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Kirsten Gillibrand (Democrat, Working Party)

Click to go back to Two Way Race for NY 20^th Congress District

1. With public perception of our government and Congress waning, what would you do to restore the confidence of the people that their officials truly are working for the best interests of their constituents, not for the interests of Party or big business? Americans deserve leaders they can trust and who will stand up for the majority of this country -- working families, not just the powerful. In March I proposed a comprehensive ethics plan that will reduce the grip of corporate lobbies on Congress by enforcing accountability and transparency. My plan calls for banning trips and gifts from lobbyists, closing the revolving door between lobbyists and lawmakers and their staff, establishing an independent ethics commission to investigate allegations of Congressional corruption, and disclosing any meetings with lobbyists. With these provisions, Congress will be able to do what President Bush and Congressman Sweeney have failed at: restoring the public’s confidence in government.

Challenger Kirsten Gillibrand

2. Rising costs for education, health insurance, and fuel are straining the ability of middle class families to make ends meet, even if both spouses work. As Congressman what, if anything, would you do to help working families that are struggling to get by?

When elected to Congress, I plan on cutting middle class taxes by ending the Alternate Minimum Tax (AMT) for the middle class, providing tax deductions of up to $10,000 for college tuition, investigating oil companies for market manipulation, and investing in alternative sources of energy in order to decrease our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. With regard to healthcare, I would offer more competition into the current system by allowing businesses, families and individuals to buy in to Medicare as a low cost option. I would also invest in infrastructure so patients could have medical information on a credit card to be updated electronically.

3. What is your position regarding the balance of power between Federal law and State’s rights? For example, when the Federal government trumps State laws legalizing medical marijuana, gay marriage, or euthanasia?

Our Constitution and system of federalism clearly establishes that policies of the federal government that conflict with policies of state governments supersede those state policies. I firmly believe that our constitution and legal heritage demand that we respect this rule when balancing power between federal law and states rights.

4. What are the challenges facing the 20th District that are perhaps unique to the district, and how would you handle those challenges differently than your opponent?

The rising cost of health care and gas prices, in addition to concerns over job security and the Iraq War, are the biggest issues in this district. I want to reform the Medicare Prescription Drug Program and allow the government to negotiate the prices of prescription drugs so that our seniors can afford their medicines. We need a new energy policy in this country -- one that does not subsidize the oil industry at the expense of the middle class. With the government behind a new energy policy, our district can be a leader in creating alternative energy sources. I will oppose free trade agreements -- like CAFTA -- that ship jobs overseas. In addition to changing our country’s domestic priorities, we must begin a new direction in Iraq.

5. In combating the war on terror, do you believe the United States is currently following the best course of action at home and abroad? What, if anything, should the U.S. be doing differently?

Both at home and abroad, I do not believe the Bush Administration is following the best course of action to make our country safer. I disagree with John Sweeney’s decision to stand by the President in not implementing the bipartisan 9-11 Commission’s recommendations to make our nation more secure. I support the following strategy for ensuring our mission in Iraq is successful: (1) Issue an immediate declaration that the US will not maintain permanent bases in Iraq and will have no claim on Iraqi oil; (2) Put the Iraqis on notice that they must decide their own destiny and give them a defined notice period to choose peace over civil war; (3) Provide full US political and military support during this notice period and implement a comprehensive political strategy to give each sectarian group a stake in a peaceful and stable Iraq. Each group should have a stake in reconstruction contracts, oil revenues and have minority rights and veto rights; 4) Commit to moving US forces away from policing the streets of Iraq starting at the end of this notice period. Our troops should instead be focused on anti-terrorism missions, including finding Osama Bin Laden, undermining Al Qaeda and other terrorist cells, and securing Afghanistan.

6.With 3,438 Iraqis killed in July alone from sectarian violence, at what point should it be called a ‘civil war’, and what should the U.S. policy be if that happens?

Congressman Sweeney took us into war with 100% support for President Bush's policies. He took us in and left our military heroes in Iraq without a plan for success. Our military is the best in the world, but they have been tasked to referee a growing civil war between tens of millions of Iraqis. As outlined above, we should provide the Iraqis with the opportunity to choose peace over civil war by giving each sectarian group a stake in the reconstruction contracts, a stake in the oil revenues and real minority and veto rights -- then, with a real stake in their future, they will be more likely to compromise and choose peace. When that is achieved, they themselves will reject the foreign terrorists and we have a real hope for peace. We can only do this by letting them know we will not police their streets forever and their fate rests in their own willingness to come to the table and compromise.

7. In the name of National Security, is it reasonable for Americans to expect some of their civil liberties and Constitutional protections to be curtailed during this war?

Protecting the safety and security of Americans is the most important obligation of the Federal government. We can provide security, though, and still preserve a balance between security and civil liberties. For example, when originally enacted, the Patriot Act was intended to be accompanied by Congressional oversight so that the implementation did not violate our civil liberties. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration and Congress have been delinquent in the oversight of the Patriot Act, and I think it is reasonable for Americans to expect our leaders to follow the law of the land. We must restore accountability into our Congress by electing new leaders who will provide the oversight required by the law.

8. What do you see as the greatest challenge facing America, and what would you do about it?

Our greatest national challenge is our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. By making energy independence a national security priority we will (1) build our agricultural and industrial base; (2) determine that outsourcing is not inevitable by building a range of cars that gets 60 mpg in the next 10 years; (3) strengthen our economy and create jobs by being at the forefront of the new energy revolution; (4) inspire American leadership in private investment in the next generation of new technologies and energy markets. With new leaders with real vision for change, we will change the direction our Country is headed.

9. Why should the people of the 20th district choose you over all others?

Right now, our country is experiencing a true crisis in leadership. The people of the 20th district deserve real change and an honest voice in Washington. Congressman Sweeney has failed to advocate for our families. I will always put the priorities of our families first, and be responsive to the constituents rather than special interests. NY-20 constituents will know what I am working on from day one; I will ardently pursue five priorities in Congress: (1) Middle class-tax relief through property tax credits, college tuition tax deductions, home heating assistance and end the AMT for middle class families; (2) A new direction in Iraq, securer US boarders, investments in port security and stronger leadership abroad; (3) Oppose efforts to privatize social security; (4) Reform the new Medicare prescription drug program and allow our government to negotiate cheaper prescription drug prices; (5) Address rising gas prices by investigating big oil, ending oil subsidies and pursue energy independence by promoting American leadership in new energy sources and technologies. John Sweeney has left us with rising gas prices and property taxes, a war in Iraq with no plan to win, a massive debt to China and millions of manufacturing jobs lost. Politicians have to be held accountable and that means voting John Sweeney out in November.

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