CBS 2/Newsradio 780 Voter Guide: My Ballot

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Clinton favors abortion rights.

"For me, my experience and views with respect to family planning and reproductive rights was really rooted in my belief that women as well as men should have the right and responsibility for their health. It also was deepened and broadened by my travels as First Lady when I saw in so many different settings around the world what happens when governments try to control a woman’s reproductive health decisions." Source: The National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association Luncheon, June 13, 2006.

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Clinton opposes same sex marriage but would let states decide whether to recognize them. She opposes constitutional amendment against it. Source: The Associated Press

"And for me we have made it very clear in our country that we believe in equality. How we get to full equality is the debate we're having. And I am absolutely in favor of civil unions with full equality, full equality of benefits, rights and privileges." Source: Democratic Presidential Candidate Forum, aired on the Logo Network, sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign, Aug. 9, 2007.

Hillary Rodham Clinton: She proposes a 10-year, $150 billion energy package, including $50 billion "strategic energy fund" to develop new sources of fuel. The fund to be paid for by eliminating tax subsidies for oil companies. She wants tougher fuel efficiency standards financed in part by $20 billion in "green vehicle bonds." She voted for 2003 bill that would have capped 2010 emissions at 2000 levels. She would use some of the money from auctioning pollution credits to cushion higher consumer energy costs resulting from emission cuts. Source: The Associated Press

"As President, I will lead a national commitment to energy efficiency. This is the cheapest, cleanest, fastest way to reduce energy consumption and save energy costs, and to create good new jobs that cannot be outsourced." Source: Comprehensive Strategy to Address the Climate and Energy Challenge. Nov. 5, 2007

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Clinton voted for ban on assault-type weapons and to require background checks at gun shows. Favored leaving gun-makers and dealers open to civil suits. Also, in 2000 supported proposals for a federal requirement for state-issued photo gun licenses, as well as a national registry for handgun sales. Source: The Associated Press

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Clinton's health care plan calls for mandatory universal coverage in first term. She would provide tax credits for working families to make insurance more affordable - ensuring premiums do not exceed a percentage of income. Business would be required to offer insurance to employees or pay into a pool for people without it. She would expand Medicare and federal employees' health insurance plan to cover those without adequate workplace insurance. Clinton would raise taxes on wealthier families to help pay estimated cost of $110 billion a year. Also, raise taxes on a portion of "very generous" plans covering people making more than $250,000. Source: The Associated Press

"There are three parts to my approach. First, lowering costs for everyone. Second, improving quality for everyone. Third, insuring everyone." Source: Remarks at George Washington University, May 24, 2007

Hillary Rodham Clinton: She voted for 2006 bill that would have provided conditional path to citizenship, and supported border fence. Source: The Associated Press

She believes comprehensive reform must have as essential ingredients a strengthening of our borders, greater cross-cooperation with our neighbors, strict but fair enforcement of our laws, federal assistance to our state and local governments, strict penalties for those who exploit undocumented workers, and a path to earned legal status for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar. Source: http://www.hillaryclinton.com

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Clinton opposed troop increase, but has also opposed using congressional spending power to end war. She has not committed to a withdrawal timetable and says some troops will have to remain to continue fighting terrorism in Iraq and the region. Source: The Associated Press

"Well, the right strategy before the surge and post-escalation is the same: start bringing home America's troops now." Source: http://www.hillaryclinton.com

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Clinton supports relaxing restrictions on federal financing of embryonic stem cell research. Source: The Associated Press

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Clinton would let some of President Bush's tax cuts expire in 2010 as scheduled, in effect raising taxes on wealthier people to help pay for programs. She would call for tax proposals focused on universal health care plan, including tax credits to make insurance more affordable. Also, she would tax a portion of health insurance benefits provided to workers making more than $250,000. She would maintain estate tax on the richest tier. Clinton would give increased tax breaks for college. She would move to create a $1 billion paid family leave program to be financed by eliminating some tax shelters. Source: The Associated Press

Hillary Rodham Clinton: In the White House, Hillary will continue her lifelong work to create a world where every child is cherished, loved, and able to fulfill his or her potential. Among the issues she has fought for and will make a priority as president are: Attracting and supporting more outstanding teachers and principals, and paying them like the professionals they are; reforming the No Child Left Behind Act; giving new parents support and training to promote healthy development for their children; increasing access to high-quality early education and helping to create Early Head Start. Source: http://www.hillaryclinton.com

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Candidate response is not yet available.

Web Site: www.hillaryclinton.com

Religion: Methodist

Family: Married to William Jefferson Clinton Mother of Chelsea Victoria

Birthplace: Chicago, Ill. on Oct. 26, 1947

Education/Degrees: Wellesley College, B.A., 1969 Yale Law School, J.D., 1973

John Edwards: Edwards favors abortion rights.

