2007 Election Guide

This year has drawn what may be unprecedented interest in electoral politics. With many of the candidates declaring their candidacy over a year in advance of the first primaries, and with over a dozen debates already held, this election cycle has cemented its status as the longest and most scrutinized in our country's history. Accordingly, the Columbia Political Union has published this voter's guide in order to provide a non- partisan overview of the candidates and the major issues that shape the 2008 Presidential race.

There are obvious limitations to the one-page profiles included in this guide. These pieces are therefore meant to provide a brief sketch of each candidate, with an eye toward outlining the central tenets of their campaign platforms as well as their respective political histories. Still, we do not claim to provide an all-encompassing look at each candidate's policy proposals or political philosophy. We strongly encourage you to seek out more information on all of the candidates and to take part in the public dialogue that is critical to the democratic process.

Included in the guide are statements written by the Executive Board of the Columbia University College Democrats and by Rebecca Dunnan, Director of Public Relations of the Columbia University College Republicans. I would like to thank the Democrats and Republicans for their contributions to this guide, and for their willingness to collaborate with the CPU.

The publication of this guide would not be possible without the skilled research and writing of the CPU Publications Deputies, Courtney Chin, Louis Fisher, Emily Holland, Aaron Liskov, Nina Monfredo, and Stephanie Riederman. I also wish to express my gratitude to the members of the CPU Executive Board for their feedback, particularly Alastair Shearman, Nick Shea, Jason Bello and Mike Tannenbaum for their invaluable assistance in putting the finishing touches on this guide. Great credit is also due to Nick for his contribution of the guide's cover art. For more information about the CPU, our Anti-Apathy week and voter registration drive, or other events, please visit our website, www.cupolitics.org.

Sincerely,

Allon Brann
Publisher
Columbia Political Union
abrann@cupolitics.org

Too much is at stake in this election for the Democratic candidates to coast through the primary season by offering platitudes, half-truths, and rosy pictures in their bids to become the next President of the United States. Each candidate owes it to the American people to offer a robust policy- oriented vision for the future of the country. In certain areas, each candidate has excelled, presenting truly thoughtful ideas for healing scabs of wounds wrought by years of Republican mismanagement. Yet each has enormous room for improvement as we draw towards the commencement of the nominating process.

Governor Richardson proposes an ambitious cap-and-trade policy to reduce 90 percent of carbon emissions by 2050. Dennis Kucinich is the only member of Congress running for President who need not apologize for shirking his Democratic principles by voting for the Iraq War or for the PATRIOT Act. Senator Biden has offered a uniquely comprehensive plan for relations with Pakistan, threatening to withdraw military aid if President Musharraf does not allow Democratic elections and conditioning future aid on serious efforts to dismantle Al Qaeda’s operations. In light of the collapse of the housing market, Senator Clinton has offered a detailed plan to rein in exploitative mortgage lending practices that hurt the middle class. Senator Dodd has led Progressives in demanding that the telecommunications industry not be granted immunity for releasing thousands of their clients’ private documents to the federal government. Senator Edwards has proposed drastically reforming the costly drug patent system by using cash prizes as a supplemental impetus for innovation rather than inefficient market and data exclusivity. Senator Obama has inserted a dose of reality into the immigration debate by suggesting that more people should be allowed to enter the country legally each year. Finally, Senator Gravel has been one of the strongest voices on marriage equality, calling for the repeal of Defense of Marriage laws and for full marriage rights for same sex couples.

Each of these individual policy approaches could greatly strengthen America, but not one candidate has yet to articulate an all-encompassing agenda which innovatively grapples with each of the aforementioned issues and many more. The Columbia University College Democrats calls on all students to think deeply and use their vote in their own state’s primary or caucus to force the candidates to offer bold visions for the future of the country.

The current presidential election is pivotal time for the Republican party. Having controlled the White House for 26 of the past 38 years, Republicans now struggle to balance ideological and empirical considerations as many fear the party will be unable to maintain the White House. Since the current administration has chosen not to endorse a candidate, the field is incredibly open. Amidst a year of controversy, one could say that the party has faced its share of obstacles. Nonetheless, the primaries represent hope for those who have become either disinterested or dissuaded by current Republican leadership.

The call for change has been answered by eight official candidates and countless supporters. Currently in the running are: Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, California Representative Duncan Hunter, Arizona Senator John McCain, Texas Representative Ron Paul, Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Colorado Representative Tom Tancredo and Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson. These candidates are social conservatives, fiscal conservatives and libertarians. Far from homogenous, they reflect a diversity of opinions and positions on current issues. Not surprisingly, immigration and the War in Iraq remain salient for Republican candidates and voters alike. Most Republican candidates support the Bush tax cuts of the past few years and essentially all candidates oppose same-sex marriage. Moreover, immigration, Health Care and Social Security reforms and proposals are the most contested amongst the Republican candidates, and one would be hard pressed to find two candidates agreeing on the best solutions.

