Should there be a statewide ban on smoking in indoor public places, such as restaurants and bars?

I lost my father as a result of smoking and understand the health risks smoking and secondhand smoke can cause. However, I believe that communities are better suited to decided if they would like a smoking ban in their area.

I would consider supporting such a proposal provided it contained some element of local control. A potential statewide smoking ban will likely be one of the major issues studied by the Legislature next session.

There are two major problems with a statewide smoking ban. First, this is a clear violation of property rights. Small businesses such as restaurants and bars should have complete control over the decision whether to allow smoking. Customers will decide if a nonsmoking policy is to their liking. Prospective employees can make the same decision when applying for work. The market is perfectly capable of determining an outcome. Second, the state of Kansas should not be implementing laws that trump local ordinances. There is no reason why municipalities cannot debate and determine the best strategy for their own community.

Would you support an increase in the cigarette tax to help pay for health coverage for low-income Kansans?

I would consider some increase as an option to help fund health coverage for low-income Kansans. In the big picture, I don't think increasing the tax will help curb the use of tobacco, because individuals who use the products will go to other states to buy.

No. Providing affordable health care options to Kansans has always been important to me, and throughout my legislative career I have introduced a number of legislative initiatives that would control rising premium costs. Still, I don't believe that increasing the cigarette tax is the best way to improve our current health care system. As a member of the Senate, I will look for alternative ways to ensure that all working Kansans can afford health insurance for themselves and their families.

A cigarette tax is often used as a cop-out when the state does not want to make tough decisions. Using the same logic we should increase taxes on other unhealthy items such as trans-fats and candy. This type of tax results in diminishing returns, and frankly it is embarrassing that this is a cornerstone of the Kansas Health Policy Authority's wellness plan.

Where do you think the state budget can be cut?

I think we need to look at the funds available and give the agencies an opportunity to suggest where they think budget cuts can be made to ensure quality programs are not being cut. In addition, we need ensure that the money we spend is being used efficiently to maximize the services provided to taxpayers.

I would first focus on curtailing increases in spending and rooting out inefficiencies and waste in current government operations and practices. Gov. Sebelius has realized significant savings by introducing the Budget Efficiency Savings Teams (BEST) initiative when she was first elected, and I believe we should continue those efforts. Furthermore, as a co-sponsor of the Kansas Taxpayer Transparency Act, I believe it is imperative that Kansas citizens have a solid understanding of how their tax dollars are being spent so that they can provide informative feedback to their legislative representatives on state spending decisions.

The first place we should look is the state's economic development initiative. Kansas spent $1.3 billion through taxes and tax abatements to spur economic growth during the past 5 years. The Legislative Division of Post Audit could not determine if this resulted in business growth for the state. I like to know what I'm getting for my money. This type of expenditure is unacceptable. We should spur growth the old-fashioned and effective way - through a lower tax burden.

Would you support an increase in the age for Kansans to get a driver's license?

I am not inclined to support an increase in the age for Kansans to get a driver's license at the present time as I am concerned about the adverse impact this could have on families who rely on a teen to drive.

I'm not sure there is any evidence that there is a pressing need for this increase. Poor driving is not limited to a specific age group. In addition there is still a large agricultural industry in Kansas that in part relies on younger workers and their need for transportation.

I don't think the driving age needs to be significantly increased. I would support some type of graduated driver's license program and restrictions on the use of electronic devices while driving. Safety needs to be our biggest concern.

Should Lawrence be allowed to keep its same-sex registry without interference from the state?

As a proponent of local control, I believe this issue should be left up to local municipalities to decide whether or not this is in the best interest of their communities.

No, I am not supportive of the same-sex registry.

Do you support Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' opposition to the two coal-fired plants in western Kansas?

No, I have been a proponent of the two coal-fired plants in western Kansas as a part of a comprehensive energy plan for Kansas. Coal is only one of the many types of energy needed to help make energy more affordable. I strongly support the use of renewable energy such as wind, solar and hydroelectric.

I oppose the Holcomb project because it does not have long-term viability in that area. The Ogallala Aquifer will be dry in the next few years, and there will not be enough water to support two coal plants. I do not oppose coal or any other energy source if the conditions are viable. That being said, the decision by the KDHE points out how haphazard and disorganized the state's energy policy is. Both Republicans and Democrats have failed to address this over the past few decades.

Yes. The Sunflower Electric proposals that were debated and voted on in the Kansas Legislature came with too much financial risk, both to Sunflower Electric ratepayers and the state of Kansas. We need a clearer direction from the federal government regarding their intentions to regulate CO2 emissions so that everyone understands the true costs of coal-fired electricity generation before our state embarks on building coal-fired plants that would primarily be generating power for out-of-state interests. Our state has a tremendous opportunity to boost our local economy, provide new markets for agricultural products and grow jobs for hard-working Kansans by leading the nation in renewable energy development. We must explore new energy alternatives, such as wind, while looking for new ways to conserve our resources. As state senator, I will continue working to develop a responsible energy policy that promotes the development of renewable energy while maintaining our state's baseload energy needs.