"The decision about whether to become a parent is one of the most important decisions that a woman can face. Edwards believes that she should make it with her family, her doctor and in the context of her religious and ethical values. He will protect and defend the right to choose and reverse the damage that has been done by President Bush's anti-choice agenda." Source: http://www.johnedwards.com

John Edwards: Edwards does not support same-sex marriage, but does support civil unions. He opposes constitutional amendment against gay marriage. Source: The Associated Press

"I do believe strongly in civil unions and the substantive rights that with that. I believe we desperately need to get rid of DOMA [Defense of Marriage Act]." Source: Democratic Presidential Candidate Forum, aired on the Logo Network, sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign, Aug. 9, 2007.

John Edwards: Edwards proposes a $13 billion-a-year energy fund to double the Energy Department's budget for efficiency and renewable energy, accelerate clean energy technologies, encourage consumers to buy efficient products and help workers move out of jobs in polluting industries. He wants to eliminate oil company subsidies and establish cap-and-trade system requiring companies to pay for emitting pollution. He supports tougher vehicle fuel efficiency standards. He says people must make sacrifices in energy use, including changing vehicles they drive. As senator, missed vote on 2003 bill. Source: The Associated Press

"If we don't act now, it will be too late. Our generation must be the one that says 'yes' to alternative, renewable fuels and ends forever our dependence on foreign oil. Our generation must be the one that accepts responsibility for conserving natural resources and demands the tools to do it. And our generation must be the one that builds the New Energy Economy. It won't be easy, but it is time to ask the American people to be patriotic about something other than war." Source: http://www.johnedwards.com

John Edwards: Edwards voted as North Carolina senator for ban on assault-type weapons and to require background checks at gun shows. Source: The Associated Press

John Edwards: He is calling for mandatory universal coverage in first term, by expanding system of federal health insurance and family tax credits, and by imposing requirements on employers, insurance companies and individuals. Increase taxes on wealthier families to pay for program's cost of up to $120 billion a year. Source: The Associated Press

"I am proud that I came out with a truly universal health care plan that requires every single man and woman in America to have health care coverage." Source: Lance Armstrong Foundation Livestrong Presidential Cancer Forum, Aug. 27, 2007.

John Edwards: Edwards supports path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who speak English and meet other conditions. Source: The Associated Press

"Immigration is central to the story of America, but our immigration system needs a fundamental overhaul. Our security is threatened by borders we cannot control. Our economy is harmed by a large underground economy with an unprotected labor force. And our values are violated when 12 million people live in the shadows of our society, vulnerable to abuse." Source: http://www.johnedwards.com

John Edwards: He supports an immediate withdrawal of as many as 50,000 troops and full withdrawal within 10 months. He would leave no combat troops in Iraq, but small numbers nearby to engage terrorists. Source: The Associated Press

"Every day this war drags on, it's worse for Iraq, worse for our troops— and worse for our country. We don't need more debate; we don't need symbolic resolutions; and we don't need abstract goals—what we need are binding requirements. And we can't wait until the next president takes office in 2009." Source: MoveOn Virtual Town Hall: Iraq, Apr. 10, 2007

John Edwards: Edwards supports relaxing restrictions on federal financing of embryonic stem cell research. Source: The Associated Press

John Edwards: Edwards would let some of President Bush's tax cuts expire in 2010 as scheduled, in effect raising taxes on wealthier people to help pay for programs. For middle and low-income people, he would set up tax-free savings accounts and have government match the first $500 in savings, expand earned-income and child and dependent care tax credits, and exempt the first $250 of investment income from capital gains taxes. His tax cuts would cost $25 billion a year. He would raise rate on capital gains tax to 28 percent from 15 percent for those making over $250,000. Source: The Associated Press

"We have to end the rigged system in Washington that rewards big corporate interests at the expense of hard-working families. This is a perfect example of why we need to change the way Washington works, and why we need tax fairness so hedge fund millionaires don't pay taxes at a lower rate than middle class families." Source: Edwards Statement On Failure Of Congress To Pass Tax Reform Legislation, Oct. 9, 2007.

John Edwards: As the product of public schools in a small rural town and the father of four children who attended public schools, John Edwards understands the importance of education. He believes every child should have the same chance to get a great education—a commitment that is at the core of his plan to build One America where everyone has a chance to succeed. But more than 50 years after Brown v. Board of Education, we still have two school systems that are separate and unequal. No longer legally separated by race, our children are divided by economics, often with a racial or ethnic dimension. Edwards' vision for excellent American schools is based on three principles: preparing every child to succeed; an excellent teacher in every classroom; make every school an outstanding school. Source: http://www.johnedwards.com

John Edwards: Candidate response is not yet available.

