I am pro-life. In my view, the only acceptable exception is for the life of the mother. I have both the Nebraska Right to Life and National Right to Life endorsements. I believe in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. I will oppose all forms of euthanasia or assisted suicide.

Agriculture/Rural Development

Setting real and effective payment limitations as means of targeting income support to small and moderate-sized family farms and of saving to reinvest in rural development and entrepreneurship? Support

Agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy. Every day, the farm and ranch families of Nebraska roll up their sleeves and work hard to produce the food and energy that fuels our state, our nation and feeds people around the world. I learned from farmers and ranchers, both growing up on a dairy farm, and from listening to them at farm-bill forums across the nation. They believe good farm policy is more than a good farm bill. It’s good tax policy, good energy policy, good conservation policy, good rural development policy, good environmental policy and good trade policy. We need agricultural policies that expand access to international markets for Nebraska products and we must strengthen important programs that provide a critical safety net for our farmers and ranchers without raising their taxes. The crops that will propel our nation’s future energy supply, like ethanol and biodiesel, are produced across Nebraska and will lead the way to ending our dependence on foreign sources of oil. I will continue to promote increased research and investment in alternative and renewable sources of energy.

Economic Assistance for Families

Providing tax relief to sustain low-income working families above the poverty line? Support

Government does not grow our economy or create wealth; people do. When it comes to taxes, I will support policies that lower the tax burden on hard-working families so more of their money goes toward family budgets, not to the federal government. As governor, I balanced budgets and opposed higher taxes in order to keep more money in the pockets of hard-working Nebraskans and create more job opportunities across the state. We must bring that same fiscal responsibility to Washington to make sure Nebraska families are able to put their earnings toward their family budget and not the federal budget. I believe in less government, more individual responsibility and greater opportunity. Lowering the tax burden is a critical component to ensuring the continued strength and vitality of our nation.

Education

Education-Expense Tax Credit? Support

Education Vouchers? Oppose

Scholarship-Donation tax credits? Support

Having a strong educational system is how we ensure a prosperous future for Nebraska’s young people. While we need to ensure our children are receiving the highest quality education, I did not support “No Child Left Behind” when I was Governor and I do not support it now. One size does not fit all when it comes to education. I believe the role of the federal government should be to assist and partner with the state and local school districts, not control and administer them.

Embryo Research

Using federal funds for research that involves destroying human embryos to obtain stem cells? Oppose

I will support adult stem cell research, but will oppose embryonic stem cell research beyond the stem cell lines authorized by the President’s Executive Order. There have been encouraging advances in the studies of adult stem cell lines and I am hopeful for future discoveries and advances using this method that does not create life only to destroy it or justify abortion for scientific experiments.

Environment

Including strong anti-poverty provisions in legislation seeking to mitigate global climate change? No specific support or oppose response designated.

Preserving our environment is in everyone’s interest. While we know that the earth has experienced a period of warmer temperatures, we do not yet have a scientific explanation upon which scientists agree. I believe in a thorough scientific approach that addresses climate change in a thoughtful, logical way. Today, climate change has been made into a political football. Until we have an answer based on science, we can and should take steps to improve the environment without crippling the businesses that are at the core of this nation’s economic strength, or placing undue burdens and costs on hardworking families. The worst action we could take would be to add cost to the price of gas in addition to higher utility and tax bills for families and businesses across the state and the nation before we have an answer from the scientific community.

Foreign Policy

Permitting preventative use of U.S. military force in situations in which there is no clear and compelling evidence of imminent attack on the U.S.? Oppose

I believe U.S. military force should be used as a last option after all diplomatic resolutions have been exhausted. However, our President should not negotiate with rogue leaders of countries without setting preconditions. Without preconditions, talks with rogue leaders will give them world credibility they do not deserve and have not earned, and will diminish our nation’s standing as a world leader. Talking to the leader of a country like Iran with no preconditions will de-stabilize our relations in the Middle East, especially with our critical ally, Israel. There must be very careful preparation and analysis before the President commits to a face-to-face meeting with any foreign leader.

Freedom of Conscience

Legislation to ensure that providers are not coerced into providing or participating in health care or social services that conflict with their moral and/or religious convictions? Support

Health Care

Public-policy reforms or initiatives to ensure that quality, affordable health care is accessible for all persons in the U.S.?

