2008 Election Coverage
Candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor

Governor

William Lee (R)
http://www.
leedelaware.com

Insurance Commissioner
Matt Denn (D)
http://www.
mattdenn.com/

• Supported recently enacted renewable portfolio standards which require the state's use of renewable energy sources.
• Plans to develop "green wave" investment plans with an emphasis on clean climate and low polluting technologies.
• Supports offering energy tax incentives, adopting the most recent energy efficient codes and standards and developing programs to install cogeneration/combined heat and power systems.
• Published a campaign pamphlet: "Blueprint for a Better Delaware." Has criticized Lt. Governor Carney stating that "three-quarters of the bullet points in his release" on the wind farm deal are included in the Blueprint.

• Concerned about the state's air and water quality and the state's number of cancer clusters.
• Supports consequences for corporations that pollute the state's air and water.
• Proposes to double the number of air quality monitoring stations statewide within his first year in office.

• Wants to further develop the state's "Green Car" and "Green Mortgage" lending programs to support the purchase of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles and energy efficient homes.

• Supports new technologies and energy efficient practices, including the use of alternative fuels and other cost saving measures, to boost the job market and create a "next-generation" workforce.

• Has stated that the across the board cuts undertaken by the current administration are not productive.
• Vows to improve revenue collection through a variety of means including high-tech cigarette stamps to make tax stamp forging more difficult.
• Has presented a multi-part plan that addresses budgeting and how the approach the government takes toward it can be more effective and intelligent.

• Supports lowering taxes.
• Has called for audits of the government to determine what is not working in the state and to make adjustments as necessary in the budget.

(No position found)

(No position found)

• Economic plan includes educating the workforce, emphasizing the state's low taxes, encouraging Delaware-grown business, increasing the availability of capital funding, promoting Delaware's exports and promoting development in rural communities.

• Supports lowering taxes to provide incentives for jobs and businesses to return to Delaware.
• Wants to address problems within the Delaware Economic Development Office which he states worsened the state's economic standing.
• Stated that economic development would be a top priority for him.

• Supports increasing current employer healthcare requirements.

• Opposes mandated employer financed healthcare.
• States that the principles that should drive the effort to improve healthcare in Delaware are personal ownership, choice and competition.

• Supports ethics legislation that would ban all gifts to state officials from lobbyists, expand the state’s Freedom of Information Act to cover the legislature, require public officials and lobbyists to complete ethics education within six months of taking office and prohibit legislators from holding state contracts.
• Supports the creation of a non-partisan commission of citizens to conduct public hearings on redistricting proposals with specific orders to not consider political affiliation, previous election results or addresses of incumbents.

• Has stated that one of his priorities would be to issue an executive order mandating all state spending be posted online and available to the public, with the system up and running in 2009 along with a new accounting system.

• Opposes driver's licenses for illegal immigrants.
• Opposes denying access to schools for children of undocumented immigrants, even if they are living in the country illegally.

• Retracted his statement that the state should issue driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.
• Opposes giving rights to people in the country illegally.

• Supports affordable, universal healthcare.
• Developed a plan to cover the state's 105,000 uninsured residents, including those already eligible but not yet enrolled, and subsidies for small businesses and individuals making up to 300% of the federal poverty level.
• Supports the promotion of healthy lifestyles and disease prevention through education.
• Favors addressing Medicaid eligibility problems for all people with disabilities.

• Supports the lowering of eligibility requirements for Medicaid, if state finances allow it.
• Advocates for health insurance for all residents and better and cheaper prescriptions through state and health insurance company negotiations.

• Supports educating consumers as a means to prevent the misuse of a person’s sensitive personal information.
• Partnered with the U.S. Department of Treasury and formed the “Go Direct” program which helps senior citizens protect themselves from financial crimes by, among other things, assisting them in setting up direct deposit of their social security checks.

(No position found)

• As chair of the Information Services Task Force, developed and implemented recommendations to streamline the procurement process of goods and services, saving the state an estimated $6 million annually.
• Supports further technological developments to create an open and efficient purchasing system.
• Also supports using online reverse auctions which compel providers to offer both lower prices and better services tailored to the public's needs, combine agency purchases and create a larger qualified universe of providers to promote competition and smaller prices.

• States that Delaware is wasting millions of dollars with an inefficient procurement policy.
• States that Delaware has a "contract economy" and that the high-tech resources Delaware offers to businesses are not being utilized by state government.
• Plans to conduct performance and efficiency audits of state agencies.

(No position found)

(No position found)

Jill Lynette Long Thompson (D)
http://www.
hoosiersforjill.com/

Governor Mitch Daniels (R) (Incumbent)
http://www.
mymanmitch.com/

Dennie Oxley (D)
http://www.
hoosiersforjill.com/

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman (R) (Incumbent)
http://www.
mymanmitch.com
/about_becky.html

• Has a plan for greater energy efficiency and climate change protection, utilizing cleaner coal technologies.
• Plans to initiate a "green boost" program to encourage investment in energy efficient jobs and growth in manufacturing and technology development.
• Supports more funding for research and development in clean emitting technology and biofuel production fields.
• Supports the creation of a clean energy fund to create renewable energy projects.
• Favors green building requirements, improved net metering rules, a review of the state's permitting rules and requirements, reducing the state's carbon footprint and requiring the state's vehicle fleet to run on clean burning fuels.

