Republican

Candidate name: Michael Moshe Starkman

Place of residence: Aspen Hill

Date of birth: Dec. 25, 1977

Place of birth: Hackensack, N.J.

Current occupation: Senior team leader, Intersoft Corp. Community associations, involvement: Executive director, Torah Youth Association; vice president of technology, Young Republicans; community coordinator, Beth Joshua Congregation

Professional associations: n⁄a

Family: Wife, Rachael; three children

Campaign address, telephone: Starkman for Congress, 5530 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1127, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-254-9660

Web site: www.starkmanforcongress.com

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

*Promoting an economic environment favorable to upward mobility

*Protecting our border from illegal entry

*Lowering the tax burden on families

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

No answer.

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

I do not believe that it is the role of Congress to establish war-time timelines for engagement.

How should the government pay for the War on Terror?

The government should cut spending on programs that are costly but ineffective. Through fiscal discipline, our government can fund the War on Terror without further burdening the people through additional taxation.

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

If elected, I would review the practices of the DHS and make informed decisions and suggestions then.

What should be done to save Social Security?

Promote economic growth that increases revenue into the treasury and cut spending in other areas.

What should be done to save Medicare?

No answer.

What is your position on the death penalty?

I support the right to life but acknowledge the social responsibility of terminating someone who has been definitely proven to be guilty of violence against others — without remorse.

What is your position on abortion?

I support the right to life. (If the mother’s life is in jeopardy, then her life takes precedence and abortion should be an immediate option.)

Do you support same-sex marriages? Why?

Marriage is an institution that was established to ensure the perpetuation of the human race and establish guidelines for sexual discipline. There are many levels of relationship between people, co-workers, friends, lovers, and partners to name a few. Each of these relationships defines a level of purpose for the union with marriage being the highest level of purpose. Therefore, I feel strongly about protecting the time-tested understanding of marriage and do not support the unprecedented move to include homosexual partnerships.

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

While I support the federal government’s funding of public schools, I do not believe it is the role of federal government to play the part of a local school board.

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

Transportation priorities should be identified on state and local levels. I will work with their leadership to get funding for District 4 projects.

Has Sarbanes-Oxley worked? Is there more the government can do to prevent corporate corruption?

No answer.