Web Site: www.johnedwards.com/

Religion: Methodist

Family: Married to Mary Elizabeth Anania Edwards Father of Cate Edwards, Emma Claire Edwards, Jack Edwards, Wade Edwards (died in 1996)

Birthplace: Seneca, S.C. on June 10, 1953

Education/Degrees: North Carolina State University, B.S., 1974 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, J.D., 1977

Experience: 1999-2005: U.S. senator, North Carolina

Rudy Giuliani: Giuliani supports constitutional right to abortion, but says he would appoint justices "very similar" to Samuel Alito and John Roberts, who he thinks will vote for abortion restrictions. Source: The Associated Press

Rudy Giuliani supports reasonable restrictions on abortion such as parental notification with a judicial bypass and a ban on partial birth abortion-except when the life of the mother is at stake. He's proud that adoptions increased 66% while abortions decreased over 16% in New York City when he was Mayor. But Rudy understands that this is a deeply personal moral dilemma, and people of good conscience can disagree respectfully. Source: http://www.joinrudy2008.com

Rudy Giuliani: Rudy Giuliani believes marriage is between a man and a woman. He does not-and has never-supported gay marriage. But he believes in equal rights under law for all Americans. That's why he supports domestic partnerships that provide stability for committed partners in important legal and personal matters, while preserving the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman. Source: http://www.joinrudy2008.com

Rudy Giuliani: Giuliani is not sure how much global warming is caused by human activity. "I believe human beings are contributing to it." "I think the best way to deal with it is through energy independence." Consider expanding nuclear power as well as alternative energy. Source: The Associated Press

Rudy Giuliani: He says states should decide appropriate gun controls. As New York mayor and Senate prospect in 2000, favored variety of federal controls, including ban on assault-style weapons and waiting period for purchases. Also favored a federal mandate to register handgun owners and require handgun buyers to "demonstrate good moral character and a reason to have the gun." Source: The Associated Press

The best way to deal with gun crime is to prosecute the criminals and enforce the laws already on the books. Rudy Giuliani will make sure that if someone commits a crime with a gun, they will go to prison for the mandatory sentence. Source: http://www.joinrudy2008.com

Rudy Giuliani: He advocates an income tax deduction of $7,500 per taxpayer to defray insurance costs. He would give a tax credit for poorer workers to supplement Medicaid and employer contributions as part of "market-driven" expansion of affordable coverage. He advocates expanded use of health savings accounts. No mandate for universal coverage. Source: The Associated Press

"America is at a crossroads when it comes to our health care. All Americans want to increase the quality, affordability and portability of health care. Most Republicans believe in free-market solutions to the challenges we face. I believe we can reduce costs and improve the quality of care by increasing competition. We can do it through tax cuts, not tax hikes. We can do it by empowering patients and their doctors, not government bureaucrats. That's the American way to reform health care." Source: http://www.joinrudy2008.com

Rudy Giuliani: Giuliani is open to conferring legal status if proficiency in English and payment of back taxes and penalties are among conditions, and if applicants in the legal system are not disadavantaged. He urges use of tamper-proof ID cards for immigrants. He says most of U.S.-Mexico border should be policed with high-tech monitoring, supplemented by a fence in some parts. Source: The Associated Press

"Real immigration reform must put security first because border security and homeland security are inseparable in the Terrorists' War on Us. The first responsibility of the federal government is to protect our citizens by controlling America's borders, while ending illegal immigration and identifying every non-citizen in our nation. We must restore integrity, accountability and the rule of law to our immigration system to regain the faith of the American people." Source: http://www.joinrudy2008.com

Rudy Giuliani: Giuliani supported troop increase and prosecution of the war. Source: The Associated Press

Like all Americans, Rudy Giuliani prays for the success of our troops in Iraq and their safe return home. But he believes setting an artificial timetable for withdrawal from Iraq now would be a terrible mistake, because it would only embolden our enemies. Iraq is only one front in the larger war on terror, and failure there would lead to a broader and bloodier regional conflict in the near future. Building an accountable Iraq will assist in reducing the threat of terrorism. Source: http://www.joinrudy2008.com

Rudy Giuliani: Giuliani supports relaxing restrictions on federal financing of embryonic stem cell research. Source: The Associated Press

Rudy Giuliani: Giuliani would extend Bush's tax cuts, which could cost $2.3 trillion to keep in place until 2017. He would cut corporate tax rate to 25 percent from 35 percent, eliminate estate tax. He would hold the line on marginal tax rates or reduce them, and establish a permanent child tax credit. He would index the alternative minimum tax to inflation. He advocates an income tax deduction of $7,500 per taxpayer to defray health insurance costs. he would seek spending caps of 5 percent or more on civilian agencies; slash bureaucracy by rehiring only half the number of employees who retire. Source: The Associated Press

“I’ve seen how pro-growth policies lead to broader prosperity. We’ll not only keep the current tax cuts in place or their equivalent, we’ll enact additional tax relief and give the Death Tax the death penalty. High tax rates hurt business and destroy jobs. I know that tax cuts are good for the economy. It’s not just theory for me because I cut taxes and got results as Mayor of New York City. As President, I will cut taxes further.” Source: http://www.joinrudy2008.com

Rudy Giuliani: As Mayor, Rudy Giuliani worked to reform the nation's largest public school system, with over 1 million school children. He increased school funding and hired new teachers, while insisting on reforms that ended social promotion, abolished principal tenure, and created a Charter School Fund. Rudy is also a strong supporter of school choice, believing that it is one of the great civil rights issues of our time. Source: http://www.joinrudy2008.com

Rudy Giuliani: Candidate response is not yet available.