Americans deserve access to quality, affordable healthcare. Our current system is complex and inaccessible for far too many Americans, and that is unacceptable. More government bureaucracy is not the answer to expanding access to affordable healthcare and I will strongly oppose a single-payer, government-run healthcare system. My healthcare initiative has three important principles: accessibility, affordability and portability. From our small, rural critical-access hospitals to our specialty-care hospitals, Nebraskans believe they have good healthcare. Therefore, we must avoid a national one-size-fits-all government-mandated approach. What may be great for New York and L.A. could be disaster for Nebraska.

Immigration

Instituting an earned-legalization program for unauthorized aliens who satisfy published criteria and comply with established requirements? Oppose

Legal immigration is a proud part of our nation’s heritage. However, ending illegal immigration is critically important to our nation’s security and our collective commitment to the rule of law. Our actions to end illegal immigration must be grounded in principle and based on the understanding that we are a nation of laws. We must first secure our borders, and there must be no amnesty for illegal immigrants. We must secure the work place with a verifiable enforcement program and sanctions for employers who knowingly hire illegal workers. And there must be no preferential treatment for those who have come to America illegally. Additionally, any illegal immigrant who commits a serious crime while in this country illegally forfeits the privilege to ever seek citizenship. Ending illegal immigration requires that we be firm, but fair.

Marriage

Advancing for ratification a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would provide a national, legal definition of marriage as only the union of a man and a woman? Support

I believe marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Along with the vast majority of Nebraskans who voted to defend traditional marriage at the ballot box in Nebraska, I do not support same-sex marriage or civil unions and will continue to defend the definition of traditional marriage.

Personal Priorities

1. I will work across party lines to create good-paying jobs with quality benefits.

2. I will work across party lines to fight for a comprehensive energy plan that lowers

prices and ends our dependence on foreign oil.

3. I will work across party lines to balance the budget and restore fiscal restraint to the

budget process while keeping the tax burden low for hard-working Nebraskans.

I have a proven record of working across party lines for real solutions to the challenges facing our state and nation and I am running for the U.S. Senate to put that trusted experience to work for our state. As Governor of Nebraska and as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, I have faced difficult decisions and have been able to make the tough choices and do what is best for our state and for our nation. If elected, I will seek a seat on the Senate Agriculture Committee to continue working on behalf of Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers as I have always done. I’ll also support fiscally responsible policies that lower the tax burden on hard-working families and reign in spending. You can also trust that I’ll do everything in my power to create good-paying jobs with benefits, create a comprehensive energy plan, ensure Nebraskans have access to affordable health care, support our brave men and women in uniform, open global markets to Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers, and support critical infrastructure and research projects that will improve the way of life here in Nebraska.

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Name of Candidate: Scott Kleeb

Democrat

Candidate did not respond.

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Name of Candidate: Steven R. Larrick

Green Party

Abortion

Using federal funds for abortion? Oppose

Agriculture/Rural Development

We need to support smaller, more ecologically sustainable family farms. We can do this in conjunction with green jobs in energy conservation and development of renewable energy from wind, solar, geothermal, and biofuels.

Economic Assistance for Families

Providing tax relief to sustain low-income working families above the poverty line? Support

Income disparity in the United States is greater than at any time in our nation’s history. We need to do more to support opportunities for low-income Americans.

Education

Education-Expense Tax Credit? Support

Education Vouchers? Oppose

Scholarship-Donation tax credits? Support

We need to invest more in education and less on preparing for more wars.

Embryo Research

Using federal funds for research that destroys human embryos to obtain stem cells? Support

My family has a history of Alzheimer’s disease. I support research that will end this horrible disease.

Environment

Including strong anti-poverty provisions in legislation seeking to mitigate global climate change? Support

We need to take more aggressive action to reduce the growing threat of catastrophic climate change.

Foreign Policy

Permitting preventative use of U.S. military force in situations in which there is no clear and compelling evidence of imminent attack on the U.S.? Oppose

The invasion and occupation of Iraq on false pretenses is leading to the financial and moral bankruptcy of America. It is time to bring our troops home to their families.

Freedom of Conscience

Legislation to ensure that providers are not coerced into providing or participating in health care or social services that conflict with their moral and/or religious convictions? Support

Health Care

Public-policy reforms or initiatives to ensure that quality, affordable health care is accessible for all persons in the U.S.?

I support a shift towards a universal, single-payer healthcare system patterned after successful programs in Canada and Europe.

