Republican

Candidate name: Jeffrey M. Stein

Place of residence: Rockville

Date of birth: July 13, 1975

Place of birth: Bloomfield, N.J.

Current occupation: Attorney

Education: B.A. University of Kentucky; J.D. University of Missouri – Columbia School of Law

Community associations, involvement: n⁄a

Professional associations: n⁄a

Family: Wife and two children, son, 3, and daughter, 1

Campaign office address and telephone: 5530 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1127, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 240- 223-0058Link to candidate’s

web site: www.jeffsteinforcongress.com

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

1) Reduce federal spending for non-defense budget items

2) Support efforts to seal the borders and reduce illegal entry

3) Protect domestic industry and promote job growth

How would you rate the performance of the House of Representatives: excellent, good, fair or poor? Why?

The performance has been poor. We’ve seen an inordinate amount of scandals and record deficits despite increased revenue into the treasury.

Do you have a timeline on when the U.S. should pull out of Iraq?

I do not believe in timelines for an Irapullout and think that it is dangerous to set one. As we’ve seen in Israel, concessions or apparent retreat embolden terrorists. It provides proof that their methods work, and they will get more vicious to achieve greater objectives. The war choice was made - authorized by Congress - and is being prosecuted by the President. We can’t take that back and a Vietnamification of this war will only fuel the terrorist movement. A perceived terrorist victory breeds more terrorists than a tough fight ever will. Prematurely leaving Irawill make any future conflicts more difficult because terrorists will confidently believe that they can outlast us. America must maintain its perseverance in this war and leave on its own terms.

How should the government pay for the War on Terror?

We as Americans are going to have to make some tough choices regarding federal spending. The federal government must prioritize and allocate its resources to the most essential items, such as defense, meeting our obligations under Social Security and education. We should look to cut as much spending at the federal level as possible.

Would you make any changes to the way the Department of Homeland Security is run?

I initially thought that this Department centralized too much of the government infrastructure under one umbrella. This makes it difficult to contain mistakes to one department and it stifles different approaches that may come from diverse entities combating terrorists. At this point I would be cautious further tampering with the structure of the Department because it seems to be working well and is doing a good job thwarting terrorists.

What should be done to save Social Security?

To save social security, the government must look to cut and control spending in other areas. We must also stimulate continued economic growth to increase revenue into the treasury. I do not support efforts to involve the government in managing personal financial portfolios.

What should be done to save Medicare?

We must try to make the current system less expensive. A good start would be to repeal the section of the prescription drug benefit program that prevents the government from using its leverage to bargain for lower prices on medications.

What is your position on the death penalty?

I support the right of a state to have the death penalty option available.

What is your position on abortion?

Under the Constitution, regulation of abortion takes place at the state level. The Supreme Court has placed limitations on the ability of the states to ban the procedure. Should Roe v. Wade be overturned, the decisions about the legality of abortion revert back to the state legislatures and are out of congressional reach. Under current law, I support restrictions on abortion at the state level, such as requiring parental consent, but I do not believe U.S. Congress has the authority to regulate the practice.

Do you support same-sex marriages? Why?

I do not support any redefinitions of marriage. Marriage is the public sanctification of a special type of relationship between one man and one woman necessary to bring new life into the world. Marriage and the traditional family unit are the bedrock of our society and I see no compelling reason to redefine an institution that has been with us since the earliest of recorded history. Changes to the definition of marriage will further undermine the institution. This result is very dangerous for society.

Do you support the federal No Child Left Behind law? Why or Why not?

I believe the NCLB is well intentioned but unfair. How can we mandate standards nationwide, when school districts have different circumstances and different needs? Local jurisdictions have the best handle on what is feasible within a school district and it is not the federal government’s role to step into the shoes of the school boards. The federal government has shown itself incapable managing this program. Few of the students that are supposed to be transferred out of what they call ‘‘failing schools” are actually transferred. Lack of funding is cited for this program’s deficiency, but I believe its weakness is in the structure. Money would be better spent in aid to the schools rather than on costs associated with moving kids around the system.

What state transportation projects are a priority for you and how should we pay for them?

I do not believe it is the role of a Representative in U.S. Congress to advocate for particular projects. State and local officials have the best grasp on the transportation needs of the community. I support measures proposed in Congress to end specific earmarks. I support block grants of funds to the states and localities to service transportation needs and would try to obtain as much funding as possible for the district.Has Sarbanes-Oxley worked? Is there more the government can do to prevent corporate corruption?

It’s too early to tell if Sarbanes-Oxley has worked. Laws are only as good as their enforcement. What are needed are not more restrictive laws, but more vigorous enforcement of existing laws.