Campaign 2008: Questions and Answers for US Senate from NH

League of Women Voters^®
of the Upper Valley

Campaign 2008: Questions and Answers for US Senate from NH

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

Brief Biography [50 words or less]

Jeanne Shaheen (D): no response.
Campaign website: http://www.jeanneshaheen.org
John Sununu (R): New Hampshire's Senator John E. Sununu grew up in Salem, New Hampshire and is one of eight children. At the age of 43, John has already distinguished himself as an innovative and effective legislator, bringing an extensive background in science, engineering, and small business to his work in Washington.
Campaign website: http://www.teamsununu.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]

Shaheen: no response.
Sununu: Challenges facing Congress

Strengthening the Economy
Lowering Energy Prices and our dependence on foreign oil
Making Health Care more accessible and affordable

Five years ago I proposed tough regulations on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac because I foresaw the crisis we are facing today and now those regulations are finally the law of the land. Consumers, families and small businesses across New Hampshire have been hit hard by the economic slowdown- due in part to record energy prices and soaring health care costs. That makes it even more important that we pursue a wide range of ideas, including permanent lower tax rates for New Hampshire's small businesses, a balanced energy plan and comprehensive health care reform.

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]

Shaheen: no response.
Sununu: Conservation begins with improved fuel efficiency, which I supported with the passage of the 2007 Energy Bill. We should now work to ensure that the new standard of 35 miles per gallon is implemented in the most effective way possible. Extending tax credits to homeowners and businesses who invest in wind, solar, biomass, and other clean renewable energy would encourage further use of these alternatives. I have also co-sponsored legislation to extend and strengthen these tax credits and worked to include language to encourage the use of high-performance wood pellet heating systems - an approach that supports our sustainable forest industry.

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

Shaheen: no response.
Sununu: First, allowing small businesses to band together to purchase health insurance for employees would reduce the cost of health care coverage for small businesses by strengthening purchasing power and enabling them to participate in new coverage options. Second, providing full tax deductibility for health insurance premiums paid by individuals - a tax benefit enjoyed by corporations for decades - provides greater access to health care for self-employed individuals by making health care more affordable. Thirdly, the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSA's) would provide individuals who are self-employed or work for small employers with the opportunity to contribute to HSA's.

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]

Shaheen: no response.
Sununu: I remain committed to protecting the civil liberties of all Americans and safeguarding American's basic constitutional rights, especially freedom of speech.

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