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Thelma D. Drake Party: Republican Residence: Norfolk Occupation: Congresswoman, former real estate agent Personal: Born in Elyria, Ohio; age 58; married to Ted Drake; one son, one daughter Experience: Member of U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 2nd Congressional District, 2004-present, Virginia House of Delegates, 1995-2004 Education: Elyria High School, 1967 Phone: (757) 497-2222 Web site: www.thelmadrake.com |
Glenn C. Nye III Party: Democrat Residence: Virginia Beach and Norfolk Occupation: Former diplomat Personal: Born in Philadelphia; age 34; single Experience: U.S. Agency for International Development, (Iraq, director of operations for International Organization of Migration and advisor for Focused Stabilization Program; Afghanistan, consultant on Constitutional Convention and presidential election; Kosovo and West Bank/Gaza, project manager) 2003-2007; foreign service officer in Macedonia and Singapore, U.S. State Department, 1999-2003. Education: Bachelor’s degree, Georgetown University, 1996 Phone: (757) 273-7217 Web site: www.glennnye.com |
| THE QUESTIONS Admiration | Across the Aisle | Constituency | Iraq | War on Terror | Tax Cuts | Deficit | Social Issues | Health Care | Abortion | Gay Marriage | Affirmative Action | Illegal Immigration | Drilling | Global Warming | Party Views | Opponent |
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| INTRODUCTION What are the three primary reasons to vote for you? |
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Drake: I will keep fighting for bipartisan energy reform to create millions of American jobs, unleash American resources to reduce the price of gas and electricity and put us on a path for affordable wind, solar, nuclear and other alternative energy. Cutting energy prices and creating new jobs are critical to a strong economy. I am passionate about health care reform. I know what it’s like to struggle to provide health care for my family and employees. Failure to reform our health care delivery and insurance system will bankrupt us. I have worked to enact these measures but have been blocked by congressional Democrats. I’m not giving up. I am a champion for our nation’s military and veterans. I have been endorsed for re-election by the Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC and veterans and military groups because they know I am a staunch, dedicated advocate for the best trained, best-equipped, most lethal fighting force in the world. |
Nye: Our nation faces both great challenges and unparalleled opportunities for success. While we face a dire economic crisis, skyrocketing gas prices and a difficult war in Iraq, our nation has and always will prevail and move forward. We simply need a change of direction and new leadership in Washington. In Congress, I will work across the aisle from day one to find solutions to the economic challenges facing our nation in a pragmatic way that moves us towards a balanced budget. I will make certain that I represent our district by putting its needs ahead of those of a political party, and will fight for veterans’ benefits and infrastructure improvements in Hampton Roads. And I will look to bring our nation closer to energy independence and lower gas prices by working on a comprehensive energy solution that has eluded us for too long. |
| ADMIRATION Tell us who you admire most in government today and why. |
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Drake: John Warner. What a career – WWII and Korean War veteran, secretary of the Navy, U.S. senator. While we have rare disagreements, I could never question John Warner’s passion for America or his determination to put our country first. His knowledge cannot be replaced and his leadership will be missed. |
Nye: Mark Warner has shown us that a bipartisan, solutions-oriented approach can produce great results in Virginia. In a time of economic crisis, Mark Warner reached across the aisle and put Virginia first. I would be honored to serve with him in Congress. |
| ACROSS THE AISLE What current person of the opposite party do you admire the most and why? |
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Drake: Joe Lieberman. He knew supporting American victory in Iraq would bring vicious attacks from the anti-war wing that makes up a majority of the Democratic Party. Defeated by Democrats in his home state primary, he won the general election and continues to support American victory. |
Nye: I admire Colin Powell for his independence, fortitude and desire to put his nation first. I worked in the State Department under then-Secretary of State Powell, and I have admired his leadership and commitment to his nation. |
| CONSTITUENCY On a day-to-day basis, what’s the most important thing a local member of Congress can do for constituents? |
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Drake: Listen! I know it sounds simple, but listening to constituents is very important to me. I know I don’t have all the answers so I seek out other opinions, even from people with whom I may disagree. Listening and learning gives me the information I need in Washington. |
Nye: A member of Congress must always put the needs of his district and country ahead of the interests of his or her political party. He must also provide exceptional constituent service, particularly to veterans and military families like those that make up a large portion of the 2nd District. |
| IRAQ WAR What role should America play in Iraq during the next two years? |
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Drake: Because of the tremendous success of our troops, we should remove most American troops and force the Iraqis to fund their own government. The security gains made possible by our troops may require only a skeleton force for training Iraqis and providing air support. |
