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On Friday, November 17th 2006, the Republican members in the House of Representatives will convene to elect their new leadership. Before that happens, right-leaning bloggers have invited each candidate to participate in a conference call interview to present their agenda and answer bloggers' questions.

What are the questions that you want the candidates to answer? Submit a new question by using the form here, or cast a vote on an existing question below. Voting is now closed!

Questions submit a new question	Rating ----------
Will the GOP support a "no earmark" policy. If not, why not? --submitted by Dave	Popularity Score: 6241 voting closed
What is your position on the Fair Tax? Are you aware of its benefit of eliminating the 1,000,000+ words of the current IRS code? And it ability to limit the influence of K Street lobbyists? And that is revenue positive for poor people? --submitted by Michael McAlpin	Popularity Score: 806 voting closed
Will you actually defend yourselves in the mainstream media, and assign some members to a continous media communications task, or instead allow the MSM to paint you however they wish, especially to independent voters? I realize that Lynne Cheney is not an elected official, but her recent CNN interview is quite instructive. --submitted by Kevin	Popularity Score: 514 voting closed
What is your position on immigration? Specifically: 1. Are you in favor of funding and building the 700 mile fence on the Southern border? 2. Do you support stronger enforcement of criminal laws and civil sanctions against employers who hire illegal immigrants? 3. Are you for or against an expanded guest worker program and how/when would you implement such a program? 4. Do you support amnesty for illegal immigrants currently living in the US and, if so, what specific provisions do you support? --submitted by DRJ	Popularity Score: 430 voting closed
Do you intend to stand strong to win the war on terror no matter where it takes us? Or do you plan on making our soldiers deaths be in vain? --submitted by spree	Popularity Score: 268 voting closed
Do you think America should build more oil refineries? Should we drill for our own oil in places like ANWR and the Gulf of Mexico? --submitted by The Puddle Pirate	Popularity Score: 204 voting closed
Do you have the ambition and fortitude to formulate and submit a NEW CONTRACT WITH AMERICA to the caucus and the American Public so me know exactly where you want to take the country? --submitted by John Durham	Popularity Score: 131 voting closed
John McCain has undermined our party and president with his Gang of 14. Are you going to insist that someone else is our 08 candidate? --submitted by R.K. Hall	Popularity Score: 120 voting closed
How are you going to shrink size of the government? How important is that to you, and what would you do to further that goal both in the minority and in the majority? --submitted by Coyote	Popularity Score: 119 voting closed
What is your strategy for leading the Republican party back to the majority in 2008? --submitted by N.Z. Bear	Popularity Score: 116 voting closed
Do you understand that the 2006 midterm elections were NOT a referendum calling for the U.S. to leave Iraq short of total victory, but instead they were a referendum on crushing the enemy and to cease fighting a politically correct war? A GREAT example of our politically correct failures is our refusal to bomb the 100+ Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan because the were congregating in a cemetery. --submitted by Jeff Buchanan	Popularity Score: 115 voting closed
Each new Congress first votes on a set of parliamentary procedures called the “rule.” That determines how, when and if a bill or resolution gets to a vote or gets killed. The minority can only use parliamentary procedure to influence this. Core conservative principles are meaningless if you let Rham Emmanuel and Steny Hoyer outmaneuver you on procedure; you can’t bring anything conservative to the floor for a vote, or prevent liberal items from being rammed down our throats. How are you going to select committee assignments within the caucus so you are as strong as possible in the parliamentary infighting? Of course, the leadership assignments are a direct offshoot of the above. Good conservative leaders who are weak on parliamentary procedure will get you killed here every time. --submitted by Jim Griffin	Popularity Score: 93 voting closed
Would you be willing to repeal Campaign Finance Reform and enact measures that will nullify its abrogation of the First Amendment? Indeed, would you be willing to make your starting point of conservativism those measures that at the very first pass the muster of the strict interpretation of the US Constitution and not allow partisans with a vendetta to undermine it? --submitted by Sharon Ferguson	Popularity Score: 87 voting closed
Can we please initiate prosecution for leaking American defensive classified programs? --submitted by krusher	Popularity Score: 75 voting closed
Will you fight to make the repeal of the death tax permanent? --submitted by The Puddle Pirate	Popularity Score: 74 voting closed
Are you willing to stand up for and further the conservative agenda even if President is opposed to it? --submitted by Kevin	Popularity Score: 68 voting closed
Will you push an enforcement first immigration policy, including emplyer sanctions and the building of a border fence? --submitted by John Grannis	Popularity Score: 66 voting closed
According to the Government Accountability Office, our country faces an impending fiscal crisis brought on by entitlement spending. What are your views on entitlement reform? Please be specific. --submitted by Paul S.	Popularity Score: 65 voting closed
Clearly corruption was one of the major reasons why the Republicans were beaten on Tuesday. What will you do to ensure that we won't see another pileup of scandals (Delay, Ney, Cunningham, and Foley, among others) like what we saw this past year? And do you agree with the position Speaker Hastert took on the William Jefferson case, that FBI agents with a court issued warrant could not search Jefferson's office? --submitted by Eric	Popularity Score: 63 voting closed
What are you going to do to educate Americans as to WHAT CONSERVATIVISM IS?! How can you get around the media, stop preaching to the choir, and get the message out? --submitted by Donna Slocomb	Popularity Score: 62 voting closed
Should Congress encourage construction of more nuclear power plants, to reduce our reliance on foreign oil and increase our ability to survive terrorist attacks on our power grid? --submitted by The Puddle Pirate	Popularity Score: 51 voting closed
In reference to Illegal Aliens: 1) Are you willing to support/ or introduce a bill that would stop the Matricula card being used as a legal form of ID? 2) Would you be willing to support or introduce a Bill that would cut off all entitlement programs to illegal citizens? --submitted by Carol McLane	Popularity Score: 49 voting closed
What specifically is your plan to recruit, put forward, and effectively support qualified and principled conservative Republican candidates against 50-80 of the existing House seats held by Democrats in the newly elected Congress? --submitted by Michael (aka Trubador)	Popularity Score: 47 voting closed
Quoting Hugh Hewitt: "It is simply astonishing that a party in desperate need of its base's time, talent and treasure over the next two years would hustle back to home base to consult each other on who should lead the comeback. In no other company or organization would a leadership change take place on such a schedule and with so little input from key constituencies. At a minimum the GOP needs to give its troops and espeically its donors the opportunity to weigh in, and to allow for candidates to declare. " Question: What is your justification for your haste to select new leaders without time for introspection, as outlined above? --submitted by Marian	Popularity Score: 42 voting closed
