US SENATE — INDEPENDENTS (NO PRIMARY, BUT FOR COMPARISON)
Angus King
Age: 68
Occupation:
Family status: Married
Do you believe the federal government has struck the proper balance between protecting civil liberties and providing physical security?
For a better guarantee of public safety, the post 9-11 world is one of constrained personal liberties. To determine whether a proper balance has been struck we would need to believe that the system is static. It is not. It is ever changing and requires constant vigilance and attention. There is an inherent tension between individual liberty and keeping our citizens safe. Further, in an increasingly electronic and cyber-connected world, civil liberties are also increasingly threatened. Cybersecurity will likely be the next area where civil liberties are threatened and where balance will need to be achieved.
Do you support a cap-and-trade system of greenhouse-gas limitation?
Yes. The private sector can be an engine of innovation and find efficient solutions to pressing problems. The cap and trade program for SO2 is an example of industry providing critically needed solutions.
Do you believe the federal government should do more to help students afford college?
Yes. Education, whether at a college or trade school, is one of the keys to prosperity and a higher quality of life. Federal government support for education access is an investment in the future of the country. A trained, employed work force supports economic growth. Further, support for students who want to start a business should be a priority area for a variety of entrepreneurship programs. For the first time in history, college graduates, a segment of our population that should be driving our economic recovery, is so burdened with student debt that they may not be able to start innovative businesses, or buy their first homes. This will present a very serious challenge to our economic future.
Do you believe health-insurance plans should cover contraception without co-pays?
Health insurance plans should cover contraception the same way that they cover other medications, procedures, or devices.
Will you vote to end the Bush-era tax cuts on the wealthiest Americans?
The tax structure must be reformed to close loopholes and ensure that everyone is paying their fair share – this includes the wealthiest Americans. However, the economic recovery is so fragile that it would be dangerous to end these tax cuts at the current time.
In 10 words or fewer, please express your view on Congressional compromise.
Compromise is democracy's foundation – it's a solution, not a problem.
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