Despite major front-runners, the obvious nominee has not emerged. With the New York primary on February 5th, there are still many ways to get involved: join mailing lists for candidates, volunteer for campaigns or the RNC or even make donations to your favorite candidate! In one of the first primaries our age group is old enough to influence, we must seize the opportunity to play a role in the election of a nominee who will represent the Republican party of the future. In his 2007 State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush stated: “the rite of custom brings us together at a defining hour––when decisions are hard and courage is needed”. No statement better characterizes the importance of the upcoming primaries for both parties. Undoubtedly, with a diverse field and such tough decisions at hand, this election will affect the composition of the Republican Party for years to come.

Joe Biden | Hillary Clinton | Chris Dodd | John Edwards | Mike Gravel | Dennis Kucinich | Barack Obama | Bill Richardson

Joe Biden was born in 1942 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Since 1973 he has served as a U.S. Senator from Delaware.1 At the time of his election, he was the fifth youngest senator in U.S. history at age 30. In the Senate, Biden chairs the Foreign Relations Committee and formerly chaired the Judiciary Committee.2

Biden’s strategy for the Iraq War is the primary focus of his campaign. The Senator suggests the creation of a federalized government in Iraq that would be responsible for tending to the shared concerns, including border security and oil, of the Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds. He suggests a regionalized government based on the success of such a model in Bosnia. Biden also calls for an international conference to reinforce the equal appropriation of power among Iraqi factions, supervised by a Contact Group of major powers. He advocates withdrawal of the majority of U.S. troops from Iraq by 2008, with a small contingent remaining to enforce this new political arrangement. Senator Biden also calls on other countries, particularly Iraq’s oil-rich neighbors, to help fund the reconstruction of the country and the creation of a jobs program to provide Iraqi youths with an alternative to joining militias.3

Biden’s healthcare policy begins with insuring all children by allowing families to buy into the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Biden aims to insure more adults by giving them access to insurance based on the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan, and, for those ages 55-63, to Medicare. He also seeks to increase federal coverage of catastrophic illness, and to increase preventative and modernizing measures in the health insurance industry.4

Under Biden’s fiscal policy, tax cuts for those whose income exceeds $1 million would be eliminated, as would tax breaks for investment on dividends. Biden argues that many critical programs could be expanding by ending the Iraq War, including alternative energy research and college tuition reductions. To reform public education, Biden advocates establishing a sixteen-year school system and increasing teacher salaries, among other measures.5

Most criticism of Biden has centered on perceived gaffes that he has made, notably his characterization of Sen. Barack Obama as the first “articulate and bright and clean” African-American to run for President.6

Hillary Rodham Clinton, the junior U.S. Senator from New York, n in Chicago in 1947.7 She attended Wellesley College and Yale Law School, after which she worked for the Children’s Defense Fund. As the wife of President Bill Clinton, she was the First Lady of Arkansas and later the First Lady of the United States. She was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000.8

While campaigning for President, Clinton has promised to begin withdrawing American troops from Iraq and to use diplomacy as a tool to bring stability to the region. She has claimed that by basing foreign policy on bipartisan consensus, as President, she will be able to improve the reputation of the United States worldwide.9

On September 17th, Clinton released a plan to restructure the American healthcare system that would provide universal coverage to all American citizens.10 Clinton had previously developed a universal healthcare plan while First Lady of the United States. This plan was widely criticized and ultimately rejected. Her most recent plan, the American Health Care Choices Program, promises to provide Americans with a choice between their current health insurance provider and an affordable, government-provided option. All Americans would be required to purchase insurance. Clinton has argued that her plan provides veterans with better access to health care, and that her tax credits to small businesses help employers offer more affordable health care to their employees.

Clinton has articulated several environmental goals aimed at reducing energy dependence and fighting global warming. Specifically, she has said she wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent of 1990 levels and increase environmental standards for auto manufacturers.11

In the past, Clinton’s politics have focused on a number of other historically liberal issues. She has pushed for more resources to provide relief in Darfur and has expressed a desire to form an international coalition to fight global problems such as AIDS, poverty, and terrorism.12 On the topic of women’s rights, Clinton has promised to ensure that women receive equivalent compensation to men and has opposed any limitations on the legal protection of abortion established by Roe v. Wade.13

Recently, Sen. Clinton was attacked by her Democratic opponents for her vote to label Iran’s Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization; Senator Obama suggested that the vote could repeat the mistakes made in the run-up to the Iraq War.14 Clinton has also faced charges of inconsistency on a variety of issues, most recently regarding her position on granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.15