• Signed Executive Order 08-14, which declares that all new state buildings shall be designed, constructed, operated and maintained to achieve maximum energy efficiency.
• Enacted legislation that requires the environmental quality service council to study whether public entities should be required or encouraged to achieve energy and environmental design ratings in the construction and renovation of buildings and structures.
• Has implemented numerous air quality measurement programs, including monitoring by site, region and index ratings for O3, CO and SO2.
• Has been stringent with following the restrictions enacted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the state's cap and trade emission programs.

• Supports emerging biofuels technology and resources and favors incentives for biofuel use and production.
• Supports making Indiana a national leader in the production of corn, soybean and other crops for biofuel use.
• Plans to utilize educational institutions in the state for the purpose of comparing the cost-effectiveness of biofuels.
• Wants to ensure new vehicles purchased by the state will be capable of running on alternative fuels, including E-85 blends and biodiesel.

• Forty ethanol public pumps and 14 new biofuel plants were opened during his first term.
• Signed legislation that provides grants for E-85 fueling stations in the state.

• Supports business tax credits for job creation and credits for business property expenditures.
• Has urged the Governor to temporarily suspend the 7% sales tax on gasoline.

• Declared property tax relief his priority in 2008 and, according to him, property taxes will be slashed an average of 30% in 2008.
• As part of the deal for property tax relief, the sales tax increased from 6% to 7%.
• Supports tax incentives to attract business.

(No position found)

• Signed legislation that bans the sale of certain consumer products that do not meet specific lead-related requirements.

• Vows to expand to all businesses performance-based incentives for investing in new technologies, increasing productivity and minimizing their negative environmental impact.
• Advocates assigning counties to economic tiers and providing businesses in certain sectors with tax incentives based on their success in creating jobs in each tiered county.
• Supports incentives at the local level to promote the expansion of broadband and high-speed Internet.

• Attributes the creation of 100,000 jobs since 2005 to the establishment of the joint public-private Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), which has convinced companies to either relocate to or expand operations in Indiana by offering them a mix of grants, loans and tax incentives.

• Advocates assigning counties to economic tiers and providing businesses in certain sectors with tax incentives based on their success in creating jobs in each tiered county.
• To be eligible, companies must offer employees health insurance and pay at least 50% of the premiums and above the county average wage.

• As Governor, helped enact the Healthy Indiana Proposal, which reduced the number of uninsured residents.
• The plan included required contributions from employees and not employers.
• Supports health savings accounts and holds symposiums in order to educate employers on the benefits of these accounts.

• Supports legislation to strengthen the state's campaign finance laws by putting in place tougher limits on corporate donations and requiring full disclosure of those donations.
• Supports expanding the term of the Inspector General and requiring the full approval of the General Assembly before appointing a new Inspector General.

• Issued an executive order to create the Office of Inspector General, which was created to provide ethics guidance to thousands of state employees seeking opinions.
• Issued another executive order to prohibit agency heads and procurement officers from soliciting money for political candidates to ensure that state contracts are awarded on merit, not political contributions.

• Supports ensuring that state and local agencies have the resources they need to fully enforce all laws on the books in Indiana.
• Stated that immigration is a federal issue.

• Has made statements indicating that immigration is not a priority of his and that he plans to leave the issue to candidates for other offices.
• Has stated that it is "a federal problem."

• Favors addressing the high costs of healthcare, given that the costs in Indiana are higher than the national average.

• Supported Medicaid expansion measures and backed a measure that increased eligibility to the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

• Stated that she will support legislation that enhances consumer protection but has not released any details.

• Signed several identity theft and security breach measures into law.

• Opposes privatization of government services.
• Will review all the privatization contracts in which the state was involved.
• Has also stated that she is a "strong supporter of public-private partnerships."

• Supports encouraging government, academic and corporate leaders to invest more of their dollars for goods and services with Indiana companies through a "Buy Indiana" program.

• Voted in favor of federal legislation, the major military appropriation bill for fiscal years 1990 and 1991, which included a major section dealing with recycling and waste issues.

• Created multiple websites and government programs for the citizens of Indiana to know how much of an impact they have regarding garbage and recycling.

Governor

Attorney General Jeremiah (Jay) Nixon (D)
http://www.
nixonforgovernor.com/

U.S. Representative Kenny Hulshof (R)
http://www.
kenny08.com/

Lt. Governor

State Representative Sam Page (D)
http://www.
sampage.com/  

• Supports working in a compact with other states on global warming.
• Stated in a questionnaire he returned in a previous election that he would favor strengthening air quality standards and emissions controls.

(No position found)

• Supports the expanded production of biofuels, utilizing corn as well as other alternative crops.

• Supports alternative fuels and introduced a federal bill in 2002 to encourage the expanded use of biodiesel.
• Supports the use of biodiesel and oil drilling in the United States and expanding oil refining capacity.
• Has defended Missouri’s mandated 10% of ethanol in fuel, citing studies that show that ethanol in fuel has kept fuel prices down by as much as 30-40 cents per gallon.

• Supports eliminating the property tax marriage penalty, increasing the number of individuals who qualify for the maximum property tax benefit and increasing the maximum tax credit benefit from $750 to $1,000.
• Denounces a tax break instituted by Governor Matt Blunt (R) that went to wealthy developers.

