U.S. Representative Lamar Smith recently visited Blanco County and stopped by the Blanco County News for an interview with Keith McClellan. Smith’s opponent, Democratic candidate Candace Duval, also made a stop in Blanco County and BCN asked her the same questions.
BCN: How do you feel about the Constitution of the United States?
The Constitution is the most important document in American history. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights defines our basic civil liberties as Americans and our government should protect those civil liberties. My opponent has a history (FISA, SOPA, HB1981) of sponsoring and supporting big brother legislation that impedes on on civil liberties. I oppose those bills that attack our civil liberties.
BCN: What are your thoughts on traditional marriage versus marriage as seen by those who want to re-define marriage and the family?
I support equal marriage rights for all Americans. You can learn more about my views on equality at my website: candaceduval.com
BCN: How do you interpret the Second Amendment to the Constitution in relation to the right of citizens to keep and bear arms?
I believe that Americans have a right to bear arms based on the Second Amendment. I come from a family that hunts and I know how important guns our to our culture in Texas.
BCN: What are you doing to secure our borders?
Immigration is a complicated issue and securing our borders is only one piece of comprehensive immigration reform. I support bipartisan immigration reform and will work across party lines to solve this difficult issue.
BCN: Was the United States’ response to the attacks on U.S. property and the murders of our diplomats on September 11 an adequate response?
We should preserve judgement on the adequacy of the response to see if those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice.
BCN: How important to you are U.S.-Israel relations?
Extremely important. Israel is a vital democratic ally in a volatile part of the world
BCN: What are some of the most asked questions you get as you travel around the state and country?
I frequently get asked many questions about Smith's reputation for not responding to the questions and needs of his constituents and/or his history of sponsoring big government bills that trample our civil liberties. Voters want to know if I will stand up for their civil liberties. They also ask me if I will have an open door to normal people when I am elected. I tell them I will serve the people first and will always have an open door. Smith has refused to even respond to several request from candidate forums including the League of Women Voters in San Marcos. I ended up debating an empty chair and the Libertarian candidate John Henry Liberty. I have met thousands of voters including many Republicans that will vote for me or Liberty because of Smith's long record of not respecting our civil liberties or serving the needs of his constituents.
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