Questionnaire responses from Chris Cannon

It's tough to just peg two issues as the most important. Clearly, the war on terror, whether it be our efforts in Iraq or the challenge of securing our homeland, is the critical priority of our time.

Without a doubt, however, immigration is an issue that demands our attention and real solutions, and is a key component of homeland security. My position on immigration is very clear. We need real reform that secures the border without destroying our economy in the process.

2. Would you over the next two years in office ever vote for a tax increase? Yes. No. Explain.

I have always opposed tax increases and will oppose tax increases because I have yet to see the benefit from saddling families with higher tax obligations.

The tax cuts proposed by President Bush have strengthened our economy, and I have strongly supported them. I will continue to support tax cuts that are well thought out and economically mindful. My long-held view is that the problem with government is not that people are undertaxed but that government spends and does too much.

I supported the war in Iraq and continue to do so.

4. In your opinion, what should the U.S. now do in the Iraq war? (Please be specific, should we withdraw immediately, set a time-line for withdrawal, stay-the-course as President Bush advocates, etc.)

I feel that any specific timetable would be detrimental to our effort in Iraq and dangerous to our troops. I want to see our troops come home safe but not before the job is done. We have seen Iraq make dramatic steps in terms of forming the basis of a government but we have also seen sectarian violence. It is essential that we provide the Iraqi government and Iraqi security forces the time they need to function in an effective manner before we leave the region. If we pull out too soon, the region with devolve into a breeding ground for hate and anarchy, and no society will be safe.

5. Should Democrats take control of the U.S. House after the November elections, predict three things that will happen over the next two years because of the power shift.

1) Nancy Pelosi will become speaker of the House of Representatives and third in line for the presidency.