• As Congressman, helped author the 2001 and 2003 federal tax cuts.
• Supports eliminating the death tax.
• Has stated that he will not raise state taxes and will work for tax policies that encourage growth.
• Has called for a freeze on property tax assessments for seniors making $52,000 a year or less.

(No position found)

(No position found)

• Supports investing in new technologies and job-training programs to prepare citizens for the job market.
• Favors working with small business groups to create initiatives for growth.

• Supports lawsuit reform, to eliminate frivolous lawsuits, and improved job training to encourage businesses to come to Missouri.

• Developed a healthcare plan which centers largely on restoring cuts to healthcare made during Governor Matt Blunt's (R) term.
• Supports working with stakeholders and policymakers to explore options and find solutions to cover more residents.

• Plans to unveil a healthcare plan in the fall.

• Argued a case before the U.S. Supreme Court as Attorney General in 1999, defending a limit on campaign contributions.
• Continues to call for campaign contribution limits.
• While Attorney General, oversaw the enforcement of Missouri’s Sunshine law, which he states is crucial to an effective and accountable government.

• Has developed a “six point plan” to combat ethics abuse, which calls for a ban on all gifts to lawmakers and government officials, tougher disclosure rules, campaign finance reform, stopping corruption in the awarding of license fee offices and the reform of the Missouri Ethics Commission.

• As Attorney General, proposed legislation that had strict penalties against employers who hired illegal immigrants.
• Stated that employers who knowingly hire or misclassify illegal immigrants are taking away jobs from Missourians.
• Opposes allowing employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants from receiving tax credits or other incentives from the state.

• Supports blocking the flow of tax dollars to illegal immigrants and banning state contractors who hire illegal immigrants from bidding on taxpayer-funded projects.

• Supports restoring the cuts made to Medicaid during Governor Blunt's (R) tenure.
• Developed a plan that would restore cuts made and expand access to more children under the Medicaid/SCHIP program.

• Defended the Medicaid cuts made by Governor Matt Blunt (R).

• As Attorney General, dealt extensively with identity theft issues and aided consumers’ ability to put freezes on their credit cards if stolen.

• As Congressman, took an active role in the prevention of identity theft while on the House Immigration and Social Security Subcommittee.
• Raised the issue of replacement documentation and the threat of identity theft in the process.

• Supports protecting and creating jobs in the state, especially in light of the public response to the sale of Missouri-based Anheuser-Busch to the Belgian corporation InBev.
• Supports investing in job training and providing tax relief for Missouri’s citizens to avoid businesses moving out of the state.

(No position found)

(No position found)

(No position found)

Lt. Governor

Lt. Governor John Bohlinger (R)
(Incumbent)
http://www.
brianschweitzer.com/

Steve Daines (R)
http://www.
roybrownformontana.com/

• In November 2007, announced a 20x10 Initiative to reduce energy consumption of state agencies by 20% by 2010 and introduced a Climate Change Report for which the Legislative Environmental Quality Council is now accepting public comments.
• Has invited energy efficiency experts to evaluate the energy efficiency of state office buildings and has implemented energy saving practices, such as green purchasing and efficient lighting in buildings.
• Has been working with other western governors to craft an emission monitoring system and a cap and trade program.

• Has made no official campaign statements on these issues but on his campaign website he criticizes Governor Schweitzer for not submitting a proposal to the federal government for a “zero emission, coal fired power plant research project.” 

Biofuels

• Advocates the use of alternative fuels and has moved the state motor pool to be more fuel efficient with many of the cars being E-85 flex fuel vehicles.
• Announced the purchase of a solar powered truck for use around the capitol complex.
• Promoted the conversion of coal into diesel fuel as a remedy to the country’s energy needs. 
• Has been working to bring companies and the Air Force to the state to build coal-to-fuel plants.

• Responded to a non-partisan questionnaire saying that he supports expanding the use of alternative fuels.
• Also supports increased drilling for oil in the United States and specifically on the Rocky Mountain Front in Montana, claiming that existing energy sources should be developed now while working on alternative sources for the future.

Budget and Taxes

• Issued more than $75 million in property tax rebates to homeowners in 2007 through a program called the Square Deal.
• Also provided tax credits on 2007 property taxes to homeowners.
• Signed legislation to eliminate the water tax.
• Opposes tax increases if the state’s economy worsens.

• Has proposed the Montana Budget Accountability Commission, which will be comprised of accountants, auditors, businessmen and women and legislators to oversee new spending initiatives.
• In 1999, served as the House sponsor for legislation that reduced Montana’s Oil and Gas Production Taxes and resulted in a renewed interest to explore oil and gas resources. 
• The plan produced higher revenues for the state than before the reduction was instituted.
• Supports across the board property tax relief.

Consumer Protection

(No position found)

(No position found)

Economic Development

• Favors tax incentives for clean and green energy, including wind, ethanol and biodiesel. 
• Supports cleaner energy for consumers and creating new jobs in this sector.
• Supports the TransCanada pipeline and other measures to bring jobs, tax revenue and shipping access to the state by increasing the energy infrastructure.
• Has set a goal to use 25% renewable energy by 2025.

• Favors developing Montana’s natural resources to relieve the burden on property tax payers.
• Also favors elimination of the business equipment tax, which he cites as a disincentive to attracting businesses and as an undue burden on small businesses.
• Supports strengthening small businesses in order to create quality, high paying jobs.