How do you justify 82% of the Federal budget having no enabling clause in the U.S. Constitution? --submitted by Steve Cotton	Popularity Score: 40 voting closed
Will you block the Fairness Doctrine or any similar legislation that seeks to dilute if not destroy conservative talk radio? --submitted by HDCVax	Popularity Score: 39 voting closed
Poker players, being solely responsible for their success and failures in their game of choice, are extremely receptive to a message of economic freedom and individual responsibility. The prohibition of internet gambling alienated this large segment of society that is pre-disposed towards core Republican values of maximum liberty, consistent with an ordered society. Will the Republican party shed it’s new image of nanny-state buttinskis and attempt the repeal of this legislation in the next session? --submitted by Cowboy Wally	Popularity Score: 39 voting closed
What is your position on the "North American Union" , including its laws and governing board which will supercede U.S. law, being created by Bush(U.S.), Fox (Caldourn)(Mexico),and Martin (Canada)without the consent of the United States citizens and their representatives? --submitted by Francis Milton	Popularity Score: 37 voting closed
Do you support the creation of a robust national missile defense system? Will you make it a legislative priority? --submitted by The Puddle Pirate	Popularity Score: 36 voting closed
Many Conservatives, myself included, are frustrated because we feel that our leadership in Washington lacks the will to fight for what we believe in. It seems like we let the Democrats push us around, and that we tend to give up whenever we face even a little resistance. How will you stand up to the Democrats' bullying and fight for Conservative values and principles? --submitted by Nick Jacob	Popularity Score: 34 voting closed
What books have you read about Islamic terrorism against America and the West? --submitted by John Grannis	Popularity Score: 34 voting closed
If Congress attempts to reform Social Security, will you work to ensure that voluntary personal accounts are part of whatever reform package is adopted? --submitted by NMoore	Popularity Score: 33 voting closed
2 questions: 1. Will you immediately confront the media and the left (other side of isle) on "misleading", outright lies and/or distortions of the truth. Rather than DO NOTHING, as you have in the past. 2. Will you run down to the corner store and buy a BACKBONE? Once you get one, will you use it? --submitted by Bill Dockery	Popularity Score: 31 voting closed
Do you concur that two of the major reasons Republicans were turned out of office in 2006 are 1) because of Republican failure and refusal to perpetuate the 1994 Contract with America and 2) because your electoral base was very frustrated over the perception that Republicans were NOT conducting themselves as though they were the WINNERS of the elections for which the conservative electoral base fought so tenaciously? Do you concur that Republicans conducted themselves in a manner consistent with a MINORITY party instead of the party in charge of both houses for 12 years? --submitted by Jeff Buchanan	Popularity Score: 30 voting closed
Leaving Iraq without a clear "win" will be used for decades by Democrats, as Bush's debacle and evidence of Republican incompetence. What suggestions do you have for making sure this disaster does not occurr? --submitted by Todd Roth	Popularity Score: 29 voting closed
may i ask, what your stance is on the kyoto protocol ? --submitted by Poker spielen	Popularity Score: 28 voting closed
What core conservative principles do you consider key to gaining back the confidence of the base? And how do you intend to get folks to support those principles? --submitted by Brett Rogers	Popularity Score: 27 voting closed
Will you push for the development of oil shales found in the upper mid-west and west? We know we have a reserve greater than all oil in the mid-east. We know that it is able to be developed for ~40 per barrel and we know that it is cleaner burning than regular oil and gas (the refining process strips out the arsenides, sulfides, and mercury). Montana has already started to build it's own refinery, will you support this, and develop incentives to get the other oil companies on board? --submitted by Jim	Popularity Score: 27 voting closed
As a leader would you be willing to hold those Democrats who ran on conservative principles (pro-life, pro-gun, anti-embryonic stem cell, ...) accountable by name so that when they do not follow through on their promises they are exposed? --submitted by Fernando	Popularity Score: 26 voting closed
I was always wondering why on earth this had to be done like that. Imo that wasn`t really necessary. --submitted by Bahis	Popularity Score: 26 voting closed
Mr. Boehner, during the Mark Foley scandal, you said that you told Dennis Hastert about Foley's e-mails to underaged pages, then you denied telling him. Which is correct, and did you do anything to protect pages after you found about Foley? --submitted by La Shawn Barber	Popularity Score: 25 voting closed
Which Federal agency is most deserving of elimination? --submitted by Matthew C	Popularity Score: 24 voting closed
I couldn`t agree more with what Chuck88 wrote, this legislation was useless imo --submitted by APuestas	Popularity Score: 24 voting closed
Will you attempt to forge an alliance with the alleged “Blue Dog” democrats who ran on conservative issues, thereby advancing the conservative agenda or exposing their true natures? As an example, will you advance the marriage amendment? So far 17 of 18 states that have held ballot initiatives on defining marriage as between and man and have passed them, in most cases by wide margins (the only exception was Arizona were a strong law already existed in support of traditional marriage, the fact being used as an argument against the initiatives passage.) This issue has strong support across the nation, is needed prevent judicial activism, and will clearly define the so-called conservative democrats. --submitted by Mike Lynch	Popularity Score: 22 voting closed
Given that male circumcision is known to reduce the transmission of AIDs, would you favor preventing such measures in the US and using US foreign aid from being used for such measures. --submitted by M. Simon	Popularity Score: 22 voting closed
Do you support an increase in troop levels in Iraq? --submitted by John Grannis	Popularity Score: 21 voting closed
What is a Shiite? What is a Sunni? Is there a difference between them? If so, explain. --submitted by RWB	Popularity Score: 20 voting closed
i was wondering what you intend to do against the illegal aliens ? --submitted by Scommesse	Popularity Score: 19 voting closed
Will you support the "Fair Tax"? --submitted by Alan	Popularity Score: 18 voting closed
Will you support iron-clad legislation requiring Employers to verify Social Security Numbers used to gain employment(Using the Social Security Administration's Web-site or Web-Service) and if they fail to verify a SSN require subsequent fines and/or imprisonment? --submitted by Doug Pettitt	Popularity Score: 18 voting closed
