myVote: Candidate profile

Dean Barkley

Published Monday, October 27 04:01:22 PM

Office:

Minnesota U.S. senator

Other candidates in this race:

Party:

Independence

Incumbent:

City of residence:

Plymouth

Age:

Background:

Attorney; BA and JD degrees, University of Minnesota; former director, strategic and long range planning, Ventura administration; served on Common Cause; served on Concord Coalition; served on advisory board, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, served as U.S. senator from November 2002 through January 2003.

Endorsements:

Gov. Jesse Ventura; Former U.S. Rep. Tim Penny.

Most important issue:

The U.S. dollar is rapidly becoming worth less in the global market. The federal debt is killing our economy and our children's future. Our debt has now surpassed $9.5 trillion, or $31,000 for every man, woman and child living in the United States. During Norm Coleman's term as senator, our debt has increased over $3 trillion- nearly one-third of the entire total federal debt! When I'm elected to the U.S. Senate, I would introduce legislation placing a spending cap at current levels for four years to slow down the financial bleeding and start the country in the right direction.

More information:

Candidate website

Views:

Candidates were asked to respond to statements on five policy issues. They were given seven options: "Strongly agree", "Somewhat agree", "Have mixed feelings", "Somewhat disagree", "Strongly disagree", "Have no opinion" and "Do not wish to respond."

Removing barriers to increased domestic oil production - by, for example, lifting restrictions on off-shore exploration and drilling - should be the federal government's top priority in responding to high gasoline prices.	Somewhat agree
The United States should set a specific timetable for complete withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq.	Strongly agree
The so-called Bush tax cuts now scheduled to expire in 2010 should be made permanent for all taxpayers.	Have mixed feelings
The federal government should guarantee health insurance coverage for all Americans.	Strongly agree
Additional revenue from fees or taxes should be raised to shore up America's transportation infrastructure, because eliminating waste and better prioritizing existing resources won't be enough.	Somewhat agree