Heckman vs. Linder at a Glance   Doug Heckman John Linder Accountability and Results Understands accountability through his years as a U.S. Army officer and his experience in the financial services industry. Has a track record producing outstanding results in both the military and civilian worlds. Wants Congress to reject extreme partisanship and instead adopt a problem-solving work ethic. Believes solutions for Americans are more important than political victories for Democrats or Republicans. Has no record of success in the U.S. House of Representatives despite holding his current seat for 16 consecutive years. According to GovTrack, a non-partisan organization that follows Congressmen and legislation, only 2 of the 185 bills John Linder has sponsored since 1993 have become laws. In the most recent Congress, he sponsored only 2 bills, one of which—the “FairTax”—has absolutely no chance of passing. Discipline in Government Spending Wants to abolish pork-barrel spending, channel money from broken programs into important projects, reallocate money as we bring the Iraq war to a responsible end, and institute a Balanced Budget Amendment that contains a Pay-As-You-Go provision. Has no plan to improve fiscal discipline—other than irresponsibly voting against important bills that come his way, such as a bill to lower interest rates on student loans (2007, HR 5) and a bill to fund renewable energy programs (2007, HR 6). This is poor judgment, not discipline. Energy and Oil Believes our immediate strategy should be to go after all the domestic energy we can responsibly get-- both fossil fuels and renewables. Also believes our long-term goal must be to operate mostly on wind, solar, geothermal, and other renewable sources of power. Believes renewable energy is unrealistic and “terrible policy,” despite numerous Department of Energy reports to the contrary; only supports drilling for more oil. Advocates drilling as much as possible. Taxes Promotes a two-step solution. First, would cut taxes for the vast majority of taxpayers without raising taxes on anyone; second, would call for a committee of experts to write a simpler and better tax code from scratch. All this will boost our economy and increase government efficiency. Supports the “FairTax” which is actually extremely unfair since it would result in tax increases for everyone but the very richest Americans. Has introduced “FairTax” legislation every year since 1999, but in that whole time it has gained little support and has never seen a subcommittee vote. This legislation is not a viable solution. Education Believes we must strengthen public schools and make a great public education possible for every child. Wants to reform No Child Left Behind based on input from our country’s education experts. Advocates more support for honors and gifted programs so our country’s best students keep pace with top students all over the world. Opposes privatization because the best private schools would be inaccessible to poor families, whereas great public schools should be accessible to everyone. In 2007, received an "F" from the National Education Association for his failure to “promote the cause of quality public education.” Has repeatedly voted against increasing public school funding. Has voted instead for “voucher” programs where the federal government pays to send some children to private schools— 76% of which are religious institutions. The National School Boards Association, the American Federation of Teachers, and numerous other major educators’ organizations oppose vouchers and privatization. Global Warming and Environment Believes we should listen to the all the world’s major national academies of science, the hundreds of climate experts who comprise the International Panel on Climate Change, and other mainstream scientific organizations who say that humans are forcing global warming. Believes we should embrace renewable energy and thereby reduce levels of harmful emissions. Despite having little scientific training himself, he asserts that all these mainstream scientists are wrong and “the notion that humans have substantially changed the world which we inherited is just vanity.” He is one of the few remaining deniers of man-made global warming. Supporting Veterans As a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, understands the importance of supporting our soldiers after they return from abroad. Supports measures to improve veterans’ access to health care and educational opportunities. Has no problem funding our soldiers in war but refuses to fund their needs when they return home. This year alone, voted against the GI Bill, the Medicare Act, and the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, all of which passed with bipartisan majorities and will help veterans. Representing And Showing Respect for Constituents Has made clear that he wants to hear from citizens in the district about the issues most important to them. Has repeatedly affirmed that a Congressman’s job is to represent his district, and to represent his district, a Congressman must listen to his constituents. Continues to invite questions about his positions and replies candidly when asked. On camera, at a town hall meeting, told one woman: “You can vote against me if you want to vote against me. I don't come here to reflect your views or anyone else's views.” Despite making a national Water Policy his only major project other than the “FairTax,” failed to attend or submit a position paper for the Lake Lanier Association’s Political Forum. Has repeatedly failed to answer the most broad-based, nonpartisan political surveys designed to help voters learn about candidates’ positions.