Immigration

Instituting an earned-legalization program for unauthorized aliens who satisfy published criteria and comply with established requirements? Support

Marriage

Advancing for ratification a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would provide a national, legal definition of marriage as only the union of a man and a woman? Oppose

Personal Priorities

1. End the Iraq War and bring home our troops.

2. Shift nation’s resources toward development of renewable energy and energy conservation.

3. Provide health care for all Americans.

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Name of Candidate: Kelly Renee Rosberg

Nebraska Party

Abortion

Using federal funds for abortion? Oppose

Agriculture/Rural Development

Economic Assistance for Families

Providing tax relief to sustain low-income working families above the poverty line? Support

Education

Education-Expense Tax Credit? Support

Education Vouchers? Support

Scholarship-Donation tax credits? Support

Embryo Research

Using federal funds for research that destroys human embryos to obtain stem cells? Oppose

Environment

Including strong anti-poverty provisions in legislation seeking to mitigate global climate change? (No specific support or oppose response designated)

I do not believe in global warming. God is in control and we have nothing to worry about.

Foreign Policy

Permitting preventative use of U.S. military force in situations in which there is no clear and compelling evidence of imminent attack on the U.S.? Oppose

Freedom of Conscience

Legislation to ensure that providers are not coerced into providing or participating in health care or social services that conflict with their moral and/or religious convictions? No response

Health Care

Public-policy reforms or initiatives to ensure that quality, affordable health care is accessible for all persons in the U.S.? No response

Immigration

Instituting an earned-legalization program for unauthorized aliens who satisfy published criteria and comply with established requirements? Support

Marriage

Advancing for ratification a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would provide a national, legal definition of marriage as only the union of a man and a woman? Support

Personal Priorities

1. Health care costs reform

2. Reform farm program

3. Energy cost reform

I believe our government should quit being the big bully on the block. We should try to stay out of war. I believe we should only give food and medicine and not money that is used to buy guns and etc. to kill other people.

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Federal Candidates

United States House of Representatives

District 1

Jeff Fortenberry

Republican

Abortion

Using federal funds for abortion? Oppose

I do not believe that organizations with a fiduciary interest in abortion should receive federal funds, I have opposed numerous attempts in Congress to allow organizations that perform abortions to receive taxpayer dollars.

Agriculture/Rural Development

As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I have introduced legislation to strengthen existing farm payment limitations by closing loopholes that allow abuse. In the new Farm Bill, I also sponsored new initiatives to better target grant assistance to small and medium sized farmers creatively marketing their products.

Economic Assistance for Families

Providing tax relief to sustain low-income working families above the poverty line? Support

I have cosponsored legislation to increase tax benefits for parents with children. I have also cosponsored the Working Families Wage and Access to Health Care Act, which joined a minimum wage increase and tax relief with a proposal to allow small businesses to better provide health insurance for their employees.

Education

Education-Expense Tax Credit? Support

Education Vouchers? No response

Scholarship-Donation tax credits? Support

I believe parents are the primary educators of children. I also believe that educational choice is an important part of public policy discussions.

Embryo Research

Using federal funds for research that destroys human embryos to obtain stem cells? Oppose

Recent breakthroughs using adult stem cells are advancing life-saving research while avoiding the ethically divisive issue of embryonic stem cell research, which destroys unborn human life and has produced no therapeutic treatments.

Environment

Including strong anti-poverty provisions in legislation seeking to mitigate global climate change? (No specific support or oppose response designated)

Renewable energy and energy efficiency are essential to creating America’s sustainable energy future, which is critical to environmental stewardship and protection. They have been among my top priorities. Any legislative proposal regarding climate change would require thorough examination as to its potential effects on economics, communities, workers and families.

Foreign Policy

Permitting preventative use of U.S. military force in situations in which there is no clear and compelling evidence of imminent attack on the U.S.? (No specific support or oppose response designated)

Providing national security is a fundamental duty of the federal government. If someone is reaching for a gun to harm you, you have the right to stop them.

Freedom of Conscience

Legislation to ensure that providers are not coerced into providing or participating in health care or social services that conflict with their moral and/or religious convictions? Support

Health Care

Public-policy reforms or initiatives to ensure that quality, affordable health care is accessible for all persons in the U.S.?

Our healthcare challenges must be met with innovative policies that lower costs and increase outcomes while protecting vulnerable persons. A multiple-pronged approach focused on incentives for healthy outcomes, portability of insurance, better risk pools, community health centers, and Health Savings Accounts can help families control costs, retain coverage, and access.

Immigration

Instituting an earned-legalization program for unauthorized aliens who satisfy published criteria and comply with established requirements? (No specific support or oppose response designated)

Immigration policy is multi-layered and complex. I have approached reform through four key policy considerations: enhanced border security, crackdown on unscrupulous employers, streamlining current legal immigration processes (including humanitarian exceptions), and better economic conditions for countries of this hemisphere. Blanket amnesty, however, is not a just or wise policy.

