Primary Election Information

Otter Realm Staff

Feb.3, 2008

The following is information found at the California Secretary of State's website, http://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/title_sum/prop_91_title_sum.html, regarding the upcoming primary election.

Propositions that are on the February 5, 2008 ballot

Prop. 91 - Transportation Funds. Initiative Constitutional Amendment - ensures that certain motor vehicle fuel sales and use taxes are kept in the Transportation Investment Fund rather than in the General Fund. It is estimated that this initiative would increase the stability of state funding for highways, streets, and roads, while decreasing the stability of state funding and certain local funding for public transit.

Prop. 92 - Community Colleges. Funding. Governance. Fees. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute - Creates system of community college districts and Board of Governors. Requires a minimum amount of state funding for community colleges to be calculated separately using unique criteria for each. Allocates 10.46 percent of current Prop. 98 school funding to community colleges. Sets student fees for community colleges at $15/unit; limits future fee increases. Provides a formula for legislature to use when allocating funds to community colleges that would not otherwise receive general fund revenues. Is estimated that this proposition will increase state spending on K-14 education from 2008 through 2010, averaging $300 million per year and with unknown impacts thereafter. It will cause a loss of student fee revenues to community colleges, potentially $70 million annually.

Prop. 93 - Limits on Legislator’s Terms in Office. Initiative Constitutional Amendment - Reduces time served in the legislature from 14 years to 12. Allows a person to serve the 12 years either in the Assembly, the Senate, or a combination of the two. Provides a transition period to allow current members to serve a total of 12 consecutive years in the house in which they are currently serving, regardless of any prior service in another house.

Referendum on Amendment to Indian Gaming Compact - Ratifies amendment to existing gaming compact between the state and Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians allowing tribe to operate 5,500 slot machines. Omits certain projects from scope of California Environmental Quality Act. Provides for Tribal Environmental Impact Report and intergovernmental procedure to address environmental impact; Revenue paid by tribe to be deposited into General Fund; tribe would make $42,500,000 annual payment and pay percentage of revenue generated from the additional slot machines to the state. It is estimated that the net increase in annual state government revenues probably in the tens of millions of dollars growing over time through 2030. For local governments in Riverside County, potential net increase of revenues due to economic growth and potential increased payments from the tribe to offset higher costs.

Referendum on Amendment to Indian Gaming Compact - Ratifies amendment to existing gaming compact between the state and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians which permits the tribe to operate 5,500 additional slot machins. This proposition also omits certain projects from the scope of the California Environmental Act and provides for Tribal Environmental Impact Report and intergovernmental procedure to address environmental impact. Revenue paid by tribe would be deposited in the General Fund and requires the tribe to make $36,700,000 annual payment and pay a percentage of revenue generated from the slot machines to the state. This would possibly increase the state government’s revenues into the tens of millions of dollars increasing in time through 2030 and for local governments in Riverside County, it may increase the revenues due to economic growth and potential increased payments from the tribe to offset higher costs.

Propositions 96 and 97 ratify amendments to existing gaming compacts that allow the Kumeyaay Nation and the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians to operate 3,000 additional slot machines as well as omit certain projects from the scope of the California Environmental Quality Act. The amendment provides for Tribal Environmental Impact reports and intergovernmental procedures to address environmental impacts. Prop. 96 would require the Kumeyaay Nation to pay $20,000,000 in an annual payment to the state as well as pay a percentage of revenue generated from the additional slot machines to the state. This amendment specifies where revenue paid by tribe pursuant to amendment deposited. Prop. 97 requires an annual payment of $23,400,000 and certain percentages of the revenue generated from the additional slot machines to be paid to the state government by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Both of these propositions would increase the annual net revenues for the state government as well as their respective local governments, San Diego County and Riverside County. It may also cause increased payments from the tribes to offset higher costs in the future.

Candidate Statements:

Democratic:

Mike Gravel: Dear California Democrats, Like most of you, I oppose this immoral, bankrupting Iraq War. I opposed it in 2002, describing it as our next Vietnam. In October of 2007, I was the first candidate to call out the horrendous Senate legislation that now steps us closer to war with Iran. The military-industrial complex and big money lobbyists control our government. I am their most outspoken critic. I am also critical of our Democratic leadership in Congress who have not stood up to George Bush. I proved back in 1971 that successful confrontation from the Senate floor is possible. I took on the Nixon Administration and the Vietnam War with a one-man filibuster that successfully ended the military draft and saved thousands of lives. Under my Administration, we would stop wasting a trillion dollars on war. We would spend our money to develop renewable energy, to get off of oil in 5 years and off of carbon in 10. With solar, wind, liquid hydrogen and others, (not ethanol and not nuclear!) we will be a world leader in green technology. This is good for business, jobs, the health of ourselves, our children and our planet. My plan for America includes universal healthcare, quality education, a progressive Fair Tax, same-sex marriage, reproductive rights, legalizing marijuana/regulating hard drugs, Net neutrality and, most importantly, a plan to empower you – the citizens of this great country – to vote directly on the issues. Find out more at NationalInitiative.us. Gratefully, Senator Mike Gravel

John Edwards: I grew up in a small town. My mother worked at the post office and my father at a textile mill. They didn’t have much money, but they had family. They taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I’ll never forget where I come from, and I’ll always be a voice for regular families like mine. I was the first in my family to go to college, and I believe every American should have the same opportunities I’ve had: strong schools, affordable health care, and a good job to support your family. I run for president because my parents passed a better world onto me. I believe the moral test of our generation is whether we will do the same for our children. To pass this test, we need fundamental change. We need to fix the broken system in Washington. We need a president who will take on the special interests, and fight for universal health care. For an economy that works for middle-class families. For aggressive action to halt global warming. For ending the war in Iraq, and restoring America’s moral leadership around the world. For comprehensive immigration reform, for workers’ right to organize – and for One America for all of us. I run because after seven years of George Bush, we need a leader who will be straight with the American people. And I run because I believe that it’s time for Democrats to have a little backbone and lead the way to a better America.