Employer Financed Healthcare

• Signed legislation that gives tax credits of $100 per month per employee to employers with fewer than 10 employees who offer and contribute toward their employees’ health insurance.
• Supports aiding employers who offer health insurance to their employees.

• Supported legislation that provides tax incentives to businesses that supply health insurance for their employees.

Ethics and Reform

• Actively worked on a 2006 ballot measure, to prevent state officials and their staff from becoming licensed lobbyists within 24 months after departure from state government.

• Has called for the elimination of “constituent accounts” as there is no reporting or regulation required for these accounts.
• Supports a “sunshine and light bulb” approach to donor contributions and would require that all contributions be disclosed on a publicly accessible website.

Immigration

• Opposed the federal mandate to enact the Federal Real ID Act, which imposes certain security, authentication and issuance procedures and standards for the state driver’s licenses and state ID cards, in order for them to be accepted by the federal government for official purposes.

• Supports financial punishments for those who knowingly employ illegal immigrants.

• Supports providing more kids with health insurance through the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
• Advocates helping seniors get affordable prescription drugs through the “Big Sky Rx” program and helping more people get affordable health insurance through the “Insure Montana” program.
• Also supports more federal funding for health coverage.

• Supported the Community Health Center Support Act, which called for a $2 million annual state appropriation to fund new health centers, expand services at existing centers and provide funds for capital improvement projects at health centers.
• Advocates for affordable healthcare and the lowering of healthcare costs.
• Supports maintaining current funding for healthcare.
• Does not support ensuring that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms or state-funded care where necessary.

Personal Information Use Restrictions

• Encouraged a 2006 interim study undertaken by the Economic Affairs Interim Committee that was designed to investigate issues relating to identity theft, including jurisdictional issues regarding federal and state authority, the prosecution of Internet-related crimes, the role of credit reports, victim restitution and sales of personal information by third parties and direct marketing firms.

• Stated that, while consumer protection is important, has no plans to support any pending legislation at this time.

• Signed legislation that states that in the case of a tie bid, preference must be given to the bidder offering American-made products or supplies.

• Stated that the issue of outsourcing is not on his "radar at this time."

(No position found)

(No position found)

Governor

• Signed legislation authorizing a cap and trade emissions program, including trading and banking programs and emissions and allowance monitoring.
• Signed legislation that established an Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Board and directs the Board to review and report on available energy efficiency, conservation, demand response and sustainable energy programs and incentives and to develop a plan to achieve the state's energy efficiency potential for all fuels.
• Supports the state's involvement in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
• Was instrumental in proposing and enacting the Renewable Energy Act, which aims for New Hampshire to receive 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.

• Supports alternative energies and conservation.
• Supports repealing New Hampshire's involvement in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, because of the costs it imposes on the state and on businesses.
• Introduced enacted legislation, which eliminates certain compounds from gasoline that emit harmful pollutants into the air in addition to creating other air pollution control measures.
• Sponsored failed legislation that was to limit construction and demolition debris from incineration to protect the state's air quality.

• Supports the use of biofuels in the state.
• Has provided tax credits for companies to relocate into the North Country region of the state, as well as for those that use alternative fuels such as wood chips for energy production and usage.
• Has worked to improve infrastructure for biofuel operations, including plants and processing centers.
• Supports improved vehicle efficiency, including state vehicle fleets utilizing low emitting engines and alternative fuel engines.

• Voted for legislation that requires certain utilities and federal, state, municipal and private entities to purchase a certain percentage of alternative fuel vehicles.
• Voted in favor of legislation that requires the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation and the Division of Plant and Property Management to purchase fuels that contain a certain amount of biodiesel.

• In previous legislative sessions, worked for tax credits for research and development to encourage companies to create those types of jobs in the state.
• Signed this year’s budget which expanded the welfare program to cover transportation and childcare costs so that one can get to and from work and have a place to care for one’s child.

• Introduced a spending cap bill, which was defeated.
• Supports limiting spending and taxes.

(No position found)

(No position found)

• Supports the expansion of alternative energy use in the state and its production.
• Supports expanding job training programs and offering research and development tax credits to encourage growth in that sector.
• Supports creating a public-private partnership with businesses to help businesses save on energy costs.
• As Governor, invested in the International Trade Resource Center to get New Hampshire products on the global market.

• Supports marketing the state better through areas, such as airports, to let businesses know the state is a good place to establish a location. 
• Supports bringing back the action team started by Governor Craig Benson (R) which would be dedicated to “selling” New Hampshire to businesses.

• As Governor, worked to repeal a law that tripled health insurance premiums for small businesses.
• Worked with business, labor, healthcare providers and state officials to reduce healthcare costs.
• Proposed, championed and signed legislation that created the New Hampshire HealthFirst initiative, which is aimed at helping small businesses better afford health insurance for their workers.

• In a past election for State Senate, stated that one of his goals was to ensure that citizens have access to basic healthcare through managed care, insurance reforms or state funded care when necessary.

• Signed legislation that created a commission to examine public funding of state campaigns of candidates who agree to “not seek, nor accept” donations from special interests.
• Proposed and signed legislation that created the Executive Branch Ethics Commission, which may issue guidelines on appropriate conduct for executive branch officials, render advisory opinions, investigate any unauthorized release of information and recommend disciplinary action, including removal from office and criminal charges for serious violations.

