ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, October 18, 1996 TAG: 9610180080
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C4 EDITION: METRO
D-Democrat R-Republican L-Libertarian VIP-Virginia Independent Party/Reform Party
What policy or policies do you advocate that would address Darlene Young's fear - and the fears of others like her - for their personal safety and the safety of those around them?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``Domestic and spousal abuse is a hidden cancer in our society and must be addressed. Men who batter their wives or girlfriends should be subject to swift and sure punishment, and we should make sure that the victims are protected. I support anti-stalking laws. I also believe that we should fund safe and secure shelters for battered women, provide a national hot line for victims of domestic violence and make use of effective domestic violence prevention programs.''
John Warner (R)
``I co-sponsored legislation to prevent violence against women. The legislation, which was signed into law, toughens sentencing options for repeat sex offenders, provides funds to combat violent crimes against women, and contains numerous other provisions to reduce such crimes and assist victims. I have supported tough anti-stalking legislation, and I have supported partnerships that provide counseling, legal services and support to women who have been victimized by domestic violence.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``I was proud to support the enactment of Virginia's stalking statute. This harassing and threatening behavior is now a crime under Virginia law. We need to ensure that law enforcement agencies have the resources to enforce this law. All of us need to work to raise awareness of domestic violence and the avenues for persons who suffer from it to receive assistance.''
George Landrith (R)
``I support welfare reform that requires able-bodied people to work. Meaningful welfare reform will not endanger victims of abuse and violence. To stop violence against women, we should have zero tolerance for violence and abuse and we should support groups that help women who have been victims of violence. But going back to failed welfare policies will do nothing to protect women from violence.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
``Women beaten by their lovers or husbands don't need the system to kick them again. The un-thought-out, hysteria-driven recent welfare reform catered to the worst in us, including political expediency, and will be a larger problem than what we had before, and it created 50 more bureaucracies. Brilliant!''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Domestic violence is serious and often overlooked. I've voted for the Violence Against Women Act increasing funding for anti-domestic violence programs and toughening penalties for those who batter or abuse spouses. Congress also passed the Sexual Crimes Against Children Prevention Act, strengthening laws against child pornography. We've reduced the ability of liberal federal judges to order the early release of violent criminals, including spouse abusers, from prison.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``All domestic abusers should be charged with a felony. Furthermore, we should consider expanding Medicare to cover part-time employees and their children that are not already covered by an employer's health care plan.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``911 is no substitute for having the means for self-defense at hand. Women should feel fully protected by the Second Amendment when bearing arms. State drug enforcement funds should be redirected to local legal services to help citizens make government work to punish intimidation, battery and other common crime.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
"I very strongly supported the law passed two years ago which creates a federal crime for the perpetuation of domestic attacks or of stalking on an interstate basis, and which creates the right for victims of domestic violence to sue the attackers in federal court. I would encourage the enacting of similar legislation on the state level for acts of a purely intrastate nature.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Domestic violence is a serious problem. I support more aggressive prosecution of domestic abusers. While the new welfare law provides a safety net, the reality is that working and earning a living builds up a woman's self-sufficiency and personal initiative, helping her break out of, or avoid altogether, abusive situations.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``I have personally assisted in the design and contributed toward the funding of a local women's shelter. I advocate that the federal government continue to provide the bulk of the funds for these centers until such times as funding from charitable sources, local and state funding are adequate to provide the needed services.''
LENGTH: Medium: 95 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICS CONGRESSby CNB