"I support the constitutional amendment to protect the flag not because I take amending the Constitution lightly, but rather because I believe the flag represents more then a conduit of speech. It represents the values of this country. It is important to note that burning the American flag was only recently deemed free speech. In 1989 when the Supreme Court decided to protect flag burning as an expression of free speech, it was only agreed to by a 5-4 decision. It is from that decision that Congress has the power and authority to affirm or reject the ruling through legislation or constitutional amendment. The arguments for desecration turn on the notion that desecration is a protected form of speech. But I contend burning the flag is one of action or conduct — not just uttered words. At the time of the decision, the Court reasoned that the conduct could be speech if those viewing the act can understand the message being conveyed. This rationalization is overbroad because speech is what we understand, not what may be in a particular individual's mind. I have always opposed Hate Crimes legislation because I never understood how you can decipher what is in a person�s mind, but you can understand the action and punish it appropriately. Under the court's rationalization, anyone can use the First Amendment defense as a backstop for their actions, which is not the original intent of that Amendment. I firmly believe that Veterans and soldiers have paid a price for protecting the flag and the least we can do is to show our support for that symbol by removing obnoxious protests disguised as speech."

16 — Do you favor or oppose a U.S. constitutional amendment recognizing only traditional marriage, between one man and one woman?

"I support traditional marriage. This Congress I have cosponsored the constitutional amendments protecting marriage as well as a bill to limit federal court jurisdiction from hearing cases that try to redefine marriage. Last Congress, I was a cosponsor and voted on the House floor for a constitutional amendment to protect marriage as well as the same limitation on jurisdiction bill. This is a major issue of our time. It is a battle between the recognition and reaffirmation of the traditional social fabric of our nation or the changing whims and desires of a few."

17 — Do you favor or oppose new nuclear power plants in the United States? In Utah?

"I support nuclear power plants in Utah and throughout the United States. Nuclear power is safe, clean, and efficient. It is absurd that Europe and China are both seizing a competitive energy advantage over the United States by aggressively putting this proven energy source to work while we continue to wring our hands.

"Nuclear power has a unique history in Utah. The plight of "downwinders" has made many in Utah rightfully wary of nuclear power and nuclear waste. This is a complex issue that I have spent years working on in conjunction with my fellow Utah officials.