1. What is the single best thing the U.S. Congress can do to help stimulate the American economy?
2. How can Idaho achieve energy independence? Does nuclear power have a role in Idaho's economy going forward?
3. What are your views on the Second Amendment of the Constitution?
4. What is the single biggest challenge facing Idaho and how can you, as a member of Congress, help the state face this challenge?
Debbie Holmes
Age: 47
Party: Democrat
Government Experience: This is her first run for office.
Occupation: Real estate agent, adjunct lecturer in chemistry and laboratory assistant at College of Idaho and other institutions.
1. Much of the current economic crisis stems from the foreclosure crisis; solving that crisis is a priority if we're to put the economy on a steady footing. For better or for worse, the American people now have a large stake in the banking industry through the bailout. Considering this, it would be perfectly fair for Congress to legislate the renegotiation of unethical loan agreements and to institute foreclosure relief. Also, Congress needs to focus on the creation of infrastructural programs in fields such as renewable energy, which will both give us an advantage in tomorrow's energy economy and increase the number of jobs available to Americans.
2. Idaho has tremendous natural resources, which give us many options for clean energy. These include hydropower, solar, geothermal and wind power. Nuclear power must also be a key component of Idaho's energy future; the research done at the INL is not just theoretical and should be implemented in our state. However, the issue of waste needs to be resolved; I wouldn't support nuclear power in our state without a strong reprocessing program to allow waste to be re-used and increase efficiency. Fortunately, this technology is already developed and is ready to be implemented.
3. I don't see any reason that Idaho's gun laws should be changed. Idahoans have every right to hunt and to protect themselves, and I support those rights.
4. The economic crisis is the largest problem facing the next Congress. As a member of the majority, I will be able to influence job creation programs and economic recovery bills in a way that will benefit Idaho. As a Democrat coming from a conservative district, I will be able to give the 2nd District a strong voice in the congressional leadership, which Idaho lacks today.
Mike Simpson
Age: 58
Party: Republican
Government Experience: In public office since 1980. First served on the Blackfoot City Council. Then elected for seven terms to the Idaho House of Representatives, where he served as speaker of the House from 1993 until his election to the U.S. Congress.
Occupation: U.S. House of Representative from Idaho's 2nd Congressional District.
1. Stem the growth of government spending and achieve tax policies that encourage investment and job growth on a bipartisan basis. Congress and its members must find common ground on a series of reforms that put the American economy, and the federal budget, on a sustainable footing. We must stop companies from becoming "too large to fail" and refocus our efforts on growing small businesses, re-energizing the housing market and forcing government to make the tough choices about future spending. Ultimately, Congress must stop looking for Republican and Democrat solutions to our nation's challenges and start focusing instead on American solutions.
2. I believe Idaho, with its abundance of renewable and alternative energy sources can, and must, achieve energy independence. Idaho is blessed with an abundance of potential on wind, solar, geothermal, hydro and agriculture-based energy sources. I also believe, however, that nuclear must be a part of the equation moving forward if we are going to not only achieve energy independence, but reduce emissions of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. I am a strong proponent of nuclear energy and believe emerging nuclear technologies will dramatically reduce waste, improve safety and eliminate any potential for proliferation of sensitive materials.
3. I am a strong proponent of the Second Amendment.
4. I believe the strongest challenge facing Idaho is the development of a strong and diversified economy. My primary mission in assisting with this challenge is to work with local leaders across Idaho in helping them achieve their visions for their communities and regions. I have used my seat on the House Appropriations Committee to help Idaho's local leaders invest in community water and transportation infrastructure, improve the educational offerings of our state's colleges and universities, expand hi-tech businesses, diversify agricultural commodities, and attract tourists to our state's beautiful outdoor offerings. I'll aggressively continue that work if re-elected.
