20 Questions with Vic McKerlie, Democratic Congressional Candidate in AZ’s CD 1

Vic McKerlie is running for the Democratic party nomination in CD 1. Vic hopes to be the one to take on incumbent Dick Renzi in November. He faces a crowded field of Democratic hopefuls, including Mike Cacciopoli, Bob Donahue, Susan Friedman, and Ellen Simon. All the other candidates, including the incumbent have been sent the same 20 questions, and responses will be posted as they come in.

Vic is a dentist from Prescott who has been in private practice and public health for over 20 years. This is Vic’s second run for public office; he ran for a Yavapai county office in 2004. Vic has been married for 26 years to his wife Claudia, with whom he raised two children. Vic is proud of his ancestor, John Corder, who fought for independence during the Revolutionary War.

Vic is a marathon runner, too. He’s literally running for Congress. He has pledged to run 1000 miles for your vote. His goal is to run 1000 miles during the campaign, and, as of this writing, he’s already at 508 miles. So by his measure, he’s already more than half-way to Congress.

1) Why are you a Democrat?

I believe the Democratic party offers the best
viable party to represent the intrests of all Americans.

2) Are there Democratic policies or values you want to see changed?

True democratic values do not need to be
changed, but we should remember that our search for freedom only starts
with democracy.

Healthcare, Economics, Crime and safety,
Education.

No. It would dishonor those who have given their
lives and put the region in chaos.

No, but we can reduce the number of
troops to nominal levels.

6) Would you support the unilateral use of force against Iran to prevent them from acquiring nuclear weapons?

 

It will be many years before they could possibly
be a threat to us. We could take them out at any time. We have plenty of time
for diplomacy or covert action, we don’t need to rush into another
Iraq.

7) How do we deal with North Korea now that they have nuclear weapons
and are developing the means to strike United State’s territory?

 

The same as #6

8) How can we help end the conflict between Israel, the Palestinians, and Israel’s neighbors?

 

Thru diplomacy

9) How can we afford to provide healthcare coverage to every American?

 

My healthcare plan provides funding thru a 4%
healthcare deduction from income. It won’t add to the national debt and it will
avert the impending medicare crisis. It will also provide top quality healthcare
to all americans at all times. This plan is long overdue.

10) How can we fix the coming deficits in the Medicare program?

 

My healthcare plan see # 9.

11) How do we fix the coming deficits in the Social Security program?

 

Let’s have the very wealthy, who currently pay
far less than those making minimum wage, pay the same % as everyone else. Not
more, just the same. This would go along way toward keeping social security
solvent long into the future.

12) Would you support increasing any taxes to close the budget deficit?

It’s not rocket science, to have a
balanced budget income must equal spending. We can’t continue to exempt the
super rich from taxation.

Yes, by reducing waste and reducing some
personnel in places like Germany, Korea, and Japan.

14) How can the federal government help to improve our education system?

 

By providing federal grants. And standards to
be met by local schools in the best way according to their local
differences. By revising curriculum to include ethics and values and respect for
other people’s person and property throughout their education.

15) How can America redress our structural trade deficits with the rest of the world?

 

A real enegy plan to reduce the importation of
oil would give us a much healthier trade balance.

With a real energy plan like the one I
propose.

17) Do you support the Conyers Resolution to form a select committee to
investigate impeachable offenses by President Bush and his
Administration?

 

Yes

18) How should we combat terrorism in an age of globalization?

 

The very first thing we need to do is secure
our borders. Our borders are wide open to criminals, terrorists, and drug
runners. Crime is up and violent crime leads the way with over 18,000 murders
last year. There are currently two serial killers at large in Arizona. If thats
not terrorism I don’t know what is. We would save billions by securing our
borders instead of instead of treating the problems that our open borders are
creating.

Securing our borders is the only place to
start. Only then can we proceed with other policies.

20) Do you support clean, publicly financed campaigns for federal offices along the lines of Arizona’s Clean Elections?

 

Absolutely, it would put democracy back in our government.