Chris Dodd: In order to produce real change for American families, it’s going to take a Democrat who knows how to produce results. We must choose a nominee that can bring people together to win the election this November and bring people together the following January. After so many years of bitter divisiveness and on-the-job training, Californians understand that our country needs leadership that will bring people together and is ready to lead from day one. Like me, you see an economy that isn’t working for all Americans and a war in Iraq that has left us less safe. We are all asking not only who wants to change the direction of the country, but who can get the job done. I have spent my career producing results. From writing and passing the Family and Medical Leave Act, to helping end conflict in Central America, to securing needed resources for our fire fighters, I have spent 26 years turning Democratic principles into national policy. That is the kind of leadership we need today. It is why on every major issue – from ending our involvement in the Iraqi civil war and restoring our security…to reversing the effects of global warming…to ensuring all Americans have access to affordable quality health care – I am offering the boldest solutions to our most pressing challenges. Leadership that can get results is what I’ve been offering for 26 years. I am asking for your vote to return that type of leadership to the White House.

Hillary Clinton: For six long years, America’s middle class and hardworking families have been invisible to the Bush administration. I want to build an America where no person is invisible. I will provide quality, affordable health care for every American and I will fight to protect a woman's right to choose. All of my policies--from stem cell research to climate change--will be guided by sound science. I will make America the global leader in combating global warming and significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil. To fire up the engines of American innovation, I will redirect billions of dollars of big oil tax subsidies into investments in clean, renewable energy alternatives – wind, solar, hydrogen, ethanol, and other bio-fuels. I will grow our economy and help working families get ahead. It’s time to stop mortgaging our children's future and return this country to the fiscally responsible policies that brought us record growth in the 1990's. And it's time we had an economy in which working people see their real incomes go up – not just the financial markets. We must fix our schools so they can provide hope and opportunity for the next generation. I will end the war in Iraq and begin restoring America's standing in the world. Thank you for your consideration and for taking the time to study the issues.

Joe Biden: This is the most important Presidential election of our life times: the next President will have a chance to change the direction of the world. I am seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for President because I have worked with fellow Democrats and across the aisle to accomplish the goals of the American people. From the Crime Bill that put 100,000 more cops on the street to the Violence Against Women Act, from leading the way to end the war in Bosnia to the Biden plan to end the war in Iraq, I’ve tackled the most important issues of the day. My first order of business will be to end this war in Iraq. The war has hurt our standing internationally, and the billions spent in Iraq have prevented us from resolving critical issues here at home. My plan would allow our troops to come home without leaving chaos behind. At home, my number one domestic priority will be education. We must fund high quality preschool programs like Head Start and ensure every child has two years of preschool. And we must fund two years of college. Last year, 400,000 kids who qualified for college were unable to attend because they could not afford it. College cannot be a luxury. You will have the opportunity to vote and stand up for what you believe in. You know where I stand. I stand with you.

Barack Obama: This is a defining moment. Our nation is at war. Our planet is in peril. Our American Dream is slipping away. Because of these challenges, Americans are listening to what we say in this election. This is our chance to forge a new majority of Democrats, Independents and Republicans committed to our common purpose as Americans. America has been at its best when we’ve led not by polls, but by principle; not by calculation, but by conviction; when we’ve had leaders who summoned the entire nation to a common purpose. That’s why I’m running for President. I’m running to tell special interests that their days of setting the agenda are over. I will close corporate loopholes and give a tax cut to middle-class Americans. I will take on the insurance industry, forge bi-partisan solutions, and pass universal health care. I will end our addiction to oil, and make world-class education affordable from birth through college. I’m running because I’m tired of Democrats talking, acting, and voting like George Bush Republicans on national security. I will end the war in Iraq, reject torture, finish the fight against al Qaeda, and reinvigorate American diplomacy. Let’s stop settling. I have spent my life bringing people together, solving tough problems and making a difference in peoples’ lives. I don’t want to refight the battles of the 1990s, or pit Blue America against Red America – I want to lead the United States of America. At this moment, let’s reach for what we know is possible.

Bill Richardson: I have a bold vision for America, and the experience to change how we do things in this country. I will end the war with a rapid and complete withdrawal of our troops, and then I will use diplomacy to help the Iraqis begin the healing process. I have delivered for America as a diplomat and I can restore America’s global leadership. My education plan is more extensive than any candidate’s. Organizations like the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters have called my energy initiative the most daring. I have also outlined how I would pay for each of my plans at www.RichardsonForPresident.com. America needs experience. I am a progressive Governor in a red state with a record of getting things done. Since I took office in 2003, over 80,000 more New Mexicans are working – and we have the lowest unemployment rate in our state’s history. I’ve made New Mexico the clean energy state by adopting stricter environmental standards and requiring utilities to produce energy from renewable sources. We’ve extended access to health coverage to all children under the age of 12. We raised teacher salaries and standards, and invested in schools. We’ve done all this while cutting taxes for every New Mexican and balancing the budget. Every American deserves a fair shot – not just the privileged few. It will take bold leadership to change America, and I have the experience to bring people together to get things done.