• Has stated that New Hampshire needs “to take the money out of politics.”

• Has supported federal laws relating to immigration.
• Supports strong borders.

• As State Senator, introduced failed legislation to ensure that New Hampshire does not become a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants.
• Supports taking action at the state level to enforce laws relating to illegal immigrants.

• Has been working to expand enrollment in the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Healthy Kids program, but had to cut state agency budgets in the face of a state revenue shortfall.

• In a past election for State Senate, stated that one of his goals was to ensure that citizens have access to basic healthcare through managed care, insurance reforms or state funded care when necessary.

• Coauthored in 2007 the “Internet Safety Guide” with the New Hampshire Department of Justice and established the position of Internet Crimes Prosecutor. 
• Signed consumer protection legislation which helps “to protect New Hampshire families from mortgage foreclosure rescue scams.”

(No position found)

• Has taken steps to reign in spending, as the state is facing a budget deficit.
• Issued several executive orders halting government purchases.
• Favors better transparency when negotiating and entering into contracts with businesses. 
• In 2006, rescinded New Hampshire’s commitment to be bound by the procurement policies outlined in CAFTA and other trade agreements and stated that New Hampshire has a right to set its own procurement policies and procedures.

• Has stated his concern with state spending and has introduced legislation which places spending caps on the state budgets.

• Did not declare his support or opposition to a mandatory deposit bill, which has not advanced.

• Sponsored legislation that would establish minimum standards for closing all solid waste facilities and establishes state closure guidelines for all facility owners and operators.

Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue (D)
http://www.
bevperdue.com/

Patrick McCrory (R)
http://www.
patmccrory.com/

Walter H. Dalton (D)
http://www.
walterdalton.org/

Robert Pittenger (R)
http://www.
robertpittenger.com/

• Provides a detailed plan for North Carolina to be a national green energy leader.
• The initiatives include prohibiting new licenses for coal-fired plants, exploring a regional greenhouse gas initiative with other states and helping cities become “Cool Cities” by developing plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Supports the state’s becoming a leader in helping the country reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by the year 2050.

(No position found)

• As Lt. Governor/President of the Senate, worked to introduce the NC Green Act.
• The act created the NC Green Business Fund, which supports biofuel investment.
• In 2008 the first round of grants of up to $100,000 were awarded to small businesses to support green energy projects.

• Released a 10 point energy plan that includes using biodiesel for public transportation, requiring state-owned vehicles to use alternative fuels and increasing research and development for coal-to-liquids technology.
• The plan states that he would issue an executive order allowing drilling of the North Carolina coast to explore for oil.
• Supports a balance between increasing domestic oil supply and developing alternative sources of fuel and energy.
• As mayor of Charlotte, increased the number of city-owned, hybrid-electric vehicles.

• Has vowed to “lead an effort at the National Governor’s Association” to do away with financial incentives aimed at luring businesses to states.
• Prefers healthy and well-educated workforces to attract businesses.
• However, her campaign stresses that “as long as the other 49 states continue to offer such incentives,” North Carolina will offer “targeted, accountable and performance-based” incentives.

• Supports reducing personal and corporate income taxes to encourage economic development.

(No position found)

(No position found)

• As Lt. Governor, created the Green Business Fund and the North Carolina Military Foundation, both of which are committed to investments in green and high-tech jobs and technologies.

• Supports creating a competitive business environment conducive to retaining existing companies and attracting new ones.
• Economic development plan focuses on a mix of policies which include reducing personal and corporate income taxes, investing in transportation infrastructure to “support sustainable growth” and partnering with regional governors to reduce incentives aimed at luring businesses to the state.

• Supports reforms to lower the cost of private insurance.
• Supports private employers not only maintaining health coverage for their employees but also expanding it.
• Supports enhanced tax incentives; establishing an affordable small business coverage policy and establishing a state-sponsored “Health Insurance Exchange” through which small businesses and self-employed individuals can attain more affordable private coverage.

• Opposes employer financed healthcare and state mandates on health insurance.

• Supports the creation of the NC Openbook program, which establishes a searchable online database of all state agency expenditures over $10,000 for all state contracts and grants, to prevent wasteful expenditures by the state government.

• Supports transparency.

• Opposes allowing illegal immigrants in community colleges and the university system, but supports their attendance at K-12 public schools.
• Opposes driving privileges for illegal immigrants.
• Supports providing local law enforcement with the resources needed in order to participate in the federal 287(g) program, which allows them to check the immigration status of arrested criminals and hand over those who are illegally in the country to federal authorities.
• Supports working with other governors to demand a new national policy that addresses the fundamental problems in the current immigration policy.

• Supports allowing law enforcement to detain, identify and prepare illegal immigrants, who broke laws, for deportation; prohibiting companies employing illegal immigrants from receiving state contracts and eliminating state benefits to illegal immigrants.

• Supports expanded coverage for uninsured families, particularly children.
• Supports universal coverage for children and coverage for uninsured parents in working families.

• Supports making Medicaid more efficient by placing more emphasis on preventive medicine and wellness programs; permitting Medicaid recipients to opt out of the program in favor of private policies without mandates and working with medical professionals, the legislature and the federal government to find ways to modernize Medicaid.

(No position found)

• Has not developed a policy for this issue.

• Cites the creation and retention of technology jobs in North Carolina as a top campaign issue.
• Supports extending the state’s Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program, which gives tax credits to technology startups.