Nye: Having spent most of 2007 in Iraq, I believe we need a new strategy for victory. We must compel the Iraqis to take responsibility for reconstruction and pay for it with the billions of dollars they have in the bank by setting an exit strategy and beginning to implement it. |
| WAR ON TERROR What role does Congress play in the war on terrorism? |
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Drake: A critical one. Congress funds the Department of Homeland Security at home, our troops abroad and intelligence gathering and covert operations around the world. Congress provides oversight to ensure that these dollars are spent properly and that the rights of Americans are protected. My support for these efforts is unwavering. |
Nye: Congress must provide our troops with the resources they need to continue their exemplary work while also reviewing plans and providing proper oversight. Having spent time there, I believe we must properly supply our forces in Afghanistan, so that they can root out the al-Qai da presence between Pakistan and Afghanistan. |
| TAX CUTS Should the Bush tax cuts be extended? Explain. |
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Drake: Yes. These cuts took millions of low-income Americans off the tax rolls. The share of taxes paid by upper-income taxpayers increased from 81 percent to 85 percent. These cuts include capital gains tax relief, increasing the child tax credit, marriage penalty relief and the encouragement of personal retirement savings. |
Nye: Due to the dire economic situation our country finds itself, especially with the recent collapse of major financial institutions, I would support an extension of the Bush tax cuts. With over $3.4 trillion lost in the American economy, now is not the time to raise taxes. |
| FEDERAL DEFICIT The federal deficit continues to grow. How much of a priority is it for you, or is it overblown? |
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Drake: There is a war in Washington between those fighting to cut spending and those determined to increase spending. I voted against raising the federal debt limit and to cut spending and eliminate programs. |
Nye: It is a top priority to rein in spending and move towards a balanced budget. The deficit has caused a devaluation of our dollar and led to an increase in cost of living across the board. Our economic strength requires a prudent fiscal approach that leads to a balanced budget. |
| SOCIAL ISSUES What social issue concerns you most and how would you act on it in Congress? |
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Drake: Health care insurance reform. The U.S. spends more on health care than any other nation, yet millions are without coverage. I fight for affordable, quality health care insurance and tax policies that give you control over your health care costs and decisions. |
Nye: I believe in and would protect a woman’s right to choose, because I believe decisions regarding a woman’s health are between her and her doctor. This is not the province of government. |
| HEALTH CARE What should you/Congress do about health care? |
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Drake: I absolutely oppose putting a government or insurance company bureaucrat between you and your doctor. I support providing more health insurance options, portability from job to job, including mental health and wellness plans and utilizing the best technologies available. I am committed to reforming and improving health care in our country. |
Nye: The cost of health insurance is doubling every 10 years, and those costs are becoming extremely difficult for both families and business to sustain. Washington must find a way to provide at least a basic level of affordable coverage to all Americans to lower costs across the system. |
| ABORTION Do you support or oppose a constitutional amendment to limit abortion, and why? |
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Drake: Oppose. I support returning this issue to the states, where it belongs. As a mother and grandmother, I know that life is precious and beautiful. I support adoption tax credits and was a co-sponsor of Virginia’s parental notification law. I have a 100 percent pro-life voting record. |
Nye: I would oppose such an amendment because I do not believe it is the place of the federal government to legislate decisions on women’s health. |
| GAY MARRIAGE What’s your position on gay marriage? |
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Drake: The Virginia marriage amendment passed in 2006 with 57 percent of the vote. I agree with the majority of Virginians. Human civilization has always defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Courts and states should not redefine social norms and force their views on other states. |
Nye: My faith teaches me that marriage is between a man and a woman. I support providing equal rights to all Americans, and making sure that we remain a fair, open and tolerant society. |
| AFFIRMATIVE ACTION What changes, if any, would you propose on affirmative action programs? |
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Drake: I support equal opportunity for citizens regardless of race. I introduced a resolution commemorating the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Our government must recognize that decisions should not be based upon one’s race. I oppose quotas or government manipulation based on race. |
Nye: I would work to make certain that the outstanding educational and health care services in America are available to all of our citizens. |
| ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION How should the U.S. deal with illegal immigration, especially along our southern border? |
