Sen. Hagan,

There has been much debate over the merit of electronic voting machines that do not have any paper trail. These machines have produced problems all over the country, and they have no paper ballot in the event that a recount is needed. A particularly bad machine is the ES&S iVotronic, which is currently used in 37 NC counties, including Cumberland, Mecklenburg,and Guilford.

2.7 million NC voters will use these machines on election day, a number I think is unacceptable. As a senator, what will you do to ensure fair elections for America's voters?

Thanks!

we would love to see you here more often.

There was a large discussion here about the bush plan to give telecommunication companies retroactive immunity, it was reported that you were "Okay" with that, is that true? Would you please explain?

No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.

Progressive Discussions

Someone's going to ask, so it might as well be me.

First, a little historical preface...

On Friday, our nation will pause to remember a tragic anniversary: on April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. King's legacy on issues of civil rights and social justice (esp. with regard to Vietnam) warrant particular remembrance during this critical time in our nation's history. But it's also worth noting this fact: for the last few years of his life, the FBI illegally wiretapped King's home, office and, since J. Edgar Hoover was feeling particularly vindictive, hotel rooms...all because of King's suspected ties to Communists.

It was because of Hoover's actions against King (and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference) that Congress enacted restrictions on wiretapping (specifically, the Foreign Intelligence and Surveillance Act (FISA)).

Fast forward to present day and you have the Bush administration asking Congress to provide immunity for telecommunication companies who abet the government in wiretapping. The restrictions, passed after King's bugging became public, are being disregarded today.

I haven't heard you speak on the issue directly--only second-hand reports via bloggers and a mention in the News & Record, but now that you're here, I'd love to hear from you directly.

Sen. Hagan, what is your position on teleco immunity?

This is the first of hopefully many posts for me. I saw what BlueNC did for the gubernatorial debate last night and thought that was a wonderful idea. Thanks for that. Hopefully you can do that for the Senate race as well. I have 2 questions for Senator Hagan:
Senator Hagan, I am tired of hearing repub and dubs using fear mongering to scare us about the illegal immigration issue. Last year a comprehensive immigration bill reached the Senate floor twice. Dole voted against it both times. Would you have voted yes on those bills – or like Dole – voted no
And
Senator Hagan, as a single parent I believe that the Government should at least provide health coverage for our children. Last fall you said you supported the S-CHIP legislation(which I appreciate) – and criticized Dole’s vote against it and said it was an important reason why you got into the race – but at the recent debate, you said you were concerned about how S-CHIP is funded – which is the cigarette tax increase and its impact on North Carolina jobs – which is one of the reasons Dole said she opposed the legislation. This has left a lot of us confused. My bottom line is would you have voted for the legislation that was on the Senate floor or not?

Senator Hagan,

I believe very strongly in the need for universal health care, and I believe that we need leaders in the U.S. Senate who won't just vote for real reform, but will be strong advocates for universal coverage.

Can I count on you to be that leader?

Thanks, ntodc, for giving me the opportunity to address the issue first-hand.

At a time of grave national security concerns, the Bush Administration told the telecoms it needed information to protect the nation and they responded. The companies did not benefit, they did what was asked of them. The Administration was the bad actor here, and we must hold them accountable, but we need to move forward and keep America safe. Washington is broken, we all know that, and arguing over who did what isn’t going to help prevent another terrorist attack. The recently passed House bill was a good compromise to find out what the Bush Administration did to get that information and I hope the Senate will pass it and the President will sign it. Our top priority should be to pass a straightforward bill that keeps us safe while ensuring the rule of law, accountability and court oversight.

I know some folks may disagree with me, and I respect that.

State Senator Hagen,
I have to assume you understand the ramifications of the OLF fight that is being waged in NE NC.

As of right now, the Navy is in the process of concluding one NEPA study to try to convince North Carolinians to place an OLF in our state and is about to start a second NEPA study to do the same thing.

Many politicians have stated that they would not allow this to happen to any community were the local people and community do not wish it. I have to assume that is also your stand.

The Navy has not officially started this process yet already has two communities in our state as finalists. With almost every elected official in NE NC stating they would oppose the OLF, will you be the first elected representative (State Senator) and candidate (Senator) to tell the Navy before this ne NEPA process gets started that "we believe you when you have stated NAS Oceana does not require this OLF, therefore, I request that you remove Camden, Gates and any other region in my state where the local government and the community does not wish it from consideration from your upcoming NEPA study?"

Will you start a coalition within the GA to do the same?

Will you work with Senator Burr to drive this forward?

Will you encourage Governor Easley to tell the Navy that an OLF is not desired in NE NC?

The People of NC are looking for that quality in a leader. Someone who will take the reins and run with them.

Pam - I’m close to John Edwards on this - I believe marriage is between a man and a woman and that it’s fundamentally a state issue the federal government has no business getting involved in. But I take a back seat to no one when it comes to equal opportunity and fairness. I oppose ANY form of discrimination and I believe that partnerships should be protected when it comes to financial issues, hospital visits, employment, and housing issues.