The son of a long-serving senator, Chris Dodd was born in 1944 in Willimantic, Connecticut. After brief work in the Peace Corps, the U.S Army Reserves, and a private law practice, Dodd served Connecticut’s second district for three terms in the House of Representatives. In 1980, Dodd successfully ran for the U.S Senate where he is currently serving his fifth term.16

Dodd seeks to end the war in Iraq “safely and responsibly.” Specifically, Dodd advocates redeploying troops out of Iraq within 120 days of his inauguration and completing redeployment by April 30, 2008. However, Dodd proposes maintaining a minimal U.S presence to equip Iraqi forces and to conduct counter-terrorism operations.17 Moreover, Dodd plans to renew alliances in the region on the basis of a shared commitment to defeating Al-Qaeda.

Dodd has also emphasized what he sees as the need to restore the Constitution, outlining a plan to do so that primarily focuses on the detention and prosecution of military detainees from the War on Terror. Dodd’s plan would guarantee the right to trial and legal representation for all accused terrorists and would outlaw the use of torture in interrogations.18 Dodd also opposes the granting of retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that cooperated with the Bush Administration in conducting warrant-less surveillance of American citizens.19

To make healthcare more affordable, Dodd proposes the creation of a “Universal Healthmart” that would extend the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan to Americans lacking coverage. Contributions from employers and individuals, scaled according to their ability to pay, would finance the program.20 Dodd is unique among the candidates for his advocacy of increased commitment to national service. His American Community Initiative would mandate community service as a requirement for high school graduation, give the Corporation for National Service cabinet-level status, and double the size of the Peace Corps.21 Additionally, Dodd’s energy policy proposes 80% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 by signing on to an international cap-and-trade system and a Carbon Tax on corporate energy consumption.22

Though Dodd’s campaign has mostly avoided attacks from competing candidates––largely a consequence of his lesser showings in polls—he has been criticized for his campaign’s reliance on corporate and financial industry support. Critics have expressed concern over a possible conflict of interest, given Dodd’s responsibilities to regulate such industries as chair of the Senate’s Banking Committee.23

John Edwards was born in 1954 in Seneca, South Carolina. A trial lawyer, Edwards served one term as a United States senator from North Carolina. Edwards ran unsuccessfully for the vice-presidency alongside Senator John Kerry (D-Mass) in 2004, after which he directed the Center on Poverty, Work, and Opportunity at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.24

Edwards’ stated top priority is reforming the healthcare system in the United States; he has outlined a plan to insure all Americans by 2012. Edwards proposes to do so by expanding the role of businesses in providing health insurance to their employees, creating regional Health Care Markets (non-profit purchasing pools that provide a choice of competing insurance plans), and using the power of government to reduce costs. Further, he proposes the creation of a new tax credit that would subsidize insurance purchased through the Health Care Markets coupled with expansion of Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).25

With regards to immigration policy, Edwards has championed a “clear road map to legalization and citizenship for undocumented immigrants.26 Edwards has a pro-choice voting record and favors government funding of stem cell research.27 He has also introduced a plan to reduce American dependence on foreign oil and combat global warming by enacting a greenhouse gas emission cap-and-trade system and a new world climate treaty.28

Although Edwards voted in favor of the Iraq War Resolution in Congress, he has publicly apologized for what he now feels was a poor decision, attributable to “deeply flawed intelligence...manipulated to fit a political agenda.”29 Edwards currently supports the immediate removal of 40,000 to 50,000 troops from Iraq, to be followed by a complete withdrawal within nine to ten months. He has espoused strong support for the supplemental spending bill, passed by Congress but vetoed by President Bush, which funds the troops under a withdrawal timetable.30 He also calls for expanding U.S. diplomatic relations with nations such as Iran and Syria in order to resolve sectarian violence and political stalemate in Iraq.

Edwards has been criticized for the apparent contradiction between his Populist rhetoric and his luxurious lifestyle, including a $6 million estate outside Chapel Hill.31 Other critics have faulted Edwards’ plan for ending poverty in 30 years for its unrealistic idealism. Jeffrey Kling, an economist from the Brookings Institute, proclaimed, “The Edwards proposal is a good idea, but I don't think it's likely to accomplish the primary aim he intends.”32

Mike Gravel was born in 1930 in Springfield, Massachusetts.33 Gravel served as a Special Agent in the United States Army Counter Intelligence Corps from 1951-1954, leaving the service to attend Columbia University, where he earned a BA in economics.34 After graduating, Gravel moved to Alaska, which he represented in the U.S. House from 1963-1966 and then in the Senate from 1969-1981. In addition to working as a member of Congress, Gravel has also worked as a New York City cab driver, brakeman on the Alaska railroad and as a Wall Street clerk.35