• Is concerned that the state may be losing its competitive advantage in technology sector jobs.
• Has made statements that he will “recruit new industry and increase the workforce of North Carolina, while making sure that we keep the industry and jobs that we already have.”

(No position found)

(No position found)

State Senator Tim Mathern (Dem-NPL)
http://www.
mathern.org/

Governor John Hoeven (R)
(Incumbent)
http://www.
hoevengovernor.com/

State Representative Merle Boucher
(Dem-NPL)
http://www.
mathern.org/

Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple (R)
(Incumbent)
http://www.
hoevengovernor.com/

State Senator Tim Mathern (Dem-NPL)

Governor John Hoeven (R)

• Recognizes the importance of coal for his state’s economy.
• Did not support air initiatives that could potentially hurt the industry.
• Voted in favor of legislation that provides tax incentives for coal plants that reduce their carbon emissions.
• Supports increasing the amount of energy created by wind.

• Has created incentives for the state’s growing renewable energy market and has worked to advance the state’s traditional energy resources. 
• Joined four other governors in the Western Governor’s Association in the Clean and Diversified Energy Initiative, which stresses clean coal technology and renewable energy, such as wind.
• Advanced a comprehensive $43.5 million Renewable Energy Plan, including programs aimed at supporting the 25x25 Initiative, the national goal of generating 25% of the nation’s energy from renewable sources, and doubling the state’s energy output from all sources, by the year 2025.

• Supports additional incentives to fund research for new biofuel crops and other forms of renewable energy.
• Has voted for every bill involving mandates or incentives for biofuel production since the 2001 legislative session.
• Favors both mandates and incentives for alternative fuels that can boost the state’s agricultural and energy industries while placing North Dakota on the path to energy independence.

• Supports biofuels and served as the former chair of the Governor’s Ethanol Coalition.
• In 2002, mandated a switch to a 10% blend of ethanol in gasoline for the state vehicle fleet to boost the state’s ethanol industry.
• Signed legislation that offers additional incentives to biofuel manufacturers.

• Supports expansion of the homestead tax credit.
• Supports funding public education at the state level to decrease the burden on local property tax rolls.

• Supports lower taxes and smaller government.
• During his administration, the state has amassed a $740 million budget surplus.

(No position found)

(No position found)

• Supports offering credits and loan forgiveness to students who stay and work in North Dakota.
• Supports providing investments and training to businesses that wish to expand.

• Supports diversifying the different industry sectors to put the state in a stronger position for harder economic times.

• Supports expanded access to affordable healthcare.
• No position on employer financed healthcare.

• Opposes mandates on businesses to provide or fund health insurance.

• Supports limiting campaign contributions from individuals, PACs, corporate interests and political parties.

• Supports limits on campaign contributions from corporate interests.

• Supports financial punishments for those who knowingly employ illegal immigrants.

• Supports monetary punishments for those who knowingly employ illegal immigrants.
• Adopted the National Governor’s Association policy on immigration and states that the federal government is responsible for setting immigration policy.

• Supports expanded coverage, including coverage for all children through Medicaid, the Healthy Steps program (CHIP) and the option for every adult to buy into a healthcare program based on family income.
• Supports implementing a comprehensive statewide health wellness program.

• Opposes expanded state care.
• States that citizens should have access to basic healthcare through managed care, insurance reforms or state-funded care where necessary.
• States that medical care should be guaranteed only for the elderly and the needy.

(No position found)

• Supported the redaction of Social Security numbers from licenses, the removal of credit card numbers from receipts and credit freeze legislation.
• Considers consumer privacy a priority.

• Supports credits and loan forgiveness to students that stay in North Dakota.
• Advocates for investment in North Dakota businesses and workforce training programs.

• Supports domestic research with an emphasis in the technology sector to stimulate job growth.

• Did not support previously introduced bottle bills as a senator.

• Has not declared his support or opposition for previously introduced bills proposing mandatory deposit schemes.

Bob Springmeyer (D)
http://www.
bobforgov.org/

Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. (R)
(Incumbent)
http://www.
huntsman08.com/

Josie Valdez (D)
http://www.
bobforgov.org/

Lt. Governor Gary R. Herbert (R)
(Incumbent)
http://huntsman08.com/
content/about_lt_gov/

(No position found)

• Supported legislation requiring state agencies to improve energy efficiency in state buildings by 20% by 2015.
• Extended the requirement to state-owned vehicles.
• While Governor, Utah joined the Western Climate Initiative whose members are committed to reducing greenhouse gases.

(No position found)

• Established the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Council on Climate Change, to report recommendations for clean renewable energy and for cleaner production of traditional energy resources.

• Opposes government subsidies and bail outs.
• States that they inflate the state budget but do not provide the intended benefits.

• As Governor, the total revenue to the state increased by more than $1 billion. However, news stories report Utah as having a deficit of more than $100 million for fiscal year 2008.

(No position found)

(No position found)

• Stated that state wages are unsatisfactory and as a percentage of national averages, “80% of Utah workers have suffered real wage losses since 1979.”

• Cites that, as Governor, more than 100,000 jobs have been created, average wages have increased 10% and the unemployment rate is near 2.5%.

• Stated his concern with the number of uninsured residents in the state.
• No position found on employer financed healthcare.

• Opposes mandates on businesses to provide or fund health insurance, but advocates for complete health system reform.

