Both candidates in thisrace to represent a Fairfield County -based district in Congress say they are their party’s moderates. That centrist stance may be why Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th District and his Republican challenger agree on some issues before Congress. But they split on others along party lines .
Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th District, on the Issues
Medicare — Rejects proposal to turn Medicare into a voucher system.
Afghanistan war –Says he favors a quicker pullout of troops than President Obama has scheduled, but he voted against a bill that would pull out the troops immediately.
Bush tax cuts — Voted to extend the cuts in 2010, but says President Obama’s plan to renew most of the cuts except those for couples earning $250,000 or more is “arbitrary.”
Sequestration – Voted for budget deal that set up sequestration, but says Congress should adopt a bipartisan plan of “smart cuts,” that would prevent sequestration’s disproportionate cuts to defense.
Abortion — Says he’s prochoice and opposes bill that would require parental approval of abortions for minors.
Blunt Amendment – Opposes measure that would allow employers to exempt birth control coverage from company health insurance policies.
Violence Against Women Act – Opposes House reauthorization in favor of a Senate effort that would expand protections to the lesbians, gay s and transsexuals and the immigrant community.
Farm Bill -Favors legislation approved in the Senate that would cut food stamp program less than one proposed by the House.
Keystone pipeline – Supported President Obama’s veto of efforts to fast-track approval but believes the pipeline should be built if it meets the proper environmental and permitting requirements.
Cap and Trade – Voted for a bill that would slash greenhouse gases by imposing new regulations on utilities ns on ein an effort to curb global warming.
Republican Steve Obsitnik on the Issues
Medicare — Rejects proposal to turn Medicare into a voucher system, but says he says all options should be considered in a bipartisan effort to reform the program.
Afghanistan war –Says the Obama administration hasn’t been able to define the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and if it can’t, U.S. troops should be pulled out immediately from that nation.
Bush tax cuts – Believes all should be extended until there’s no danger of falling into another recession.
Sequestration – Opposes sequestration and would avoid it by trimming military spending and finding other savings in domestic spending on a bipartisan basis.
Abortion – Says he’s prochoice and opposes bill that would require parental approval of abortions for minors.
Blunt Amendment – Opposes measure that would allow employers to exempt birth control coverage from company health insurance policies.
Violence Against Women Act – Opposes House reauthorization in favor of a Senate effort that would expand protections to the lesbians, gay s and transsexuals and the immigrant community.
Farm Bill -Rejects both House and Senate versions of this bill that would reauthorize federal nutrition programs, farm subsidies and crop insurance on the basis they spend too much on food stamps.
Keystone pipeline – Supports construction of the pipeline and opposes President Obama’s veto of efforts to fast-track its approval.
Cap and Trade – Opposes bill that would place new regulations on utilities to combat greenhouse gases.