Dennis Kucinich: We have seen partisan politics divide us, bringing fear and anxiety into our daily lives. We have seen our Constitution undermined. We have been pushed into an illegal and immoral war. Our wealth is being squandered, our soldiers dying needlessly, our jobs are being lost. Neighbor is being pitted against neighbor. America’s reputation as a nation of peace and justice is being destroyed. The Washington establishment – with help from both major parties – continues to do the bidding of industry and corporations, while failing to care for the domestic needs of human beings. Working together we can move this country in a whole new direction: investing in universal education, jobs, renewable energies, a level economy, and health care for all, where doctors and patients – not insurance companies – make the decisions. We can have a foreign policy based upon diplomacy and dialogue; on Strength Through Peace. We can stand for basic civil liberties such as marriage equality and habeas corpus. Your vote can make a difference. You can reject politics as usual and show the Washington establishment you want a leader with true vision, a president not afraid to speak the truth. I offer a vision built upon principles of peace, not profit, leadership with no strings attached. This election is not about reclaiming the White House for the Democratic Party. It’s about reclaiming America for all who live here. I ask for your vote. I will be proud to have your vote, and to have you stand with me. Thank you.

Republican:

Mike Huckabee: I am running for President because I believe that the American dream is still alive, and right now our country needs a leader who can lift the nation up and optimistically address the challenges we will face. I have more executive experience than any other candidate, having served 10 ½ years as governor of Arkansas. During this time, I was selected to head the National Governors’ Association and named one of the top five governors by Time magazine. As President, I will protect America from terrorism; seal our borders and stop illegal immigration; protect the sanctity of life; improve the health care system; put the IRS out of business by adopting the FairTax; make America energy-independent so that our gas dollars no longer fund terrorism; restore the nation’s ability to respond to a manmade or natural crisis; protect Second Amendment rights; improve education and make arts and music available to all students; and pass a Veterans’ Bill of Rights. People often ask how my faith influences my decisions. My faith doesn't influence my decisions – it drives them. For example, when it comes to the environment, I believe in being a good steward of the resources God has given us. I believe in protecting the lives of the weak and helpless, because our Creator values each person and demands that we do the same. Please join me in lifting America up and securing a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

Duncan Hunter: I am running for President of the United States because I have the vision, experience and resolve necessary to lead this great nation. As a Vietnam Veteran and a Member of Congress for the past 27 years, I have always fought for the values that are important to the future of our country and I wish to continue working toward these important goals by serving the American people as their President. My national security and foreign policy is based on the concept of peace through strength. Our success in protecting America from terrorists is dependant upon our ability to obtain and utilize reliable intelligence data. Our national intelligence and defense communities must be provided with the tools necessary to identify, track, stop and prosecute terrorists before they have the opportunity to strike. Equally as important is the protection of America’s borders. I steadfastly oppose amnesty proposals and believe, as a matter of national security, we must enforce our immigration laws and secure our border by implementing the provisions of the Secure Fence Act calling for the construction of 854 miles of border fence along the five most prolific smuggling corridors on the Southwest border. As President, I will end the one-way street on trade and oppose treaties that infringe on basic U.S. sovereignty and adversely affect American workers, eliminate wasteful government spending, reduce taxes and work to protect the right to life for the unborn.

Fred Thompson: Conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom and responsibility, lower taxes and spending, strong national defense, and the rule of law built this country and are my guiding tenets, as they were for California’s principled conservative leader, Ronald Reagan. My vision for America is focused on providing security, seeking national unity, and fostering prosperity. The first responsibility of the national government is to protect the country from those who want to destroy us and our way of life. To do so, we must strengthen our military; work with our allies; improve homeland security; enforce border security; and prevent illegal immigration. Only a prosperous nation can achieve these goals. We are facing a crisis caused by unsustainable government spending. We must restrain these costs or our economy will be crippled, leaving us unable to address our nation’s future challenges and leaving our children and grandchildren less well off. Reforming our entitlement programs without raising taxes will be one of my top priorities. We must also reform the tax system and reduce the size and scope of the federal government. Adhering to the rule of law and appointing judges who will interpret and not make law will further ensure that our God-given rights are protected and secure. America’s future depends on sound leadership, courage, and bold ideas. It is time for us to work together to further our shared values and pursue our common interests. I can provide the leadership to achieve these goals.

Tom Tancredo: Tom Tancredo is a lifelong conservative with nearly a decade of experience in the U.S. Congress. There he advanced his reputation as a solid pro-life, pro-gun, small government Republican, and emerged as the leader in the national struggle for true immigration reform. Tancredo has made illegal immigration the focal point of his campaign. He has pledged to secure our borders, eliminate benefits and job prospects for illegal aliens, and to prosecute employers who knowingly hire them. He is 100% opposed to amnesty and considers illegal immigration the most important domestic issue that faces this nation today. Americans for Better Immigration have given him a rating of A+. In his years in public service Tancredo has been a strong proponent for pro-life causes and legislation. He has received an A rating from National Right to Life as well as the Family Research Council. Tancredo has also received an A rating from the National Rifle Association and the National Taxpayers Union. He has received an A+ rating from the American Conservative Union and the National Federation of Independent Business. Before his election to Congress, he served five years in the Colorado legislature, and was appointed regional representative for the Department of Education by President Reagan, a position he held for over ten years. Congressman Tancredo lives with his wife Jackie in Littleton, Colorado. They have been married 30 years and have two sons and five grandsons.

Rudy Giuliani: I’m running for President of the United States because our country needs strong, optimistic and determined leadership to meet the challenges we will face in the future. The 2008 election offers a choice to all Americans about the direction of our nation. The next president must ensure we remain on offense against Islamic terrorists in their war on us – because if we drift back to defense we’re going face a longer war with larger problems. The next president must also restore fiscal discipline to Washington – cutting taxes and wasteful spending – so we can empower people, not government. Over the course of this campaign, I’ve made 12 Commitments to the American People. These include ending illegal immigration so we can expand legal immigration, moving toward energy independence, increasing our involvement in the global economy and strengthening our reputation around the world. I have a proven record of results and executive experience as mayor of America’s largest city, where we improved the quality of life by cutting crime and welfare in half, while reducing taxes 23 times. As President, I will focus on finding solutions, getting results, and making government work for all our citizens. America can meet any challenge when we focus on what unites us, not what divides us. We solve our problems best from strength, not weakness – from optimism, not pessimism. Please visit my website, www.JoinRudy2008.com, to learn more. Together, we can hand our nation to the next generation better than it was handed to us.

