This Friday, October 20, TODAY incumbent 2nd district Congresswoman Thelma Drake will be here for a live blog. The session will start at 5:30 pm and will run for one hour. Feel free to leave your questions in this thread for the Congresswoman.
PLEASE NOTE: If you linked to the prior thread, the link is no longer active.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
6. Marine Mom – October 19, 2006
Congresswoman Drake,
I would like to ask you why you voted no for a minimun wage increase for the working class of America, but then voted yourself a nice little wage increase?
***
In fact, I voted for the minimum wage increase, coupled with corresponding tax reductions for the businesses who would have to pay the increased cost of labor.
I have talked to business owners who would have had to lay off employees or close their doors if the minimum wage increase went through without the tax reductions.
The idea here is to continue to grow jobs, not eliminate them.
Also, as a matter of fact, I voted twice against the pay increase for members of Congress.
You must be watching some of those TV ads.
I’m enjoying the display of a sense of humor here 🙂
7. Bryan J. Scrafford – October 19, 2006
Rep. Drake,
I would like to start by thanking you for participating in this live blog. I am always pleased to see lawmakers of either party take the time to communicate directly with his or her constituents. You should be commended for taking time out of your busy schedule in order to be here.
Over the last few years it has become increasingly important for Americans to peruse a higher education if they wish to live a comfortable lifestyle. In many fields, in fact, a person will only have a legitimate chance of receiving a position if he or she has a graduate degree. At the same time, however, the costs of a college degree, graduate and undergraduate, continue rapidly increase and many aid programs primarily focus on students who are seeking to obtain an undergraduate degree.
Do you feel as though there should be more aid programs directed towards graduate students? If you do feel as though more aid should be made available, how do you feel as though that goal could be accomplished? Please explain your reasoning as well.
Once again, thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing your response.
-Bryan J. Scrafford
****
The Higher Education Act reauthorization, which I voted for (it passed), opens up student loans for graduate students, teletechnet students and for summer school. I agree with you that higher education is critical to meet our workforce needs and to provide the ability for our young people to succeed in this global economy.
“In fact, our information shows that MoveOn.org’s ads in the spring hurt my opponent, because most people associate him with the organization. They hold him responsible, especially since he never condemned them.”
Spread the word about MoveOn welcoming anti-Semitic, anti-Catholic, and racist hate speech at its Action Forum and that connection will hurt him even worse.
9. Liberal Pi – October 19, 2006
Congresswoman Drake – Admittedly, I came into this race with a bit of bias but a personal friend (of yours and of my mothers) prompted me to take an objective look at you and your opponent. A search of both websites yielded little results in some areas of particular concern. So I was wondering if you could clarify your position or ideas on the following issues:
What measures have you supported in Congress to help combat rising tuition prices at public and private schools across the nation that are making college increasingly unaffordable for middle and lower-class families?
Many people in my age group (18-24) are already resolved to the fact that Social Security may not be there when we reach retirement age. What have you done, or do you plan to do, to help ensure that all Americans can look forward to a safe comfortable lifestyle upon retirement?
Thank you for appearing in the blogosphere to take our questions. I look forward to hearing your responses on Friday.
***
Same topic. I supported the Higher Ed Act reauthorization, which was comprehensive reform to improve program efficiency and expanded benefits. We no longer are subsidizing lenders. Some of these loans were at a 9.5-percent minimum return. More students will be helped with less cost to families, with reduced loan fees, protections for students and to prevent fraud and abuse.
In 2000, 3,899,000 students received student loans.
This year, 5,468,000 will access student loans.
Funding has increased $9 billion in the last ten years.
8. Virginian – October 19, 2006
Congresswoman Drake – I am a Virginian who is not able to vote for you but is deciding how to allocate my limited resources at the end of the campaign cycle. Why should my money go to your campaign? (please view this as an opportunity to explain what you view as the major issues of the day and where you stand).
On a specific issue, I’m curious to hear your take on the offshore drilling issues that are currently being debated. Personally, sensible drilling well offshore makes a ton of sense in our modern world.
***
First, I agree with you on your position on deep sea drilling. America must be energy independent and energy secure.
We would be honored with your support to help me spread my positive message to the voters.
With me, I have a record of results and achievement through nine years in the General Assembly and this term in Congress. I have cast probably 10,000 votes. You never have to wonder where I stand on something.
I don’t think you can say that about my opponent.
11. ZB – October 19, 2006
Ms. Drake,
As a Delegate, you showed real courage in supporting the Jim Dillard/Janet Howell domestic partership bill and being among the first Republicans to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in your legislative office.
As a Congresswoman, you’ve been quite a disappointment, earning a 0% score from the Human Rights Campaign, voting to write discrimination into the US constitution, opposing including sexual orientation in the existing hate crimes laws, and not signing on as a co-sponsor of any pro-equality legislation. You did not even put in writing a non-discrimination policy based on sexual orientation and gender identity for your Congressional office.