Many bloggers assert that the GOP lost Congress in part because of its failure to rein in porkbarrel spending while emergency funding was directed to the areas struck by Hurricane Katrina. So indirectly, had Katrina response been more organized and its money better accounted for, and had governments from local to Federal levels better understood their respective roles and adhered to them, the Porkbusters movement might never have gotten traction and the GOP could possibly have held on to Congress. As it was, President Bush proposed expansion of the Federal role, fundamentally altering the relationship of States to the Federal government, in my opinion without any justification to do so, in a move that appeared to be raw pandering. Clearly it behooves the GOP to look at the Federal government's proper role in disaster response, for the sake of the people affected by the disaster. What is the Federal government's role in natural disaster response, how will you explain or defend that definition, and how will you restrain the Federal government from expanding beyond that defined role? How might you use Federal power to protect the rights of the people affected by such disasters, should it appear that local or State governments are violating them? --submitted by Fˆz	Popularity Score: 18 voting closed
Should conservatives in the Republican Party be more proactive in a p.r. effort(more on the attack, less on the defensive) both in the GOP, the "new media," and in traditional (archaic) media? --submitted by John Valnes	Popularity Score: 17 voting closed
I would like to ask Mr. Pence why he voted against House Bill 5970, which would have raised the minimum wage, cut the federal estate tax permanently and extended several business tax breaks. 196 Republicans voted "Yea," but Mr. Pence and 21 other Republicans voted "Nay." Why did he choose to vote the way he did? Thank you, Nick Jacob --submitted by Nick Jacob	Popularity Score: 16 voting closed
When the Democrats put a vote to stop funding the War in Iraq like they did to end Vietnam, will you put up a fight for our troops and our allies to make sure funding for the war continues? --submitted by ArtbyRuth	Popularity Score: 16 voting closed
What is your stance on the conflict Israel-Iran ? --submitted by Sportwetten Quoten	Popularity Score: 16 voting closed
What is your position on making English the Official Language of the USA? --submitted by JRH	Popularity Score: 15 voting closed
The GOP squandered their majority by turning their backs on their base and conservative principles. Besides the fact that there is no opposition party that is serious about the important issues of the day, why should I trust you again? --submitted by Rusty Gil	Popularity Score: 15 voting closed
Many of us are getting rather nervous that Republicans may be going wobbly on us with regard to Iraq. Specifically, it seems that too many are looking for a "fix," rather than a way to WIN. Do you feel it is more important to "slog" it out and stabilize Iraq, or to find a way to leave? Are you prepared to stand firmly on behalf of winning and argue strongly against negotiation with unfriendly entities such as the Iranian mullahs and Syrians? --submitted by Beth	Popularity Score: 15 voting closed
I think the Republicans need to stand up for things for once and not let the Democrats push them around and especially not be so conciliatory as they have in the past--especially since the Democrats usually don't reciprocate. In that light, what will your specific role be in standing up for things and trying to 'obstruct' bad legislation (as best as possible under the given circumstances)? --submitted by Kay	Popularity Score: 14 voting closed
Do you have the integrity to put the conservative agenda ahead of your personal agenda? --submitted by Oneyedman	Popularity Score: 14 voting closed
Why is it unreasonable to truly secure our borders first, then look for ways to handle the illegals sho are already here? --submitted by Scott Hornburg	Popularity Score: 14 voting closed
i fully agree with Linda78, this could have been handled a lot more carefully. regards --submitted by Sportwetten Fussball	Popularity Score: 14 voting closed
It's easy to make promises as to what you will do if elected Minority Leader, but tell me, what did you do to prevent the disaster that just befell our party? --submitted by Adam Graham	Popularity Score: 13 voting closed
Is there a set of facts that would justify an attack on Iran? On N. Korea? --submitted by Andy T	Popularity Score: 13 voting closed
How will you use parliamentary rules and committee assignments to fight liberal legislation? --submitted by John Grannis	Popularity Score: 13 voting closed
The internet was not a factor the last time the democrats held the house. As we all know, the drive by media will look the other way when dems have a problem, and magnify any rep problem, and likewise ignore any rep victory, etc etc, How do you propose using the stength of the internet, and more specifically these great bloggers to win arguments and carry the day? --submitted by Lance Rossell	Popularity Score: 12 voting closed
Why is it that you so easily abandoned the conservative base that elected you to the majority in 1994? On nearly every issue you have voted like Democrats, have failed to limit the size of gevernment, have failed to exercise fiscal restraint, and show little inclination to stopping, not controlling, the invasion of this country by illegal aliens. Given this scorecard of you performance explain why the true conservative base should continue to support you at the ballot box? --submitted by James Green	Popularity Score: 12 voting closed
If you get elected, what are the top 5 goals that you would like to achieve in this session ? --submitted by Spel Online	Popularity Score: 12 voting closed
Will the minority leader and whip be persons that have the ability to immediately rebut whatever trash is thrown up by the pelosi-reid leadership? I'm tired of never hearing any come backs from the republican leadership. --submitted by george williams	Popularity Score: 11 voting closed
Will you support Goldwater/Reagan precepts of limited government? Will you support problem solving at the private level when possible? --submitted by rabrandt	Popularity Score: 11 voting closed
Will you confront the democrats and ask them publicly why they support privacy rights for terrorists and civil rights for African Americans unless they are gay or black Republicans. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds and you are SILENT. --submitted by MaxKeefe	Popularity Score: 11 voting closed
Will you go after the leakers of classified information and the media source that publishes it? Will you remove any elected official who leaked such information? --submitted by MaxKeefe	Popularity Score: 11 voting closed
Are you prepared to openly break with the President and self-interest of Chamber of Commerce Republicans to address the concerns of populists and conservatives in the American majority on real immigration control, borders, & amnesty? --submitted by Mark Hamilton	Popularity Score: 10 voting closed
Please identify the three most important legislative goals to establish a conservative program that will show America what Repblicans stand for. Will you resign your leadership post at the end of the year if you fail to succeed in getting 95% of the Republican cacaus to follow you in voting in favor of the legislation that would enact those three goals on the floor? --submitted by Cliff Thier	Popularity Score: 10 voting closed
(1) Do you think that the federal Prescription Drug Plan, on balance, is a positive or negative for America? (2) Do you think that the No Child Left Behind Act, on balance, is a positive or negative for America? (3) Would you work for, or work against, passage of a federal version of the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative? --submitted by Cliff Thier	Popularity Score: 10 voting closed
are you prepared to use the same procedural processes to delay, stop, change, or kill bills, nominees, or anything else such as subpoenas and investigations to ensure the business of the country is conducted, and not tied up in self destructive investigations or impeachments? --submitted by margaret bowman	Popularity Score: 10 voting closed
