The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California and asked of all candidates for this office.

See below for questions on Federal Resources, Foreign Policy, Federal Budget

Click on a name for other candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

Answer from Mark J. Risley:

California needs a powerful Congressional Caucus that will stand up for this state and fight for what is right. California currently ranks 48th out of 50 states in money received from the Federal Government. This great state contributes more than 40 other states combined to the Federal Treasury. While Alaska receives over $600 for every man, woman and child, California receives $17. The national average is $34. Does this make sense to you? We must fight to get our fair share. California's economic troubles would be eliminated. We contribute more to the Federal Government than any other state by far and we receive very little in return. Why? Powerful Congressman from other states are robbing the Federal Treasury for their "pork" projects to get re-elected.

Answer from Joe Williams:

Vigilance and pressure from California's Congressional delegation.

Answer from Joe Williams:

Eliminate all military aid; increase humanitarian aid. Close bases abroad and bring the troops home. No more meddling in sovereign government's affairs.

Answer from Mark J. Risley:

Foreign Policy

In order to return this country to greatness, the United States must eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. Many of our problems would then disappear. We must look closely at why much of the world harbors anger towards the United States.

Regarding Iraq:

In March, a UN Security Council panel reported: "The gravity of the humanitarian situation of the Iraqi people is indisputable and cannot be overstated." The United Nations estimates that about 5000 children are dying every month. Now that we are deeply ensconced in Iraq, we must continue to eliminate the suffering of millions of vulnerable people and stay the course.

Answer from Joel R. Smolen:

I support the removal of our troop in Iraq to be replaced by regional troop and the expansion of a new Iraq army as soon as possible. I believe in a smaller but strong military that is mobile, but defensive in nature, that could support limited, but appropriate military action. A re prioritization of the military role in foreign policy to one that is decisive, but a military that is used offensively only under the most extreme of situations. I support the reduction of international aid, especially where it supports dependency and supports despotic regimes. I support enhancement of educational opportunity as a much more viable choice than "aid" as it is now defined. I support international "free trade" and view it as a national priority

Answer from Joel R. Smolen:

A balanced budget with full transparency, Including reductions in expenditures, with accompanying Income tax reduction. It is time for new, creative solutions to our taxes. I support a tax that would encourage business and would also provide for a graduated and appropriate taxes for individuals. I support a VAT tax, which does not tax housing, food, and health related items. That would allow for the disadavantaged to pay little while capturing large expenditures of the wealthy and non-paying or tax avoiding individuals. All would pay. This would allow industry to grow, creating jobs and capital. This would also reduce collection costs and would eliminate the need to file income taxes and would simplify and reduce the IRS to one of oversight and collection management only. This tax would include all residents of the United States.This tax which would be progressive, would include all our citizens and guests, and tourists. I support the elimination of income tax and a smaller IRS, which would only monitor the collection of revenue from VAT taxes. This would provide a means to collect progressive taxes from citizens based on their spending habits, and ability to buy non-essential items. I support the elimination of corporate tax and individual income tax and inheritance tax

Answer from Mark J. Risley:

Taxes

Economic upward mobility is the great American promise. From our colonial roots, through 19th century homesteading, to the success stories of the early 20th century, to the entrepreneurial revolution of the last decade, Americans have always dreamed of a better economic future.

Preserving and extending economic opportunities is the government's responsibility. The government must, however, get out of the way and let individuals, who know how to create jobs, do their work. The government forces people out of work and businesses to close their doors. Regulations imposed on individuals and businesses are so burdensome as to force many into poverty. Over taxation encourages cheating and corruption. No one benefits except the politicians themselves, who profit on the suffering of their constituents. I am in favor of a balanced budget amendment and a 30-year "mortgage plan" to eliminate the national debt. It can be done, it must be done.

The Federal Government must offer incentives to employers who create jobs and provide better worker benefits. We must stop the exodus of jobs from our country. When an employer can move jobs overseas and turn a better profit, this hurts our economy. The employer's dilemma is no longer workers' wages vs. higher profits. It's become workers wages vs. closing down. Something is wrong and needs fixing.

Answer from Joe Williams:

Increase all non-military spending, i.e., health, education, , welfare, etc. Eliminate corporate welfare and severely trim war establishment's bloated budget.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.