Senator Gravel advocates an immediate withdrawal of all US troops from Iraq, proposing to accomplish this within 120 days.36 Gravel asserts that “aggressive diplomacy” should be the next stage in ending the conflict in Iraq and has opposed military involvement there since the spring of 2002.37 Arguing that the U.S. has undercut the power and legitimacy of the United Nations, Gravel suggests that we take the lead in developing a stand- by peacekeeping force to strengthen the U.N.’s ability to resolve conflicts.38

Gravel proposes a universal healthcare system without exception, paid for with a retail sales tax.39 Gravel suggests a plan in which government vouchers would allow citizens to sign up for a choice of plans and/or a Medicare based program.40 While asserting that equal access to health insurance, family planning and sex and contraceptive education would reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies and abortion, Gravel supports a woman’s ability to have an abortion without government interference.41 Further, Gravel supports same-sex marriage and strongly opposes as unconstitutional the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy of the U.S. military.42

Many critics question Gravel’s electability.43 His public profile remains low and he has so far lacked the fund-raising capabilities needed to raise it significantly. As a result, Gravel was ineligible to participate in the October 30 debate, further impeding his ability to seek exposure among the electorate.44

Dennis Kucinich was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1946 and was educated at Case Western Reserve University. In 1977, he was elected the mayor of Cleveland at age 31, the youngest ever mayor of a major American city.45 He is currently serving his sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he chairs the Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.46 He previously ran for the democratic nomination for President in 2004.47

Kucinich is an outspoken critic of the War in Iraq and is the only presidential candidate to have consistently voted against its authorization as well as its funding.48 He was also the only congressman to oppose the September 11th Commemoration Resolution, stating that the resolution failed to reference the “lies that took us into Iraq.”49 He supports multilateral disarmament, to be accomplished through U.S. nuclear weapons reductions followed by pressuring other countries to do the same.50 He also introduced impeachment articles against Vice President Dick Cheney in April of 2007 on the charge of manipulating intelligence reports to justify war in Iraq. 51

Domestically, Kucinich considers himself a champion of the middle class. He plans to increase tax refunds and credits for middle class families, provide universal education to all children from preschool through college, as well as withdraw from organizations like NAFTA and the WTO to increase American employment opportunities. He also worked with Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) to create HR 676––a plan for a universal, single-payer, non-profit health care system.52 He criticizes leading Democrats for claiming to support universal healthcare while still accepting large campaign contributions from the pharmaceutical industry, health professionals, and tobacco companies.53

Kucinich recently made headlines for questioning President Bush’s mental health, highlighting the President’s statement that Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear program could cause World War III. Republican National Committee spokesman Dan Ronayne called his remarks “absurd and irresponsible.”54 Kucinich is also frequently criticized for being too “idealistic” and unwilling to compromise, especially when it comes to health care and domestic reforms for the middle class.55 His own party has also been reluctant to support him because he is considered too liberal by the mainstream.47

Barack Obama was born in Hawaii in 1961. After earning undergraduate and law degrees from Columbia and Harvard, respectively, and working for a church association to address urban poverty in Chicago, Obama entered political life in the Illinois State Senate. In the keynote speech to the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Obama asserted the need for greater unity in American politics, thereby garnering fame within his party as well as national attention. That same year, he was elected to the U.S. Senate.56

Obama frames his campaign as a struggle against a broken political system. In announcing his intent to run, he asserted the need to build consensus to tackle big problems and end the distractions of the “petty and trivial” in politics.57 On Iraq, Obama points to his consistent opposition to the war dating back to 2003. He seeks to immediately withdraw two brigades of American troops every month, and proposes diplomatic engagement with Iraq’s neighbors as well as an Iraqi constitutional convention to address tensions between Iraq’s political factions.58

To improve healthcare, Obama seeks to create both a National Health Plan offering benefits currently available to federal employees and a National Health Insurance Exchange to enforce standards for private insurance programs that will remain available for those opting out of the public plan.59 Although this plan is intended to ensure near-universal coverage, it would not mandate health insurance for all Americans.60 Obama also aims to address poverty through a transitional jobs program geared to those who cannot find steady work and a Disconnected Youth Service Corps that would give work in environmental service to disadvantaged youth.61 This program, a “cap-and-trade” carbon system, and investments in new forms of energy form the core of Obama’s plan to reduce carbon emissions by 80 percent before 2050.62

