League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
State of Ohio (Adams, Brown, Clermont, Pike, Hamilton, Warren, Scioto Counties) June 14, 2005 Election
	Bob McEwen Answers Questions Candidate for United States Representative; District 2; Republican Party

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Ohio and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What are your qualifications for office?

I am a native of Hillsboro, Ohio and have served as an Ohio State Representative as well as 12 years of Congressional experience. From 1980-1993 I represented six of the seven counties in our current District. While a Member of Congress I served as Special Presidential Envoy for both Presidents Reagan and Bush. I was chosen as a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence as well as the House Committee on Rules. I was a United States representative to the European Parliament from 1985 to 1993, and participated as a U.S. observer in Warsaw, Poland to the first ever parliamentary election of a non-communist leader of a Soviet bloc country. My previous experience enables me to return to Congress with the same level of seniority as retiring Congressman Rob Portman. Congressman Boehner has stated that this will be a significant benefit to the Congressional delegation from Ohio.

2. What do you see as the three most pressing issues you would address if elected? What plans do you have relative to those issues?

Protecting America:

As a returning member of Congress, I would continue my work to help secure America from foreign and domestic threats and strengthen our national security. While serving in Congress on the Select Committee on Intelligence, I introduced critical national security legislation, including the National Strategy Act, which realigned the chain of command during times of hostilities. Defense Secretary Dick Cheney and General Norman Schwarzkopf acknowledged this legislation played a major role in the success of Operation Desert Storm. In a time of continuing and complicated terrorist threats, Ohio needs the leadership and influence of an experienced representative. Should the voters of the Second District return me to Congress, I will enter the House with the same seniority and committee influence that enabled him to shape major legislation and improve the security of the United States--through a strong national defense, secure borders, and support for new democratic nations.

Cutting Taxes, Controlling Spending and Creating Job Opportunities:

Working with President Reagan, I voted to cut taxes--working to reduce the burden on families and businesses in order to spur economic growth, jobs, and prosperity. Small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit of the American people have made this country the most prosperous nation on earth, and I believe that controlling spending and reducing burdensome taxes and regulations is the key to continuing economic growth and reducing the deficit. I have never stopped working for these policies, and my record shows that the voters can trust me to continue to do so in Congress.

Promoting and Living our Traditional Values:

I have served as a steadfast pro-life legislator, with a perfect pro-life voting record both in the Ohio General Assembly and the United States Congress. While serving on the House Rules Committee, I was able to add pro-life amendments to legislation and led the fight to protect the Hyde Amendment, which prevents taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions. I will continue to protect traditional marriage and the sanctity of life, preserve our full Pledge of Allegiance, and promote and live Ohio family values.

3. How would you address the federal deficit?

I support a two-pronged approach to containing the federal deficit that requires controlled spending and lower taxes to stimulate economic growth. I support preserving President Bush's lower tax rates that have given us a growth rate twice as great as our competitor nations. As the greater revenues flow to Washington as a result of a growing economy (up 146 Billion during the first quarter of 2005) it is essential that Congress not squander those tax dollars in silly expenditures.

4. What should be the federal government's role with respect to health care?

We need to reduce regulation and reduce our reliance on third-party payment systems, and I will continue to support legislation that helps make our health care system more patient-centered. I, therefore, support President Bush's Health Savings Accounts that encourage individual choice, accountability and control in health care decisions. I will continue to work for market solutions that expand health care coverage without moving to a destructive system of centralized bureaucratic control and rationing. A major ingredient to less costly health care is continued support for the President's law suit reforms.

5. What plans do you have to promote a more balanced transportation system?

I worked successfully to securing funding and passing legislation for the construction of Ohio 32, which was completed in 1997 and has served as a vital link for business in southwestern Ohio. Route 32 and 125 require immediate upgrading and improvement. I would continue to work on expanding balanced transportation in the Second District. In particular, the completion of the Eastern Corridor is essential for safety and economic improvement of the region. Accomplishing this task quickly will require a Second District Representative with experience and seniority.Finally, my legislation provided for the last three bridges across the Ohio in over a third of a century. Such steps as well as incorporation of transportation alternatives can be a significant boost for our area.

6. In October 2005, select provisions of the USA Patriot Act are scheduled to sunset. Do you support a renewal of these provisions and/or an expansion of the Patriot Act? Why?

I support President Bush's plan to protect America's national security, including the USA Patriot Act, which helps intelligence and law enforcement officials by allowing the same tools available for tracking drug dealers and money launderers for use in the battle against those who seek to kill us and destroy our nation. I support a renewal of the Patriot Act to help law enforcement dismantle terror cells and impose stiffer sentences on terrorists. As a father with a son in the Marines, I consider our national security vital if we are to enjoy any other benefits of freedom.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Ohio Supreme Court Justice: Total words for the answer to the question may not exceed 50 words. The word limit must be observed. Words over the limit will be cut off in published information.

U.S. Senate: Total words in answer to the question may not exceed 100 words. The word limit must be observeds. Words over the limit will be cut off in published information.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: June 8, 2005 10:51
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