Answers from Miller - for real

After much hubbub, the Miller campaign has submitted answers with many apologies from campaign manager, Denise. I believe she's going to be checking the comment board throughout the day to answe any other questions. Without further ado:

1. Are you familiar with the term "peak oil"? If so, what actions do you plan to take to help us deal with the coming energy crisis?

I’ve heard the term. I think we need to have an effort comparable to developing the atomic bomb in World War II to develop alternative energy and energy efficient technologies.

2. What has your greatest challenge in Congress been over the last few years, and how do you propose to tackle those particular issues if reelected? What would you do differently?"

The greatest challenge is how the middle class can have a prosperous future. The income of the middle class has not kept up with inflation. We need to support job training programs so we can have the most skilled workforce in the world. We need to support research that will lead to new job-creating businesses.

3. Do you think the US should maintain military bases in Iraq, even after our withdrawal? If so, why do you think that is necessary. If not, will you vote against any appropriations that fund the construction of such bases?

No, I have sponsored legislation to prohibit permanent military bases in Iraq. I will vote against any appropriations that fund the construction of such bases.

4. I am interested in Congressman Miller's reading list. What has he read lately? Is there a recently published non-fiction book that he wishes everyone else would read?

Most of my recent reading has been light fiction. I just finished a pot-boiler by Stuart Woods, Iron Orchid.

5. What is Congressman Miller's approach to further informing himself and others about the economic and social developments in India and China that continue to effect jobs in NC? Does he see an upside for NC companies in the trends of outsoucing and offshoring? And if so, what are his recommendations for NC businesses to capitalize on globalization instead of just falling victim to a continued loss of jobs?

We need to have the most skilled workforce in the world. We can’t compete for low-skilled jobs in labor intensive industries. We need workers who can perform most sophisticated jobs in any industry. And, we need to stop giving American corporations tax breaks when they move jobs from the U.S.

6. Would Congressman Miller support Bush impeachment proceedings?

No, but I support oversight of the Bush Administration by Congress which the Republican Congress has not done for 6 years.

7. With the big money required to win a campaign, corporate sponsorships seem to be giving big business tremendous influence over elected officials. Is it possible for a candidate to be elected to any national position without being beholden to “the highest bidder?” Along those lines what can be done to reform campaign financing so the people know that their elected officials are the peoples’ elected officials?

We need to elect political leaders with the backbone to say “no.” We need to explore ways to limit money in campaigns that won’t be struck down by courts as unconstitutional. I am a supporter of the Democrats’ plan for “open government, honest leadership” . For more information, go to: http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/01/the_democratic.php

8. Where do you stand on the rights of gay and lesbian Americans, including gay marriage, partner benefits, and the rights of two same-sex parents to share legal custody of children? Do you support “Don’t ask, don’t tell”?

I have sponsored legislation to end “don’t ask,don’t tell.”

I otherwise think those laws should be decided by states, not the federal government as they have been for more than 200 years.