As all parts of the Federal Government, including DoD, DoJ, State, Commerce and Treasury, have testified that they are doing all they can against transnational terrorism and all of that combined is not seen as enough, would the Republican Leadership support the full use of the Congressional War Powers given to it by the People in the Constitution in regards to commerce, treaties and Warranting U.S. Citizens and Companies to go after the trade and commerce of those that actively support and have attacked the U.S., its People and its Armed Forces and are beyond the Government's normal reach, but are NOT out of reach of Citizens and Companies duly warranted to find them and protected by Congress in this wartime activity? --submitted by Kurt Hoglund	Popularity Score: 10 voting closed
Are you willing to push for a change or dropping the 14th amendment all together so that being born in the United States in and of itself does not create citizenship? In other words, are you willing to end the problems created by anchor-babies? --submitted by Bob Klinger	Popularity Score: 10 voting closed
What makes you a conservative? --submitted by Wagonboy	Popularity Score: 10 voting closed
Strong earmark reform has wide support among the conservative base. If either the House, the Senate, or both do not eliminate earmarks, would you support the following reform: require Members, when requesting an earmark, to disclose whether they themselves, or any person or interest they are connected with, stand to benefit materially from the earmark? More here: http://influencepeddler.blogspot.com/2006/11/earmark-reform.html --submitted by Editor at IP	Popularity Score: 10 voting closed
How will you try to make amends with the dozens of countries we p...d off because of kyoto, iraq, guantanamo, stupid gambling-ban..? --submitted by Pari Foot France	Popularity Score: 10 voting closed
Do you believe it possible for someone currently in the House Leadership to lead us out of the mess caused by the current House Leadership? If so, how? --submitted by James Joyner	Popularity Score: 9 voting closed
Why not wait to choose a leader? Why not develop a general game plan then vote for a leader to carry out the plan? --submitted by Porfidia Holguin	Popularity Score: 9 voting closed
As Leadership candidate: 1) What is your plan for regaining a majority in 2008; 2) What is your plan for communicating with the Public to create support and understanding for the GOP's agenda/positions; 3) What is your plan for counter-acting the liberal bias of the MSM and leveraging alternative commincations channels? --submitted by J. Wolfe	Popularity Score: 9 voting closed
Considering that Hezbollah sympathizers and agents have already been arrested and prosecuted in the US and that Hezbollah is now in Venezuela recruiting South Americans to Islam and into the Hezbollah fold, how do you see that the continued unchecked and unstopped movement of individuals across the southern US border with regards to Hezbollah Agents that are ethnically hispanic, but religiously tied to Hezbollah? --submitted by Kurt Hoglund	Popularity Score: 9 voting closed
Do you support Vouchers and a competitive free equal fair Education system. What is your opinion do you support Vouchers and if not what is your answer? (must be able to put in layman’s terms.) --submitted by Corey	Popularity Score: 9 voting closed
I want us and the Iraqi people to win the war. I do not want "peace with honor" or a study group to lead us to a shameful exit. What are you going to do to ensure victory? --submitted by Pat D	Popularity Score: 9 voting closed
What is your position on fielding a fresh slate of Members from the Republican Conference for positions on the Approriations Committee as opposed to maintaining the current system whereby seniority is a major deciding factor as to who sits on that important committee? --submitted by Andrew Nathan	Popularity Score: 8 voting closed
Will you honestly and consistetly communicate and vote conservative values, even against a President of your own party? --submitted by Andy	Popularity Score: 8 voting closed
Will you take a tough and principled stand against the moves the Democrat-led Congress will certainly make to gut the pro-voucher aspects of the No Child Left Behind Act while enhancing those aspects of the Act which further federalize grade school and high school education? --submitted by Mike Z	Popularity Score: 8 voting closed
If elected, what are the top three goals that you would like to achieve in this Congressional session? --submitted by Bill Andrews	Popularity Score: 8 voting closed
We simple folk out here in flyover country look agape at the audacity of the elite media that publishes the family secrets and shows the videos that were furnished by our enemy with no penalty. Why they want to support our enemys should be a concern of all Americans but why they do it with impunity is another question. Why is their treason ignored by our government? If I had done what they did I would be in the slammer waiting on my trial for treason. --submitted by J Simpson	Popularity Score: 8 voting closed
Ryan Sager explains how the GOP used to represent the fusion of interests among religious conservatives, advocates of small government, and strong national defenders. It seems though that in the last 6 years, the religious conservatives have been blatantly pandered to (gay marriage and Terry Schiavo, Internet gambling ban, for example) while national defense has fared acceptably, and small government is not even on the radar (Medicare Rx, No Child Left Behind, campaign finance 'reform', Internet gambling ban). Do you see the GOP returning to a balance among these constituencies, and if so, how will you work to restore it? --submitted by Fûz	Popularity Score: 8 voting closed
What is your stance on the North American Union? Are you for or against the NAU? --submitted by E J Kraus	Popularity Score: 8 voting closed
Will you support Congressman Linder's "Fair Tax"? Bryan --submitted by Bryan	Popularity Score: 8 voting closed
Please name one specific bad law, outside of the Internal Revenue Code, and explain how you will work for its repeal? Extra Credit for providing a citation. --submitted by Interested Conservative	Popularity Score: 7 voting closed
Each new Congress first votes on a set of parliamentary procedures called the “rule.” That determines how, when and if a bill or resolution gets to a vote or gets killed. The minority can only use parliamentary procedure to influence this. Core conservative principles are meaningless if you let Rham Emmanuel and Steny Hoyer outmaneuver you on procedure; you can’t bring anything conservative to the floor for a vote, or prevent liberal items from being rammed down our throats. How are you going to select committee assignments within the caucus so you are as strong as possible in the parliamentary infighting? Of course, the leadership assignments are a direct offshoot of the above. Good conservative leaders who are weak on parliamentary procedure will get you killed here every time. --submitted by Jim Griffin	Popularity Score: 6 voting closed
I believe we can gain the support of some Libertarian-leaning voters in '08 by emphasizing Federalism. Will will you trumpet our success is this areana (eg: Concealed Carry, Marriage Amendments), advocate for State's Rights, and call for a return to the "laboratory of democracy"? --submitted by D. Morley	Popularity Score: 6 voting closed
When Impeachment of President Buch starts, how will the Republicans fight it? --submitted by Don Robertson	Popularity Score: 6 voting closed
Do you think that economic illiteracy is a problem for conservatives trying to explain their policies? If so, what do you propose to do about it? --submitted by Cliff Thier	Popularity Score: 6 voting closed
