Mark Begich on Abortion

• Accepts contributions from abortion-rights group NARAL. (Jul 2008)
• Mayor’s Charity Ball donated $25K to Planned Parenthood. (Dec 2003)

Mark Begich on Budget & Economy

• Closed $33M budget gap without using one-time reserves. (Jul 2008)
• No secret earmarks; full online disclosure. (May 2008)
• As mayor: bond rating up; jobs increased; taxes down. (Apr 2008)

Mark Begich on Civil Rights

• Added sexual orientation to Anchorage non-discrimination law. (Nov 2008)

Mark Begich on Corporations

Mark Begich on Crime

• Added $5M and 13 more police to Anchorage budget. (Oct 2008)
• Added city police; pushed anti-gang & cyber-crime units. (Apr 2008)
• Three strikes traffic violators should face felonies. (Oct 2006)

Mark Begich on Drugs

• Prevent youth from trying the deadly drug methamphetamine. (Jul 2008)

Mark Begich on Education

• Local control and accountability of America’s schools. (Aug 2008)

Mark Begich on Energy & Oil

• Advocate for opening up ANWR to drilling. (Nov 2008)
• Short term: $2.5B for LIHEAP; 70M bbl from strategic reserve. (Sep 2008)
• Long term: develop ANWR; build renewable energy plants. (Sep 2008)
• Support US participation in binding climate agreements. (Sep 2008)
• Open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (May 2008)
• Alaska is ground zero for global warming. (May 2008)

Mark Begich on Environment

• Implemented energy efficiency and conservation in Anchorage. (May 2008)
• Respect unique cultural role of subsistence whaling. (May 2007)

Mark Begich on Families & Children

Mark Begich on Foreign Policy

• Rebuild US reputation by diplomatic efforts. (Sep 2008)
• Pay dues to UN, and cooperate with ICC. (Sep 2008)
• Supports adding 1% of US budget to international aid. (Sep 2008)

Mark Begich on Free Trade

• Capitalize on our assets in the global economy. (Jul 2007)

Mark Begich on Government Reform

• Brought greater openness to city government. (May 2008)
• Increase financial transparency for Senate staff. (May 2008)
• Senate lobbying disclosures should include family ties. (May 2008)
• Campaign transparency with sortable online database. (May 2008)
• No secret meetings; full appointment disclosure for Senators. (May 2008)
• No more automatic pay raises for Senators. (May 2008)
• No revolving door for former senate staff to lobby. (May 2008)
• No campaign fundraising through private foundations. (May 2008)
• Support an Independent Office of Public Integrity. (May 2008)

Mark Begich on Gun Control

• Strongly supports Constitutional right to bear arms. (Aug 2008)
• Lifetime member of NRA. (Apr 2008)

Mark Begich on Health Care

• Protect future Medicare with “medical home” model. (Oct 2008)
• Privatization undermines the integrity of Medicare. (Oct 2008)
• Increase Medicare reimbursements and affordable health care. (May 2008)
• Favors expanding Alaska’s Denali KidCare program. (May 2008)

Mark Begich on Homeland Security

• Consult with Congress on major military actions. (Sep 2008)
• Ratify Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty; no new nukes. (Sep 2008)
• Repeal the Patriot Act. (Aug 2008)
• Pledges full support for the 21st Century GI Bill. (May 2008)
• Increased Anchorage’s support for military personnel. (Apr 2008)

Mark Begich on Immigration

• Reservations about denying illegals’ retirement benefits. (Oct 2008)

Mark Begich on Jobs

• Anchorage employment grew by 800 jobs since Jan. 2008. (Jul 2008)

Mark Begich on Principles & Values

• Democrats advertise Stevens’ calls secretly recorded by FBI. (Oct 2008)
• Reputation as mayor for getting things done. (Sep 2008)
• Served 10 years on Anchorage Assembly and 5 years as Mayor. (Apr 2008)

Mark Begich on Social Security

• Treat “Notch babies” equally with all other seniors. (Oct 2008)
• Adjust Soc. Sec. cost of living by consumer price index. (Oct 2008)
• No privatization; no individual investment accounts. (Oct 2008)
• Elderly are entitled to solvent & reliable Social Security. (Aug 2008)

Mark Begich on Tax Reform

• Extend tax cuts; and end the AMT. (Aug 2008)

Mark Begich on War & Peace

• Fully fund US contribution to UN operations in Darfur. (Sep 2008)
• We must responsibly re-deploy out of Iraq. (May 2008)

Mark Begich on Welfare & Poverty