US Senate Candidates’
League of Women Voters Questionnaire
Primary 2008

1. The Economy
What measures will you take to improve the economic outlook for middle class Americans?
Larrick:
My HELP program includes: (1) Health Care for all through single-payer health care, (2) Energy Conservation for all through green building and zoning codes and high efficiency vehicle standards; (3) Land Conservation practices in support of farmers and rural communities; and (4) Peace through an end to the Iraq War.
Johanns:
Lower taxes and less government spending are the best way to improve the economic outlook for middle class Americans. As governor I balanced budgets, and opposed higher taxes. Lower taxes will create jobs and ensure that more of Nebraskans’ hard earned money goes toward family budgets, not the federal budget.
Kleeb:
As a homeowner on a tight budget, I feel the squeeze of rising costs. I will solve short-term problems with targeted tax relief and better “trade adjustment assistance”. I will strengthen our long-term outlook be reducing health care and higher education costs and investing in renewable energy.
Rosberg:
No response.

2. Immigration
What changes should the United States make in its immigration laws and what steps will you take to create a workable immigration policy?
Larrick:
I will apply international law to limit violent overt and covert interventions by military and corporate elites which perpetuate poverty throughout the developing world. This will reduce the flow of immigrants and provide developing nations with economic security to encourage the development of local economies to their fullest renewable potential.
Johanns:
Illegal immigration threatens our security. We must secure our borders. There cannot be amnesty for illegal immigrants. We need verifiable workplace enforcement that includes sanctions for employers who hire illegal workers. And there cannot be preferential treatment for those who enter America illegally. Our approach must be firm, but fair.
Kleeb:
My first priority is to secure our borders. We must stop the bleeding before we can treat the wound. Immigration reform should include penalties — including potential imprisonment — for CEOs who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. I will also urge the next president to support Central American economic development and border security.
Rosberg:
No response.

3. Health Care
What would you do to make health care affordable for all Americans?
Larrick:
I will introduce legislation to adopt the Canadian single-payer health care system. This will eliminate a vast network of unnecessary red tape and provide quality health care for all Americans for less cost than our current privatized system which leaves more than 47 million Americans without health care coverage.
Johanns:
Americans deserve top quality health care. Our current system is complex, and inaccessible to far too many Americans. As a United States Senator, I will work toward a system that delivers quality and affordable health care that holds all participants accountable. I will oppose a single-payer, government-run health care system.
Kleeb:
We must control costs for Americans who have insurance and reduce the number of uninsured. To lower costs for everyone, the government could cover the highest-cost cases, which reduces the overall risk pool and allows insurance companies to lower their rates. I would also invest in preventive care.
Rosberg:
No response.

4. War in Iraq
What should be the criteria for ending American involvement in Iraq? Explain.
Larrick:
The invasion and occupation of Iraq was wrong. More than 80% of Iraqis want the U.S. out of Iraq now. We must withdraw all U.S. troops and private contractors within six months but continue working with Iraqis, the United Nations and the Arab League to provide for peace.
Johanns:
I support our men and women in uniform and their mission in Iraq. Islamic terrorists have declared war on the United States. This long-term threat requires constant vigilance. We cannot leave until we defeat the terrorists who threaten free people and help the Iraqi government stand on its own.
Kleeb:
I grew up military bases and feel a deep connection to Americans in uniform. This Administration cannot define “success” in Iraq — an unacceptable lack of accountability. We’ve lost over 4,000 brave soldiers and $3 trillion in tax dollars. Congress must tie funding to diplomatic, political, and economic benchmarks.
Rosberg:
No response.

5. Energy Policy
What energy policy would you pursue in order to reduce our dependence on foreign oil?
Larrick:
I will introduce tax reforms to reduce income taxes and implement a carbon tax to discourage the import of foreign oil. A carbon tax will reduce toxic pollution and global warming gases while funding the development of energy from wind, sun, geothermal, and other clean and renewable sources of energy.
Johanns:
The more dependent we are on foreign oil, the greater the risk to our economy and security. We must develop a comprehensive strategy that encapsulates every available energy resource, including the expansion of domestic oil and natural gas production, increased use of nuclear power, and greater production of renewable fuels.
Kleeb:
Renewable energy can create thousands of new jobs right here in Nebraska. Ethanol, wind, solar, and biofuels will also decrease pollution and make our country safer by cutting our dependence on foreign fuel.
Rosberg:
No response.

6. Civil Liberties
How do you propose protecting the civil liberties of American citizens while assuring national defense?
Larrick:
I will support legislation to restore the Constitution by eliminating the Patriot Act and the illegal wiretaps against the American people. I believe if we treat other nations fairly as we would have them treat us, we will restore America’s standing and reduce many of our national defense threats.
Johanns:
The first priority of any government is the security of its people. We must stand strong against terrorism, while also protecting the civil liberties at the core of our constitution. My first priority will be our national defense, but I will always work to protect civil liberties of all Americans.
Kleeb:
My top priority is to give law enforcement the tools to detect, disrupt, and destroy terrorist networks. We must all stand strong in the face of a serious threat. Yet we must also remember the core American values we want to protect: freedom and the rule of law.
Rosberg:
No response.