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Bruce Lunsford on Homeland Security

Democratic Senate challenger


Secret warrantless wiretapping program was flat out wrong

Q: Where do you stand on the use of domestic surveillance?

A: The secret warrantless wiretapping program was flat out wrong. The Bush administration went too far when it may not have even been necessary. Almost 99% of wiretapping applications were approved when they were submitted to judges.

Q: Do you support retroactive immunity to telecom companies that cooperated with the federal government on these efforts?

A: I think we should be focused on finding terrorists and not protecting corporate CEOs. I'm sure there was pressure from the Bush administration and that isn't an enviable position to be in for a company but what is wrong is wrong and there must be accountability. When mistakes were made in my companies, I took responsibility, took action and solved the problems. I was encouraged by news a few months ago that both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed new FISA bills with added privacy protections.

Source: Mark Nickolas interview: '10 Questions' on politicalbase.com Jun 18, 2008

We must fully fund the veterans' health care system

In the first half of 2007, the VA treated nearly 124,000 new veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, A 29% increase from the same period in 2006. Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering from different kinds of injuries and psychological trauma than veterans of past wars. Unfortunately, McConnell has stood in the way of these young veterans receiving the care they need. McConnell opposed funding for a program that helps soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan receive the mental health care they need. In addition, the overall veteran population covered by the VA health care system is aging, as Vietnam-era veterans are beginning to require long-term care. The current VA system is facing new challenges and must adapt to treat a wide variety of injuries and illnesses. We must fully fund TRICARE, the veterans' health care system. Our veterans, young and old, have made great sacrifices on our behalf and we owe them the best possible care.
Source: Campaign website, www.bruce2008.com, "Issues" Jun 3, 2008

Open the doors to the Veterans Administration

Currently, the Veterans Administration denies care to 1.6 million veterans. Mitch McConnell and Republicans in Washington have blocked several attempts to increase health care coverage for America's veterans, which subsequently led to a billion dollar shortfall at the VA. It's time to end the Republican reign of obstruction to full funding of the VA and restore the policy of making VA health care available to all veterans who need it.
Source: Campaign website, www.bruce2008.com, "Issues" Jun 3, 2008

Ease the transition home for veterans

We must do everything we can to help our troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan re-adjust to civilian life. Among the steps we should take are the expansion of existing programs that connect returning veterans with good civilian jobs and the creation of tax credits for companies that place a priority on hiring veterans.
Source: Campaign website, www.bruce2008.com, "Issues" Jun 3, 2008

McConnell voted against giving troops body armor, I wouldn't

Make no mistake--until our troops are withdrawn from the poorly reasoned and ill conceived war in Iraq, I want to make sure they are fully armed and have the proper equipment to conduct their mission. Unlike McConnell, I would not vote against giving troops the body armor they need to protect their lives, against funding for armored vehicles, and against tax credits for employers who pay workers who are in the National Guard or Reserves and have been put on active duty.
Source: Campaign website, www.bruce2008.com, "Issues" Jun 3, 2008

Other candidates on Homeland Security: Bruce Lunsford on other issues:
KY Gubernatorial:
Steve Beshear
KY Senatorial:
Jim Bunning
Mitch McConnell


2008 Senate retirements:

Wayne Allard(R,CO)
Larry Craig(R,ID)
Pete Domenici(R,NM)
Chuck Hagel(R,NE)
Trent Lott(R,MS)
Craig Thomas(R,WY)
John Warner(R,VA)

Incoming Obama Administration:

Pres.Barack Obama
V.P.Joe Biden
State:Hillary Clinton
HHS:Tom Daschle
Staff:Rahm Emanuel
DHS:Janet Napolitano
DOC:Bill Richardson
DoD:Robert Gates
A.G.:Eric Holder
Treas.:Tim Geithner
Winners of 2008 Senate Races:
( * if new to the Senate)
AK:*Begich over Stevens
AL:Sessions
AR:Pryor
CO:*Udall
DE:Biden and Kaufman
GA:Chambliss v.Martin (Dec. 2 runoff)
IA:Harkin
ID:*Risch
IL:Durbin
KS:Roberts
KY:McConnell
LA:Landrieu
MA:Kerry
ME:Collins
MI:Levin
MN:Coleman v.Franken (recounting as of Dec.1)
MS4:Wicker
MS6:Cochran
MT:Baucus
NC:*Hagan over Dole
NE:*Johanns
NH:*Shaheen over Sununu
NJ:Lautenberg
NM:*Udall
OK:Inhofe
OR:*Merkley over Smith
RI:Reed
SC:Graham
SD:Johnson
TN:Alexander
TX:Cornyn
VA:*Warner
WV:Rockefeller
WY4:Barrasso
WY6:Enzi
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Page last updated: Dec 02, 2008