Campaign 2008: Questions and Answers for US Congress from NH

League of Women Voters^®
of the Upper Valley

Campaign 2008: Questions and Answers for US Congress from NH

Biography. Top 3 Challenges. Global Warming. Medical Costs. Campaign Funding.

Brief Biography [50 words or less]

Paul Hodes (D): Congressman Paul Hodes was elected in November 2006 to serve the Second Congressional District of New Hampshire and was elected president of that year's freshman class. He serves on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and the Financial Services Committee. Dedicated to constituent service, the Congressman maintains 5 district offices.
Campaign website: http://www.hodesforcongress.com
Jennifer Horn (R): no response.
Campaign website: http://www.jenniferhorn.org

1. List the top three challenges facing the US Congress. Choose one of these, and state how you would help to address this challenge. [100 words or less]

Hodes: Challenges facing Congress now

The economy
Health care
Energy

I have focused on bringing relief to working families through small business and middle class tax cuts; expanding access to affordable health care; and giving America energy independence by expanding domestic production and investing in renewable sources of energy. To help get our economy moving, we should invest in infrastructure and aid to states, provide direct help to homeowners to stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure, and provide help to programs and states that cover health care costs like SCHIP and Medicaid.
Horn: no response

2. In addition to recent measures that address greenhouse gases (ex CAFE standards) what other measures would most efficiently reduce our contribution to global climate change? Which one would you work to accomplish first (most quickly)? [100 words or less]

Hodes: I am a supporter of H.R. 6, a bill that included the first increase in CAFE standards in 32 years. I also support a Cap and Trade system for carbon emissions. I cosponsored HR 1590, the Safe Climate Act, which would also require that 20% of American electricity come from renewable sources by 2020. Energy efficiency in buildings will also decrease our energy consumption. I authored a bill to promote clean, efficient building. I am also a supporter of increasing funding for the weatherization assistance program, to make homes more efficient and so that working families can save money.
Horn: no response

3. What should be done at the national level, if anything, to reduce the high cost of medical care? [100 words or less]

Hodes: This country is facing a health care crisis. Often, simple and relatively inexpensive fixes can reduce cost. Researchers found that using a simple checklist in intensive care units can reduce Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI's). Investment in preventive care reduces cost in the system by helping to avoid far more costly emergent care. Investing in community based clinics, as I have helped to do in New Hampshire, can reduce the number of expensive emergency room visits. These are common-sense solutions that can be implemented relatively quickly.
Horn: no response

4. Please explain why you do or do not support setting spending limits for political campaigns and providing public funding for all candidates who agree to take no private contributions. [100 words or less]

Hodes: I support a system of public financing because it represents a good investment in our democracy. The current public financing system for presidential campaigns is clearly not functioning, and must be overhauled. The best solution would be a well-balanced system of public financing coupled with free air time for candidates and strong controls to ensure that public funding only goes to legitimate candidates.
Horn: no response

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