Biography - 2003-Present: Governor of New Mexico, 1998-2001: U.S. Energy Secretary, 1997-1998: U.N. Ambassador, 1983-1997: U.S. Representative, New Mexico, Catholic.
Iraq - Says U.S. troops should be redeployed by the end of the year to Afghanistan and other regions in the Persian Gulf as the situation is about to implode. The surge is not working and believes Petraeus is just being team player with the current administration.
Foreign Policy - Wants to be tougher on China because it's a strategic competitor. Wants UN troops in Darfur, & UN-enforced no-fly zone. with the help of China and Europe. He believe Bush's policies made Israel less safe. He promotes diplomacy and talking with enemies. It yields results.
Environment - Favors U.S. joining Kyoto treaty to curb greenhouse gas emissions and going "well beyond" its requirements, boosting fuel economy standards. Wants to invest in renewable energy to decrease oil imports from 65 percent of fossil fuel use to 10 percent in 15 years.
Health Care - Wants tax breaks for businesses and for people who pay for their own coverage. Lower the eligibility age for Medicare to 55 and expand programs for poor and children. Package could cost up to $110 billion a year. Savings would come by expanding spending on preventive care. Additional coverage for undocumented workers. Everybody will be covered.
Abortion - Favors abortion rights and resists any effort to prevent a woman's right to choose.
Civil/Gay Rights - Does not believe in gay marriage because homosexuality is a choice and not an issue of science. Supports civil unions for equal rights.
Immigration - Favors path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, opposes border fence. Wants increase in H-1B visas to permit more skilled workers. Conflicting himself a bit, he wants immigrants to pay into the health care system.
Budge and Economy - Raise taxes on the wealthiest. Relieve middle-income workers of the alternative minimum tax, Wants $60 billion spent in five years on tax breaks for investment in high-tech jobs and for research in new technologies. This will help the economy grow and produce strong employment opportunities. He also wants the mortgage industry to operate with more liquidity & more transparency. Supports balanced budget act.