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Drake: First, secure the border. My record is strong on this issue. We must enforce existing immigration laws and eliminate the immigration backlog. I oppose amnesty or a path to citizenship for those who break federal law. Immigrants who follow immigration laws must have first access to the U.S. |
Nye: We must secure our border. One of my first assignments as a foreign service officer was adjudicating visa requests and I witnessed families wait for more than a decade to come to America. I cannot support an amnesty system that rewards those who would jump in front of the line. |
| DRILLING Do you favor drilling for oil and natural gas off American coasts and further drilling in Alaska? |
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Drake: Yes. I have a consistent, truthful position in support of offshore oil and natural gas drilling. Like Gov. Sarah Palin, I support drilling in Alaska. My bipartisan plan will create millions of American jobs, reduce our foreign dependency, support alternative energy and reduce the price of gas and electricity. |
Nye: I do support increased drilling in Alaska, and support drilling off America’s coast provided that the military has indicated that such projects will not interfere with their training exercises. Our military, and the safety of our service men and women, is too important to risk. |
| GLOBAL WARMING Where do you stand on global warming and climate change? |
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Drake: There is tremendous disagreement about whether climate change is caused by human behavior or other natural forces. What I support are clean air and clean water laws for a healthy environment. We must lead the world in good environmental policy and encourage other nations to follow suit. |
Nye: I believe that global warming is an issue of dire consequence to our nation and world. I support moving America towards a position of global leadership on alternative energy solutions that will help combat global warming and build good jobs in America. |
| DIVERGING FROM PARTY VIEWS Describe one position of yours that is not in agreement with that of your political party. |
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Drake: The party of Lincoln does a poor job of listening to African Americans, Hispanics and other minorities. We must do a better job to reach out and meet the needs of all communities. I know the issues I fight for will improve lives and provide all Americas with tremendous opportunity. |
Nye: Unlike many in my party, I do not support raising capital gains taxes because I believe that we should keep the rate of 14 percent in order to spur economic growth. |
| THE OPPONENT Describe something you like or admire about your opponent. |
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Drake: I like Mr. Nye’s position on the capital gains tax. We agree that increasing the capital gains tax is absolutely wrong for our economy and devastating for many Americans saving for their retirement. |
Nye: Congresswoman Thelma Drake is a tenacious campaigner, and I have always respected anyone, regardless of party affiliation or ideology, who is willing to serve on behalf of their country. |
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JamesBond: The pilot backed Drake in the last election
Perhaps your bias is based on ignorance. Next time check the facts first.
Nye is an idiot!
"global warming is an issue of dire consequence to our nation and world"
Ya might wanna check those argo buoys son! Oceans getting colder. The UN's big global tax on energy scam has run out of time.
Pilot endorsements
James.Bond,
Yes the Pilot has endorsed Republicans. If fact, I believe the Pilot endorsed Thelma during her run against Phil Kellam if you can remember back that far.
Incumbents
Incumbents got us into the mess we're in. So, if it's an incumbent, vote for the other guy regardless of party.
hey thelma
Get Andy Fox to ask you, why you have voted with Bush 95% of the time. Andy should ask you 7 times until you give the honest answer, or will you ever give an honest answer.
For those of you not familiar, there is a campaign ad on TV where Andy Fox asked Nye a question and claims after 7 times Nye didn't answer the question. Nye answered the qustion, Andy Fox is to arrogant to listen.
What is important?
She votes correctly. Plain and simple.
What a liar
Thelma Drake has got to be the most dishonest politician that has ever disgraced the 2nd district. It's nice that she has these lovely responses above that are nothing more than her telling people what they want to hear. She can say these are her positions all she wants, but her record reflects something else. She is dishonest and such a typical politician. The day she loses her seat in Congress can't come soon enough. She is terrible for this district.
Thelma Drake = George Bush
Thelma Drake voted with George Bush 95% of the time. Why would any American vote for these results?
Perpetual War, Mismanaging of Federal Treasury Funds, and fear mongering.
Increased Governmental $pending while cutting Taxes to the Wealthy.
$10 Trillion Dollar National Debt.
Privatizing Profits while Socializing the Bailouts of failed Corporations.
Unfair Taxation of the Middle Class.
High prices for GASOLINE, Electricity, and Everything Else!
High Medical Costs and Prescription Drugs.
Bank Failures and Record Home Forclusures.
Invasion of Privacy, and disregard for our Constitution.
Repeal of Habeas Corpus and personal privacy.
Politicalization of the Justice Department.
Degradation of our Infrastructure.
Decline in US stature and respect of the World Community.
???
Captal gains tax?!
Mistake me if I'm wrong...don't we need to show an investment profit to be taxed for capital gains?
Will anyone, outside of those receiving checks from Secretary Paulson, show a profit over the next couple of years?
I expect to report a capital loss.
Surprise
The Pilot will endorse Nye and Obama…
(Has the Pilot ever endorsed a Republican?)