With the expected deficit this year at $1.3 trillion -- and the total debt at $12 trillion -- what would you cut out of the federal deficit besides earmarks, which compose only $15.9 billion of $1.4 trillion in discretionary spending? And what would be your expected savings from those cuts?
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Michael Bennet: I have already been a leader on several measures that would save hundreds of billions in discretionary spending, including: • A non-partisan debt commission that will put all spending on the table, and make cuts as necessary to secure a sound fiscal future. • Caps to discretionary spending and a limit on the size of the deficit. • A requirement that Congress pay for what it spends. • A requirement that unused TARP funds go toward deficit reduction. • Eliminating wasteful spending.
Andrew Romanoff: We should subject every part of the federal budget to the same scrutiny we apply in Colorado. We can reduce medical expenses and improve outcomes by increasing the use of health information technology and shifting from a fee-for-service model to a value-based formula. Restructuring the delivery of health care could save billions of dollars per year. Before we send troops into harm’s way, we should provide them with a well-defined mission, a clear exit strategy, and the resources to succeed.
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If the economy continues to falter, I would support additional stimulus spending on infrastructure in order to preserve jobs.
Michael Bennet: Supports
Andrew Romanoff: Supports
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What, if anything, can Congress do to address unemployment?
Michael Bennet: We should pass extended unemployment insurance for Coloradans who can’t find work. We must also pursue policies that encourage small business growth and the expansion of industries that will create jobs. I am leading efforts to cut taxes and increase lending for Colorado’s small businesses. I also support long term tax incentives for the development of renewable energy. Colorado’s is uniquely positioned to lead the country in job growth and I support making sure we fulfill that potential.
Andrew Romanoff: Ease access to credit and capital, especially for small businesses. End tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas. Rebuild our infrastructure. Negotiate and enforce trade agreements that provide a level playing field, instead of forcing American workers and manufacturers to be undercut by countries that violate human rights, degrade the environment, manipulate their currency or close their markets to our goods and services. Provide opportunities for lifelong learning and job training.
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Do you support elimination of entire federal agencies or departments as part of budget balancing?
Michael Bennet: Opposes
Andrew Romanoff: The candidate chose not to mark a box
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If you answered yes to the question above, which departments would you eliminate, what are the expected savings, and how would those responsibilities be handled?
Michael Bennet: NA
Andrew Romanoff: For most families, balancing the budget is a matter of common sense. In our state government, it’s also a constitutional requirement. The legislature I led fulfilled that obligation every year. To make revenues and expenditures match, we should be willing to evaluate every function of the federal government. Programs or agencies that no longer serve the purposes for which they were established should be reformed or eliminated; departments that can be consolidated should be.
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Health care reform legislation should be repealed.
Michael Bennet: Opposes
Andrew Romanoff: Opposes
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How would you shrink or expand the health reform act as passed in order to improve it? What additional steps, if any, would you like to see Congress take to address the issue?
Michael Bennet: Two provisions to reduce costs that I fought for during the debate over health care reform remain worthy of passage. First, I introduced a failsafe amendment during the debate that would have required Congress to make changes to the health care law if it failed to meet its cost saving projections. Second, I fought hard for the inclusion of a public option in the legislation to expand patient choice, and to help hold insurance companies accountable for providing affordable, quality coverage.
Andrew Romanoff: I will fight to add a public option; remove the insurance industry’s antitrust exemption; and address the forces that are driving up health care costs. To bring down costs, improve outcomes and reduce medical errors, I believe we should: • shift from fee-for-service to a reimbursement formula that rewards quality of care; • expand the use of health information technology; and • increase access to prevention and early intervention programs. I also support a universal not-for-profit model.
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The Social Security retirement age should be increased as one part of ensuring solvency for the program.
Michael Bennet: Opposes
Andrew Romanoff: The candidate chose not to mark a box
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The Social Security tax should be expanded above the current ceiling of $106,800 income.
Michael Bennet: Opposes
Andrew Romanoff: The candidate chose not to mark a box
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Congress should pass the Employee Free Choice Act.
Michael Bennet: The candidate chose not to mark a box
Andrew Romanoff: Supports
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If you disagree with the previous question, please specify which sections you do not support.
Michael Bennet: There currently is no EFCA bill before the Senate and I am frustrated by the complete win-loss mentality on this issue coming from business and labor groups. Our goal should be to create a course that is more positive for both sides and that: (a) allows our economy to grow; (b) rectifies the past failures to enforce the NLRA, and; (c) protects workers from intimidation and protects the ability of workers to bargain collectively.
Andrew Romanoff: I believe the change regarding an employer’s ability to call an election would not be necessary if the election period were shortened and the other provisions of EFCA were adopted.
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Global warming is occurring, is largely from human causes and will have wide-ranging negative impacts on the U.S. climate.
Michael Bennet: Supports
Andrew Romanoff: Supports
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A new energy bill should combat global warming through ideas like “cap and trade” pollution limits or a tax on all carbon-based fuels.
Michael Bennet: Supports
Andrew Romanoff: Supports
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Federal wilderness areas in Colorado should not be expanded along the lines of what is included in the “Hidden Gems” proposal.
Michael Bennet: Opposes
Andrew Romanoff: Opposes
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I support a national Renewable Energy Standard.
Michael Bennet: Supports
Andrew Romanoff: Supports
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The president's proposal to begin troop withdrawals from Afghanistan by July 2011 is realistic.
Michael Bennet: Supports
Andrew Romanoff: Supports
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The 1996 federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage as between one man and one woman, should be not be overturned.
Michael Bennet: Opposes
Andrew Romanoff: Opposes
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The military should keep its "Don't ask Don't Tell" policy in place.
Michael Bennet: Opposes
Andrew Romanoff: Opposes
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Immigration reform legislation should include a “path to citizenship” for illegal immigrants currently residing in the United States so long as the pass criminal background checks and pay back taxes.
Michael Bennet: Supports
Andrew Romanoff: Supports
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As part of immigraiton reform, all illegal immigrants should be required to leave the U.S. and apply for legal entry.
Michael Bennet: Opposes
Andrew Romanoff: Opposes
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President Barack Obama was born in the United States.
Michael Bennet: Supports
Andrew Romanoff: Supports
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If you would like to post a video response to the question, "What are the chief differences between you and your primary opponent?" You may do so here.
Michael Bennet: Candidate response is not yet available.
Andrew Romanoff:
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Would you support mandatory cuts to discretionary spending, and at what level? Should defense spending be cut?
Michael Bennet: Yes. As I mentioned above, I introduced legislation to cap the deficit at 3% of GDP and that contains mandatory limits on discretionary spending. I have also repeatedly voted to cap discretionary spending.
Andrew Romanoff: I support performance- or outcome-based budgeting. As speaker of the House, I directed our budget committee to set measurable goals for state government and hold agencies accountable for meeting them. The federal government should follow the same path. I support a strong national defense. That means modernizing our weapons systems, preparing our troops to address new threats, and improving cybersecurity. It does not mean funding projects the Pentagon neither needs nor requests.
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Other than faith, family and friends, name three things you couldn't live without?
Michael Bennet: Spicy beef jerky, books and humor.
Andrew Romanoff: My dog, Colorado’s sunshine, and a sense of humor.
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Complete this sentence. Most people are surprised to find out that I ...
Michael Bennet: love to build and repair things and have a woodworking shop in my garage.
Andrew Romanoff: am old enough to vote.
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