Why the change of heart? Your independence and openmindedness made you a Delegate people on both sides represented. Why haven’t you taken that to Washington, a place in desperate need of both?
***
There is only one question I ever consider when hiring someone for my staff: can this person do the job?
18. JK – October 20, 2006
Congresswoman Drake,
Energy issue related attacks have been prevalent this campaign season and many people have suggested that the forthcoming election is only reason gas prices have come down. However, OPEC’s decision this week to raise prices by slowing production reminds us that it’s a supply and demand driven market that leaves us extraordinarily dependent on foreign oil. What do you think the United States needs to do to exercise some long-term control over the volatile energy market?
Thank you for taking the time for these questions.
***
To exercise control?
Last year, I voted for (and it became law) to establish an energy policy for America. There are three major components of that bill — there is no silver bullet.
1 – Increase domestic supply.
2 – Encourage and incentivize alternative fuel research and development.
3 – Conservation.
Energy prices are determined by the world market. India and China put additional pressures on the cost of energy. This will only continue to increase, which is why it is so important for America to become more energy independent and energy secure.
17. The Squeaky Wheel – October 20, 2006
Rep. Drake,
I want to echo everyone who has thanked you for participating in this live blog. Thank you.
My question is if the Democrats do in fact gain control of the Congress and yet you are re-elected, how will you use this opportunity to reach across the aisle? Do you think the GOP in the minority has an opportunity to come to some compromises on issues without compromising core beliefs since there won’t be such a concern of keeping the majority anymore?
Also, can the GOP as the minority work with a Speaker like Pelosi? If the Dems gain control of the House, who would you like to see them elect as speaker?
***
I have an 11-year history of working in a bipartisan manner. I have worked with local officials of both parties, state officials of both parties and federal officials of both parties.
I have worked closely with Governor Warner and Governor Kaine on a variety of issues and enjoy open lines of communication.
I have served in the minority in the state legislature, and was very successful in seeing legislation passed into law.
However, I am hopeful and optimistic that Republicans will retain control of Congress in 18 days.
3. BS – October 18, 2006
Considering the low approval rating of George W. Bush and your voting record, what are your plans after losing this election?
***
What an odd name you have picked for yourself.
I reject outright the premise of your question.
I look forward to serving the people of the 2nd District with distinction and hard work in the 110th Congress.
Congresswoman Drake,
Do you believe Congress should hold hearings on the Pentagon’s contractors in Iraq (Halliburton, Parsons, Blackwater, etc.)?
Thank you.
15. eileen – October 20, 2006
Rep. Drake,
I hope it’s okay to ask another question. If I am limited to one, please take the following question over the one on offshore drilling.
Recently America’s PAC and the National Black Republican Caucus have been running radio ads in the Hampton Roads area.
One I heard a couple of weeks ago accuses Democrats of having started the Ku Klux Klan and having “released those vicious dogs and fire hoses on blacks”. And one I heard just yesterday states that “black babies are terminated at triple the rate of white babies” and then accuses Democrats of writing the abortion laws that are “decimating our people”. The ad also uses quotes from Margaret Sanger (circa 1930’s/40’s) and accuses Democrats of being engaged in eugenics.
The first ad I mention had been running in Maryland in support of Republican Lt. Gov. Michael Steele’s bid for an open seat in the U.S. Senate against Democrat Congressman Benjamin Cardin. Although he appreciated the intent behind the ads, Steele demanded the ads be removed, saying “NBRA’s current radio ad is insulting to Marylanders and should come down immediately.”
Does you believe Virginians should likewise be insulted? Do you, like Lt. Gov. Steele, believe these ads are wrong and will you like him demand that the ads be removed from the air immediately?
Thank you.
***
Dear Eileen,
I haven’t heard these ads you mention. However, I would never support deliberately attacking any group.
I trust Michael Steele’s judgment on these ads.
He is going to make a fine U.S. Senator.
Vivian –
Thank you very much for allowing me access to your blog tonight. It was a lot of fun and challenging.
I hope I got to most of the questions and answered them to the best of my abilities.
It is a tremendous honor to serve the people of the 2nd District in Congress. Thanks for the opportunity to talk to constituents.
Election day is now just 18 days away. I humbly ask for your vote.
Thelma
P.S. Please let us know when Phil is going to blog!
Rep. Drake
Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy campaign schedule to visit with us. You did a fine job, answering questions I never even thought you would 🙂
As for Phil – he’s been invited. As soon as I can pin him to a date, I’ll let you know 😉
Thank you, Rep. Drake. I too would be very interested to know when Phil is going to live-blog. 😉