On social issues, Obama supports civil unions rather than marriage for same sex couples. Further, he supports increasing funding for embryonic stem cell research and supports a woman’s choice to have an abortion.63 Obama’s critics focus on his lack of experience in national politics and argue that his candidacy is fueled more by star power than by substance in policy. Detractors also charge that Obama’s foreign policy lacks nuance. Rival candidate Hillary Clinton called Obama’s promise to unconditionally talk with leaders from hostile nations “naïve.”64 He was attacked on similar grounds for his commitment to use force against elements of Al Qaeda inside Pakistan, even without that government’s approval.65

Bill Richardson was born in California in 1947 and attended Tufts University. In 1982, Richardson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he represented New Mexico for seven terms. Under President Clinton, Richardson served as Ambassador to the United Nations as well as Secretary of Energy. In 2003 he was elected Governor of New Mexico. 66 Richardson is also the first Hispanic candidate to seek the Democratic nomination for President.67

Richardson consistently emphasizes the need to strengthen American diplomacy around the world. He advocates the total withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq by 2009 and a focus on easing tensions with Iran and North Korea. Richardson’s foreign policy would also seek to restore respect for America, and to commit America to multilateralism through institutions such as the Geneva Convention and the International Criminal Court. Richardson also supports United Nations reform, specifically the expansion of the Security Council.68 Moreover, Richardson believes that by setting a good example in combating climate change—cutting greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2050–America can influence other countries such as China and India to reduce their fossil fuel consumption.69

Asserting that all Americans have a fundamental right to health care, Richardson proposes to achieve universal coverage by offering Congress’s own healthcare plan to the public, and expanding both Medicare and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).70 To lower healthcare costs, Richardson would use the power of the federal government (through Medicare) to negotiate prescription drug prices and would expand health insurance tax credits to families and small businesses.71

Richardson views most contentious social issues as civil liberties issues. He supports legalized abortion as well as increased civil rights for homosexuals, including domestic partnerships for gay couples—although not marriage, enactment of sexual orientation hate crimes statutes,72 and a repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy.73 Further, Richardson contends that America should reclaim its status as a human rights leader by ending the use of torture in interrogations.74

Critics of Governor Richardson’s administration in New Mexico cite the state’s consistently low rankings in health insurance coverage, particularly for low-income families. Although Richardson did propose specific reforms of the state health care system, these critics say he did so too late, in part owing to perceived reluctance to confront the health insurance industry.75

Rudolph “Rudy” Giuliani was born in 1944 in Brooklyn, New York. In 1968, he graduated from New York University Law School, and in 1983, he was appointed US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. From 1994 to 2001, he was the Mayor of New York City. During that time, Giuliani was particularly hailed for the reduction of city crime rates, as well as for his leadership in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks.76

Giuliani’s platform consists of 12 Commitments, which mainly concern domestic issues. He strongly emphasizes the importance of fiscal discipline and seeks to restore accountability to Washington by eliminating anonymous earmarks and concealed budgeting.77 He also supports cutting wasteful spending by requiring federal programs to be evaluated for efficiency.78 With regards to social issues, Giuliani is often viewed as less conservative than others in his party. He does not believe illegal immigration is a crime,79 but supports the deportation of illegal immigrants as well as the building of a border fence and the maintenance of 20,000 Border Patrol agents.80 He supports gay rights and domestic partnerships–though not marriage–as well as a woman’s right to choose, but wants to decrease abortions by encouraging adoption.81

With regards to foreign policy, Giuliani believes that winning the War on Terror is “the great responsibility of our generation,” and that the U.S. must remain in Iraq until an “accountable Iraq” is built. He believes that the President should have the right to use aggressive questioning in dealing with prisoners of war and convicts, and does not exclude certain enhanced interrogation techniques as torture.82

Giuliani’s critics attack him on what is purported to be his strongest issue: his handling of the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath. Some charge that he was unprepared for the attacks, failed to coordinate the police and fire departments, failed to protect workers at Ground Zero and used the attacks for political gain. Many conservative Republicans consider him too liberal, especially with regards to abortion and gay rights.83 Further, some have questioned his ties to the law firm, Bracewell & Giuliani, which aggressively lobbies for several unpopular causes, such as coal-fired power plants, known to heavily emit pollutants and carbon dioxide84, and Citgo, the Venezuelan state petroleum company.85

Mike Huckabee was born in Hope, Arkansas in 1955. He entered public life as president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention and served as the Governor of Arkansas from 1996-2007. As Governor, he famously lost 110 pounds and subsequently worked to increase awareness of diabetes and other health issues.86

Huckabee characterizes himself as a “catch-all” conservative who can fill the void left by other GOP candidates.87 Huckabee often emphasizes the importance of religion in his campaign. He supports constitutional amendments to uphold the “right to life” and to limit marriage to a union between man and woman and seeks to reverse the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion. He also casts environmental issues in a religious light, basing alternative energy goals on the need to be a “good steward of the earth.”

