A reduction in energy consumption across the board. America uses twice as much energy per capita as any other nation and we dont live any better for it. Second: A reduction in fossil fuel use in general and imported fossil fuel in particular. To this end, I will enact James Hansens Fee & Dividend system, with minor modifications to avoid disrupting the economy. Finally: A transition to 100% renewable energy.

Americas current immigration problems are a symptom, not the root cause. Enforce wage-hour and working condition law without inquiring about immigration status. Make it equally difficult for people and money to flow across the borders. Eliminate NAFTA and other trade policies which create economic refugees in other countries. Make birth control available for everybody who wants it.

Hyper-partisanship is largely an exaggeration and distortion by the media. When the corporate agenda comes up the bank bailout, the GM/Chrysler bailout, war funding, oil company subsidies, nuclear power subsidies, Congress functions like the proverbial well-oiled machine. That said, electing people other than Republicans and Democrats to federal office elected officials who represent We the People, not Corporate America is the first step toward unclogging Capitol Hill.

Yes, including the elimination of tax incentives to oil companies who continue to make record profits throughout the world-wide economic crisis. Oversite of the wreckless speculation of oil is needed.

Employers that hire illegal immigrants are the real criminals and should be held responcible. Those who seek a better life for themselves and their family should not be criminalized when the enforcement of current laws are at best unconsistent and loose. Employers that have jobs that American citizens will not do should document their need and a process should be developed to allow immigrants to fill those jobs. The policy should be amended to allow a fair method to obtain citizenship

Gridlock in Washington has paralyzed the government process. The Republican Party has openly said their highest priority is to make President Obama a one term president - not jobs or the economy. They have simply been obstructionists. I have been a successful negotiator for 39 years, working to create win-win situations. That is how government used to and should work.

Job creation - establishing a vibrant manufacturing base - protecting Social Security and Medicare - establishing affordable health care - eliminating unfair tax loopholes for multinational companies and the wealthies Americans - enhancing oversight of the banks and Wall Street - insuring that veterans receive the benefits and health care that they have earned and deserve

Remember to vote on November 6.

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