2008 Alaska Election Coverage

Employment history: Assistant District Attorney, Alaska Department of Law; law clerk, Alaska State Court of Appeals; Enforcement Officer, U.S. Antarctic Program; owner, Alaskan Alternative Energy; owner, Nunatak, LLC; part-owner, Snow City Cafe.

Previous public offices held: State representative (1997-2006) (Democratic Leader, 1999-2006)

Previous unsuccessful runs for office: Lt. Governor (2006)

Education: Bachelor's in government and economics, Harvard College (1983); master's in philosophy, polar studies, Cambridge University (1986); law degree, University of California, Hastings College of Law (1990).

Military service: none

Spouse name: Mara Kimmel

Children: Hannah, 7; Noah, 4

Web site: www.ethanberkowitz.com

1. Why are you running for office?

I believe in what this country stands for and I know it means something special to call Alaska home. Those were the values and vision I stood up for when I served in the State Legislature, and they're what I'll fight for in Congress. I'm running to serve Alaskans, to restore integrity to government, and to solve problems. We can repair the economy, bring back good-paying jobs, and make energy affordable for Alaskans.

2. The most important issue in this election is ____.

(The energy crisis) The high cost of energy touches us all. It puts huge strains on families and businesses. We can transform this state and this country when we do energy right we can stimulate the economy by reducing utility bills and creating jobs. We can address climate change, and we can reduce America's dependence on foreign oil by developing Alaska's oil and gas, and renewables, like wind, tidal, and geothermal.

3. What specifically should Congress do, if anything, to address rising energy prices?

John Kennedy said we'd put a man on the moon in a decade, and we did it. That's what Congress can do show leadership and give American imagination and innovation opportunity to flourish. It's time to be bold and visionary. With research and investment, we can solve the energy crisis.

4. If oil and gasoline prices continue to rise, could you support government price controls?

We produce and refine oil here and pay the highest prices in the country but price controls miss the root of the problem and actually aggravate it over the long term. Instead, government should protect consumers from predatory price gouging, and encourage more competition in oil and gasoline markets.

5. Do you support drilling in ANWR? If the answer is yes, tell us something new that you as a member of Congress can do to open the coastal plain to drilling.

Yes, I support developing ANWR. America spends $700 billion a year buying foreign oil. That's too high a price and too much foreign oil. Oil at $140/barrel makes a new and powerful argument for domestic energy production, highlights the importance of a comprehensive national energy strategy, and creates an opportunity for forging new alliances on both sides of the aisle. A new voice can make a difference.

6. TransCanada has suggested the federal government can help the proposed Alaska gas line by acting as a "bridge shipper." That means the federal government would agree to buy enough gas to fill the line if necessary, or at least guarantee the equivalent revenue stream for the pipeline owner. Will you support legislation to do this?

Yes, we should be prepared to support any reasonable proposal that leads to the construction of a natural gas pipeline on Alaska's terms. Our gas is a national asset and an important part of a comprehensive strategy for American energy independence. The people of the United States have a financial and security interest in making sure Alaska gas isn't stranded and that it moves it from the North Slope to Lower 48 markets.

7. Do you support offshore drilling in Bristol Bay?

Not at this point. Offshore drilling prospects should be judged on a case-by-case basis. Onshore Bristol Bay leases haven't been developed, and there is considerable local opposition to offshore. A balanced approach to development recognizes the need to safeguard the economically critical salmon industry, and factors in the importance of gaining the support of local communities.

8. What can the federal government or Congress do to further a natural gas pipeline should state measures such as an AGIA license fail to pass, or fail to "induce" a pipeline?

This is a hypothetical question. It's too early to presume failure in the AGIA process. Regardless, the federal government and Congress should work with the state so that Alaska's gas benefits Alaskans and Americans as soon as possible. The federal government and Congress have many tools that can further a gas pipeline, but until we know what the problem is or whether there is a problem it's premature to say what tool to use.

9. Some say oil companies have leased vast public acreage and are now sitting on the leases without drilling. Point Thomson in Alaska has been mentioned as an example. Do you believe this has anything to do with our energy crunch?