Emphasizing the importance of what he calls “national health,” Huckabee proposes focusing on preventative measures to combat chronic disease, which drives healthcare costs up.88 He supports helping assisting states in developing cheaper market solutions for healthcare. Huckabee also seeks to eliminate the current tax system and replace it with the FairTax, a flat consumption tax.89 With regards to education, he advocates allowing parents to choose between public, private, and charter schools for their children, and strongly encourages arts education.90 Believing that the right to bear arms is an essential deterrent to violent crime, Huckabee has declared his opposition to limitations of that right.91

Huckabee considers the War in Iraq part of the broader “generational, ideological war on terror,” and opposes any withdrawal of troops that conflicts with advice from military leaders.92 On the subject of diplomacy, Huckabee seeks to involve Iraq’s neighbors in the effort to achieve regional stability. He also supports United Nations reform, worrying that the institution acts contrary to United States interests,93 and stresses that achieving energy independence would help strengthen our foreign policy goals.94

Huckabee’s critics focus on his record as governor, claiming particular negligence on immigration. They charge that he cooperated with big businesses and the Mexican government in their attempts to lure illegal immigrants into the state to take low paying jobs.95 Huckabee defends his position opposing deportation, believing that the economic contributions of illegal immigrants should be acknowledged, but he also opposes amnesty and supports the construction of a fence to secure the border.96

Duncan Hunter was born in Riverside, California in 1948. After attending the University of Montana and later the University of California at Santa Barbara, Hunter served in the army during the Vietnam War and attended the Western State University College of Law. He was first elected to Congress in 1980, where he has served as both chair and ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee.97

A self-described fiscal conservative, Hunter believes that an “over- taxing government” is the biggest contributor to poverty in this country. Accordingly, he supports simplifying the American tax code and increasing tax breaks to support job creation and investment. He further supports limiting the budget and power of the federal government by cutting funding to programs such as the National Endowment for the Arts and leaving more responsibility for public education to the states.98 In addition, earlier this year, in response to Columbia’s hosting of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Hunter proposed a bill in Congress that would remove all federal funding for the University.99

On social issues, Hunter proposes constitutional amendments abolishing abortion and defining marriage as solely between a man and a woman. He also opposes federal funding for programs that use embryonic stem cells for scientific research.100

As a representative of a border district, Hunter has consistently emphasized the need to increase border security and reform the immigration system. He authored the Secure Fence Act of 2006, calling for the construction of 854 miles of fencing,101 and has criticized the Bush administration for acting too slowly on border enforcement. Hunter strongly opposes any measures to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants already in the country, instead favoring their deportation. While some critics have charged that this position is unrealistic, Hunter maintains that to allow illegal immigrants to stay in the U.S. would be unfair to American citizens who are economically harmed by their presence.102

With respect to foreign policy, Hunter espouses “peace through strength,” and supports the U.S. efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan not only for their perceived benefit to our national security, but also for their promotion of democracy and religious freedom.103 Hunter also believes that the U.S. should adopt a more confrontational diplomacy towards China with respect to trade and human rights, and opposes free trade agreements such as NAFTA and CAFTA.104

John McCain was born in the Panama canal zone 1936. He is a Vietnam War veteran who was famously held prisoner in the “Hanoi Hilton” from 1967-1973. After earning various military honors for his service, McCain was elected to the House of Representatives in 1983, and since 1987 has served as a Senator from Arizona. He was a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000.105

A committed fiscal conservative, McCain frequently condemns the wasteful pork barrel spending of his colleagues and seeks to eliminate it by making the government’s allocation of funds more transparent to the public. Though he supports low marginal tax rates, McCain feels that tax cuts are only effective in conjunction with a policy of restrained government spending.106 McCain advocates an expansionist economic policy, which seeks to open new markets to American entrepreneurship,107 and he has consistently supported the interests of small businesses in the Senate.108

McCain’s healthcare strategy is to cut costs by encouraging more competition between insurance providers. He also favors tort reform––the elimination of unnecessary lawsuits and excess damage awards—in order to lower insurance premiums. McCain also emphasizes the need to combat American obesity and high blood pressure through preventative measures.