Web Site: www.joinrudy2008.com

Religion: Roman Catholic

Family: Judith Stish Giuliani, married May 24, 2003 Andrew, Caroline (with Donna Hanover)

Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York on May 28, 1944

Education/Degrees: Manhattan College, B.A., 1965 New York University Law School, J.D., 1968

Experience: 1981-1982: Associate attorney general, U.S. Department of Justice 1983-1988: U.S. attorney, Southern District of New York 1994-2001: New York Mayor

Mike Gravel: Senator Mike Gravel supports a woman's right to decide if and when to have children. He also supports a woman's right to make the difficult decision about abortion without interference by government authorities. Comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education, including accurate information about contraception, can always be provided in order to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions. Parity in health insurance and access to specialized family health care services, including family planning education, would also benefit the health and welfare of infants and children, who need and deserve to be wanted and loved. Source: http://www.gravel2008.us

Mike Gravel: Senator Gravel supports same-sex marriage and opposes the Defense of Marriage Act. He supports expanding hate-crime legislation and opposes laws that allow discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or one's gender identity or expression. Senator Gravel strongly opposes the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" legislation on the grounds that it is unconstitutional, as it restricts the rights of gay Americans. He opposes any state or national constitutional amendment that restricts the rights of the gay community Source: http://www.gravel2008.us

Mike Gravel: Senator Gravel believes that global climate change is a matter of national security and survivability of the planet. As President, he will act swiftly to reduce America's carbon footprint in the world by initiating legislation to tax carbon at the source and cap carbon emissions. Source: http://www.gravel2008.us

Mike Gravel: Gravel says gun owners should be licensed and trained before being able to buy a gun. Source: The Associated Press

Mike Gravel: Senator Gravel advocates a universal healthcare system that provides equal medical services to all citizens, paid for by a retail sales tax (a portion of the Progressive Fair tax). Citizens would pay nothing for health benefits. Source: http://www.gravel2008.us

Mike Gravel: Senator Gravel favors protecting our borders and monitoring the flow of immigrants into our country. He also favors a guest worker program and setting up naturalization procedures that would fairly bring immigrants into legal status. America must address the root cause of illegal immigration. Any discussion of immigration must include NAFTA and the concept of "free trade." The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been a disaster for the working class of both the U.S. and Mexico and a boon to the international corporate interests. Source: http://www.gravel2008.us

Mike Gravel: Senator Gravel's position on Iraq remains clear and consistent: to commence an immediate and orderly withdrawal of all U.S. troops that will have them home within 120 days. The sooner U.S. troops are withdrawn, the sooner we can pursue aggressive diplomacy to bring an end to the civil war that currently consumes Iraq. Senator Gravel seeks to work with neighboring countries to lead a collective effort to bring peace to Iraq. Source: http://www.gravel2008.us

Mike Gravel: Gravel supports embryonic stem cell research. Source: The Associated Press

Mike Gravel: Senator Gravel's Progressive Fair Tax proposal calls for eliminating the IRS and the income tax and replacing it with a national sales tax on new products and services. To compensate for the tax on necessities, such as food, lodging, transportation and clothing, there would be a "rebate" to reimburse taxpayers. This would be paid in a monthly check from the government to all citizens. Source: http://www.gravel2008.us

Mike Gravel: A successful education system requires the commitment of families, the community, and government. It's time to re-order our national budget priorities in order to improve the American education system. Parent education and access to preschool programs such as Head Start need to be expanded so that children from lowincome families are equally ready to benefit from elementary school. Universal pre-kindergarten would also enhance readiness. Encouraging our students to be the best they can be will require flexibility from the federal and state governments, within school systems, and from groups with a stake in educational success. Source: http://www.gravel2008.us

Mike Gravel: Candidate response is not yet available.

Web Site: www.gravel2008.us

Religion: Unitarian

Family: Married to Whitney Stewart Gravel Father of Martin Gravel, Lynne Gravel Mosier

Birthplace: Springfield, Mass. on May 13, 1930

Education/Degrees: Columbia University, B.S., 1956

Experience: 1969-1981: U.S. senator, Alaska 1965-1966: Speaker, Alaska House of Representatives 1963-1966: Representative, Alaska House of Representatives

Mike Huckabee: "I support and have always supported passage of a constitutional amendment to protect the right to life. My convictions regarding the sanctity of life have always been clear and consistent, without equivocation or wavering. I believe that Roe v. Wade should be over-turned." Source: http://www.mikehuckabee.com

Mike Huckabee: "I support and have always supported passage of a federal constitutional amendment that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. As President, I will fight for passage of this amendment. My personal belief is that marriage is between one man and one woman, for life." Source: http://www.mikehuckabee.com

Mike Huckabee: Huckabee supports the move to 35 mpg fuel efficiency standard by 2020, from 25 mpg now. He supports a mandatory cap and trade system for carbon emissions, while saying he doesn't know how much of the global warming problem is caused by human activity. Source: The Associated Press

Mike Huckabee: Huckabee supports state laws allowing people to carry concealed weapons and a national "right to carry" law that would require states to recognize concealed weapons permits issued by other states. Source: The Associated Press

