Bruce Lunsford
Q: Do you support construction and funding of the state’s mega-transportation projects, such as the Louisville Bridges, the I-69 Bridge near Henderson, and the Brent Spence Corridor Project in Northern Kentucky? What is your plan and what action will you take to fund these three projects that may collectively cost more than $10 billion?

A: Kentucky’s mega-transportation projects deserve more federal funding.  While the price tag seems high, it’s a necessary investment in Kentucky’s future. As U.S. Senator, I will work cooperatively with state and local officials, as well as the public and the Chamber, to complete these projects.  One example mentioned in particular, the Brent Spence Bridge, has been rated the 7th most dangerous interstate bridge in America. Funding its renovation should be a top priority in Washington. 

Unfortunately, Mitch McConnell has not made funding this project a priority. Instead he has flip-flopped on the issue and even suggested installing tolls. I regularly drove over the bridge for more than ten years and can’t support tolls. Secondly, I will work to make sure there is a steady flow of federal funds so that the work could be continuous, speeding up the completion dates and potentially saving millions of dollars. Finally, I will work with the state and local governments to find ways to expedite the construction process to make the projects’ completion as economical as possible. Rebuilding Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure is vital to the economic future of our state.

Q2: In recent years, Northern Kentuckians developed a new strategic plan, Vision 2015. A major element of Vision 2015 is to create 50,000 new, high-paying jobs by the year 2015. As a U.S. Senator, what role do you see your office and the Federal government playing in this regional strategic plan?
Vision 2015 is an ambitious community planning effort that has the potential to propel Northern Kentucky's economy through the 21st century. And one of the major elements of Vision 2015 is to create 50,000 new jobs by 2015.

A: And as U.S. Senator I will bring all relevant parties to the table to help achieve this goal. While there are many ways to partner together, one way I will help would be through education. Vision 2015 lays out ambitious goals and strategies in this area and as Senator I'll work hard to achieve them. Growing up in Kenton County, I was the first member of my family to go to college and I know firsthand how important a good education is for our children.

Q: I will work to make sure teachers and institutions have the resources they need to prepare students for the 21st century, from pre-K through post-secondary and technical training. Whether ensuring there are enough teachers, space and equipment, or making sure students are being trained with an eye toward the future, putting resources into Northern Kentucky education will be one of the greatest investments I make as a Senator.

The rising cost of health care is not only a major concern for business, but for local and state governments, colleges and universities, and even non-profit organizations. How would you recommend that the Federal government address the rising cost of health care, while providing increased accessibility as well?

Health care is one of the biggest issues affecting Kentucky’s businesses and economic competitiveness. As health care costs continue to increase, many businesses are feeling the crunch on their bottom lines.

There are currently 47 million uninsured Americans including 9 million uninsured children.  One of my top priorities as U.S. Senator will be to ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. Unfortunately, Mitch McConnell doesn’t agree with this and has been obstructing efforts to expand access to affordable medical care for years. 

Mitch McConnell has voted against expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) which provides health care to children from families of modest means.  McConnell has also voted to slash reimbursement rates for Medicare, which makes it harder for seniors and military families to get care. The government must also work to make health insurance more affordable for small businesses.
As senator, I will push for tax incentives for small businesses to provide health care to their employees, as well as allowing them to pool their resources to purchase better care at more affordable prices.

Q: What is your view of the current projections that the Federal Highway Trust Fund will be bankrupt by the year 2009? With all-electric vehicles literally on the market today, should a different method of taxing vehicle miles driven be adopted to replace the cents per gallon gasoline tax? If so, what?

A: The Federal Highway Trust Fund is a vital source for surface transportation funding in America, and needs to be protected to ensure its solvency. There are several actions that can be taken in the short-term, but long-term action is going to be required to ensure our nation's infrastructure remains the best in the world. In the short-term funds that have been removed from the HTF for emergencies should be replenished. Experts estimate that up to $3 billion has been withdrawn since 1998 which should be returned to ensure its solvency.

However, there also needs to be an eye toward the future to make sure that our nation's infrastructure remains fully funded and topnotch. First and foremost, funding must be a priority. There must be enough funds in the HTF to ensure that projects are fully funded. Protecting the HTF will be a priority of mine.

Q: As U.S. companies increasingly expand into foreign countries, what is your position on increased international trade?

A: We live in a global economy.  International trade is not only a reality but a necessity that is vital to keeping Kentucky and America’s economy thriving. I support free and fair trade when everything is equal and balanced.  Some countries haven’t been fair and have favored corporate interests over the needs of working families. I support renegotiating NAFTA and PNTR with China. We’ve lost too many small businesses and jobs here in Kentucky as large employers outsource jobs. It shouldn’t be too much to ask to work for trade agreements that open markets for American goods and protect American jobs. 

Q: How would you describe your motivation for running for the U.S. Senate? What particular skill or strength do you have that will benefit Northern Kentucky in the Congress? Do you have specific business experience?

A: My children and grandchildren are my motivation for running for U.S. Senate.  Growing up on my family’s small farm in Kenton County, my dad always told me that if I worked hard and got an education, I could live the American Dream.  And he was right.  But the opportunity to live the American Dream doesn’t exist today thanks to George W. Bush and Mitch McConnell. 

As a businessman, I grew a small company with a handful of employees to a Fortune 500 company with 62,000 employees. I’ll bring this business expertise, along with some good old Northern Kentucky commonsense, to the U.S. Senate to make the government work for us, not the special interests.
We need change in Washington. People shouldn’t have to pay $4 per gallon for gasoline or lie awake wondering how they are going to make ends meet. As Senator, I will work to make sure people have good-paying jobs, that college is affordable for their kids, and that they have access to quality, affordable health care.

After 24 years in Washington, Mitch McConnell is not on our side.  He is part of the problem and it’s time for change. 

Q: Please describe your personal involvement with your own local Chamber of Commerce. Have you served on a Chamber Committees? If so, describe your activity.

A: While I have never been directly involved with my local Chamber of Commerce, I have worked with many members and I always value their advice and insight.  As Kentucky’s Senator, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce will always be welcome in my office and I look forward to working with them to make Northern Kentucky an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

Q: What is the Web site address that interested voters may log onto in order to learn more about other positions you have taken in the campaign?

A: www.bruce2008.com

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