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LWV League of Women Voters of New York Education Foundation

Smart Voter
Erie, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans Counties, NY November 7, 2006 Election
Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues
United States Representative; District 28


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.


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?*

Answer from John E. Donnelly:

Protecting our young men and women who serve in the armed forces is paramount. The Iraqi government needs to take over their own security and we need to help them achieve that goal.

Answer from Louise M. Slaughter:

I opposed the Iraq war from the start. It has weakened our country's standing in the world and distracted us from defeating the real sources of terror. I support the immediate redeployment US troops out of Iraq, as well as the establishment of a commission to audit our failures in post-war reconstruction.


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?*

Answer from Louise M. Slaughter:

Medicare Prescription Drug plan is a bad program that has been made worse by the Administration's ineffective implementation. I opposed this legislation, and have worked to fix the doughnut hole and other shortfalls so that seniors receive drugs they need, when they need them.

Answer from John E. Donnelly:

It is important to guarantee healthcare to those in need. We need to offer access to prescription drugs. It was a difficult roll-out but with continued education, our senior citizens will be able to make the best choice for their coverage. I hope to make healthcare a comprehensive program.


3. Where do you stand on the current balance between security and civil rights?*

Answer from John E. Donnelly:

It is a balancing act. I believe that homeland security needs to focus on the vulnerable areas of our country. We have made tremendous strides since 9-11, but I am concerned that some programs may have had unintended consequences. I support the need for privacy while keeping our borders safe.

Answer from Louise M. Slaughter:

While I agree that law enforcement must have the tools necessary to protect America from another terrorist attack, we must not compromise the freedoms and principles that we seek to protect. I have consistently opposed measures that have unnecessarily infringed on civil liberties.


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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Created: January 4, 2007 09:46 PST
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