"I once saw a bumper sticker that said, "Criminals prefer unarmed victims." Criminals will always find a way to get guns. By disarming our law-abiding citizens, we take away the strongest deterrent to violent criminals - the uncertainty that they don't know who is helpless and who is armed. Our law enforcement officials can't be everywhere, all the time. Lawfully-armed citizens back them up and prevent robberies, rapes, and the murder of innocents." Source: http://www.mikehuckabee.com

Mike Huckabee: "I advocate policies that will encourage the private sector to seek innovative ways to bring down costs and improve the free market for health care services. We have to change a system that happily pays $30,000 for a diabetic to have his foot amputated, but won't pay for the shoes that would save his foot." Source: http://www.mikehuckabee.com

Mike Huckabee: Huckabee has favored allowing illegal aliens who are in the country to apply for legal status if they pay penalties, get guest worker permits, register with authorities and aren't allowed to jump in line ahead of other applicants. As governor, he opposed banning state services for illegal immigrants. Source: The Associated Press

"I will take our country back for those who belong here and those who are willing to play by the rules for the privilege to come here. No open borders, no amnesty, no sanctuary, no false Social Security numbers, no driver's licenses for illegals." Source: http://www.mikehuckabee.com

Mike Huckabee: Huckabee faults Bush for not sending enough troops to Iraq at the start. He supported the 2007 troop increase and would not withdraw forces any faster than recommended by commanders. Source: The Associated Press

"Setting a timetable for withdrawal tells our enemies they don't have to win, they just have to wait. We have never in our history declared war until "a week from Wednesday," we have always declared war until victory." Soure: http://www.mikehuckabee.com

Mike Huckabee: Huckabee is opposed to research on embryonic stem cells. Source: The Associated Press

Mike Huckabee: Huckabee wants to replace system of taxing income and investment with 23 percent national sales tax on goods and services, cushioned for lower-income people and with rebates for essential purchases. Source: The Associated Press

"Am I running for president to shut down the federal government? Not exactly. But I am running to completely eliminate all federal income and payroll taxes. And I do mean all - personal federal, corporate federal, gift, estate, capital gains, alternative minimum, Social Security, Medicare, self-employment." Source: http://www.mikehuckabee.com

Mike Huckabee: "We need a clear distinction between federal and state roles in education. While there is value in the "No Child Left Behind" law's effort to set high standards, states must be allowed to develop their own benchmarks.

I have been a strong, consistent supporter of the rights of parents to home school their children, of creating more charter schools, and of public school choice." Source: http://www.mikehuckabee.com

Mike Huckabee: Candidate response is not yet available.

Web Site: www.mikehuckabee.com

Religion: Baptist

Family: Married to Janet McCain Huckabee Father of John Mark, David, Sarah

Birthplace: Hope, Ark. On Aug. 24, 1955

Education/Degrees: Ouachita Baptist University, B.S., 1976 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1977

Experience: 1996-2007: Governor of Arkansas 1993-1996: Arkansas lieutenant governor

Duncan Hunter: "I would amend the U.S. Constitution and provide blanket protection to all unborn children from the moment of conception by prohibiting any state or federal law that denies the personhood of the unborn. Likewise, I have also introduced the Right to Life Act, which would legally define “personhood” as the moment of conception and, therefore, guarantee all constitutional rights and protections, including life, to the unborn without utilizing a constitutional amendment." Source: http://www.gohunter08.com

Duncan Hunter: "I firmly believe that marriage is one of the most important social institutions we have and that it is central to promoting family values and raising children in a healthy environment. It is for this reason that I cosponsored and voted in favor of H.J. Res. 88 (Musgrave-CO), which proposes an amendment to the U.S. Constitution declaring that marriage in the United States shall consist solely of the union of a man and a woman. I firmly believe that children need the unique influence offered by both a father and a mother." Source: http://www.gohunter08.com

Duncan Hunter: Hunter favors federal subsidies for increased ethanol production. Source: The Associated Press

Duncan Hunter: Hunter voted against requiring background checks at gun shows, in favor of shielding gun-makers and dealers from civil suits. Source: The Associated Press

Duncan Hunter: "The solution is freedom for the consumer to pursue their own health care choices. Therefore, I propose three major reforms that will bring the consumer back into the health care equation: 1. freedom to buy health insurance across state lines; 2. freedom to make informed health care choices; and 3. freedom to innovate to save money and improve medical outcomes." Source: http://www.gohunter08.com

Duncan Hunter: Hunter favors deporting the millions of illegal aliens. He was a sponsor of legislation authorizing construction of Mexico border fence. Source: The Associated Press

"America has one of the most generous immigration policies in the world. It is unacceptable that we allow millions of people to sneak in the back door of our country when the front door is available. We have tried amnesty and it does not work. We must enforce and, as necessary, tighten our immigration laws and secure our border–it is a matter of national security." Source: http://www.gohunter08.com

Duncan Hunter: Hunter opposes immediate withdrawal and opposes cutting additional money for the war. He voted for war authorization in 2002. Source: The Associated Press

"I also strongly support U.S. efforts to establish free societies in Iraq and Afghanistan. The greatest protection of human rights in this decade has been the overthrow of the Taliban in Afghanistan and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Religious freedom is part and parcel of any free society the U.S. stands up." Source: http://www.gohunter08.com

Duncan Hunter: Hunter opposes relaxing restrictions on federal financing of embryonic stem cell research. Source: The Associated Press

Duncan Hunter: Hunter supports making President Bush's tax cuts, expiring in 2010, permanent. Source: The Associated Press

Duncan Hunter: "I support taking the actions necessary to strengthen our public educational system and school vouchers are a great opportunity to provide students and their families with additional educational choices.

