No. I did not see the imminence of the threat in 2003 and the evidence has supported that since we have been in Iraq. Given the current situation in Iraq, we are no closer to a stable democracy now than we were in 2003. There were many alternatives to our actions in 2003, some of which are no longer available as a result of the initiation of pre-emptive war without exhausting diplomatic options.

4. In your opinion, what should the U.S. now do in the Iraqi war?

(Please be specific: Should we withdraw immediately, set a time-line for withdraw, stay-the-course as President Bush advocates, etc.?)

The best experts on Iraq are the Iraqi people. If we support their independence and democracy, the United States should ask them for a referendum on whether the USA should stay or go. If they want us to stay, there should be a long-term financial commitment from Iraq for not only what has been spent, but the cost going forward. If they want us to leave, we should respect that.

5. Should Democrats take control of the U.S. House (U.S. Senate in the Hatch/Ashdown race) after the November elections, predict three things that will happen over the next two years because of the power shift.

The minimum wage will be increased for the first time since 1997.

Ethics committees will be re-established and will move forward in a rapid fashion to impose more accountability in Congress.

President Bush will use his veto power more.

6. Considering that the U.S. budget will be in deficit again, do you favor or oppose making the current tax cuts permanent?

I do not favor the existing tax cuts because they did very little for the majority of Americans. I favor balancing the tax cuts so the middle class sees more benefit from them.

7. Please give your specific stands on the following issues, which some term as moral issues:

— Stem cell research. I favor stem cell research. On embryonic stem cell research, I favor reauthorizing funding on discarded fertilized eggs for stem cell research. I do not support research on fertilized eggs that have grown over a period of five days.

— Cloning of human cells. I do not support cloning research that permits the clone to mature beyond five days.

— Abortion. I do not support elective abortion. The federal government must join with responsible communities and families to reduce elective abortion. Abortion in the cases of rape, incest and health of the mother should remain safe and legal.

— Capital punishment. I am for expedient capital punishment but against executing the wrong person. Human fallibility gives us no other option but to abandon capital punishment and use life without parole in its stead.