John Cox: The past 20 years have seen only Bushes and a Clinton as President. During that span, our government has added trillions of debt, failed to reform a broken tax system, failed to fix Social Security and Medicare, failed to deal with illegal immigration, watched health care costs explode, done nothing for education but spend money with few results. We have turned over control of government to the corrupt who make money from public service while selling out our principles and piling more debt on our children. If you are tired of these failures, I suggest you support my candidacy for President. I am a successful businessman who built a $100 million business in Chicago, Illinois. I have been a political activist and civic leader for over 25 years. I am not a career politician but someone who addresses problems and procedures results, something sorely lacking in today’s political culture. I am a CPA who will replace the IRS with consumption tax; I will arrest employers who employ illegal aliens; I will introduce competition and increased supply into health care and education to increase quality and reduce costs. I will win the war in Iraq by getting the Iraqis to pump their oil and pay for their own protection. The U.S. should work to spread prosperity and opportunity; not at the point of a gun but with our leadership and integrity. Let’s end government for sale, corruption and waste – we can do this by working together.

Ron Paul: I am Dr. Ron Paul, the champion of the Constitution. In ten terms in Congress, I never voted for an unbalanced budget or tax increase. I have never voted to raise congressional pay, increase the power of the executive branch, or regulate the internet. As a medical doctor, I delivered more than 4,000 babies and advocate a health care system where patients have choices including alternative care and where competition will drive costs down. I want to stop spending hundreds of billions of dollars overseas and use those funds to pay down our burgeoning debt, reduce taxes, shore up Social Security and strengthen Veterans’ benefits. I would immediately bring the troops home from Iraq. My six point immigration plan is to: (1) Physically secure our borders; (2) Enforce visa rules; (3) Not allow amnesty; (4) Provide no welfare for those here illegally; (5) End birthright citizenship; and (6) Create true reform that is fair for all. I will continue to oppose a North American Union. I favor repeal of the Patriot Act, would stop the national ID card, and would end the erosion of our privacy rights and civil liberties. I will stop corporate polluters and end corporate welfare. I would also move immediately to return to sound monetary policy, to end the “inflation tax,” and to protect our dollar. I will act to end irresponsible government spending which is threatening our future. I am committed to ending the personal income tax and the IRS.

John McCain: I believe our nation’s best days are ahead and remain committed to an America with a strong national defense, a smaller, more accountable government, and a robust economy. As president, I will protect our nation from all enemies. We confront a titanic struggle against Islamic extremism that will not be won quickly or easily. But we will win it. I look forward to bringing our troops home but know that we must bring them home in victory and with honor. Our enemies are in this fight to win. Be assured that I will employ all instruments of national power to defeat them. At home, Americans have lost trust in their government. To restore their trust, I will secure our borders, veto pork-barrel bills, keep taxes low and reform our tax code. I will nominate judges who do not legislate from the bench. I will work to modernize Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, bring choice and competition to our schools, and address climate change. We must also fix our health care system, not through more government, but by empowering the market to offer affordable and portable insurance options while we help those without insurance access quality care. I am running for president to make sure America maintains its place as the political, military and economic leader of the world. I am running for President of the United States, a blessed country, a proud country, a hopeful country and the greatest force for good on earth.

Mitt Romney: I am running for President because I want future generations to live in an America that is safe and prosperous and free. Ten years ago, there wasn’t much question about that: we had won the Cold War, our “new economy” was outpacing our rivals, the dollar was strong and markets were surging. A lot has changed since then. But Washington hasn’t. As President, I will bring conservative change to Washington as I did as Governor; cutting taxes, cutting spending, defending life, promoting traditional marriage, reforming health care, and enforcing our immigration laws. The challenges we face seem daunting, but Americans always rise to the occasion – we will overcome these as we have many others before. But for our children to inherit from us the great and hopeful America that was bequeathed to us by our parents, we must change Washington. I am optimistic about America’s future. I have seen the goodness and resolve of the American people. Challenges make us strong. If I am elected President, I will draw on my experience, my values, and this vision of American strength to keep America the hope of the world, and the promise of a bright future for our children.

Alan Keyes: The sovereignty of the American people is being destroyed. To address this crisis we must restore our moral sovereignty, beginning with the truth that all people are endowed by God with certain unalienable rights, starting with the right to life itself. I therefore support ending legal abortion, outlawing human cloning, as well as forbidding all forms of scientific research that require the destruction of human life at any stage after fertilization. We must also restore the integrity of our physical sovereignty, using all appropriate means, including physical barriers, electronic surveillance, and the creation of a U.S. Border Guard to control our national borders. We must strictly enforce our immigration laws to take down the “Y’all Come” sign corporate factions have erected to lure cheap labor across the border and steadily erode the economic equity American workers have achieved through hard fought social and political battles. To restore our constitutional sovereignty we must impeach and remove from office judges who stubbornly seek to dictate the law rather than apply laws made by our duly elected representatives. If elected I will of course not appoint such judges, but more importantly I will act on the President’s sworn duty conscientiously to follow the constitution, rather than the contrary opinions of dictatorial judges. To restore our economic sovereignty I will vigorously seek to abolish the Federal income tax and replace it with the Fair Tax system, funding the Federal government by means that do not require the surrender or violation of fundamental Constitutional rights.