Taking into consideration that approximately 2 million children are taught at home, it is important that we make every effort to ensure these students have the same access and opportunities to federal benefits, such as financial aid, as those who attend public school." http://www.gohunter08.com

Duncan Hunter: Candidate response is not yet available.

Web Site: www.gohunter08.com

Religion: Baptist

Family: Married to Lynne Hunter Father of Duncan Duane Hunter, Sam Hunter

Birthplace: San Diego, Calif. On May 31, 1948

Education/Degrees: Western State University, B.S., 1968 Western State University, J.D.

Experience: 1980-Present: U.S. representative, California

John McCain: John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned, and as president he will nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench. Constitutional balance would be restored by the reversal of Roe v. Wade, returning the abortion question to the individual states. The difficult issue of abortion should not be decided by judicial fiat. Source: http://www.johnmccain.com

John McCain: As president, John McCain would nominate judges who understand that the role of the Court is not to subvert the rights of the people by legislating from the bench. Critical to Constitutional balance is ensuring that, where state and local governments do act to preserve the traditional family, the Courts must not overstep their authority and thwart the Constitutional right of the people to decide this question. Source: http://www.johnmccain.com

John McCain: McCain was the chief co-sponsor of a bill that sought mandatory caps on greenhouse gas emissions. The plan would require emissions to return to 2004 levels by 2012 and to 1990 levels by 2020. Source: The Associated Press

John McCain: John McCain believes that the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is a fundamental, individual Constitutional right that we have a sacred duty to protect. We have a responsibility to ensure that criminals who violate the law are prosecuted to the fullest, rather than restricting the rights of law abiding citizens. Gun control is a proven failure in fighting crime. Law abiding citizens should not be asked to give up their rights because of criminals - criminals who ignore gun control laws anyway. Source: http://www.johnmccain.com

John McCain: John McCain proposes a $2,500 refundable tax credit for individuals, $5,000 for families, to make health insurance more affordable. No mandate for universal coverage. In gaining the tax credit, workers could not deduct the portion of their workplace health insurance paid by their employers. Source: The Associated Press

John McCain: McCain sponsored a 2006 bill that would have allowed illegal immigrants to stay in the U.S., work and apply to become legal residents after learning English, paying fines and back taxes and clearing a background check. Now says he would secure the border first. He supports a border fence. Source: Associated Press

"I have always believed that our border must be secure and that the federal government has utterly failed in its responsibility to ensure that it is secure. If we have learned anything from the recent immigration debate, it is that Americans have little trust that their government will honor a pledge to do the things necessary to make the border secure." Source: http://www.johnmccain.com

John McCain: McCain opposes scheduling a troop withdrawal, saying latest strategy is succeeding. He supported the decision to go to war, but was an early critic of the manner in which administration prosecuted it. Source: The Associated Press

John McCain: John McCain opposes the intentional creation of human embryos for research purposes. To that end, Senator McCain voted to ban the practice of "fetal farming," making it a federal crime for researchers to use cells or fetal tissue from an embryo created for research purposes. Furthermore, he voted to ban attempts to use or obtain human cells gestated in animals. Finally, John McCain strongly opposes human cloning and voted to ban the practice, and any related experimentation, under federal law. Source: http://www.johnmccain.com

John McCain: McCain opposed some of Bush's tax cuts because they were not wedded to spending cuts, but now says the tax cuts should be made permanent. He would eliminate alternative minimum tax. Source: The Associated Press

"John McCain believes taxes should be low, simple, and fair and has a track record of commitment to these principles." Source: http://www.johnmccain.com

John McCain: "Choice and competition is the key to success in education in America. That means charter schools, that means home schooling, it means vouchers, it means rewarding good teachers and finding bad teachers another line of work. It means rewarding good performing schools, and it really means in some cases putting bad performing schools out of business. I want every American parent to have a choice, a choice as to how they want their child educated, and I guarantee you the competition will dramatically increase the level of education in America." Source: 2007 Republican primary debate on Univision, Dec. 9, 2007

John McCain: Candidate response is not yet available.

