League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
State of California June 5, 2012 Election
	Gail K. (Lightfoot) Lightfoot Answers Questions Candidate for United States Senator

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. In this time of high unemployment, what are the most important steps that should be taken to improve our nation’s economy?

Government needs to get out of the way so business can operate. Regulations only help the business that is already set and large enough to handle all the paperwork. Regulations set artifical 'norms' that we may or may not think are too high or too low. There are many ways for consumers to learn which businesses operate with safety for customers and the community. 'We The People' should be the bottom line on which business succeed and which ones fail not government regulations.

2. How should the federal budget deficit be addressed, now and into the future? How should budget priorities for defense and domestic programs be adjusted?

Cut spending across the board. Shift government services to Fee for Service so those services no one needs or wants are eliminated by the choices we make not government edict. Stop funding by borrowing. Save up for projects and use the money on hand wisely. The old adage 'Let the Market Decide' is not that far wrong. The market will decide because every time anyone spend money, they are influencing the market be it a government service or a loaf of bread. Right now we have no choice. Give back choice and see what survives.

3. What are your priorities with respect to our nation’s energy policy? Should there be an emphasis on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, and/or on reducing our dependence on foreign sources?

Again, Get out of the way of business. A business knows what is profitable or not and will fail if the consumer does not need or want their product. Right now Americans need and want energy they can afford. As the market shifts to more costly sources, they become more affordable and more consumers shift to them making them even less costly. IF the industry is free to drill here on U.S territory, there will be plenty of oil for Americans.

4. What, if any, changes should be made to federal health care policies or programs?

Reform Medicare and Medicaid [Medical] so that the patient decides how to spend their medical dollars. With complete freedom of choice and direct selection of service providers, competition re-enters the medical market and the consumer benefits. The reason medical costs have risen so rapidly is the patient and their family never sees the bill until after it is paid - or not - by some insurance company. There is no control on costs when you don't see the bill or think about it at all. Patients might decide to forego some of the tests and treatments if they took the time to study and evaluate the costs as well as the benefits.

5. What, if any, changes should be made to federal rules on campaign financing?

Full disclosure without artificial reporting of donors above and below set amounts. The current system is unwieldy and difficult to use and understand. A simple list of who gives how much to each candidate on their and a comparison web site is all that is needed. Individuals should be free to help any candidate as much as they wish. If voter don't like the candidate's backers, they can vote for someone else.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: June 3, 2012 23:31
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