I have complained about the dearth of information from Phil Kellam about issues. Here are some talking points he could use:
Constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage:
Thelma Drake voted in favor. I would not. I agree with Dick Cheney (+óGé¼+ôWith the respect to the question of relationships, my general view is freedom means freedom for everyone... People ought to be free to enter into any kind of relationship they want to. The question that comes up with the issue of marriage is what kind of official sanction or approval is going to be granted by government? Historically, that+óGé¼Gäós been a relationship that has been handled by the states. The states have made that fundamental decision of what constitutes a marriage.+óGé¼-¥)
Stem cell research:
George Allen voted against it and George Bush used his only veto against it. I support it. I agree with 70% of the public, John Warner, Bill Frist, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Nancy Reagan (+óGé¼+ôWith this important vote in favor of stem cell research, the pleas of so many suffering families have finally been heard. Time is short, and life is precious, and I hope this promising research can now move forward+óGé¼-¥).
Iraq War:
Thelma Drake has been to Iraq, and she thinks things are going just great. I have been asked if I thought the war was a mistake. Most Americans think it was a mistake. I don+óGé¼Gäót think it was a mistake, I think it was deliberate. George Bush got us into this mess, and I think George Bush ought to get us out of it before he leaves office, instead of passing the buck to later presidents. I support the troops. I think the best way to support them is to get them out of an untenable situation as soon as possible.
Offshore Drilling:
Thelma Drake supports offshore drilling. I do not. The 2nd district includes most of the Atlantic coast of Virginia, from the Eastern Shore to the North Carolina border. This district+óGé¼Gäós economy is dependent on the Navy, tourism, and fishing, all of which would be harmed by offshore drilling. I intend to represent the people of the 2nd district. I think we ought to invest more in clean, efficient renewable resources.
Minimum Wage:
Thelma Drake voted against increasing the minimum wage, but in favor of repealing the estate tax. There is probably not anybody living in the 2nd district who would even be affected by the estate tax, but a lot of people who would benefit from an increase in the minimum wage. I intend to represent the people of the 2nd district.
Social Security:
Thelma Drake supported the interests of retired citizens 0% of the time in 2005 (Alliance for Retired Americans). Thelma Drake supports George Bush+óGé¼Gäós plan to privatize Social Security. I do not. Even the Bush administration admits that it would not improve the financial issues (in fact, under his plan, Social Security would run out of money even earlier). There are a lot of people in the 2nd district who are depending on Social Security. I intend to represent all the people of the 2nd district.
Deficit:
When George Bush came into office, he inherited a surplus of $284 billion. The last four years have been the largest deficits of all time. The OMB has just projected a $296 billion deficit for 2006. George Bush and Thelma Drake think that+óGé¼Gäós just great. I think it+óGé¼Gäós irresponsible. We+óGé¼Gäóre basically running our government by borrowing from China. I have a record of fiscal conservatism.
Transportation:
We desperately need federal funds to improve transportation. Thelma Drake has gotten funds for Pat Robertson+óGé¼Gäós interchange. I intend to represent all the people of the 2nd district.
Civil Rights:
Thelma Drake supported the interests of black citizens just 22% of the time in 2005 (NAACP). She voted for a poison pill amendment that would have eliminated the right of US citizens who are not English speakers to cast a ballot in their native language. I intend to represent all the people of the 2nd district.
Environment:
Representative Drake supported the environment just 6% of the time in 2005 (League of Conservation Voters). I intend to represent all the people of the 2nd district.
Veterans:
Thelma Drake supported the interests of veterans 0% of the time in 2005 (Disabled American Veterans). I intend to represent all the people of the 2nd district.