Mike Bouchard in State of Michigan Archives


On Budget & Economy: We need a line item veto

Q: How do we get a handle on federal deficit spending?

BOUCHARD: She’s ranked the #1 biggest spending Senator. It’s a real problem. If a Republican’s going to waste your money, I’m gonna kick it hard. We need line-item veto, her amendments and votes belie the fact that she’s a big spender.

STABENOW: When I came in 2001, we had a surplus, now we have a deficit. The reality is hundreds of billions of dollars in tax subsidies for fuel companies - Halliburton - no bid contracts - this has to stop.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On Energy & Oil: Conflicted on whether global warming is from human sources

Q: Do you believe in global warming from human sources, and should it drive our policies?

BOUCHARD: Yes, there’s conflicting reports. We could be in a position to lead away from fossil fuels. She filibustered the comprehensive energy package in Congress. We need someone who will lead on that - she hasn’t. She has only one bill authored -- to rename a federal building. I wrote legislation to close incinerators while in the S state Senate.

STABENOW: Global Warming is real and I’m focused on solving it. I cite nineteen provisions which I authored, many bi-partisan. Global Warming is too important for partisan politics. I supported the energy bill from two years ago -- it created real energy boom in Michigan. We have strong agriculture, and ability to tell world to buy fuel here in Michigan instead of Middle East.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On Environment: Water diversions shouldn’t happen

Q: What’s your position on the federal role in water quality?

STABENOW: I authored the first ban on Great Lakes drilling. You can’t live here and not love the Great Lakes. We have a serious set of issues on our hands -- we’re tackling a 10 year plan to protect endangered species.

BOUCHARD: Water diversion shouldn’t happen. We need to protect that. We don’t need a lot of money to protect against carp - only $20M. We need someone who will actually get something done to get results.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On Health Care: No government-run universal healthcare

Q: Polls indicate support for universal healthcare coverage - do you support it?

STABENOW: Healthcare coverage needs to be a right, not a privilege. I’ve been laser focused on working with auto industry to more adequately and effectively to lower costs of prescription drugs. I’ve worked bi-partisan to allow you to bring prescription drugs back from Canada legally.

BOUCHARD: I do not support universal healthcare that the government. But we can and should do many things - such as tort reform.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids, x-ref Stabenow Oct 15, 2006

On Homeland Security: Can’t give up basic rights to stay safe

Q: What’s the balance between civil rights and homeland security and how are we doing balancing?

BOUCHARD: We need to keep our state safe. We can’t give up basic rights to stay safe. I have very big differences than her. I’m a member of the joint terrorism task force with the FBI - what can I do personally to mitigate and respond to the need. There’s a list of things that they need to do and fix.

STABENOW: I’m a member of the Banking Committee that tracks money of terrorists. There is a critical balance between what it takes to stay safe and keep our rights. I’m proud of having the Detroit Regional Chamber’s endorsement because of protecting businesses in Michigan. I’m championing an effort with Congressional colleagues to protect our middle class way of life.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On Homeland Security: If we don’t fix terrorist security, people die

Q: Do you agree we will face another terrorist attack?

STABENOW: we need to push and pass the 9/11 Report. I’ve lead the effort to fight for those things that allow our firefighters and police what they need to do their job and keep us safe. We have tripled the number of border security. I’ve brought in dollars for sheriffs across the state, including Mike.

BOUCHARD: That’s just more talk-versus-reality in Washington. I sit on Committee that represents law enforcement - she’s never visited. We need someone who understands security. Security funding has turned into pork barrel spending. They are well intentioned, but no results. If you don’t fix a problem - people die.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids, x-ref Stabenow Oct 15, 2006

On Immigration: 52% of illegal immigrants have criminal backgrounds

Q: Do you support path to citizenship for illegal immigrants?

STABENOW: I voted no, because it went too far and cost us jobs. I do think it’s important to have border security and legal system that is fair and effective. My focus is on our jobs that we’re losing because of failed policies.

BOUCHARD: Border security is big issue for me. I’m against illegal immigration. 52% of illegal immigrants caught had criminal backgrounds. She voted for and then against border fence.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids, x-ref Stabenow Oct 15, 2006

On Jobs: Big 3 Automakers need tax cuts so no job cuts

Q: What is it going to take to get the Big 3 Automakers going again?

STABENOW: We need a president who’s going to sit down with the automakers. This president can’t come up with 30 minutes to sit down with them. We’ve got to get healthcare costs off the back of business. We’ve got to protect pensions, and race like crazy for innovation. We make and grow things in America. That’s what its going to take. We’ve got to fight for those jobs here.

BOUCHARD: She says one thing and does another here. She’s a 18% rating from the Manufacturers Association, I won’t vote to raise taxes, or cut jobs. I’m a small business owner. We need someone who gets it and does results.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids, x-ref Stabenow Oct 15, 2006

On Social Security: Supports privatization of Social Security

Q: Would you support taxing amounts above $94K to shore up Social Security?