Marriage

Advancing for ratification a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would provide a national, legal definition of marriage as only the union of a man and a woman? Support

While persons should be able to live without fear or harassment, across time and cultures marriage has been a fundamental form of social organization for the wellbeing of men, women, and especially children. I would support a carefully constructed amendment to protect marriage from those who seek to redefine it.

Personal Priorities

My efforts in Congress will continue to focus on strengthening national security and fostering robust diplomacy; developing sustainable energy and environmental policy; promoting small business entrepreneurial opportunity and rural vitality; creating patient-centered healthcare; and strengthening family life to build a culture that protects the innocence of children and respects the life and dignity of all persons.

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Name of Candidate: Max Yashirin

Democrat

Candidate did not respond.

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United States House of Representatives

District 2

Name of Candidate: Jim Esch

Democrat

Abortion

Using federal funds for abortion? (No specific support or oppose response designated.)

I am opposed to abortion. I am pro-life and I value life from conception until natural and unaided death. I will defend life by working to reduce abortions and supporting those who choose life through the promotion policies that nurture, educate, and protect children through out life.

Agriculture/Rural Development

I support setting real and effective payment limitations to help family owned farms. Family owned farms are the backbone of our Ag industry in Nebraska and we need to ensure that we invest in rural development and entrepreneurship.

Economic Assistance for Families

Providing tax relief to sustain low-income working families above the poverty line? (No specific support or oppose response designated.)

As a Catholic the fight against poverty is something I value as a pro-life issue. I believe that we need to have healthcare insurance for kids to ensure their health. I support SCHIP. I encourage you to look at my poverty statement online at www.jimesch.org.

Education

Education-Expense Tax Credit? (No specific support or oppose response designated.)

I am open to talking about this.

Education Vouchers? Oppose

Scholarship-Donation tax credits? Support

Embryo Research

Using federal funds for research that destroys human embryos to obtain stem cells? (No specific support or oppose response designated.)

I am opposed to all embryonic stem cell research. With that said, I believe one can be pro-life and pro-research. I will support ways to unlock the potential of non-embryonic stem cell research that is ethical and respects the sanctity of human life.

Environment

Including strong anti-poverty provisions in legislation seeking to mitigate global climate change? Support

Foreign Policy

Permitting preventative use of U.S. military force in situations in which there is no clear and compelling evidence of imminent attack on the U.S.? Oppose

In situations where U.S. involvement is clearly warranted such as in Afghanistan, I support a diplomatic and military strategy to combat terrorism. The U.S. should work with other nations to help craft a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild Afghanistan. The Marshall Plan provided economic aid to European countries after WWII.

Freedom of Conscience

Legislation to ensure that providers are not coerced into providing or participating in health care or social services that conflict with their moral and/or religious convictions? Support

Health Care

Public-policy reforms or initiatives to ensure that quality, affordable health care is accessible for all persons in the U.S.?

Establish a national Core Benefit Package. Establish a National Healthcare and Wellness Board. Create a national database for medical records. Promote preventative care and wellness initiatives.

Immigration

Instituting an earned-legalization program for unauthorized aliens who satisfy published criteria and comply with established requirements? (No specific support or oppose response designated)

We need to address the situation at hand and that is illegal immigration. We need to enforce current laws. We need a mandatory verification system so that there are no excuses for employing illegal workers. Once we have done this, then we can address status and much needed compromise reform.

Marriage

Advancing for ratification a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would provide a national, legal definition of marriage as only the union of a man and a woman? Oppose

I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. However, I oppose a constitutional amendment because I believe this is a state’s right issue. I believe all legally defined couples should be treated equally under the law, regardless of sexual orientation.

Personal Priorities

1. Economy—job creation/debt reduction

2. Iraq—setting tables for withdraw

3. Energy—Bipartisan solution, renewable fuels, efficiency, and expanded drilling and refining.

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Name of Candidate: Lee Terry

Republican

Abortion

Using federal funds for abortion? Oppose

Agriculture/Rural Life

Economic Assistance for Families

Providing tax relief to sustain low-income working families above the poverty line? Support

While the EITC has been a positive part of our U.S. labor force, there are aspects of the EITC, particularly the “marriage penalty” that needs to be addressed.

Education

Education-Expense Tax Credit? Support

Education Vouchers? Support

Scholarship-Donation tax credits? Support

Embryo Research

Using federal funds for research that destroys human embryos to obtain stem cells? Oppose

Support further research on existing adult stem cells.