The fact that Exxon has dragged its heels at Point Thomson shouldn't be used to generalize about oil company efforts on leases across America. I believe that "use it or lose it" within lease-specific time frames should be within the terms of every lease of public lands. However, each lease comes with its own challenges and "one size fits all" lease terms ignore technical and regulatory difficulties in developing leases.

10. Rural Alaska has been hit particularly hard by high fuel prices. Are there specific steps Congress or a member of Congress should take to address this?

Yes, remembering that it's important to coordinate federal, state and local efforts. That's why the Denali Commission has such a critical role. Congress can address rural energy costs in other ways. For example, it can continue funding programs like LIHEAP, and expand support for state programs like PCE. Additionally, expanding federal production tax credits for non-hydrocarbon energy will improve the investment climate for renewable projects, and that can help make rural Alaska energy self-sufficient.

11. Should Congress continue President Bush's tax cuts to stimulate the economy? Explain.

With gas, food and health-care costs rising, I favor middle-class tax cuts. Bush's tax breaks for the wealthy haven't helped middle-class Alaskans. Prices keep going up and paychecks remain the same, making it harder and harder for families to get ahead. The question isn't who's going to cut taxes, it's whose taxes they'll cut. Some support tax cuts for the wealthiest 1 percent. I support tax cuts for middle-class families and small businesses.

12. How important a priority is reducing the federal deficit? Explain.

Controlling the deficit is a big priority. Federal deficits affect confidence in the national economy, and confidence levels impact economic performance. Deficits hit us in the pocketbook because they ultimately cause economic stagnation and drive up interest rates and the cost of government. It's unfair for this generation to pass self-inflicted economic problems and massive debts onto our children and grandchildren. That's why it's important to use basic business practices and rebalance the national checkbook.

13. Should the U.S. tax code be simplified? Is it fair?

Yes, and no. It's time to make the tax code simple and fair. It has thousands of pages filled with loopholes and breaks for big corporations that game the system. We need tax cuts for middle-class families parents should be allowed to deduct childcare and college tuition. If a company can write off the costs of a private jet, parents shouldn't have to pay taxes for good daycare so they can go to work.

14. What should the future U.S. role in Iraq be?

After World War II, the United States worked to rebuild two nations devastated by war. Today, Japan and Germany have robust economies, and are two of our strongest allies. That's the kind of example to follow in Iraq. It means using economic and diplomatic strength, rather than military strength. It means good ideas - like creating an Iraqi Permanent Fund because the best American role wins the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people.

15. How long do you believe the U.S. occupation should continue?

It should end as quickly as possible. We cannot continue to ask the American military to do what the diplomats and the Iraqis should be doing. Continued military presence in Iraq stretches our military too thin, affecting our ability in Afghanistan and other trouble spots. The financial costs weaken our competitiveness in a global economy, and the impact on our moral authority undercuts America's diplomatic leadership. Long-term presence aggravates these problems, injuring long-term American interests.

16. Should a date be set for withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq? Explain.

We should begin withdrawing troops as soon as possible. American military commanders, elected Iraqi leaders and even President Bush are expressing support for a withdrawal timeline. There are no easy solutions, but if we don't do something different, we'll be in the same place tomorrow as we are today. It is time for a plan that reflects the best military judgment, the will of the Iraqi government, and that protects American lives and American interests.

17. What role should Congress have in deciding the kind of military approach the U.S. uses in Iraq?

Our constitution gives Congress power to declare war and make policy. Military decisions should be made based on military factors, not political considerations. If Congress had listened to our generals we wouldn't be in Iraq, or we would have fought with more troops and an exit strategy. Congress should protect our troops with body armor and needed equipment, and eliminate the abusive aspects of stop-loss. America shouldn't have to end someone else's civil war.

18. Under what circumstances, if any, would you support a pre-emptive military strike against Iran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons?

America has the right and responsibility to defend itself. However, we should not put America's military in harm's way unless there is no other way. Pre-emptive military operations as an extension of self-defense should not occur until we have exhausted

diplomatic efforts and only when we face serious and imminent threat. Currently, I do not believe that to be the case with Iran.