• Defaults to the Utah Democratic Party’s stance against government corruption, in favor of an independent State Elections Commission and in favor of limits on campaign contributions from single sources.

• Signed an executive order establishing an Ethics Policy for executive branch agencies, which includes prohibiting the receipt of gifts by elected officials, eliminating nepotism in hiring for state jobs and prohibiting the lobbying of current government officials by former employees.

(No position found)

• Signed legislation prohibiting public employers from entering into a contract for the physical performance of services with a contractor unless the contractor registers and participates in the Status Verification System to verify the work eligibility status of the contractor’s employees.
• Led the Western Governor’s Association in adopting a policy resolution calling for Congress to approve a national immigration policy that will strengthen security along the southern border, create a temporary guest worker program without amnesty to meet specific workforce needs and provide reimbursement for local and state governments now filling the enforcement void.

• Expressed concern with the number of uninsured residents in the state.
• No position found on Medicaid expansion.

• Opposes expanded Medicaid.

(No position found)

(No position found)

(No position found)

• Announced a 10 point plan to help stimulate Utah’s economy, which includes the creation of a web-based search tool tied to GIS data to enable site selectors nationwide to search for business-ready industrial sites.

(No position found)

(No position found)

Governor

Speaker Gaye Symington (D)
http://www.symington
forgovernor.com/

Governor Jim Douglas (R)
(Incumbent)
http://www.
jimdouglas.com/

Lt. Governor

Thomas W. Costello (D)
http://www.tomcostelloforvt.com/

Lt. Governor Brian Dubie (R)
(Incumbent)
http://www.
briandubie.com

• States that state environmental laws should be stricter than federal laws.

• Touts Vermont as the greenest state in the nation and a leader in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. 
• Criticized President Bush for delaying rules on the effects of climate change.

• Has developed a “Roadmap to Energy Independence.”
• Supports further promotion of the use of alternative fuels and the use of biomass fuel in state buildings.

• Signed an executive order creating a Climate Change Action Plan. 
• Among the directives were requirements that called for the purchase of only the highest fuel efficient vehicles in their class for the state motor pool and an investigation into purchasing renewable fuel.

• Stated that she has prevented property tax increases.
• Supports continually working to keep property taxes down.
• Has stated that other factors are driving up property taxes like healthcare, special education and fuel costs and that until those issues are addressed, higher taxes will persist.

• Supports lower taxes to support Vermont’s economy.
• Has worked against any tax increases proposed by the legislature.
• Supports property tax relief to help those burdened by increasing property assessments.

(No position found)

(No position found)

• Supports additional means to improve job creation.
• Supports addressing infrastructure problems and improving broadband coverage to attract businesses to the state.

• Supported legislation for homeownership and mortgage assistance, investment in transportation, job creation tax credits, low interest capital for small startup businesses and affordable housing initiatives.
• States that the programs will help improve growth.
• Has an “e-State” plan to expand Vermont’s Internet and broadband coverage to attract businesses.

• As House Speaker, was involved in the 2006 healthcare reform bill that assesses charges on employers that do not offer health insurance to fund state-subsidized private insurance.

• Signed the 2006 healthcare reform bill that established Catamount Health and that assesses charges on employers that do not offer health insurance to fund state-subsidized private insurance.

(No position found)

• Issued an executive order to establish an executive code of ethics to prevent fraud and corruption in the executive departments.

• Has stated that the federal government is responsible for setting immigration policy.

• Adopted the National Governor’s Association policy on immigration and states that the federal government is responsible for setting immigration policy.

• As House Speaker, played a critical role in the adoption of the 2006 healthcare reform bill.
• Argues that Governor Douglas has not allocated enough money for Catamount Health in the state budget.
• Supports preventive medicine and wellness programs.
• Supports redefining healthcare so that the focus is on keeping people healthy in addition to treating them when they are sick.

• Signed the 2006 healthcare reform bill that established Catamount Health, which provides affordable healthcare coverage to all uninsured residents.
• Has stated that ensuring that state residents have access to high quality, affordable healthcare is a top priority and he will continue to build on previous reforms.

(No position found)

(No position found)

(No position found)

• Proposed the “Next Generation Initiative” to educate the workforce and lower the tax burden. 
• Advocates that this program will stimulate job creation and encourage the state’s young people to remain in the state.

(No position found)

(No position found)

Governor

Governor Christine Gregoire (D)
(Incumbent)
http://www.
chrisgregoire.com/

Dino Rossi (R)
http://www.
dinorossi.com/

Lt. Governor

Lt. Governor Brad Owen (D)
(Incumbent)

• Signed Executive Order 07-02, The Climate Change Challenge, which set significant energy and emissions goals for the state, such as a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
• Partnered with the Washington Legislature’s Democratic majority to adopt the California Low Emission Vehicle Standard (CA-LEV) and is currently suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for refusing to allow stricter car emission standards.
• Is one of the five governors to sign the Western Regional Climate Change Action Initiative.

• States that his approach to climate change and emissions will be based on incentives rather than mandates.
• Plans to focus on fighting traffic congestion, which he states will "eliminate millions of tons of carbon emissions."
• Has denied the existence of global warming in past statements.
• States he recognizes the need for climate change action.

