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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 Carolyn McCarthy:
This Administration must formulate an exit strategy in specific terms as soon as possible and it should be before the election. I do not favor a date specific withdrawal, but I do want our troops home as soon as possible. In the meantime, I continue to fully support our troops.
Answer from Martin W. Blessinger:
The liberation of Iraq may be costly but what is the price of inaction or failure? America and Israel's security is at stake. Our enemy is broad-based, imbedded and determined. The terrorist's goal is, at the very least, to neutralize the USA as a world power. This cannot be permitted.
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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 Carolyn McCarthy:
I opposed this law as it did not reduce prescription drug costs. Nevertheless, seniors have been paying less, which is good. I remain concerned about those who fall into the "doughnut hole" and will be forced to pay the full cost for their drugs, which is what I would correct.
Answer from Martin W. Blessinger:
Medicare part "D" has helped low income people afford their prescription drugs. One problem is the confusion it causes. Chain pharmacies might set up clinics to assist the elderly. The opportunity to choose a provider might be expanded. We can encourage combining Epic with Medicare to increase coverage.
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3. Where do you stand on the current balance between security and civil rights?*
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Answer from Martin W. Blessinger:
If there were a "real conflict" between security and civil rights, I would support our liberties. I know of no instance that would indicate any violation has occurred. It's American to be suspicious of authority, but it has to be understood that a balance between these principles must be drawn.
Answer from Carolyn McCarthy:
I strongly support civil rights for every American citizen, but we live in dangerous times and some consideration must be given to those steps needed to preserve our security and freedoms. I supported the Patriot Act, but would have preferred more sunset provisions to be included in it.
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