Given that the economy is increasing to an all time high, why would it be necessary to change the labor force with foreign workers which is itself at an all time high, greater than any in period of historical immigrants, legal and illegal now represent more at least 10% of the population, while historically the numbers have been closer to 5% since our country was founded? --submitted by Stacey Maxwell	Popularity Score: 6 voting closed
Republicans must rally together around a consistent message and stick to that message over the next 2 years. What is that message? and what methods will you use to be sure it is heard? --submitted by Jim Wilson	Popularity Score: 6 voting closed
Will the Republican party recognize that when they look the other way on scandals such as William Jefferson, Dem of La. it is assumed that they don't want to make any noise that might reflect on them. The only folks that will keep the Dems honest are the folks in the other party so where are you on the issue???? --submitted by Oldvolfan	Popularity Score: 6 voting closed
As Congress has seen fit to recognize the role of Close Air Support via upgrading 300 A-10's, would the Republican Leadership support any of the following: 1) Upgrading the entire A-10 fleet, 2) Looking at older airframes in the aircraft graveyard that have the salient characteristics for CAS missions and returning them to service with upgrades for modern avionics, weapons and controls, 3) a re-buy on the A-10 for additional aircraft, 4) a follow-on to the A-10 that is made ONLY for the CAS mission to protect the ground forces, 5) separating CAS back to an Army/Marines role and giving the USAF all precision bombing, air superiority, fighter, interceptor at all levels ABOVE of oversight above the CAS mission role all the way to orbital Strategic oversight and planning for Defense of the Nation? --submitted by Kurt Hoglund	Popularity Score: 6 voting closed
What is your position on making English the Official Language of the USA? --submitted by JRH	Popularity Score: 6 voting closed
Isn't it time for new leadership in the 110th Congressional term? It is obvious that the old leadership mistook the issues in the 2006 election cycle. A new slate is needed to bring the Republicans back to power with new ideas. The Exclusion of Blunt, Boehner and company is necessary to move forward. --submitted by George	Popularity Score: 6 voting closed
You do realize that "bi-partisanship" doesn't mean caving to every Democrat whim, right? --submitted by Michael	Popularity Score: 6 voting closed
Given that the spread of HIV and STDs can be prevented through proper use of condoms and maintaining monogamous sexual relationships, would you support using taxpayer dollars to provide condoms and encourage monogamy at home and abroad? --submitted by Matty	Popularity Score: 6 voting closed
Are you now, or have you ever been... associated with, tied to, or even wearing the same cologne as Jack Abramoff? Can a photo be produced showing you shaking hands with Abramoff, smiling? How about anybody else LIKE Abramoff, but of whom we have not yet heard? Would you describe your ethical history as "clean," "squeaky clean," or "vulnerable to opposition research"? --submitted by ModernConservative	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
how will the republican get their message out? when we all know that the elite media is in the democrats corner. --submitted by JOSNY	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
It the people demand term limits for Congress, would you work to put term limits in place? Or are you already part of the problem? --submitted by Doug	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
How will you use the media - old and new - to regain the majority. --submitted by John Grannis	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
Parties must act in unison to be effective. How do you plan to enforce compliance among your members; something that was not done in the last several terms. --submitted by Greg	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
Will you finally start standing up against the sleazy and unethical tactics of the Democratic Party? Will you finally start defending yourselves against the bias that streams 24/7 from the MSM? Will you finally make an effort to let the American people know just how crooked and criminal the Democrats really are? Will you finally start listening to the people who put you in office and do what we put you there for in the first place? Will you finally close the borders? Or at least secure the damn things? --submitted by darwin	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
What are your three favorite conservative blogs and why? --submitted by John Grannis	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
What is your understanding of the motives and intentions of our terrorist enemies, and how do you think we can best defeat them? --submitted by John Grannis	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
will you do everything in your power to block investigations that are launched as "pay back" to discredit our president and others who have honestly fought to preserve national security inspite of negative media coverage and will you be brave enough to withstand withering attacks by the new york times. will you counter-investigate all the leaking of classified information and the effort within our intelligence agencies to undermine the war on terror? --submitted by deane Pradzinski	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
Which of you are capable of finally forcing your party to stop rolling-over for the Democrats every time the make a nasty face at you? You've been doing it for 12 years- can you stop now? --submitted by Kurt	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
If Americans will not display the will to build new oil refineries on private land, will you initiate and support the effort to fund and build oil refineries on federal land? --submitted by Paul A'Barge	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
THE most important issue of our time is the war on terror/the war in Iraq.Do you agree and will you make it the center piece of what the Republican party, of what the COUNTRY simply must get right? In other words, would you put your political career on the line to prevent our American fighting men and women from becoming a vindication of j.kerry and his insult that they're all just victims of another "biggest nothing in history"? --submitted by Mark Ducharme	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
Will you try to refocus the party on conservatism, or will you encourage a move toward a more moderate stance? --submitted by Greg	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
Does anyone in the GOP plan on atleast responding to the regular scandal mongering and character assasinations from the mainstream media? --submitted by Mark	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
Would the Republican Leadership support a 'Sunset Law' to require the re-upping of individual laws, regulations and everything else done by the Government? This could easily be done by putting such online for Citizen comment and those things that are good and necessary should slide right through, while those that are antiquated or obsolete should not via a simple yea/nay vote in each House of Congress. --submitted by Kurt Hoglund	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
Will you now listen to conservatives and support their ideas/values or continue to ignore them, as when you were in the majority pre Nov 7, 2006? --submitted by JihadGene	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
Do you consider Porkbusters a friend or foe. --submitted by Jeffrey Ring	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