Web Site: www.johnmccain.com

Religion: Episcopalian

Family: Married to Cindy Hensley Father of Doug Shepp, Andy Shepp, Meghan McCain, (with Carol Shepp McCain) John Sidney IV McCain, James McCain, Bridget McCain

Birthplace: Canal Zone, Panama on Aug. 29, 1936

Education/Degrees: U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, 1958

Experience: 1982-1986: U.S. representative, Arizona

Barack Obama: Obama favors abortion rights. As Illinois lawmaker, he opposed restrictions on public financing of abortions. Source: The Associated Press

"I think that most Americans recognize that this is a profoundly difficult issue for the women and families who make these decisions. They don't make them casually. And I trust women to make these decisions, in conjunction with their doctors and their families and their clergy, and I think that's where most Americans are." Source: South Carolina Debate, April 26, 2007

Barack Obama: Obama would let states decide. He opposes constitutional amendment to ban it. Source: The Associated Press

"I am a strong supporter not of a weak version of civil unions, but of a strong version, in which the rights that are conferred at the federal level to persons who are part of a same sex union are compatible." Source: Democratic Presidential Candidate Forum, aired on the Logo Network, sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign, Aug. 9, 2007.

Barack Obama: Obama proposes a 10-year, $150 billion program to produce "climate friendly" energy supplies that he'd pay for with a carbon auction requiring businesses to bid competitively for the right to pollute. Joined McCain in sponsoring legislation that would set mandatory caps on greenhouse gas emissions and increase costs to consumers. Supports tougher fuel efficiency standards. Goal of cutting greenhouse pollution 20 percent by 2020. Source: The Associated Press

Barack Obama: Obama voted to leave gun-makers and dealers open to suit. Also, as Illinois state lawmaker, he supported ban on all forms of semiautomatic weapons and tighter state restrictions generally on firearms. Source: The Associated Press

Barack Obama: Obama calls for mandatory coverage for children. He would aim for universal coverage by requiring employers to share costs of insuring workers and by offering coverage similar to that in plan for federal employees. he says package would cost up to $65 billion a year after unspecified savings from making system more efficient. He would raise taxes on wealthier families to pay the cost. Source: The Associated Press

Barack Obama: Obama voted for 2006 bill offering legal status to illegal immigrants subject to conditions including English proficiency and payment of back taxes and fines. He voted for a border fence. Source: The Associated Press

“The time to fix our broken immigration system is now… We need stronger enforcement on the border and at the workplace… But for reform to work, we also must respond to what pulls people to America… Where we can reunite families, we should. Where we can bring in more foreign-born workers with the skills our economy needs, we should.” Source: Barack Obama, statement on U.S. Senate floor, May 23, 2007

Barack Obama: Before the war in Iraq ever started, Senator Obama said that it was wrong in its conception. In 2002, then Illinois State Senator Obama said Saddam Hussein posed no imminent threat to the United States and that invasion would lead to an occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. Since then, Senator Obama has laid out a plan on the way forward in Iraq that has largely been affirmed by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group led by James Baker and Lee Hamilton. Source: http://www.barackobama.com

Barack Obama: Obama supports relaxing restrictions on federal financing of embryonic stem cell research. Source: The Associated Press

Barack Obama: Obama would let some of President Bush's tax cuts expire in 2010 as scheduled, in effect raising taxes on wealthier people to help pay for programs. He aims for about $80 billion in tax breaks mainly for low-income workers and the elderly, including tax credit worth up to $500 a person to offset payroll taxes and elimination of tax-filing requirement for older workers making under $50,000. A mortgage-interest credit could be used by lower-income homeowners who do not take the mortgage interest deduction because they do not itemize their taxes. He would raise corporate taxes and the top rate on capital gains and dividends to pay for the cuts. Source: The Associated Press

Barack Obama: Obama's comprehensive "Zero to Five" plan will provide critical support to young children and their parents. Obama will quadruple Early Head Start, increase Head Start funding and improve quality for both. Obama will also provide affordable and high-quality child care to ease the burden on working families. Obama will reform No Child Left Behind, which starts by funding the law. Obama has a plan to recruit, prepare, retain, and reward America's teachers. He plans to simplify and streamline the application process for financial aid. Source: http://www.barackobama.com

Barack Obama: Candidate response is not yet available.

Web Site: www.barackobama.com

Religion: Protestant

Family: Married to Michelle Robinson Obama Father of Malia Obama, Sasha Obama

Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii on Aug. 4, 1961

Education/Degrees: Columbia University: B.S., 1983 Harvard University: J.D., 1991

Experience: 1997-2004: State senator, Illinois

Ron Paul: "I am strongly pro life. Life begins at conception ... but, I do not believe this should be a federal matter. All issues of life and violence and crime and murder are dealt with at the local level." Source: http://www.ronpaul2008.com

Ron Paul: Paul opposes same-sex marriage but also opposes a constitutional amendment banning it. Source: The Associated Press

Ron Paul: Paul opposes federal efforts to curb global warming. Source: The Associated Press

Ron Paul: "For most Americans, guns are not a political issue. People buy and own guns to protect their families, not to commit crimes. The truth is that even millions of Americans who support and vote for gun control own guns themselves, because deep down they share the basic human need to feel secure in their homes." Source: http://www.ronpaul2008.com

Ron Paul: Paul supports a market-driven health care system and believes the government should not be paying for health costs. Source: The Associated Press

"The federal government will not suddenly become efficient managers if universal health care is instituted. Government health care only means long waiting periods, lack of choice, poor quality, and frustration. Many Canadians, fed up with socialized medicine, come to the U.S. in order to obtain care. Socialized medicine will not magically work here." Source: http://www.ronpaul2008.com

