On the Issues

Promote Economic Growth

In order for America to excel we must invest in education and in training a world class workforce equipped with skills in the latest technologies. We need to make college education affordable for middle class families, and support vocational training programs that maintain American competitiveness. Our government needs to return to fiscal discipline and a balanced budget that forms the foundation for economic growth.

Expand Access to Health Care

The American health care system offers the best care available in the world, the best trained doctors and highest quality technology. We must make that system accessible and affordable so all Americans can enjoy good medical care. We need to ensure that all Americans can see a doctor when needed - both when they are sick and for preventive care that keeps people healthy in the first place. By providing coverage for the 47 million uninsured Americans, we can bring down costs, preserve choice, and maintain the best system in the world.

Achieve Energy Independence

To protect American economic and national security we need a serious energy policy that includes investment in alternative sources of fuel. American ingenuity is showing promising results in a wide range of new fuels for vehicles and in sources of electrical power generation that are cleaner and reduce our dependence on oil imports from the Middle East. We must invest in domestic production of new energy sources and lead the world in development of technologies that will secure American jobs.

Iraq

The current administration and its allies in Congress are spending billions of dollars a week on a war in Iraq that was misguided and poorly planned. The men and women of our armed forces are doing heroic work trying to keep the peace between many factions. America can help Iraq, one of the world's largest oil producers, with development, but the Iraqi government needs to step up and spend its own oil money to fix infrastructure and produce jobs. We need to significantly reduce our military presence and focus on returning responsibility for policing Iraq to Iraqi forces.

Maintain a Strong Military

We need a strong military and that military will remain firmly rooted in Hampton Roads. We need to invest in the men and women of our Armed Forces to make sure they have the best possible equipment and appropriate training. By employing our military force wisely in support of U.S. interests and making a dedicated "surge" of support to our veterans, ensuring they get the medical care or job training they need, our military will eternally protect and defend our country.

Protecting our Environment

We must protect our environment, and Washington has not been focused on this vital issue. A change is needed and a pristine environment is vital to Hampton Roads. We all enjoy the unique natural beauty of our beaches and waterways and keeping them clean is vital to our economy.