The Anchorage Daily News asked Alaska candidates for Congress their views on a variety of issues. We're printing their responses between now and Election Day.

Q: 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.

U.S. SENATE

FREDERICK "DAVID" HAASE

Libertarian

www.davidforalaska.com

The discussion, absolutely. Relocations may be needed and those needing relocation should be heard first.

TED STEVENS

Republican

tedstevens2008.com

Yes. Erosion is a most serious Alaska issue. Local, state, and federal entities convened at my request to discuss the problem. State and federal agencies together with affected communities must determine the resources needed to relocate each community, if necessary. Once only summer residences for their people, these villages, because of schools, health clinics, airports, municipal and tribal offices, will need a great financial commitment to move, and will be subject to constraints of time and safety.

MARK BEGICH

Democrat

www.begich.com

When I was traveling along the Kuskokwim River, I heard a lot of concern about moving villages. This has to be a community-driven decision. We already see dozens of villages facing significant threats from increased erosion and flooding without enough funding to relocate. As senator, I would work to secure new federal funding to help these communities.

BOB BIRD

Alaskan Independence Party

www.birdforsenate.com

This is NOT an appropriate function for the federal government as per the 10th Amendment. Coastal erosion is a natural process. Furthermore, many Native villages are moved periodically for cultural and economic reasons. Should they also receive federal money? Many Natives have complained that the federal government is eroding their culture. Federal handouts will only continue this process. THAT is the real erosion we should be worried about.

NOTE: Senate candidate Ted Gianoutsos (no party, www.tedandfred.com) says he is running on one issue: opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas development, and chose not to answer individual issue questions.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

ETHAN BERKOWITZ

Democrat

www.ethanberkowitz.com

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.

DON YOUNG

Republican

donyoung08.com

Yes. These villages -- these Alaskans -- are a huge part of what makes Alaska, Alaska. It will be difficult and expensive, but with enough help from the state, it can be done. I do not support doing nothing and leaving these Alaskans -- and the customs and cultures they've kept alive for hundreds of years -- with no other option but to abandon their history and way of life and move to Anchorage and Fairbanks.