Sam Brownback: No Candidate Statement Submitted

American Independent:

Diane Beall Templin: We, the People of the united States of America need to Be All we are capable of: one nation under God with liberty and justice for all, Independent, Sovereign, a Constitutional Republic replacing the Federal Reserve & Central Bank system with interest-free value backed, money, adopting the Liberty Amendment to repeal the 16th Amendment and IRS. If you elect me President, we will stop illegal immigration, protect our borders, end unconstitutional Federal programs, protect American jobs from outsourced labor, correct balance of trade, end all undeclared, unconstitutional wars and bring our troops home, protect life, liberty, and property, stop violation of Constitutional protections, stop warrantless wiretaps, National I.D. Cards, RFID chips, and abuse of power found in "unPatriot Acts", protect our Sovereignty, pledging allegiance to USA not to the North American Union, support rights of parents to control the education of their children, support the right of Americans to keep and bear arms. As a talented, creative and gifted People with God-given inalienable rights to life, liberty and property, we will find ways to restore pure air, clean water, protect American family farms, healthy food, with alternative energy sources. We will make Constitutional choices regarding our health care and social security. It is time for American soil and souls to heal and for us to take care of the American people and by Almighty God we will. 2 Chronicles 7:14. Our Rights are our Might; Ours Votes are our Voice, Diane Beall Templin for President is your very best choice!

Don J. Grundmann: I ask for your vote for the Presidential nomination of our party. As your candidate I will fight, and have the solutions for, the following: 1) the treason of the Security and Prosperity Partnership which our government is secretly using to bring Canada, Mexico, and our nation into a united North American Union, the first step of a process where we will forever lose our rights; 2) the illegal immigration invasion of our nation which our government allows in order to smooth our assimilation into the NAU and as a hammer against the wages and living standards of our citizens; 3) the total corruption of the IRS and the Federal Reserve System which are stealing the wealth of our citizens every day by devaluing our currency and the lie of the income tax (remember, you can earn $300,000 by disproving the following - no law requires an American working in America to either file a tax return or to pay income tax); 4) the deindustrialization, collapse of manufacturing, and loss of jobs which America has suffered through agreements such as NAFTA which must be repealed; 5) the lie of man-made global warming, backed by Homer Simpson science, which economic elites will use as a hammer to shatter the working people and industry of our nation; 6) the crime of abortion which has killed over 40 million children since 1972. Only the principles of our party can solve these and all other problems of the nation as described at TRUTHUSA.ORG.

Mad Max Riekse: Mad Max Riekse: www.madmaxforpresident.com; Retired US Army, LTC; Vietnam War & Iraq War Veteran; Retired Public School Teacher; B.A. University of South Florida: Political Science & International Relations; two M.A.’s/WMU: Political Science, International Relations, Education, US & World History. Educate America. A return to a Republic & Constitutional government as envisioned by our Founding Fathers will bring peace & prosperity to all American citizens & the world at large. We were founded as a Republic blessed by God with a Constitution & Bill of Rights. Stop the Wars in Iraq & Afghanistan; No War with Iran. Focus on Peace in the Middle East & throughout the world. Send all illegal immigrants home now. They are here illegally. No amnesty, birthright citizenship – anchor babies, social security, free education, health care, welfare, & unemployment to illegal’s & non-US citizens. Lower taxes, less government; cut the Federal gas & diesel tax 70%; No to Free Trade: NAFTA; no Mexican truckers in the USA. Eliminate Federal taxes on all Military & Federal pensions & Social Security recipients; eliminate the IRS & Federal Income Tax; cut Chinese imports that destroy American jobs with decent benefits, health care & pensions; Save Social Security; along with US manufacturing & trucking job’s; support American farmers; & reduce dependence on foreign oil by promoting alternative energy sources from wind, water & sun for a cleaner & healthier America. A return to a constitutional government will bring peace and prosperity to all American citizens. God Bless America. www.madmaxforpresident.com

Green:

Jared Ball: There currently exists no electoral political option for the vast majority who want progressive societal change. The two dominant parties maintain themselves as such by constraining candidacies and offices via corporate funding and electoral fraud and collusion – including their oligarchic reign over political debates. This results each presidential election in limited access to substantive debate and, of course, the imposition of the need to select only from one or the other “lesser of evil.” However, for those intimately aware of the historic need for the majority to earn their vote through struggle this current arrangement is simply unacceptable. For women, African and Indigenous descendants and the working poor the right to vote has come only through often bloody battles where none who suffered did so to vote for the lesser of evil. They did so believing the vote represented equal participation in and reward from this society. They thought the vote meant power. True realization of their sacrifice can only come through new electoral politics, new parties guided by new philosophies as to how the nation and world should be governed and by whom. Our campaign within the Green Party is designed to build that party. And it is our willingness to support instant run-off voting, removal of finance as a determinant in politics, national healthcare, reduced emphasis on military spending and a guaranteed national income which makes us the logical choice for a campaign and political party deserving the support of that true majority.

Kat Swift: I am a 34 year old who has realized that complaining about the system wasn’t changing the system. I have been working for over eight years as a Green Party activist to build a democratic alternative to the corporate one-party oligarchy we now have. Only when we start voting for what we want instead of the lesser of two evils will we see a positive shift in candidates elected. Backing the best funded candidate just to be a part of the winning team won’t get us: Socialized Medical Care; Net Neutrality; a Balanced Budget every year; Proportional Representation of electors to the electoral college; Federal Judges who will justly interpret the laws without personal bias regarding race, economic status, or religious beliefs; an End to Colonialism once and for all and recreation of the public commons that communities are built upon; Redress the effects Globalization has created in relation to degrading workers’ rights, environmental stewardship, immigration, and destruction of community livelihoods; etc. We need to appoint people as heads of agencies who will enforce regulations that serve the people and not the corporations who now control the information you receive and destroy communities through their paramount regard for profits and outrageous executive salaries. I hope the youth and women of this country will seize the power they hold in their votes and use it to change the course of society. Justice is necessary for implementing social, political or economic changes. For more information about my campaign visit http://www.voteswift.org.

