Al Schweppe: In his words

What do you think of the WASL being used as a graduation requirement?

Standardized testing should not only judge students, but the system as well. I support standardized testing to make sure that every graduate from high school is competent in reading, writing, and basic math. However, there must be alternative methods to measure academic performance for students who do not necessarily excel on the WASL. We can also enact reforms to make sure that our schools have great teachers. Our current system says Bill Gates is not qualified to teach computer science. We must make it easier for talented people to teach our children.

Should state law allow gay marriage? Why or why not?

No. I believe the institution of marriage is between one man and one woman.

What should the state's role in illegal immigration be, if any?

The state should comply with federal law.

What should the Legislature do to make Washington more friendly to business? Be specific.

Unfortunately, Washington has one of the highest small business failure rates in the nation. We can address this by lowering taxes, reducing the amount of burdensome regulations and mandates, and supporting tax incentives to attract new business that create family wage jobs.

Tim Eyman's traffic congestion measure, Initiative 985, would cost the state about $290 million during the first two years. Do you support it? How would you replace that lost revenue?

While I like some of the provisions of I-985, as a legislator I would prefer to see them considered as part of a comprehensive transportation plan that receives careful legislative scrutiny and provides adequate funding without raising taxes. Of course if the legislature is not responsive then I support the right of the people to take action via the initiative process.

Have you ever had a family member or friend who was terminally ill? Has it affected your view on end-of-life decisions, such as physician-assisted suicide?

Yes, I have known people who are terminally ill. End of life decisions should be made by the individuals involved and their families following any legal guidance that may be in place such as a living will, directives to physicians, etc. I am opposed to physician-assisted suicide because it puts doctors in the unenviable position of having to agonize over whether to take a life or save it. The Washington State Medical Association opposes I-1000, the Assisted Suicide Initiative, and so do I.

Where would you cut state spending? What programs or services do you view as unnecessary?

After a 33 percent increase in spending over the past four years by Governor Gregoire and the Democrat controlled legislature we are facing at least a $2.7 billion deficit. Obviously, spending cuts are going to have to be made.

Our State Auditor, Democrat Brian Sontaag, has completed eight audits of state agencies required by I-900 and made 430 recommendations to achieve up to $240 million in immediate future savings. It's a great place to start and we should encourage Auditor Sontaag to continue and expand his work.

Further decisions about the budget must be prioritized and then funded accordingly. A good model to use would be the "Priorities of Government" principals that helped Dino Rossi and former Gov. Gary Locke address the budget deficit in 2003 when they balanced the budget without raising taxes. We can and must do the same.