The Franklin News-Post
P. O. Box 250
310 Main Street, SW
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
540-483-5113
Fax: 540-483-8013
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Congressman Virgil Goode |
Monday, November 3, 2008
Age: 62
Hometown: Rocky Mount
Education: Bachelor's degree, University of Richmond; Juris Doctorate, University of Virginia
Occupation: Fifth District House Representative, currently serving fifth term
Experience: Served in Virginia Army National Guard 1969-1975; member of the Virginia State Senate 1973-1996; U.S. House of Representatives 1997 to present; private law practice in Rocky Mount prior to being elected to House.
Accomplishments: While a student at the University of Richmond, inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies; member of the UVA Law Review while a law student.
Family: Wife, Lucy Dodson Goode, and daughter, Catherine.
Endorsements: Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell, State Senator Robert Hurt, Del. Charles Poindexter, Del. Lacey Putney, State Senator Steve Newman, Del. Danny Marshall, Del. Don Merricks, National Right to Life, National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC, Lynchburg News and Advance, Veterans' Vision and National Federation of Independent Businesses
How can the U.S. prevent another major financial crisis? What role should the federal government play in private industry in terms of regulations?
Risky loans made to persons and entities who had little chance of making the payments were a key factor in the financial crisis. The problems with subprime loans hit the financial services industry hard. I did not vote for the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bailout because it did not address the need for oversight and regulation of Fannie and Freddie and the loans that they encouraged. I voted for the Royce amendment to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac three years ago. Only 72 Republicans and one Democrat voted for the amendment because most were swayed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac officials to reject regulation. I dare say that if more had followed our lead, the problem with the subprime loans may never have occurred. For our future, I think it is highly important that the government not pressure private banks and financial institutions to make politically correct loans instead of financially sound loans. Lenders must follow proper procedures and not try to entice individuals who have little chance of repaying loans to get loans.
Do you support a timetable for troop withdrawal from Iraq? What level of support (financial, military) should we continue to provide for Iraq?
We are making progress in Iraq. I want to see us withdraw in a responsible way so that we achieve a victory for our armed forces. I do not support an ironclad date for certain withdrawal, but I do believe we can withdraw from Iraq reasonably soon.
What is your solution to high prices and our dependence on foreign oil?
We should focus on weaning the United States from foreign fossil fuels. We cannot allow foreign countries to control our fuel supply. In my opinion, the United States should be drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Outer Continental Shelf. We should also be focusing on alternative fuel sources. I am supportive of bio-fuels made from switch grass, miscanthus or hybrid poplar trees. I had the opportunity to drive an electric and a fuel cell vehicle. I would like to see the cost of these types of vehicles come down and fuel sources more readily available so that more citizens can take advantage of those technologies. I voted for tax incentives for persons who purchase hybrid vehicles.
Do you support abortion? Gay Marriage? Why or why not?
I oppose abortion. I am proud of my endorsement by National Right to Life in this election and in previous elections. I have a consistent pro-life voting record and, if re-elected, will continue that record.
I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman. I am a co-sponsor of the Marriage Protection Amendment (HJRes 89) which defines marriage as consisting of a union between one man and one woman.
Do you have or support a plan to make health insurance accessible to every American? What role should the federal government play in the health care system?
I support increased funding for research aimed at combating and curing illnesses, such as diabetes, lupus, cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS, MS and heart disease. I support continued federal funding for community health centers in rural areas. These centers serve primarily the uninsured and underinsured. Patients are charged on a sliding scale based on their ability to pay. I also support refundable tax credits to assist persons in purchasing health insurance. I am also the chief sponsor of legislation that will create a national catastrophic health care fund for those that are uninsured. Citizens would have the option of contributing a portion of their tax refund to this fund. |
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