1. Should photo ID cards be required in order to vote?

As an idea, its not bad in and of itself. It won't, however, address the primary problem with voting procedures and systems in this country. In a way, it implies that voter fraud is the problem, not inefficent, unreliable and outdated voting procedures. Adding another layer of state bureaucracy isn't going to do anything but prevent more legitimate voters from voting.

It also is somewhat falsely polarizing because it implies that if I want only citizens voting (which I do), then I would support this measure (Which I don't). I am all for the notion of 'one citizen one vote', but this isn't the way to enforce that. (Now ask me how hard it should be to become a citizen of the US)

"2. What will you do to secure our borders from illegal immigrants and/or terrorists?"

We have the technology and resources to close our borders to traffic by illegal immigrants. Business wants an open boarder policy, but as long as our boarders stay open and porous, it makes any attempt to halt the entry and/or track the entry of terrorists something of a joke. So either we are genuine about wanting to combat the terrorism issue in this fashion (stoping and/or tracking movement of suspected persons), or its just a PR game. Currently its just a PR game.

Close the borders, use UAV observation and simple non-violent interdiction. Its not that hard.

Futher, I would like to add that the typical Liberal resonse to this notion is to focus on the plight of the illegal. I agree, and attaining citizenship should be much easier. I am all for the next wave of americans re-inventing this nation and lifting themselves up. However, this revolving-door we have with South America and Mexico is encouraging the situation that creates the illegal immigrants' plight in the first place. We are basically making it possible for mexico to not invest in a social safety-net system and encourage a culture of upward moibility, and send its surplus labor to America instead. As long as America serves as an escape valve for illegals who wish to not naturalize as american citizens, Mexico doesn't have to face its numerous social problems.

"3. Is there a better solution to Middle East turmoil, than the establishment or promotion of freely elected democratic republics? Why or why not?"

This question begs the question. It assumes that what we are doing/have done is promoting freely elected democratic republics. I beg to differ quite emphatically. What we are doing/have done is create failed states that really are a breeding ground for terrorists and Islamic fundamentalism.

If we were really actually interested in freely elected democratic republics, then why are all of our so-called allies in the region most certainly not freely-elected democratic republics?

"4. What are your intentions regarding Tort Reform?"

Again, an exercise in question begging. Tort 'reform' assumes that there is a problem. There isn't.

Forst off, any reasonable measure of the impact of lawsuits on, say, the cost of medical care, indicates that the cost of lawsuits account for only the smallest fraction of the growth in costs over the last decade.

Second, the lawsuit has worked very well as a natural way for the consumer to be protected from unethical business practices, without the added costs and burden of excessive government regulation.

The lawsuit has not harmed our economy, is not harming our economy. Sure, billions of dollars are payed out to plaintiffs and trial lawyers (out of an economy of trillions), but what would be the cost of not holding business accountable for their mistakes? Do you think professional associations are going to police their members? Do you think local law-enforcement, whose campaigns are paid for by the businesses are going to prevent excess? Its either the lawsuit or government regulation.... I know what I prefer.

"5. If you could write an Amendment to the Constitution and know it would pass and be ratified, what would that Amendment be?"

I wouldn't, except to possibly extend the existing freedoms granted personal property to digital information.

The constitution is not a political football, and has been treated such all to often in history. Back off.

"6. What specific measures would you recommend to protect Social Security for coming generations?"

It doesn't need much. Americans live longer and healthier and expect to live even longer in the future. A slow rise of the retiremnt age by 2-3 years should be more than sufficient to keep the system solvent for seventy five years

I wouldn't at all mind private tax-free acoounts in addition to Social Security, but obnly if the basic return provided by Social Security was sufficient to eek out a living.

"7. Where do you stand on eliminating the income tax and SSI tax and replacing them with a national consumption tax?"

I am VERY much in favor of this. Such a tax code could be used for fine-grained stimulation of our economy (better than tariffs!). It would also emiminate billions of dollars in over-head. Beyond that, if done correctly, it could be significantly more fair than the current stepped tax bracket while at the same time serving the intent of protecting the impoverished. Don't tax Food, Clothing, Housing, Medicine or basic services. The poor, who can afford little else, are unburdened of taxes.

"8. What will you do to ensure the integrity of the voting system?"

Dumb question.

"9. What are the limits to judicial authority?"

Loaded question. The side who didn't select the judges is always the side screaming about them overstepping judical authority. The whole notion of a Judge being deemed an 'activist' Judge assumes that he is moving away from a 'correct' or 'traditional' standard. Such a standard has never existed.

"10. Given that many states give equal treatment U.S. citizens, legal aliens and illegal aliens, just what does it mean to be a U.S. citizen (besides not being hassled by INS) ?"

Not stupid, but silly and loaded question. See above re immigration.

"11. Should undocumented aliens have the ability to get legal drivers licenses?"

Of course not.

"12. What is your first proposal to balance the Federal Budget?"

Take the budgetary powers away from the neo-cons. Stop fighting frvilous wars for fantastical aims.

"13. What is your proposal for lowering the National Debt?"

See above. Also, halt the decline of the Dollar.

Gotta go, the rest later.