McCain is a social conservative with regards to abortion,109 but has been criticized by other Republicans for his stance on gay marriage. Rival candidate Mitt Romney called McCain “disingenuous” because McCain doesn’t support an amendment to ban gay marriage and prefers to leave the decision up to the states.110

According to McCain, the attacks on 9/11 resulted from our failure to respond to a global terror network hostile to the U.S.111 He backs the continued presence of troops in Iraq, and feels that failure there will endanger America for generations to come. McCain also hopes to increase the number of troops on the ground in Iraq, as well as to increase the size of the military overall.112 Furthermore, he believes that putting international pressure on Syria and Iran are necessary for success in Iraq.113 McCain infamously walked through a Baghdad market in April 2007, wearing a bulletproof vest and surrounded by a hundred bodyguards, to prove that the security plan for the city is working.114

Ron Paul is a retired obstetrician-gynecologist who has served as a U.S. Representative from Lake Jackson, Texas since 1996. He previously represented the 22nd district of Texas in the House from 1976-1977 and from 1979-1985, and received the Libertarian Party’s nomination for President in 1988.115

Paul earned the nickname “Dr. No” for his habit of voting against any motion he views as a federal government overreach or an interference with the free market economy. He says he prefers ending the income tax entirely, but realistically envisions a large enough cut in government spending to lower the income tax rate to two percent. Paul opposes government agencies like the CIA, distrusts the Federal Reserve, and favors the reinstatement of the gold standard.116

Paul believes individuals should be more responsible for their own healthcare choices and opposes legislation to increase the legal power of the FDA—an organization he feels has failed to protect the public from dangerous food and drugs. Paul adamantly challenged Section 304 of the Homeland Security Bill, which authorizes the forced vaccination of American citizens against smallpox; he believes that Americans will acquire necessary vaccinations by their own initiative.

Paul disappointed many in the Republican Party by not supporting a federal ban on same-sex marriage, which he believes is an issue better left up to the states. Paul, reasoning that Congressional medals are an unconstitutional use of taxpayer money, voted against a motion to award such medals to Pope John Paul II, Ronald Reagan, and Rosa Parks. Paul also objected to Congress’ decision to send billions of dollars to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, questioning: "Is bailing out people that chose to live on the coastline a proper function of the federal government?"117

Citing the Founding Fathers’ aversion to international entanglements, Paul voted against the War in Iraq, and wants the U.S. to withdraw from the United Nations and NATO.118 In a Republican primary debate, Paul claimed that U.S. foreign policy was a “major contributing factor” to the attacks of 9/11. He added that “We don’t understand the irrationality of Middle Eastern politics” and suggested that we should “listen to the people who attacked us and the reason they did it.”119 Accordingly, Paul has supported the efforts of The Council on American Islamic Relations, which seeks to enhance understanding of Islam and encourage dialogue.120 In the same debate, Rudy Giuliani said of Paul’s claim: “I don't think I've heard that before, and I've heard some pretty absurd explanations for September 11th."121

Mitt Romney was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1947. After graduating from Brigham Young University in 1971, he attended Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School.122 Romney then entered the corporate world, first as a Vice President at Bain Capital Incorporated and later as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner.123 Romney first garnered national exposure for his role in organizing the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Later that year he was elected Governor of Massachusetts, a position in which he served until 2007.124

As governor, Romney implemented universal health insurance coverage for all Massachusetts citizens through private, market-based reform.125 While he supports working to insure all Americans through a similar model, he refrains from calling his plan for healthcare reform a “universal” one, as he does not favor a single-payer, government-controlled system.126 More broadly, Romney opposes expanding entitlement programs in order to lower budget deficits and the national debt.127

A devout Mormon and a social conservative, Romney advocates ending abortion in America by overturning Roe v. Wade and changing American opinion on the issue.128 Romney opposes same sex marriage; after Massachusetts legalized same-sex partnerships in 2003, Romney supported the adoption of a state constitutional amendment to ban them. Although that amendment failed, Romney continues to fight for a federal constitutional amendment outlawing same-sex marriages.129

Romney’s plan to strengthen national defense includes increases in the size of the military and the rate of military spending, particularly geared towards modernizing equipment and strategic planning.131 He portrays the War on Terror as a conflict between civilizations, and supports using military and diplomatic measures to promote “secular education, modern financial and economic policies, international trade, and human rights” in the Muslim world. Romney seeks to prevent the growth of Iran’s nuclear program through economic and diplomatic isolation, and if necessary, through military means.132

Conservative critics contend that Romney is not trustworthy because he has changed his positions on key social issues such as abortion, gay rights and education policy. Where he acknowledges changing his position on an issue, Romney justifies doing so as part of a “learning experience.”133

Tom Tancredo, born in 1945 in Denver, Colorado, is currently serving his fifth term in the House of Representatives. He began his career as a teacher and member of the Colorado House of Representatives after graduating from the University of Northern Colorado in 1968.134 He served as head of the regional office of the U.S. Department of Education under President Reagan, and in 1998, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.135

Tancredo has consistently voted to fund the War in Iraq, and while he endorsed the surge of American troops in Iraq, he has called on the Iraqi people to take a more active role in defending their own state.136 He believes that national security is the ultimate priority of the President, and supports the use of water-boarding––which he does not classify as torture––if necessary to elicit information from a suspected individual in an imminent or past attack.