Ron Paul: Paul's six point immigration reform plan includes: physically securing borders and coastlines, enforcing visa rules, opposing amnesty, denying welfare for illegal aliens, ending birthright citizenship, and passing true immigration reform. Source: http://www.ronpaul2008.com

Ron Paul: "We can continue to fund and fight no-win police actions around the globe, or we can refocus on securing America and bring the troops home. No war should ever be fought without a declaration of war voted upon by the Congress, as required by the Constitution." Source: http://www.ronpaul2008.com

Ron Paul: "The question that should concern Congress today is: Does the US government have the constitutional authority to fund any form of stem cell research? The clear answer to that question is no. A proper constitutional position would reject federal funding for stem cell research, while allowing individual states and private citizens to decide whether to permit, ban, or fund this research." Source: http://www.ronpaul2008.com

Ron Paul: Paul supports making President Bush's tax cuts permanent. Favors eliminating the income tax and drastically scaling back size of government to pay for it. Source: The Associated Press

Ron Paul: The federal government has no constitutional authority to fund or control schools. I want to abolish the unconstitutional, wasteful Department of Education and return its functions to the states. By removing the federal subsidies that inflate costs, schools can be funded by local taxes, and parents and teachers can directly decide how best to allocate the resources. Source: http://www.ronpaul2008.com

Ron Paul: Candidate response is not yet available.

Web Site: www.ronpaul2008.com

Religion: Baptist

Family: Married to Carol Wells Paul Father of Ronnie Paul, Lori Paul Pyeatt, Rand Paul, Robert Paul, Joy Paul-LeBlanc

Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pa. on Aug. 20, 1935

Education/Degrees: Gettysburg College, B.S., 1957 Duke University School of Medicine, M.D., 1961

Experience: 1977-1985: U.S. representative

Mitt Romney: Romney believes that Roe v. Wade should be overturned so that the issue of abortion can be returned to the American people and their elected representatives at the state and federal level. Source: http://www.mittromney.com

Mitt Romney: Romney supports a Federal Marriage Amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman. Source: http://www.mittromney.com

Mitt Romney: As Massachusetts governor, Romney backed out of regional pact to curb carbon dioxide emissions from power plants because it did not cap the higher energy costs it might place on business and consumers. He says energy independence is the way to deal with global warming. Source: The Associated Press

Mitt Romney: "I believe the Second Amendment is about more than just self-defense or sport; it's about the basic freedom of lawful citizens to live their lives – to engage in the normal pursuits of society without the interference of the heavy hand of government." Source: http://www.mittromney.com

Mitt Romney: Romney would provide incentives for states to expand affordable coverage. As governor, he signed health care law aimed at ensuring universal coverage through a mix of subsidies, sliding scale premiums and penalties for those who do not get insurance. Source: The Associated Press

Mitt Romney: The number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. has exploded in the last decade from 3 million to over 12 million. We must secure the border, implement an enforceable employer verification system, punish sanctuary cities and reject amnesty if we are to restore Americans’ faith in the rule of law. http://www.mittromney.com

Mitt Romney: Romney supported troop increase and prosecution of the war. Source: The Associated Press

Mitt Romney: As governor, tried to stop legislation that encouraged expanded embryonic stem cell research of the kind opposed by President Bush. His veto was overturned. Source: The Associated Press

Mitt Romney: Romney would generally extend Bush's tax cuts, which could cost $2.3 trillion to keep in place until 2017. He would give tax breaks to those earning less than $200,000, including eliminating capital gains, interest and dividend taxes for most. The estimated cost of $32 billion a year to be paid in part by cutting growth of federal spending. He would eliminate estate tax. Source: The Associated Press

"I believe that we are overtaxed and government is overfed. Washington is spending too much money." Source: Gov. Mitt Romney, Remarks At Presidential Announcement, Feb. 13, 2007

Mitt Romney: Romney believes our education system works best when we have more local control of our schools. While there is a proper role for the federal government to play in education, it is not in telling parents, teachers, kids and local authorities what to teach or how to run their schools. Source: http://www.mittromney.com

Mitt Romney: Candidate response is not yet available.

Web Site: www.mittromney.com/

Religion: Mormon

Family: Married to Ann Davies Romney Father of Tagg Romney, Matt Romney, Josh Romney, Ben Romney, Craig Romney

Birthplace: Detroit, Mich. On March 12, 1947

Education/Degrees: Brigham Young University, B.A., 1971 Harvard Business School, MBA, 1975 Harvard Law School, J.D., 1975

Experience: 2003-2007: Massachusetts governor

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CBS2/Newsradio 780 Voters' Guide

President

Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

2001-Present: U.S. senator, New York

John Edwards (D)

Director of the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Rudy Giuliani (R)

Head of Giuliani Partners consulting firm

Mike Gravel (D)

Mike Huckabee (R)

Duncan Hunter (R)

U.S. representative from California

John McCain (R)

1986-Present: U.S. senator, Arizona

Barack Obama (D)

2005-Present: U.S. senator, Illinois

Ron Paul (R)

U.S. representative

Mitt Romney (R)