BOUCHARD: She voted to give Social Security to illegal immigrants. We need to fix that situation. There are men and women at home who are worried about having their benefits. Committing identity theft is fundamentally wrong. I will stop that. That’s what Michigan needs. Less partisan wrangling, less filibusters. We need results.

STABENOW: Social Security is NOT given to illegals, and I didn’t vote for it. I believe Social Security is a great Amer. success story. He supports privatization of Social Security. I was proud to lead [the fight to] stop privatization. We need to put more funds into that system. I want to keep the security in Social Security. My opponent sent me a thank you note for funding that he received as a result of my votes.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On War & Peace: Pre-emptive war ok if we have actual intel

Q: Do you support pre-emptive war?

BOUCHARD: I believe we need to take care of any threat--if we have actual intelligence, yes, we need to protect the US. My opponent has failed to protect America, she voted against missile defense. We need someone who will stand up to the plate. I’ve been in Law Enforcement in 20 years. Protection is the most important job of government. She’s not done it.

STABENOW: I supported every defense budget and everything we need to do to protect our families. My opponent didn’t answer the question -- which was about Iraq. I didn’t vote to go to Iraq, because it was a war of choice, not a necessity. I’ve been to Iraq - they are brave soldiers who deserve more than a slogan - they need a strategy.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids Oct 15, 2006

On War & Peace: We cannot leave a vacuum in Iraq

Q: Any limit on time for our involvement in Iraq?

STABENOW: Most challenging situation. It’s our job to give them everything they need. I’ve been to Iraq, met with Ministers. We are not there forever. The Iraqis need to shore up so our people can step back. We’re doing excellent training of their people.

BOUCHARD: We need to do everything we can to bring more stable and safe situation there. We can’t leave it in a vacuum.

Source: 2006 Michigan Senate Debate in Grand Rapids, x-ref Stabenow Oct 15, 2006

On Budget & Economy: Federal tax-and-spend is out of control & costs jobs

Federal spending is out of control, and is the primary reason that the federal budget deficit has returned with a vengeance. Since 2001, federal revenues increased from about $2 trillion to around $2.3 trillion. Spending, however, has increased even faster during this period, from $1.9 trillion to $2.7 trillion - an increase of 42%. One study said, “Growth in government stunts general economic growth. Increases in government spending or taxes lead to persistent decreases in the rate of job growth.”
Source: 2006 Senate campaign website, mikeformichigan.com, “Issues” Oct 1, 2006

On Homeland Security: Proposes “Skycops”, incentives for off-duty officers to fly

To better help secure our airways and prevent terrorists from hijacking airplanes, I propose that we supplement the Federal Air Marshall program with a program I call “Skycops.”

Skycops utilizes trained law enforcement officers who fly our skies every day for work and personal business to leverage the overextended resources of the Federal Air Marshal Program. My plan calls for a standardized hands-on training class for all personnel who are certified to fly with a firearm.

In addition, this program

Source: 2006 Senate campaign website, mikeformichigan.com, “Issues” Oct 1, 2006

On Tax Reform: Prioritize our spending and hold ourselves accountable

Renewing Michigan’s economy starts with prioritizing our spending & holding ourselves accountable for the decisions we make. After all, just because we have checks in the checkbook doesn’t mean we have money in the bank. What we see in Washington proves they just don’t understand that. Unfortunately, Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s tax-and-spend philosophy only adds to Washington’s spending problem. In fact, she has voted over 76 times for higher taxes in the Senate and hundreds of times throughout her career.
Source: 2006 Senate campaign website, mikeformichigan.com, “Issues” Oct 1, 2006

On Tax Reform: Growth in government stunts economic growth

[Experts say], “Growth in government stunts general economic growth. Increases in government spending or taxes lead to persistent decreases in the rate of job growth.” Unfortunately, Senator Debbie Stabenow’s tax-and-spend philosophy only adds to Washington’s spending problem. In fact, she has voted over 76 times for higher taxes in the Senate and hundreds of times throughout her career
Source: 2006 Senate campaign website, mikeformichigan.com Sep 30, 2006

On Energy & Oil: Kyoto agreement is restrictive & extraordinarily expensive

Regulations can impose extraordinary burdens on businesses that outweigh any good they do if they aren’t well thought through. I support using common sense tools, like risk analysis, that evaluate the tradeoffs of regulations to ensure that we understand their costs and are able to make an informed decision.

A good example is the imposition of restrictions on greenhouse gasses in conformity with the Kyoto agreement. Complying with these restrictions would be extraordinarily expensive, costing thousands of jobs. Because many of our competitors are not going to comply, we’d become even less competitive than we are now. Finally, the amount of carbon dioxide that would be released into the atmosphere will be almost the same over the next century, regardles of whether Kyoto is implemented.

In short, the costs would be tremendous, while the benefits would be negligible! Michigan’s Sen. Carl Levin voted against imposing these regulations on US companies. Sen. Stabenow, however, voted in favor of them.