19. How good a job is the military and the Veterans Administration doing in providing ongoing care to soldiers and ex-soldiers who served in the war? What specifically would you do to improve services?

They can do much better. Our veterans should be treated like the heroes they are, and Congress must make sure veterans and their families receive the support they've earned. That means necessary funding and top quality management for the VA. It means health care here in Alaska -- our veterans shouldn't have to leave the state for medical care. It means the new GI Bill so returning veterans can afford college and get good jobs.

20.What role do human-caused emissions of greenhouse gases play in global warming: None, some, most, or all? Explain.

Even President Bush agrees with the IPCC that humans play a large role in global warming. The policy challenge isn't how much we're responsible for global warming, but rather what we're going to do about it, and what legacy we leave future generations. Climate change is one of the most significant issues facing Alaskans. For us, the impacts are real and personal -- they affect our health, our livelihoods and our cultures.

21. What legislation currently in Congress comes closest to the policy you would advocate for dealing with climate change?

Climate change is largely driven by the emission of carbon dioxide, and any legislation regarding climate change must seek to make polluters pay. The underlying problem is that it costs nothing to dump carbon into the environment, and those who are victimized by its effects pay the costs. Carbon-cost capture whether through a cap-and-trade system, a carbon tax, or some other mechanism must achieve that goal. We have a responsibility to be good stewards.

22. Coastal erosion is a serious issue in a number of rural Alaska villages, with discussions about relocating some communities. Do you believe this is appropriate or realistic? Explain.

Coastal villages are paying a price for climate change, and villagers are working to keep their communities intact. I agree this is the right thing. Relocation efforts are proceeding already. Clearly, cost is a factor, and relocation decisions will be subject to budget considerations.

23. Is it appropriate to use the polar bear listing as a threatened species to limit oil and gas development in the Arctic or regulate distant greenhouse gas emissions? What other steps, if any, do you think government and industry should take to protect Alaska's polar bear population?

Alaskans have always done a good job conserving our natural resources while developing our economic opportunities. I support the goal of protecting endangered species, which can be done while we balance conservation and development. As demonstrated by the recent listing of the polar bear, the Endangered Species Act can be finely tuned to protect both animals and economic interests. Despite the bears' listing, oil companies continue their resource exploration in the Arctic.

24. What's your position on the proposed Pebble mine in southwest Alaska? How do you plan to vote on the "Clean Water" initiative on the August ballot?

I support mining in Alaska, but I'm opposed to putting the world's largest open-pit mine at the headwaters of the world's most productive salmon fishery. At the same time, I'm concerned about resource allocation decisions made by initiative. That happened because the Murkowski administration gutted coastal zone management, undoing the delicate balance between development and local control. Whatever is broken by the initiative process can be fixed by the state legislature. I am voting "yes."

25. Are changes needed in the way congressional earmarks work? Under what circumstances should members of Congress be allowed to direct federal spending to specific projects in their district?

Earmarks should be put together in a way that is evenhanded and transparent. Then, they can be an appropriate way to fund critical Alaska projects when the federal bureaucracy fails to respond to uniquely Alaskan conditions. Earmarks must support the public interest, and never be advanced for special interest. Once reformed, a fair and transparent earmarking process can solve Alaska problems, benefit our state and follow a process that reflects our values.

26. What should Congress do, if anything, to help increase the supply of doctors in Alaska?

There are many ways to recruit and retain doctors. For example, Congress should provide tax credits for physicians who practice in rural areas, support federal loan repayment programs, and strengthen the National Health Service Corps and the Indian Health

Service. Congress should also work with the state to expand medical school classes and maybe create a medical school here in Alaska -- and provide funding for residency programs and teaching hospitals.

27. Some major Alaska fisheries have been "rationalized." That is, individual shares have been assigned to fishermen and even to processors. Do you support this approach for more of Alaska's fisheries?

I spent time as a deckhand in Bristol Bay, where each boat is a family business and a way of life. What happened to the Bering Sea crabbing industry because of rationalization is unacceptable. Ideally, the market, not government, should determine who fishes and where they sell their catch. We should leave allocation decisions to fisheries boards, not politicians. Ultimately, it's about sustainability we need to have healthy fish stocks.