Kent Mesplay: I run to improve our basic physical security and to reform politics. Sustainability is a security issue. Communities and regions that are largely self-reliant in a manner not preventing future generations from also being self-reliant are more secure. At all levels of organization we must rapidly learn to live within our means and build sustainably and efficiently for better independence and basic security of water, food and energy. Renewable energy, local organic produce and improved health care delivery are Green issues. Electoral reform is critical to inspire confidence in voting. I work to improve the manner in which we reach decisions as a government and how we select, elect and retain candidates to public office. I support public funding of campaigns, with automatic inclusion into debates for those ballot qualified candidates who, through ballot access, have at least a statistical chance of winning. The current political system does not emphasize deep debate and the solutions that such open discussion brings. I encourage preferential voting, Instant Runoff Voting (I.R.V.) and other improvements to politics. Lobbying is bribery. Peace is important. It's not important to just end the war in Iraq but to grapple with the issue of our national addiction to war. Our nation must take a leadership role in creating the conditions that will lead to diplomatic solutions. Through improved communication and verification the younger generations of today can help put an end to war, if their hearts are in it. Please register Green and vote Mesplay. www.mesplay.org

Cynthia McKinney: Cynthia McKinney served 12 years in the United States Congress. There, she proved to be a courageous voice for the voiceless, speaking truth to power. She authored legislation that would have: eliminated federal subsidies for corporations taking jobs overseas; instituted a national livable wage; repealed the Military Tribunals Act; provided for national forest protection and restoration; eliminated the use of depleted uranium weapons; denied federal assistance to law enforcement agencies violating human rights; allowed 9/11/2001 victims the right to participate in the Victims Compensation Fund and sue those responsible; and impeached Bush, Cheney, and Rice. McKinney successfully extended Agent Orange benefits an additional 25 years; authorized the USDA disparity study that demonstrated USDA discrimination against minority farmers, and directed the Pentagon to study how it handled conscientious objection. Cynthia will implement radical common sense solutions to America's myriad problems. With a view toward the long term, she asks us all to be willing to do some things we've never done before in order to have some things we've never had before. The Power to the People Committee is Cynthia's way of proving what Bobby Kennedy said so long ago: "Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope; and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."

Elaine Brown: No Candidate Statement Submitted

Jesse Johnson: No Candidate Statement Submitted

Ralph Nader: No Candidate Statement Submitted

Libertarian:

Dave Hollist: I am the only candidate who honors our pledge. That should be all I need to say; however, since I have 226 words left--with a little thought and courage, we can be the first political party in history to protect everyone's property without taking any of it. Taxation is taking because obviously it involves "the initiation of force." If we charge everyone one percent for a service that we have used for centuries, we can raise hundreds of billions of dollars. Our government should offer an insurance policy to settle any disputes that may arise when we sign the various contracts in our lives. It would be purchased by most people like the other forms of insurance in our society. As our economy grows, this would create trillions of dollars. The few uninsured would be free to risk any loses. My opponents are excellent at endlessly stating all of our problems. I will use the remainder of my words to state some solutions: 1. Bring our troops home now. 2. Persuade the United Nations to elect their representatives and adopt contract insurance so we can do business with all people--including those in Iraq. 3. Defend a woman's right to remove anything from her body. 4. Protect our freedom to put anything into our bodies. 5. Defend our right to create or purchase anything. 6. Stop those who threaten to hurt others and hand them over to the judicial branch for their day in court. Thanks for your consideration.

Alden Link: The United States needs a new approach to solving its energy and international problems. As President, I would immediately begin a program of building 1,000,000 megawatts of nuclear power plants. A half million megawatts is enough power to drive every automobile, boat, truck and airplane in the country. Electricity generated by nuclear power is cheaper than gas, oil or coal* and is much cleaner. *Nuclear Energy Institute www.NEI.org. I would win the war in Iraq in several weeks end the loss of American lives and reduce our expenses there by 75%. The insurgents in Iraq are financed by Iran and Syria. As President, I would immediately cut off Iran’s oil exports and gasoline imports. This could be done by blockading their ports or by bombing them. With no money coming in Iran will not be able to finance the war in Iraq. The war on drugs is totally ineffective and it costs the tax payers at least 100 billion dollars a year. I would end this futile endeavor and make drugs legal. The Patriot Act is a major infringement on our constitutional rights. As President I would see that this travesty is repealed and individual liberties restored. The UN is an anti US and anti Israel body. They vote against us and condemn Israel at every opportunity. I would get the UN out of New York and move it to Somalia. The delegates would soon learn the realities of Third World life. www.linkforpres.com

Christine Smith: Truth is my highest priority. I will get the federal government out of your personal and economic life; drastically shrinking government's size, power and cost so you can live as you choose in true freedom, prosperity and peace. My first priorities as president: Immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops and personnel from Iraq; immediate executive orders pardoning non-violent drug "offenders" and allowing gays to serve openly; and abolishment of many federal agencies (freeing Americans from privacy intrusions and enormous taxation). I will not reform those government agencies - I will abolish them. The American people have a right to keep what they have earned--that is freedom. It is fundamentally unethical for the government (which is force) to take away your money (by taxation) to give to anyone else. The great principles of liberty cannot be compromised. I will move this country in a better, more prosperous, peaceful direction by ensuring the American people are free to live their lives as they choose. My emphasis: economic and personal liberty with personal responsibility. I propose bold solutions to get us on the path to a freer and better America. It is time for a people's America. Visit my campaign website to learn more and sign up for our free email newsletter. www.LibertarianForPresident.com

