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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Economy,
Budget,
Energy,
Health care,
Campaign financing
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. In this time of high unemployment, what are the most important steps that should be taken to improve our nation’s economy?
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Answer from Jerry Hayden:
Reduce regulations
Tort reform
Permanent tax code
Repeal Affordable Care Act
Secure the border
Answer from Loretta Sanchez:
As your elected representative, my top priority is rebuilding Orange County's economy and creating more jobs so that people can get back to work. Congress is working effectively to reduce unemployment, currently at its lowest rate in two years. I am committed to continuing this trend, ensuring that our economy is strengthened and that all American's have the opportunity to succeed.
Through tax breaks for small businesses and improvements to our roads and highways, we're getting our economy back on track while bettering our community. For the unemployed, I'm working to ensure unemployment benefits are extended, and health care is accessible.
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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?
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Answer from Jerry Hayden:
We need a Balanced Budget Amendment. We can not continue to spend more than we bring in year after year. We need entitlement reform to ensure that Social Security and Medicare survive in the future.
National defense should be the top priority of every congress, not a political talking point. The politician need to control their spending and stop trying to buy votes with the taxpayers money.
Answer from Loretta Sanchez:
As a member of the fiscally-conservative Blue Dog Coalition, I have long fought for responsible spending, and I will continue to do so. I believe spending must be curtailed, but these cuts must be smart and targeted. We have to cut unnecessary and wasteful funding, not important investments that are helping to grow our economy and helping the private sector to innovate and create jobs. And we absolutely cannot balance the budget on the backs of our seniors, which is why I am committed to protecting vital programs like Social Security and Medicare.
As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, I understand the importance of maintaining a strong military that is prepared to achieve America's ongoing national security goals. But no strategy for deficit reduction can work without a plan to cut waste, fraud and abuse within the Defense Department budget, which comprises one third of our national budget. I recently authored an opinion editorial in Politico, laying out my thoughts on where defense spending can best be cut - http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/50284.html
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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?
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Answer from Loretta Sanchez:
California has been blessed with incredible natural resources, and it is our responsibility to preserve our beaches, bays, and national parks for future generations. The long-term health of our country and our planet depends on the investments we make today, and I am proud to support legislation will help create a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
I believe that investments in solar energy and other green technologies not only contribute positively to our environment, but that these technologies are imperative to improving our nation's current economic situation. Solar energy will provide cost cuts to struggling families by reducing energy bills as well as providing thousands of green energy jobs.
Answer from Jerry Hayden:
We were blessed as a country with an abundance of natural resources. Among those are coal, oil natural gas. These will be the major sources of energy for the foreseeable future. We should also be utilizing more nuclear power. Clean/renewable energy can and will be wonderful, and will provide a cleaner environment, but need to a) come from the private sector, not crony capitalism (Solyndra) and be economically viable on their own, not through government subsidies.
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4. What, if any, changes should be made to federal health care policies or programs?
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Answer from Jerry Hayden:
I would allow insurance companies to sell across state lines, increasing competition, thereby lowering prices. Also, companies should be able to set their own standard of coverage vs. incentives to their employees. Let the individual be more involved in their health care spending.
Answer from Loretta Sanchez:
I support the Affordable Care Act. While not perfect, it is a step in the right direction and will bring down costs for Orange County families and small businesses, expand coverage to millions of Americans, and end the worst practices of insurance companies. As the law continues to be implemented I will work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure the law is improved so that all Americans can receive quality and affordable health care.
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5. What, if any, changes should be made to federal rules on campaign financing?
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Answer from Loretta Sanchez:
I am a strong supporter of the DISCLOSE Act, because it would have dramatically increased transparency and accountability in political spending. Corporations and foreign governments should not be allowed to issue a blank check to influence the outcome of our elections. It is completely inconsistent with our democratic principles.
We can't flood our democracy with millions of dollars in political expenditures and then keep people in the dark about who is trying to influence our elections. The end goal of the DISCLOSE Act is to provide more information to the American people so they can make informed decisions- something I think people on both sides of the aisle can agree on.
Answer from Jerry Hayden:
Money will always find it's way into politics. Allow people to contribute what ever they want, but contributions must be disclosed. The current system greatly favors the incumbent.
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.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
