League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
State of California June 5, 2012 Election
	Dirk Allen Konopik Answers Questions Candidate for United States Senator

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. In this time of high unemployment, what are the most important steps that should be taken to improve our nation’s economy?

I believe that the U.S. should significantly reduce burdensome regulations and taxes that make many of our businesses noncompetitive when compared to the rest of the world. Taxes, such as the estate/inheritance tax, should be eliminated. The U.S. should shift from the worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system seeing how our current system traps much needed capital abroad. Additionally, I believe that NAFTA has greatly contributed to a vast amount of detrimental consequences that primarily affect American blue-collar workers and, therefore, should be reevaluated as to whether or not it should be altered/eliminated. Legislators in D.C. should set policies that promote business in the U.S. and benefit American workers. Increased support of small businesses is vital.

2. How should the federal budget deficit be addressed, now and into the future? How should budget priorities for defense and domestic programs be adjusted?

The federal budget, like every other budget, should be handled in a manner that is consistent with the principle of living within one's means. The federal government has treated our citizens like a bottomless checkbook for far too long and it must stop now. We will not stand by any longer and allow the absurd, reckless, and wasteful spending to continue. The U.S. is going to have to make drastic spending cuts across the board and take immediate, well reasoned action to eliminate our national debt.

Regarding national defense, this should always be the number one priority of any government, to include America, and, therefore, while the efficiency and effectiveness of defense spending should always be continually assessed, I do not believe it would be wise at the present time to reduce our defense spending and thereby weaken our national security. As to domestic programs, many of them will have to be assessed and funding reduced/eliminated. Our nation's federal budget problems must be addressed before it is too late, and, frankly, it is going to hurt. However, it must be done if we are to prosper again.

3. What are your priorities with respect to our nation’s energy policy? Should there be an emphasis on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, and/or on reducing our dependence on foreign sources?

My priority, with respect to our nation's energy policy, is to promote all viable sources of energy in order to reduce the great expense that our nation's citizens are paying when it comes to filling up their vehicles, cooking their meals, heating their homes, etc. I also greatly support the immediate reduction of dependence on foreign energy and for the federal government to open up currently restricted federal land for energy exploration and drilling. That being said, as a Christian I am also concerned with protecting our environment to the best of my ability, within reason.

To be direct, in my perspective human beings will always take priority over the environment when a question of conflict arises pertaining to quality of life versus conservation. In addition, it must be noted that the war currently being fought by special interest groups who are only focused on "green energy" sources is, in fact, hurting us all. The federal government should allow all forms of energy to compete in a free market and, therefore, the citizens will decide what suits them better.

4. What, if any, changes should be made to federal health care policies or programs?

If elected to the Senate, I will vote to immediately repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e. Obamacare). That is, if the Supreme Court hasn't already ruled it to be unconstitutional by that time. Seeing how there could be many changes set in motion regarding healthcare by January 2013, when I will potentially be seated as your U.S. Senator, instead of rattling off what I plan on doing if elected, as much could possibly change, I will instead hold certain guiding principles that could be applicable to my position on healthcare policy no matter what the political landscape looks like.

These principles include ensuring that all American citizens, regardless of how much money is in their bank accounts, will be treated fairly and compassionately when legislation pertaining to healthcare is brought before Congress. Furthermore, as a devout Christian, I will stand against anyone or any organization that would wish to promote abortion, embryonic stem cell research, and/or promiscuity through federal legislation. Additionally, if certain citizens are concerned about their inability to obtain birth control due to a self-perceived financial burden, then those individuals have two options: get a job and purchase birth control on your own dime or don't have sex. Rather straightforward. On these issues, I will not be moved.

5. What, if any, changes should be made to federal rules on campaign financing?

Transparency is key regarding campaign financing. With the rise of Super PACs contributing such an exorbitant amount of money from anonymous sources to candidates, American citizens must be ensured of the integrity of the electoral process. If elected to the U.S. Senate, I will promote legislation and policies that remove the shroud of anonymity that is currently shielding donors who are giving to candidates behind the veil of a Super PAC.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. References to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 4, 2012 13:03
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