Alan Blinken in Survey of 2002 Senate and House campaign websites

On Education: Increase school funding instead of cutting taxes

Choosing tax cuts over education funding means our children lose?in elementary and secondary education we end up with fewer teachers, larger class sizes and inadequate school buildings. My solution to the fiscal crisis in education is to expand the tax base by bringing new jobs and investment to Idaho. I am a strong supporter of federal assistance for public school districts as long as local control is maintained. Schools need long term commitment, not just funding when the economy is in an upswing. Source: 2002 Senate campaign website, AlanBlinkenForSenate.com Sep 30, 2002

On Environment: Stricter CAFE standards instead of ANWR drilling

Because of failed energy policies we were forced to consider drilling in a national preserve. If congress had not buckled to the auto industry and had put stricter CAFE [fuel efficiency standards] in place, we would have been energy independent. If every person in our country would use one less light per day our energy dependence would be enormously reduced. Using our current resources more judiciously, while looking for other energy alternatives, is far preferable to drilling in ANWR. Source: 2002 Senate campaign website, AlanBlinkenForSenate.com Sep 30, 2002

On Free Trade: Fair trade over free trade; NAFTA needs more enforcement

I am an advocate of free but fair trade. I have negotiated trade agreements and know that it is possible for both trading partners to have a mutually advantageous partnership. However, in the case of NAFTA, provisions protecting workers rights, safe transportation and various environmental issues have not been enforced. We must have a level playing field in every sector, from computer chips to cattle. Source: 2002 Senate campaign website, AlanBlinkenForSenate.com Sep 30, 2002

On Health Care: Extend patents in exchange for reasonable Rx drug prices

My plan will cut the cost of drugs in half, without raising taxes or penalizing drug companies. The plan is to offer drug companies an extension on their patents (up to 10 years) if they institute a co-pay program for struggling seniors and agree to sell their drugs at the average price in Europe, Canada, and Japan. Unlike the other drug plans before congress, my plan drug would cost the taxpayer nothing, because drug companies would voluntarily cut their prices in order to receive a longer patent life. Source: 2002 Senate campaign website, AlanBlinkenForSenate.com Sep 30, 2002

On Homeland Security: Increase military capabilities; but use it sparingly

We need to update our military infrastructure. For example, we need to better utilize mobile forces coupled with mobile technology. We need to review the policy of stationary troops and the use of a large navy that was created to fight a global war. We must also review the overuse of our military around the world. Our elected officials should use restraint when committing our troops. America cannot be the policeman of the world. Source: 2002 Senate campaign website, AlanBlinkenForSenate.com Sep 30, 2002

On Social Security: Reform needed, but not privatization

I believe that Social Security must be preserved, that benefits must not be reduced, and that any changes to social security must honor the pledges made to seniors. I am against the privatization of Social Security and I oppose the recent use of Social Security surpluses. By the year 2030 the Trust Fund will be under severe strain as the last of the baby boom retires. Therefore it will be necessary to restructure the system. Source: 2002 Senate campaign website, AlanBlinkenForSenate.com Sep 30, 2002

The above quotations are from Survey of 2002 House & Senate campaign websites. Click here for other excerpts from Survey of 2002 House & Senate campaign websites. Click here for other excerpts by Alan Blinken. Click here for a profile of Alan Blinken.
*Alan Blinken on other issues:*
Abortion Budget/Economy Civil Rights Corporations Crime Drugs Education Energy/Oil Environment Families Foreign Policy Free Trade	Govt. Reform Gun Control Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Jobs Principles Social Security Tax Reform Technology War/Peace Welfare
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Page last updated: Nov 29, 2018