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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 Dan Maffei:
I favor a smooth but quick withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. Our military leaders are best suited to determine how this should be accomplished. Our mission was long ago accomplished, and we should not continue to put our young men and women in harm's way.
Answer from James T. Walsh:
Our goal is to train Iraqi military forces and continue the hand over of their national security. We must encourage, through our military strength, Iraq's effort to cease sectarian violence and bring peace to its people. This is the way to lead to an orderly and safe withdrawal of American troops.
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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 James T. Walsh:
The prescription drug bill passed by Congress is working. Seniors are now able to afford and purchase their medications at a reasonable cost, without choosing between prescription drugs and heat or food. Like any new program, there will be changes along the way to improve the system for beneficiaries, such as the one I support to waive the late enrollment penalty. Some seniors are unaware on how to enroll in the Part D benefit and should not receive a lifetime penalty as a result.
Answer from Dan Maffei:
The complexity of the program has limited its usefulness, causing too many to make decisions under duress with no extension. I support using the government's purchasing power to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs, allowing re-importation, and allowing a Part D option direct through Medicare.
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3. Where do you stand on the current balance between security and civil rights?*
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Answer from Dan Maffei:
We seem to be failing at both. Our security has been jeopardized because the 9-11 Commission recommendations have not been fully implemented. And measures like library record searches and warrantless wiretaps erode our civil rights while doing little to ensure our security.
Answer from James T. Walsh:
Security and civil rights are not mutally exclusive. 9/11 showed us that increased security measures are needed but not at the expense of civil rights. Civil rights are the foundation of democracy. Every security measure requires serious debate and oversight for the protection of civil rights.
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