George Phillies: I am a Libertarian. I believe Americans want peace, freedom, and prosperity, not illegal wars, warrantless wiretaps, and crushing national debt. I believe Americans want Uncle Sam out of our bedrooms and out of our wallets. Peace: As President, I will end the war in Iraq immediately. I will bring our soldiers home from around the world to secure our borders. I reject the idea of war with Iran. Freedom: Warrantless wiretapping and torture are felonies. I will vigorously prosecute those who committed them. Uncle Sam should not regulate morals: I will end marijuana prohibition and legalize internet gambling. I will repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and keep the government out of medical decisions on abortion and near-death terminal care. Prosperity: I will balance the budget and restore budget surpluses. I'll pay down the national debt, freeing trillions of dollars for factories, homes, jobs, lower mortgage interest, and lower taxes. Prosperity begins with education. I will free our wonderful teachers by repealing No Child Left Behind. I'll give each child a $5000 annual education tax credit. Renewable energy protects our environment. I will make the government buy its energy from new, renewable sources to move America toward energy independence. The choice is clear: If you think America is on the wrong track, you need to act. You need to vote for real change. You need to vote Libertarian! Make me our Presidential candidate, and I'll give our Libertarian Party the Presidential campaign we've always dreamed about.

Michael P. Jingozian: Our nation is faced with a multitude of converging threats. Our very Freedom and Democracy are in jeopardy. The 2-party system has caused these problems and there is no chance that they will be fixed by the Democrats and Republicans who benefit by the status quo. What’s more, valid solutions that exist today are running out of time. We must act now to save our nation and our planet. Our only option is to vote for someone who has the courage and integrity to put the interest of others above his or her own: someone who is not “For Sale.” I have 25 years of demonstrated leadership experience in tackling tough problems and building organizations. That’s what we need in Washington, Business Experience, not “Political Experience”. “Political Experience” is has brought us influence peddling, fear, an undemocratic election process, corruption, the “war on terror”, and huge deficits. If “Political Experience” were important, then we would never have to settle for the lesser of two evils and the Bush administration would be the most successful administration in the US history! Reset America is a real plan to save our nation and planet before valid solutions disappear forever. We have a real plan to solve these problems and bring back Freedom and Democracy. Join our team! Be a part of something big. Visit www.ResetAmerica.com. There is going to be a Revolution in this country, if we act now, we can make it a peaceful one.

Wayne A. Root: I am a candidate for the Libertarian Presidential nomination. I believe that I posses the most unique background of any Presidential candidate on the ballot. I am a Columbia University-educated, Libertarian-conservative, anti-tax, small government-loving, home-schooling family man, Las Vegas small businessman and S.O.B. (Son of a Butcher). We have had generations of Presidential candidates who know nothing about the problems of small businesspeople- they’ve never started a business; risked their own money; made a payroll; paid payroll taxes and health insurance for employees; or created a single job. Small business is the backbone of the American economy and creates the majority of our jobs. Small business is what empowers ordinary Americans to live the American Dream. We need a President who understands small business- how to make it grow, prosper and thrive. The greatest threat to small business owners, entrepreneurs and ordinary Americans is big government and higher taxes. I want to get government out of the way, and out of our lives. I stand for smaller government and more freedom for individual Americans. I am fiscally conservative, socially tolerant, strong on defense and mindful of the many threats to our liberty that we face across the globe. The issue that matters most in 2008 is freedom. Big government masquerading as Big Brother threatens all of our freedoms- from the bedroom to the boardroom to our bank accounts. The day that I take office, my very first act will be to give power back to the American people.

Steve Kubby: As a candidate for the Libertarian Party’s 2008 presidential nomination, I believe that America’s voters deserve a clear and compelling alternative to the failed policies of Republican and Democratic politicians. In this watershed election, I offer myself as that alternative, and ask of California’s Libertarian primary voters that they carefully weigh their choices. Among those choices, I believe that I offer the best combination of name recognition, media penetration, political track record and, most importantly, realistic yet uncompromisingly Libertarian stands on the issues. Before voting on February 5th, please take a few moments to visit my campaign web site (kubby2008.com) and the sites of my opponents. Put all of us to one simple test: Who can you depend upon to most ably represent your party and your principles in November? Standing shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Americans, we can achieve a full restoration of the civil liberties that made our country great. We can end the war on Iraq, the war on drugs, the war on same-sex couples and the war on immigrants. We can raise the iron curtain of repression and stagnation brought down upon our nation by decades of Democratic and Republican misrule. For California’s Libertarian voters, this process begins anew on February 5th. As we hurtle toward America’s moment of choice, I humbly request your support and ask for your vote. Let Freedom Grow, Steve Kubby Libertarian for President.

John Finan: We The People is the heart and soul of my platform. Such that all citizens of this great nation of ours need my leadership to bring about a decisive peace in America and those lands beyond its borders. We The People stands for equality in marriage, protection of all inalienable rights, those living, every age, creed and race. Respect for each stage of life, commencing with conception ‘til the centennial year of life. We The People means above standards set for the highest quality of education, respectful salaries for our diverse work force, along with obtaining health care for Americans and those global citizens on our shores waiting to salute our flag as their own. We The People represents my desire to serve America and all its citizens with every fiber of my being. Let it be known that Presidential candidate John Michael Finan spearheaded private and corporate funds, also the kindness of my real estate staff, and U-haul Co to orchestrate the delivery of over 80,000 home-made lunches with notes from children in surrounding school districts to the Real Heroes of 9-11, the rescue workers at Ground Zero on Sept. 13,14,15, 2001. I’ve used my private and familial partnerships equity, along with personal resources, to save 600 union jobs at The Plaza Hotel concurrent with mounting a philanthropic effort to preserve a substantial amount of this historic American Icon. Setting the tone for a preview of John M. Finan ’08, Libertarianism – less taxes, less government, more freedom – Live Free! www.johnmfinan.com

