Candidate Q&A: 2nd Congressional District: John Kline

John P. Kline

Age: 63

Residence: Lakeville

Family: Wife, Vicky, son, Dan, daughter, Kathy, four grandchildren

Work: Member of Congress; retired colonel, U.S. Marine Corps

This election has seen the emergence of a new bloc of voters committed to changing government in America. What role do you think government should play in people's lives?

Throughout the past 21 months of Democrat leadership, Americans have grown increasingly wary of the federal government's intrusion into our homes and workplaces. Government activity should be limited to the authorities expressly outlined in our Constitution and not hinder the efforts of our entrepreneurs and job creators.

Nearly all congressional candidates claim they'll work to create jobs. What's your plan?

The federal government should pursue policies that provide certainty for the small businesses that drive our economy and enable taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned money. Keeping taxes low allows families to build a better life for themselves and their children, enables businesses - large and small - to create jobs and compete in the global marketplace, and provides an environment in which innovation can flourish.

As the United States draws down military forces in Iraq, the focus has shifted to the war in Afghanistan, where heavy fighting continues. What, for you, would constitute victory in the war in Afghanistan?

The single greatest responsibility of the U.S. military is to protect American citizens and their homeland from foreign and domestic threats. We must ensure Afghanistan is not a safe harbor for those who would harm our nation and her citizens.

Social Security is a well that's predicted to run dry before long. Explain how you would remedy that problem and detail whether you believe government has an obligation to provide such benefits.

Social Security provides critical support for millions of Americans. Those already receiving Social Security - and those nearing retirement - should not have to worry that their benefits are in jeopardy. There is no single solution to the structural, long-term funding problems facing Social Security. A unique combination of ideas and policies will be necessary to protect benefits for current recipients and strengthen the system for future generations.

What do you believe is the biggest hurdle the nation's public schools must overcome to boost achievement, and how do you propose to solve that?

Our current education system is not serving our nation's students as well as it should. As the senior Republican on the House Committee on Education and Labor, I am committed to ensuring our next generation of leaders can continue to thrive in our increasingly global economy by providing every student with a quality education that prepares them for college or the workforce. Reform of our nation's education laws must focus on restoring local control, empowering parents, letting teachers teach, and protecting taxpayers.