Environment

Including strong anti-poverty provisions in legislation seeking to mitigate global climate change? Support

Only if funds raised from cap and trade requirements are shared equitably among companies, other institutions, and consumers, including the poor and displaced workers.

Foreign Policy

Permitting preventative use of U.S. military force in situations in which there is no clear and compelling evidence of imminent attack on the U.S.? Support

Especially in cases where U.S. interests are a part of a coalition of other nations or agreements like NATO.

Freedom of Conscience

Legislation to ensure that providers are not coerced into providing or participating in health care or social services that conflict with their moral and/or religious convictions? Support

I have signed a letter to Secy. Leavitt supporting the new conscience clause regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Health Care

Public-policy reforms or initiatives to ensure that quality, affordable health care is accessible for all persons in the U.S.?

I support health savings accounts (HSAs), because I want people to have more control over their healthcare costs. HSAs can be deducted on tax filing and give consumers greater choice and cost transparency.

Immigration

Instituting an earned-legalization program for unauthorized aliens who satisfy published criteria and comply with established requirements? Support

As long as any individual seeking legal status goes to the end of the line behind those who have complied with all U.S. laws and regulations in seeking legalization.

Marriage

Advancing for ratification a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would provide a national, legal definition of marriage as only the union of a man and a woman? Support

Personal Priorities

1. Energy independence

2. Tax reform

3. Health care reform

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United States House of Representatives

District 3

Name of Candidate: Adrian Smith

Republican

Abortion

Using federal funds for abortion? Oppose

Agriculture/Rural Development

Economic Assistance for Families

Providing tax relief to sustain low-income working families above the poverty line? Support

Education

Education-Expense Tax Credit? Support

Education Vouchers? Support

Scholarship-Donation tax credits? Support

Embryo Research

Using federal funds for research that destroys human embryos to obtain stem cells? Oppose

Environment

Including strong anti-poverty provisions in legislation seeking to mitigate global climate change? Support

However, I would need to see the specifics of each individual legislation first.

Foreign Policy

Permitting preventative use of U.S. military force in situations in which there is no clear and compelling evidence of imminent attack on the U.S.? Support

If such action was warranted.

Freedom of Conscience

Legislation to ensure that providers are not coerced into providing or participating in health care or social services that conflict with their moral and/or religious convictions? Support

Health Care

Public-policy reforms or initiatives to ensure that quality, affordable health care is accessible for all persons in the U.S.?

With our rapidly aging population, long-term care should be a focus for Congress and individuals alike.

Immigration

Instituting an earned-legalization program for unauthorized aliens who satisfy published criteria and comply with established requirements? Oppose

Marriage

Advancing for ratification a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would provide a national, legal definition of marriage as only the union of a man and a woman? Support

Personal Priorities

1. Energy

2. Economy

3. Agriculture

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Name of Candidate: Jay C. Stoddard

Democrat

Abortion

Using federal funds for abortion? Oppose

Agriculture/Rural Development

Economic Assistance for Families

Providing tax relief to sustain low-income working families above the poverty line? Support

Education

Education-Expense Tax Credit? Support

Education Vouchers? Support

Scholarship-Donation tax credits? Support

Embryo Research

Using federal funds for research that destroys human embryos to obtain stem cells? Oppose

Environment

Including strong anti-poverty provisions in legislation seeking to mitigate global climate change? Support

Foreign Policy

Permitting preventative use of U.S. military force in situations in which there is no clear and compelling evidence of imminent attack on the U.S.? Oppose

Freedom of Conscience

Legislation to ensure that providers are not coerced into providing or participating in health care or social services that conflict with their moral and/or religious convictions? Support

Health Care

Public-policy reforms or initiatives to ensure that quality, affordable health care is accessible for all persons in the U.S.?

We must do our best to all of the citizens; sometimes developing more doctors and nurses, which we now have a shortage. Use common sense. We need a plan, not an overnight fix!!

Immigration

Instituting an earned-legalization program for unauthorized aliens who satisfy published criteria and comply with established requirements? Support

All of us (with the exception of native Indians) came from other places. If people want to be a part of “Our Country” they must participate loyalty (sic) to “our country”—and row the boat with all of us

Marriage

Advancing for ratification a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would provide a national, legal definition of marriage as only the union of a man and a woman? Support

Personal Priorities

1. Iraq war (helping the injured)

2. Stop politicians for (sic) abusing Social Security

3. Restore families to what is intended—stop drugs coming into our country!