Barry Hess: No Candidate Statement Submitted

Daniel Imperato: No Candidate Statement Submitted

Robert Milnes: No Candidate Statement Submitted

Bob Jackson: No Candidate Statement Submitted

Peace and Freedom:

Stanley Hetz: I think that civil liberties and worker rights should both be expanded. Laws interfering with Americans’ right to free speech should be repealed. Workers should be compensated with extra pay for working on weekends, in which they would be payed at a rate of “time and a half” for working on Saturdays and “double time” for working on Sundays. Overtime pay should be at a rate of “double time” instead of the current “time and a half” and should be paid for any work performed in excess of an eight hour workday. Workers injured on the job should automatically receive a small amount of extra pay to be compensated for pain and suffering, and if the insurance company tries to block any benefits, that should open it up for a lawsuit. On top of that, if a worker has to hire an attorney to retain worker compensation benefits, then the insurance company should have to pay for those attorney fees. It is my belief that the current “Social Security” system should be replaced with a “Universal Social Security” system, in which everyone would receive a basic minimum income, so that everybody would be guaranteed the right to live a comfortable life. A democratic referendum should be presented to the Iraqi people asking if our troops should stay or withdraw. There has been more and more talk of reinstating the military draft, so I would like to see an amendment to the United States Constitution passed that would outlaw the draft.

Gloria E. La Riva: I am a union president, anti-war organizer and national presidential candidate of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. My vice-presidential candidate is Eugene Puryear. In 1994 and 1998, I was Peace and Freedom Party’s candidate for California governor. The war in Iraq must be ended now and U.S. troops brought home from more than 100 countries around the world. My campaign calls for an end to intervention, blockades and sanctions against Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, Korea, Palestine, Sudan and elsewhere. The huge Pentagon budget should be used to meet people’s needs. As a labor activist, I know firsthand the deteriorating wages and benefits millions of workers are facing today. My campaign calls for a $15/hour minimum wage, strengthening union rights, healthcare for all, free education through college, and a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions – housing is a right! As a child of a Mexican immigrant, I know the oppression immigrant workers face. Yet they contribute greatly to society. My campaign supports full rights for all, and an end to raids and deportations. As a beneficiary of affirmative action, I know it is needed to overcome longstanding racism and sexism. My campaign opposes mass imprisonment and police brutality, and supports reproductive rights for women, same-sex marriage rights, and equality for all regardless of nationality, religion, gender or sexual orientation. The choice for the future is clear: Either exploitation of the world for the profits of a few, or an ecologically sustainable economy based on meeting people’s needs – socialism.

John Crockford: Estimados Camaradas/Esteemed Comrades, I am running as the favorite son candidate for the San Joaquin Valley. I have been a member of the Peace and Freedom Party since November of 2004 and I am the Chair of the Fresno County Central Committee. I was instrumental in the creation of the San Joaquin Valley Chapter representing the Counties of Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern. I am the only candidate on the presidential ballot who is a resident of the San Joaquin Valley. Grounded firmly on Socialism, Feminism and the Platform of the Peace and Freedom Party, my campaign and your vote will provide a voice for the people of the San Joaquin Valley at the Peace and Freedom Party's nominating convention in August. A vote for me will be recognized as a vote for the interests and concerns of the people of the San Joaquin Valley and a commitment to the principles of socialism and feminism.

Stewart A. Alexander: We need to end the war now. We need to protect the rights and improve the pay of workers, and secure the future of their families. We need to lift the tax burden from workers, and shift it onto the most prosperous Americans and the big corporations (both American and foreign-owned) that dominate our economy. We need to end the corrupt misrule of this country by the representatives of great wealth, and return power to the people. One important way to further these goals is by expanding the Peace and Freedom Party nationwide, making it an important voice in our country’s affairs. This is why, after nomination by Peace and Freedom Party for California Lieutenant Governor in the 2006 election, I agreed to campaign nationally in 2008. While my name is on the ballot for President in this primary, I am already nominated by the Socialist Party USA for Vice President, and that nomination is in process with other groups in several states. Overly-restrictive state rules forbid me telling you here who my running mate is, but you may go on the Internet to StewartAlexanderCares.com for details. A vote for either of us tells the State Convention to place our ticket on the ballot in November. Besides nomination by existing parties, I will run in additional states as a Peace and Freedom Party nominee, spreading the name and platform of our party across the country. Thank you for your help!

Brian Moore: Brian Moore was selected by the Socialist Party USA as its official presidential nominee for 2008; was endorsed for the U.S. Senate in 2006 in Florida by a leading consumer activist; and visited Cuba during that campaign to study the country's health system. Brian was a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Latin America for three years and worked eight years in South America in health programs for the poor. He is fluent in Spanish. His American wife and adopted 10-year old son both have Hispanic heritages. Brian has been an antiwar activist; he protested the Vietnam War; and since 2002 lead a local Florida peace and justice coalition against the Iraq War. Socialist Moore has been a citizen activist for 25 years, working in inner cities to assist low-income populations, mostly in Washington, DC. Moore attended California Catholic schools in Oakland and Sacramento, the Franciscan seminaries in the California Missions, St. Mary's College in Moraga and graduate school at Cal-State, LA. He earned an MPA from Arizona State University and worked 25 years for health maintenance organizations. Brian volunteered in California congressional, gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. He played college and semi-pro baseball in California and was MVP his freshman year. He was a laborer for a railroad and a metal fabrication company. Brian ran for city council and mayor in Washington, DC (1980's/90's) and for Congress in 2002 and 2004. Brian's website: www.votebrianmoore.com. Moore is a strong critic of capitalism and advocate of socialism.

Ralph Nader: No Candidate Statement Submitted