Where do you stand on the stimulus bill?

While most economists agree that spending is required in a recession, government bureaucrats are the worst people to be spending our money.  That’s why there are no jobs with this recovery.  The economy may be slowly beginning to recover but it is doing so in spite of the stimulus, not because of it.  I believed at the time the stimulus passed that it was a bad bill and would not work as promised and I believe that even more so now.  What I would have supported is a bill that puts real money in the hands of Americans to spend, not federal bureaucrats… and a bill that spent money on capital projects that would have put people to work now, not in the next two to three years.

Where do you stand on health care reform?

Although universal health care sounds great in theory, we can’t afford to do everything at once… especially when it means adding an additional trillion dollars to the deficit we are handing to our children and grandchildren.  I believe our first step should be to bring the spiraling costs of healthcare under control so the cost of healthcare does not destroy the budgets of hardworking families and retirees. 

Would you vote for higher taxes to help pay for the deficit?

President Ronald Reagan said it best:  “The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much.”  Before we even consider raising taxes we must first bring spending under control.

What spending would you cut?

I would cut the pork and wasteful earmarks.  When the Democrats took control of congress, they did so with the promise to end earmarks.  Unfortunately, they not only did not end earmarks, they took them to a whole new level. I didn't have to think twice. I signed the pledge to oppose pork barrel spending."

Where do you stand on issues such as the war/terror/military?

It is often said, yet too often forgotten:  Freedom isn’t free.  The men and women of our armed forces are the true heroes in today’s world.  Here in the 23rd district, we are more aware of that than most.  The 10th Mountain Division is doing a super job and we understand the burden this places on them and on their families. We owe all our soldiers – and their families – a tremendous debt of gratitude and we must do everything we can to support them.  The new G.I. bill is a good first step in that direction.  We must continue our work to do more for them and to do everything we can to support their families when they are deployed… … We are past the point of pointing fingers over how we got to where we are in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The question for us now is where do we go from here?  I believe we must continue to try and turn the security and governing of Iraq over to the Iraqis.  I also believe we need to continue to go after the terrorist strongholds and training bases wherever they are located.  The war against terror is not over and the terrorists’ goal remains the destruction of the United States and our way of life… We must never forget this fact.

Where do you stand on illegal immigration?

There is no question that our immigration policies are flawed.  The answer, though, is not to put up a wall and stop all immigration.  The answer is to create an easier path for immigrants to enter the United States – and to work here – while at the same time getting tough on illegal immigrants who commit crimes.

Where do you stand on the issue of Roe vs. Wade?

I am pro-life, period.

Where do you stand on the issue of Same Sex Marriage?

I was brought up to believe marriage is between a man and a woman. That's how I feel. I don't want to persecute anyone but that's what I believe. Marriage ought to stay marriage. Period.

Where do you stand on the Second Amendment?

As an NRA member, Doug believes the Second Amendment is far more vital to our nation than just protecting the recreational activities of hunters and target shooters. The Founding Fathers thought these right’s so vital to a free country that they specifically created the Bill of Rights. They did not want to leave any doubt as to what tools must be available to the lone citizen.

• The first amendment's protection of the ability to question government and assuring the capacity of citizens to communicate to one another.

• The fifth amendment's designation of property rights as the clear demarcation line between the individual and the community.
• The fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh's establishing the due process by which the judiciary and law enforcement officers must adhere to in applying the law to individuals.

But the second amendment was included to give bite to the other protections outlined in the Bill of Rights. Without it, all other amendments are nothing more than talk.

Doug Hoffman believes citizens in all states plus the District of Columbia should have a “Right to Carry” with a CCW permits, a right that is now enjoyed in over 38 states.

Doug Hoffman opposes any federal ban or registration on the types and cosmetics of rifles that law-abiding American citizens can own.

Where do you stand on Cap and Trade?

It's a terrible bill and an example of more government regulations killing businesses and job growth. It will also result in higher energy costs.

What type of tax reform do you support?

I believe that a flat tax would be fairer and simpler. It would be low cost and would be a great boost to our economy. I also signed the Americans for Tax Reform, Anti-Tax Pledge.