Source: Campaign booklet, “Renewing Michigan’s Economy” Sep 14, 2006

On Energy & Oil: Supports atomic energy & new nuclear plant construction

One alternative that is becoming more feasible is atomic energy. Many European countries rely heavily on nuclear power, even though they are very pro-environment, because nuclear power presents one very sound approach to the need for more energy coupled with environmental protections. One persistent problem, however, remains: what to do with the spent nuclear rods that fuel these plants? For years, Michigan & other energy ratepayers from around the US have paid into a fund to create a long-term storage facility deep within the earth at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Once again, Senator Stabenow and her liberal allies have blocked the completion of this project. The result is that this waste sits around Michigan plant sites, which have not been constructed to serve as long-term storage sites, and pose the risk that eventually they could contaminate our environment. Senator Stabenow has also voted against other legislation that would fund construction for nuclear power plants.
Source: Campaign booklet, “Renewing Michigan’s Economy” Sep 14, 2006

On Free Trade: Trade agreements should be fair and enforceable

We need to negotiate trade agreements that are both fair and enforceable. While trade agreements that help open foreign markets to US goods are highly beneficial to the US economy, we haven’t always done all we can to ensure that our trade agreements are fully verifiable and enforceable. I fully support trade where each party meets the obligations it freely undertook when it entered the agreement and can enjoy the benefits anticipated when the deal was agreed upon. This requires that our trade agreements contain provisions to ensure that foreign markets are truly as open to US goods as they claim they will be.

The best trade deal in the world doesn’t benefit us if our partners don’t keep their side of the agreement. We need to remain vigilant to ensure those trade agreements already in force are being monitored carefully and enforced vigorously.

Source: Campaign booklet, “Renewing Michigan’s Economy” Sep 14, 2006

On Government Reform: Supports line-item veto on spending bills

I know from firsthand experience that spending is not a partisan issue. In many cases, Republicans are just as guilty as Democrats. To eliminate wasteful spending contained in Congressional Appropriations bills, the President needs a line-item veto as most governors have, including Michigan’s. The President has proposed legislation that would provide him with a limited, constitutionally sound veto. I support providing the President with this common sense authority to help rein in all spending offenses
Source: Campaign booklet, “Renewing Michigan’s Economy” Sep 14, 2006

On Health Care: Supports Health Savings Accounts to empower individuals

We need to empower patients to control more of their health care. Health Savings Accounts, or “HSAs,” are one way of doing this. With an HSA, patients are able to put tax-exempt earnings into their HSA, sometimes with an employer match. Medical costs are paid directly from a patient’s HSA rather than an insurance company. As a result, the patient and his or her doctor can decide whether a certain procedure is worth the cost, rather than allowing health insurance companies to decide whether the treatment is really necessary, or telling a patient that their chosen health care provider is “out of network” and therefore can’t treat the patient. Although critics claim that HSAs only help the young and healthy, in fact, studies show that HSAs are very popular among lower income families, which view them as an affordable way of protecting themselves from bankruptcy should they experience catastrophic health care costs.
Source: Campaign booklet, “Renewing Michigan’s Economy” Sep 14, 2006

On Principles & Values: 8-point plan: Renewing Michigan’s Economy

Renewing Michigan’s economy is about the future. It’s about letting each of our citizens utilize his or her God given talents free of unnecessary government interference in the form of burdensome taxes and regulations to reach his or her full potential. This, I believe, is government’s proper role in society.
    Eight-Point Plan To Get Results And Create Jobs
  1. Help Small Businesses Create More Jobs by Reducing Regulatory Burdens and Red Tape
  2. Fiscal Accountability to Curb Wasteful Spending and Improve the Economy
  3. More Money for Michigan’s Families, Less for Washington’s Big Spenders
  4. Restore Michigan’s Manufacturing Strength by Helping Reduce High Energy Costs
  5. Reform a Broken Legal System which Bankrupts Businesses
  6. Make Health Care More Affordable, Accessible, and Patient- Centered
  7. Keep America’s Manufacturers Competitive on the 21st Century Playing Field
  8. Retirement Security For Current and Future Generations
Source: Campaign booklet, “Renewing Michigan’s Economy” Sep 14, 2006

On Tax Reform: Make the Bush tax cuts permanent

Since the second tax cut in 2003, the US economy has generated over five million jobs nationwide. Further, these tax cuts have lowered federal taxes for over 3.5 million Michigan residents. Unless we act to make these tax cuts permanent, the average Michigan family will see their taxes increase by nearly 50% in 2011. Sen. Stabenow opposed these tax cuts repeatedly, and opposes making them permanent. I will be a vote for making this lower rate permanent.

Some have argued that such tax cuts are responsible for the current federal deficit and have benefited only the very wealthy. In fact, federal revenues have grown from about $2 trillion in 2001 to about $2.3 trillion. At the same time, federal spending has increased from about $1.9 trillion to around $2.7 trillion. The problem isn’t too little revenue, in my view, but too much spending. As President Kennedy once observed in defense of his own tax cuts, “a rising tide lifts all boats.” The same was true for the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts.

Source: Campaign booklet, “Renewing Michigan’s Economy” Sep 14, 2006

On Abortion: Voted against partial-birth abortion; 100% pro-life