What is your position on property rights? Do you support regulation reform to eliminate the need for "Shoot, Shovel, and Shut up"? Do you think emenent domain should be used to give someone's house to a developer who promises to pay more taxes? What is your track record? --submitted by Jeffrey Ring	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
When will the leadership realize that most elections are decided by the undecided voters? These people do not follow the news until a few weeks before an election. What will you do to teach and convince these voters of the republican agenda? What will you do to combat the negative spin that is constant from the left and the media? I believe we lost because we had no vocal strength from the right on any issue, Iraq, immigration, adult stem cells. The issues didn't lose, but the independent voter had no idea what the republican stand was after being drowned out for over a year with Bush lied, etc. No one was willing to support the troops to counter John Murtha. As a wife of a 28+ year naval officer I was appalled by the lack of a clear vooice as the the need to be and stay in Iraq. I want a republican party that is not afraid to stand by principles! --submitted by Marie Hankins	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
One reason that the Republican Congress fell in popularity was the perception that Members of the House could not be trusted to police themselves, and enforce ethics rules themselves. Will you advocate an independent, outside ethics process for Members of the House, so that voters can be sure that elected officials recognize they are not part of some privileged 'club' that is answerable to no one? --submitted by Editor at IP	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
I have a son just back from Iraq, and I'm wondering if you foresee that having convicted felon Alcee Hastings Chairing the Intel commitee presents any problems with young people in the Intel field taking the oversight role of the Committee seriously? --submitted by Phil	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
The Greatest treat to the US Republic from without is Jihadistic Terrorism what is your plan to deal with Liberal, European and UN ignorance and obstinance to deal with this pernicious Global Threat? --submitted by Doc Francis	Popularity Score: 5 voting closed
As a leader would you be willing to discipline members who stray too far from the agreed upon tenets of conservative ideas? If not what encouragement would you use to bring such member to the fold? --submitted by Fernando	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Why after taking the thumpin that was handed by the Democrats, are you guys in such a hurry to decide the House GOP Leadership. Do you think it better to take some time to reflect on what went wrong and allow for some fresh true conservatives to emerge? Remember it was Republicanism that lost the election and not Conservatism!!!!!!!! --submitted by John D Anthony	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
What do you consider the most important issue that the Republicans have to face today and how will you address this issue? --submitted by Jean R.	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Do you have the courage to get into a "knife fight" with democrats? In the leadership are you ready to support candidates in "purple" areas that can win, regardless of ideology? --submitted by jbwbubba	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
An open question, since the gentlemen are competing among themselves for significant leadership posts. In his own words, what commitment and qualities does each man bring to the job? --submitted by HDCVax	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
What is your stance in regard to initiating and passing incentives for the mining and utilization of America's enormous deposits of shale oil, and using this resource to reduce or eliminate our dependence upon the foreign oil that is presently funding our mortal enemies, both in the Middle East and Venezuela? --submitted by Robert Koslover	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Will you remind your colleagues that if the democrats are playing the game in the gutter, and you refuse to show up to the gutter to fight back, then you FORFEIT? --submitted by Max	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Would the Republican Leadership consider pushing a FOIA change to cover Congress? --submitted by Kurt Hoglund	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Considering that Congress gets to set its own size and that this size has not changed since 1913 so that it could be manageable *then*, and now that we have modern communications and network systems to allow a mass interaction by many individuals, would the Republican Leadership support changing the size of the House back to more communitarian ones as were put forth by the Founders of this Nation so that the WILL of the People could be heard in their clamor upon the Hill, and change the Representational proportion to something much closer to the 1 per 30,000 maximum House as outlined in the Constitution and remove superfluous Congressional STAFF so that Citizens can actually get to TALK to a Representative and NOT be flacked by a STAFFER? --submitted by Kurt Hoglund	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Considering that since 1979 Iran has given the US numerous Casus Belli (Tehran, three times in Beirut, Khobar Towers) and that Syria is complicit in some of those (three Beirut bombings), and that both of these Nations are now actively supplying forces in Iraq with men, equipment and logistics, what is the Republican Leadership's position on this and the position of what a United States should do when it is attacked by other Nations in an active combat theater that hinder or fight against the mission of US Armed Forces? --submitted by Kurt Hoglund	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Will you support Social Security reform that includes private accounts and no increases on the earnings ceiling, i.e. increasing taxes on those who earn more? I have never seen such a lazy voting public who allows themselves to be taxed in order to give their money to the government so that they can then invest it poorly to give them less later in life. How about an "Opt Out" option, freezing your current contribution into SSI and limiting your benefits once you reach your SSI age? --submitted by S Cooley	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
When President Bush campaigned for office in 2000 he promised conservatives that the United States would no longer engage in nation building. Question: In your opinion is the war on terror as currently being waged in Iraq a war on terrorism or a nation building program that actually distracts from the war on terror? If the later, how will you change the current direction of nation building in Iraq and re-energize the war on terror? Mike W. --submitted by Mike Woodyard	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Which one of you had a conservative Republican mother of three in your own district call you an ethically bankrupt, fire-breathing skunk? --submitted by Julie Boyle	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
This is for Congressman Barton: You've been closely associated with Tom DeLay over the years. Republican-supporting former National Review publisher Wick Allison, who now publishes D Magazine, said of you on the Frontburner blog last week that you have proven yourself "to be little more than a pro-lobby hack." Allison hopes Mike Pence will be elected House Minority Leader. In addition, Rep Pete Sessions (R-Dallas) is aligned with John Boehner and Rep Jeb Hensarling (R-Dallas) is the campaign manager for Mike Pence. Why do you think a Republican magazine publisher and congressmen in your own state -- those who should know you the best -- don't want you to be the House Minority Leader? --submitted by Julie Boyle	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Will you lead as if you aren't afraid to lose? (That, in case you haven't noticed, is how to WIN.) --submitted by Laura Hollis	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
