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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of New York State and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Iraq,
Medicare Drug,
Civil Rights
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. The American occupation in Iraq continues to be enormously costly in dollars and in lives. What is your position on how our government should proceed?*
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Answer from Nita M. Lowey:
The war was based on faulty intelligence and has been poorly executed, and corruption is rampant in the reconstruction effort. We must engage the international community in stabilizing the region and more quickly train Iraqi security forces so there is significant transition toward bringing home U.S. troops by year's end.
Answer from Richard A. Hoffman:
It is important that the US continues to work with the Iraqi's towards creating a stable and democratic government. It is also time for the military to begin turning the heavy lifting over to Iraqi security forces so that we can begin bringing our troops home.
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2. What is your impression of the roll-out of the Medicare Prescription Drug program so far, and what changes would you propose to make it better?*
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Answer from Richard A. Hoffman:
Medicare part D is a good first step. While not perfect, the program does cover millions of seniors who did not have prescription coverage. The program should be adjusted to address the needs of those who fall into the coverage gap or the "doughnut hole" as it is called.
Answer from Nita M. Lowey:
Part D has created confusion, left many seniors with inadequate coverage, and failed to bring down high drug costs. Lowey supports common-sense changes to allow negotiation for lower drug prices; reimport safe, cheaper drugs; eliminate the late enrollment penalty; and punish unscrupulous marketers of scam plans.
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3. Where do you stand on the current balance between security and civil rights?*
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Answer from Richard A. Hoffman:
We as a nation must do everything possible within the limits of the constitution to protect our nation from future terrorist attacks. I believe that the programs passed since September 11, 2001 balance security and civil rights. Partisan bickering has clouded this debate unnecessarily putting our communities at risk.
Answer from Nita M. Lowey:
We can and must balance law enforcement's needs to secure our communities with the protection of our civil liberties. Instead of pursuing secretive, unconstitutional programs, the Administration should work with Congress in a bipartisan way to preserve our constitutional rights while fighting terrorism.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
- Original answers for a published Voters Guide
were limited to 50 words and are presented as submitted. Candidates have
since been invited to supply answers of any length for the Web.
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 New York Education Foundation