The founding chairman of the Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus,137 Tancredo opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants as well as guest worker programs, and believes that the only way to prevent illegal immigration in the future is to eliminate the economic incentives for it. Moreover, he believes that combating illegal immigration would help lower the cost of healthcare in this country. He opposes reform of the legal immigration system as well, advocating a 75% reduction that he believes will assist new immigrants in assimilating into society.

A self-described evangelical Christian, Tancredo strongly opposes legalized abortion, having stated that the day Roe v. Wade is overturned “would be the greatest day in this country’s history”.138 He also voted to constitutionally ban same-sex marriage and define marriage only as the union between a man and woman.139 He frequently criticizes judicial “activism” on these issues, and has pledged to appoint strict constructionist judges as president.

Tancredo’s unforgiving stance on immigration brought him national attention when he criticized President Bush’s immigration policy as threatening to national security. In response, former Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove famously told him never to “darken the door of the White House.”140 Tancredo has also been criticized for the perceived extremity of his views, including his declaration during one presidential debate that he would respond to a major terrorist attack in the United States by bombing Muslim holy sites in Mecca and Medina.141

Born in 1942 in Sheffield, Alabama, Fred Thompson was educated at Memphis State University and Vanderbilt University Law School.142 A practicing attorney since 1967, Thompson served briefly as special council to the Senate Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees. In 1994 Thompson was elected to the United States Senate, where he served until 2002.143 Thompson is also an actor, most recently appearing on “Law & Order.”

A religious and social conservative, Thompson opposes legalized abortion and supports overturning Roe v. Wade. In addition, Thompson advocates appointing strict constructionist judges who will “interpret the law, not impose their views on us by legislating from the bench.”144 He criticizes activist judges for promoting abortion rights and limiting state action. While he opposes gay marriages and does not endorse special protections for homosexuals, Thompson emphasizes tolerance of gays and lesbians and states’ rights to consider civil unions. 145

Characterizing one-size-fits-all healthcare programs as inefficient and inadequate, Thompson generally supports private and market-based means of healthcare reform.146 He has also proposed reforming the Social Security system by establishing voluntary private accounts for workers. This plan would not, however, affect current seniors and retirees.147 On immigration, Thompson has emphasized proactive enforcement of existing federal laws. He opposes any measures that would grant amnesty to illegal immigrants, and believes businesses should be required to more thoroughly verify the immigration status of their employees. Thompson also supports withdrawing federal funding from “sanctuary cities” that fail to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts.148

Thompson supports the War in Iraq as a fight against a “global war on us by Islamic fascism”149 and advocates increasing the size of the military. He also proposes expanding the nation’s defense budget, with spending increases for intelligence services, missile defense, and veterans’ health care and education benefits.150

Though Thompson describes himself as the most ideologically conservative Republican candidate, he has faced accusations from former law colleagues that he worked alongside pro-choice groups in the 1990s.151 Thompson contends that he personally would never knowingly have worked for such groups. Those who accuse him of inconsistency on the abortion issue also cite his acceptance of the legality of first trimester abortions in a 1994 questionnaire.152

Schedule of 2008 Presidential Primaries and Caucuses

Note: Many of these dates are subject to change. Check with your state or local board of elections for more information.

January 3: Iowa caucus
January 5: Wyoming caucus (R)
January 8: New Hampshire (Tentative)
January 15: Michigan (Tentative)
January 19: Nevada, South Carolina (R)
January 26: South Carolina (D)
January 29: Florida
February 1-3: Maine caucus (R)
February 5 (“Super Tuesday”): Alabama, Alaska caucus, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado caucus, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho caucus (D), Illinois, Kansas caucus (D), Minnesota caucus, Missouri, Montana caucus (R), New Jersey, New Mexico caucus (D), New York, North Dakota caucus, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah
February 9: Kansas caucus (R), Louisiana, Nebraska caucus (D), Washington caucus (D)
February 10: Maine caucus (D)
February 12: Washington, D.C. caucus, Maryland, Virginia
February 19: Washington (R), Wisconsin, Hawaii caucus (D)
March 4: Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont
March 8: Wyoming caucus (D)
March 11: Mississippi
April 22: Pennsylvania
May 6: Indiana, North Carolina
May 13: West Virginia, Nebraska (R)
May 20: Kentucky, Oregon
May 27: Idaho (R)
June 3: Montana (D), New Mexico (R), South Dakota