What will it really take for the GOP to remember they are to be the party for a smaller LESS INTRUSIVE government? thank you --submitted by Jeff	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Are you willing to support a serious investigation on the national security leaks coming out of defense and the CIA and go after the leakers and their enablers, even if those enablers are major media outlets? Are you willing to support a comprehensive immigration plan instead of the losing hardline tactic of "my way or the highway?" What is your opinion of the value of the alternate media such as the blogosphere? --submitted by Sara	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Are the Republicans prepared to break from the President and fight his proposal for Amnesty? I know the proposal will be brought up again; and I know Mike Pence is a supporter of amnesty even though he refuses to admit it. I really think that this is still the hottest issue out there, and the public will go crazy if an amnesty is passed. In this area, people are smart enough to figure out that an amnesty is an amnesty is an amnesty. Having worked part-time in a hospital for 16 years, as well as having a full-time job, I can tell you that all hospitals are being over-run with illegals as well as legal aliens. It seems that the only people we take into this country anymore are uneducated and have no work ethic. Will the Republicans at least attempt to change our immigration policy for the better? Or will they avoid the problem and try to sell us on Mr. Pence's amnesty bill? --submitted by Leslie Carroll	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Do you fully understand the strategic value of Iraq and our need to have bases there? --submitted by Sara	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
In coming Speaker Pelosi has pledged to "Drain the Swamp". will you begin with Congressman Jefferson,How will you ensure she's not just looking at elephants, because we know there are a lot of donkeys in that same swamp. --submitted by David Day	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Regaurding immigration, Are you against an expanded guest worker program? --submitted by Goyn Landwehr	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Are you going to let Conyers get away with HR288 - the resolution that specifically says the USA can't discriminate against ISLAM - if he is concerned with relgious freedom why does he only keep mentioning ISLAM & the QURAN and no other religions? Where do you stand on that? --submitted by dot	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
We've been lied to and taken advantage of so often, why should we believe you? --submitted by The Yak Rider	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Will you, in seeking a leadership position, admit that you as a congress have failed to represent the conservative constituentcies that elected you? Will you recommit yourselves, as a minority caucus, to the principles of smaller government, lower taxes and strong defense? Will you pledge to fight the War on Terror, on all its fronts, without consideration to the political correctness that has hogtied our fine military men and women, made us less safe as a nation and delayed liberty for ordinary Iraqis? --submitted by Richard Nettles	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Can the Republicans take a cue from California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger? His political stature went from rags to riches when he started showing concern for the environment and it’s impact on human health. If this same cue had been taken by the Chairman of the House and Energy Commission, the outcome of these elections may have been equally as different. Mr. Barton can you tell us why Public Health Region 3 (PHR3), which is home to you and many of your constituents, has the highest birth defect rate in the State of Texas? Can you tell us why Ellis County, Texas,where you and many of your constituents live, has an even higher birth defect rate than that of PHR3? Can you tell us why these birth defect rates keep increasing at an alarming rate? Can you tell us why you do not want the National Health Institute looking at the environment to determine it’s impact on public health? Can you tell us why you will not request an up or down vote on the Autism and Breast Cancer Bills? By using the County you call home as an example, can you tell us how you show concern for the public health of our Nation. --submitted by Mier	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
1. Now that you, the GOP elected officials, got your collective a**ses handed to you, are YOU NOW READY to get back to conservative core values as spelled out in the 1994 Contract With America? 2. Are you NOW willing to listen to us, the conservative and GOP voters, and NOT Washington insiders and pundits? 3. The democrats espouse 'bipartisanship', which is their code word for doing what they want. Are you NOW willing to act like the conservatives we thought you were, and not fold to them? 4. Are you NOW willing to get tough on illegal immigration, and enforce the laws regarding this issue? 5. Will you oppose the appointment of Mel Martinez of Florida as RNC Chair? If not, please explain clearly and succintly why he should be the RNC Chair, and not Michael Steele. --submitted by Gothguy	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
What do you think of allowing the free market to reduce health care costs? --submitted by Jason Norrett	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Will you expose the mistakes of the past under the Clinton/Democrats' watch (IE:giving light water reactor plans to Korea - which kicked the current problem into the GOP's court, misuse of power and bribes by Hillary to become a senator in a state she never lived in, Carter unseating the Shah which gave us the current mess not to mention selling the Panama Canal, cover up of Sandy Berger's removing damaging documents that would have shown the failures of Clinton and not being prosecuted, the recent outright lies that Clinton told to Chris Wallace that went unchallenged by the GOP, the 100K in the icebox by Jefferson just to name a few? Fight harder to get the truth out and REPRESENT THE PEOPLE or get out of the way for the real Americans to take charge! To fight fire with fire you must GET AS NASTY AND VICIOUS AS THEY ARE because they will get us killed and wreck this country more than it is already. --submitted by Lori Barendse	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
The Greatest Danger the Republic faces from within is a runaway Judiciary. What is your plan to get Conservative Judges past the obstructionists Democrats? --submitted by Doc Francis	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Will you use your position as our Federal Representative to fight back against Democrats and use the Microphone of Old and New Media to denounce them when they have scandals like Representative William Jefferson's bribe money found frozen in his cooler and clobber Senator Melendez's in the head for receiving kickbacks! Will you and your colleagues stop with the nice guy country club antics and pull off the gloves and fight back HARD for your conservative base? --submitted by Doc Francis	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