• Favors both mandates and incentives for biofuels.
• Signed legislation that mandates that fuel dealers sell 2% biodiesel out of their total diesel sales and 2% ethanol out of total gasoline sales.
• Has also pushed for greater state investment in the growing biofuel industry and proposed $17.5 million in low interest loans for the state’s investment in bioenergy projects.

• Supports incentives for biofuels as a way of promoting clean air, growing new industries, creating jobs and helping farmers.
• As State Senator, supported legislation that offered incentives for biofuel production and the use of biofuels for state vehicle fleets.

• Cites recent success in reducing regulation and taxes on small businesses.
• Signed legislation to reinstate the 1% cap on property taxes. Supports the idea of instituting a state income tax.
• Signed legislation to raise the gasoline taxes to 9.5%.

• Supports fiscal responsibility and the prudent expenditure of tax dollars.
• Cites his success in balancing the state’s budget in the face of a massive deficit, while refraining from increasing taxes.
• Supports restoring priority-based budgeting.
• Opposes a state income tax.

• Is determined to “protect the health and safety” of Washington’s children.
• Signed the Children’s Safe Products Act, which prohibits the manufacture, distribution and sale of children’s products that contain certain concentrations of chemicals, including lead.  
• Has called for an advisory group of toy manufacturers, retailers, medical professionals and child safety advocates to assist with the act’s implementation.
• Has instructed the group to aid her in crafting additional legislation during the 2009 session to modify the act - legislation which she says will be necessary to balance child safety with the interests of business.

(No position found)

• Cites that since her assuming office exports have doubled, an additional 200,000 jobs have been created and the state has a “substantial budget surplus.”
• Has stated her commitment to continuing policies aimed at increasing exports, adding jobs and “rewarding innovation.”

• Supports a “business climate more inviting to entrepreneurs."

• Argues that healthcare is a fundamental human right, and advocates coverage for all residents.
• No position found on employer financed healthcare.

• Opposes mandates on businesses to provide or fund health insurance.

(No position found)

(No position found)

• States that the federal government is responsible for setting immigration policy.
• Supports comprehensive, immigration reform which includes strengthening the border security; tough enforcement through fully staffed border stations and a modernized and efficient guest worker program to ensure the availability of farm labor.
• Favors an opportunity for earned legalization.

(No position found)

• Has overseen expansion of the state's Medicaid program which is available to most residents.
• Has four key healthcare goals: create a sustainable, affordable, quality health system; increase access to healthcare coverage and prescription drugs; improve the health of Washingtonians and ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare providers.

• Opposes government-controlled healthcare.
• Advocates healthcare regulation reforms and the elimination of costly health insurance mandates imposed by the state.

• As former Attorney General, established an identity theft task force to expand reporting of identity theft, to collaborate with police, prosecutors and businesses and to compile statistics in an effort to examine the successes and failures of the new identity theft legislation.

(No position found)

(No position found)

• Supports a pro-business climate in the state.

• Did not declare support or opposition for failed legislation that provided incentives for recycling bottles rather than mandatory deposits.

• Favors a free-market approach to green initiatives.

Governor Joe Manchin III (D)
(Incumbent)
http://www.
governormanchin.com/

Russ Weeks (R)
http://www.
russweeks2008.com/

• Signed legislation that required mandatory GHG reporting for sources already reporting air emissions under other programs and established a registry for the reporting of voluntary reductions of GHG emissions if the reductions were made before they were required by law.
• Announced his support for a large clean coal power plant in the state that would be the nation’s first plant to convert coal into liquid fuel.
• Argues that coal can be environmentally friendly if the CO2 emissions from coal plants are sequestered underground, which the new plant plans to achieve.

• Supports exploring new technology to gasify or liquefy coal to create clean energy.
• Supports West Virginia’s being a leader in providing clean energy while still using its coal resources.

• Favors the use of liquefied coal as a source of fuel for vehicles to allow West Virginia to become energy independent.
• Opposes the use of a “food-based product” for energy and states that:  “It should be used for human consumption.”
• Criticized the federal government’s ethanol mandates at a recent governors’ forum on biofuel options.
• In March 2007, stated he favored biodiesel production and that while coal is a natural resource of Appalachia, West Virginia needs all types of energy sources.

• Supports the use of renewable fuels, but has not stated whether he favors any mandates or incentives for the production and sale of biofuels.

• Oversaw three consecutive budget surpluses, a government restructuring initiative that experts estimate will save the state nearly $350 million and contributions to the state’s Rainy Day Fund in excess of 10% of revenue.
• As Governor, corporate income and franchise tax rates were reduced, the state’s food tax was halved and the automobile privilege tax was eliminated.

• Supports the elimination of the state’s food, inventory and business franchise taxes.

(No position found)

(No position found)

• Cites export growth pegged at 7% above the national average, income growth, record low unemployment and increased business investment since his taking office in 2005.

• Calls for sweeping reform to address the bedrock issues affecting the state’s placement at or near the bottom of almost all economic health indicators.
• Supports offering a mix of incentives to lure businesses to the state.

• Opposes mandates on businesses to provide or fund health insurance.

• Opposes mandates on businesses to provide or fund health insurance.

• Signed legislation requiring increased scrutiny and disclosure between public officials and lobbyists. 

• Supports independent audits of all state accounts to ensure that tax dollars are being spent as intended.

• Adopted the National Governor’s Association policy on immigration and states that the federal government is responsible for setting immigration policy.