Amy Klobuchar in MN Senate Primary Debate

On Abortion: Decision between a woman and her doctor

We need to start talking about common ground, and about reducing the number of abortions -- making them safe and making them rare. That decision should be made between a woman and her doctor. Source: MN 2006 Senate debates - MPR interview Jan 26, 2006

On Civil Rights: Supports civil unions and equal rights for gay partners

In Minnesota, we have a provision that defines marriage as between a man a woman, and that’s never been seriously challenged. I also believe we need to be fair to people and not discriminate against them. I don’t have a problem with civil unions. When a partner is in the hospital, they should be able to be there. And to inherit money from them, and have the same kinds of rights. Source: MN 2006 Senate debates - MPR interview Jan 26, 2006

On Civil Rights: No constitutional amendment defining marriage

We don’t need a constitutional amendment on this, and we certainly don’t need an amendment that would ban people’s equal rights. There have been some unforeseen consequences when these sorts of laws have passed. Source: MN 2006 Senate debates - MPR interview Jan 26, 2006

On Gun Control: I would do nothing to hurt hunting

In terms of legal guns, I would do nothing to hurt hunting. We spend $50 million per year on fishing and hunting -- it’s an important part of our culture and economy in Minnesota. I do not see a need right now for a bunch of new laws on guns that would effect people who are out their hunting, or out there legally with guns. Source: MN 2006 Senate debates - MPR interview Jan 26, 2006

On Gun Control: Extend the ban on assault weapons

Q: What about assault weapons?

A: I did favor extending the ban on assault weapons. Unfortunately, we didn’t prevail.

Source: MN 2006 Senate debates - MPR interview Jan 26, 2006

On Social Security: President’s privatization scheme puts us at risk

The Social Security system will be below the even point by 2042. We should raise the cap [on payment] from $90,000. The president’s privatization scheme would have cost more. The privatization scheme puts us at risk. People saw it for what it was -- it gives money to special interests, and it doesn’t solve the problem. Source: MN 2006 Senate debates - MPR interview Jan 26, 2006

On Social Security: Raise cap from $90,000 for paying in

I’d like to see raising the cap as a potential solution. [Paying into Social Security] is currently capped out at $90,000. The Social Security system can be fixed. There’s some way you could do something with the wealthiest people. Source: MN 2006 Senate debates - MPR interview Jan 26, 2006

On Tax Reform: Middle class tax cuts good; but current cuts are for rich

I’ve talked about rolling back tax cuts on the wealthy. People making over $1.3M per year -- their taxes have gone down 10 times that of the middle class. I’m talking about tax fairness. These tax cuts are going to the wealthiest, and [others] are getting screwed. It’s fine to talk about the middle class needing help and needing tax relief. But the [existing tax cuts] are for their friends who brought them to the dance. Source: MN 2006 Senate debates - MPR interview Jan 26, 2006

On War & Peace: Iraq war needed moral compass of int’l cooperation

I have opposed this war from the beginning. The president did not work with other countries, like we saw in past wars. We didn’t have that moral compass this time. This war was done differently -- we went in alone and without a plan. We’ve spent over $300B. I oppose this war. We need to reduce our troops, and we need to leave Iraq in a responsible manner. We need a significant change in course in 2006. 17 Source: MN 2006 Senate debates - MPR interview Jan 26, 2006

The above quotations are from MN 2006 Senate debates - Minnesota Public Radio interviews. Click here for other excerpts from MN 2006 Senate debates - Minnesota Public Radio interviews. Click here for other excerpts by Amy Klobuchar. Click here for a profile of Amy Klobuchar.
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Abortion Budget/Economy Civil Rights Corporations Crime Drugs Education Energy/Oil Environment Families Foreign Policy Free Trade	Govt. Reform Gun Control Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Jobs Principles Social Security Tax Reform Technology War/Peace Welfare
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Page last updated: Feb 18, 2019