remark re betty65`s question: what would you have done instead ? --submitted by Scommesse	Popularity Score: 4 voting closed
Are you willing to propose policies, rules or even legislation that will attempt to eliminate the misleading and manipulative language used by Congress in communications with the American public? i.e. - "spending cuts" meaning a smaller increase instead of an actual cut. Both Republicans and Democrats (but especially Democrats) hide behind the perpetual spin language instead of opening themselves to ACTUAL ACCOUNTABILITY for their actions. Do you believe in your positions enough to take a stand and talk with clarity to the American public? --submitted by KBB	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
What is your plan to excite the conservative base to return to the polls next election AND what is your plan to win over independents who voted Democrat this election because of the war and a lack of trust in our party? Both of these groups contributed heavily to our loss. --submitted by Adam Bearly	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
Are you in favor of an MI-5 type domestic intelligence agency? If not, what reforms will you push for regarding the national intelligence apparatus? --submitted by DrJ	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
My Dem friends gloat "Eight years in office, ten in the pen." Will you fight vigorously against forces which want to criminalize being a Republican? --submitted by Jim Uren	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
Mr. Barton, you've been a one-trick pony in Congress, carrying the water of the energy industry. Where in the election results do you find the encouragement for your candidacy? --submitted by Jayantsch Long	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
Deficit spending stimulates the economy. Stimulating the economy causes inflation. The Federal Reserve raises interest rates to fight inflation. Higher interest rates slow the economy. Higher interest rates make it harder to pay off the deficit. Reagan thought that cutting taxes was a way to limit the size of government. This has not worked with the current Republicans in control. Republican economic policy has been like me buying a Mercedes and not making the payments. The American people see through this lack of logic. Please articulate a sound fiscal and economic policy considering these factors. --submitted by Glen	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
Are you going to create another "Contract with America" ala Newt Gingrich (1994). --submitted by Squawkbox	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
Do you understand that Rebuplican voters won't tolerate corruption, won't go for the idea that someone should be re-elected because he will get a powerful position and can bring home the Pork,or for the idea that Republicans should be elected because if not Nancy Pelosi, Jon Conyers, and Charles Rangold will assume positions of power. This stuff may impress those who vote for Democrats, but won't work on Republicans. Joe --submitted by Joe Deegan	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
Do you think the current copyright laws have gone too far in giving a copyright holder all but indefinite control, and criminalizing even non-commercial piracy? Would you support the repeal of the DMCA? Do you support the repeal of software patents? --submitted by Julian Morrison	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
Many Republicans were thwarted this election in favor of a few so called "conservative democrats" When they inevitably come to Washington and do what they are told rather than represent their constituents, what measures are we going to take to make sure their constituencies are as fully aware of this as possible by November 2008? --submitted by Mark Morgenstern	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
If the Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group recommends retreating from Iraq and/or negotiating with Iran or Syria, will you pass a House Resolution repudiating it? --submitted by The Puddle Pirate	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
How do you plan to continue to fund the latest government entitlement program, medicare D? --submitted by georgia girl	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
Which of you identifies with Reaganism, is a Reagan-conservative, works to apply conservative values while in a leadership position? I believe if you do this, you will return to a majority in the Congress and will retain the White House in 2008. --submitted by Pete Dosado	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
The United Nations is in Denial about the threat of Radical Islamo-Terrorism and this movement's desire to destroy Israel and the USA? What do you propose as a strategy to deal with the UN's fecklessness and malfeasance,? Would an rival World Body of freely elected Democracies serve as a counterbalance to the corrupt UN? --submitted by doc Francis	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
What percent of GDP should the U.S. govenment spending (including entitlements) represent? --submitted by Tom K	Popularity Score: 3 voting closed
I think the Republicans need to stand up for things for once and not let the Democrats push them around and especially not be so conciliatory as they have in the past--especially since the Democrats usually don't reciprocate. In that light, what will your specific role be in standing up for things and trying to 'obstruct' bad legislation (as best as possible under the given circumstances)? --submitted by Kay	Popularity Score: 2 voting closed
How important is it to have someone in leadership who served in the minority prior to 1995 and knows what it takes to lead the Conference from minority to majority status? --submitted by Steve	Popularity Score: 2 voting closed
What are your thoughts about term limits? True leaders have the courage to let go. You are our Representatives and we are your employers. Too many in Congress have forgotten that. Politics should not be a career. I think Congressmen should be limited to 9 terms and Senators 2 terms. What about you? --submitted by Jim	Popularity Score: 2 voting closed
Leaving Iraq without a clear "win" will be used for decades by Democrats, as Bush's debacle and evidence of Republican incompetence. What suggestions do you have for making sure this disaster does not occurr? --submitted by Todd Roth	Popularity Score: 2 voting closed
Do you support the authorization, funding, and creation of additional infantry brigades for the Army and Marine Corps? If so, how many? In not, why not? --submitted by The Puddle Pirate	Popularity Score: 2 voting closed
for the love of victory - why not newt? --submitted by brian	Popularity Score: 2 voting closed
Which do you fear most? The anger and frustration of the base when you don't act and govern like conservatives or the NY Times/Washington Post editorial page when you do? --submitted by Josh	Popularity Score: 2 voting closed
Why do you think it is a good idea to have your conference so quickly without taking careful consideration about the reasons for the parties losses. You are acting like a party that is so out of touch with the people that ALLOW you to be there. Don't you think it would be a good idea to consult the very people that put you in office about who might be the best people for those particular party roles? Why do you think business as usual is going to keep you in your jobs? --submitted by Jim	Popularity Score: 2 voting closed
If you are elected leader, will you pledge to actually read every bill (word-for-word) voted on and urge your Republican colleagues to do the same? A lot of wasteful spending can be eliminated by just having members of Congress simply read the bills they're voting on.