John Avlon

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>John Avlon completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Avlon's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading-bio-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI'm a native New Yorker, the grandson of immigrants and the father of two young kids. I’ve worked most of my career as a journalist and author, recently as a CNN anchor and senior political analyst, where my Reality Check segments aired on the morning show and across the network. I joined CNN fulltime after working as Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of The Daily Beast for five years – during which time we won 17 awards for journalistic excellence and were blacklisted by the Trump campaign, which I consider a badge of honor. I’ve written four books – Independent Nation, Wingnuts, Washington’s Farewell and Lincoln &amp; the Fight for Peace. Previously, I was a columnist and served as chief speechwriter to the Mayor of New York during the attacks of 9/11. I first became engaged with politics because I was inspired by Bill Clinton’s presidential campaigns and his centrist Democrat “third way” approach to politics. My wife is Margaret Hoover, the host of Firing Line on PBS. I live in Sag Harbor, New York. I decided to get in the arena and run for office when I realized that Trump was going to be renominated by Republicans after his attempt to overturn an election on the back of a lie that led to an attack on our capitol. I believe that now is the time for our generation to step up and defend our democracy – and I didn’t want to look back and tell my children that I could have done more when it mattered most. That’s why I’m running for Congress.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading-key-message-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I am a common-sense Democrat running to flip a swing seat from red to blue in Suffolk County, New York. In 2024, we need to build the broadest possible coalition to defend our democracy, defeat Donald Trump, and win back Congress from his MAGA minions, who aren’t even trying to solve problems anymore. When this hyper-partisan fever breaks, we need to restore faith that American government can work for Suffolk County families again by rebuilding the middle class, protecting reproductive freedom, combating climate change and defending our democracy. We need to reduce the cost of living and improve the quality of life.</li><li>Addressing the cost crisis and rebuilding the middle Class: Washington Republicans raised our taxes so they could fund billions more in tax breaks for corporations and the super-rich. They used the tax code as a partisan weapon by capping the State and Local Tax Deduction, which targeted blue states. Long Island families have depended on the SALT deduction for decades. But Washington Republicans are never going to restore it because their party is just too invested in the partisan red-state/blue-state divide. But Democrats can and will restore the SALT deductions if we if we take back\r\nCongress. I’ll also fight to increase the Child Tax Credit to help working families and move more kids out of poverty.</li><li>Reproductive Freedom: The decision to have an abortion should be between a woman, her doctor, and her God – not the government. But women today are growing up with fewer rights\r\nthan their mothers had. Trump’s Supreme Court appointees took away the constitutional right to reproductive freedom after 50 years of Roe v Wade – and they lied to the American people about their determination to do it. Nick LaLota cheered the repeal of Roe and said he wants states to go further. Now, Donald Trump is saying that women should have\r\ntheir pregnancies tracked while states a further restricting this right and the Republican Speaker support a national abortion ban. We need a\r\nDemocratic Congress to protect reproductive freedom.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading1-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI've spent most of my career as an author and journalist warning about the dangers of hyper partisanship and polarization of our democracy – while trying to offer solutions for ways to overcome those forces by strengthening the vital center. As the grandson of immigrants, I'm deeply patriotic. I believe the United States of America stands for something more than itself. Therefore, I believe that we need to strengthen American democracy for the 21st century. We need to heal our divides on a political, economic, and cultural level. That means election reform, combating disinformation, teaching civic education, and rebuilding the middle class.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading2-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI've written books about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I've always admired Theodore Roosevelt. Other political heroes include Senator Robert F Kennedy, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Senator John McCain. Margaret Chase Smith deserves eternal admiration for the way she stood up to Senator Joe McCarthy. Bill Clinton awakened my love of politics as I was inspired by his Third Way vision of “opportunity responsibility and community” - concepts that still apply today. I wrote my college thesis on Vaclav Havel. Barack Obama was certainly an inspirational and generationally resonant leader and among contemporary elected officials I have great admiration for Senator Angus King of Maine because of his commitment to common sense problem solving, his principled independence and his ability to use humor to build bridges between people.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading3-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy books “Washington’s Farewell” and “Lincoln &amp; the Fight for Peace” provide the best way to understand my political philosophy. In addition, I’d recommend reading the essay I co-wrote for TIME magazine called “The Unum Test.”\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading4-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIn our polarized times, putting love of country over party is most important principle for an elected official.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading5-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe ability to build teams, solve problems and communicate clearly. I'd like to thank that I can balance moderation with moral courage and model kindness as a character trait consistent with effective leadership. Also, we need more journalists and presidential historians in politics.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading6-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCharacter. A commitment to putting country over party. The ability to communicate clearly and advance a fact-based debate that aims to persuade. The ability to solve problems and think long term.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading7-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI'd like to be remembered as a good man and an effective leader who helped elevate our debates, heal our divides, practiced the politics of the golden rule, and strengthened the vital center.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading8-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI remember dimly being aware of the Iran hostage crisis during the Carter administration and the assassination attempt against President Reagan. I distinctly remember the Challenger explosion and finding myself deputized to go tell classes in my school what happened.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading9-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is your favorite book? Why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt’s almost impossible to name just one but Legends of the Fall by Jim Harrison is the closest because of its sweep and precision. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell. The Last Lion by William Manchester. And Deadline Artists, an anthology of America’s Greatest Newspaper Columns that I edited with my friends Errol Louis and Jesse Angelo.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading10-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIf you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe mythical vision of Lincoln\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading11-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tStick That In Your Country Song by Eric Church. But I love music and listen to it constantly. That's just the last song that got stuck in my head. My favorite band is U2. Soul is the most underrated genre. Lately, I've been listening to a lot of the Clash’s London Calling, Drive-by-Truckers and Steve Earle on the campaign trail.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading12-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tEverything worthwhile is a struggle on some level - except love for your children.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading13-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt is the people's house—a citizen-led legislature that has the potential to represent the full diversity of America and embody our best civic debates. Obviously, this has not been true in recent years. However, I believe we need to throw our shoulder to the wheel and improve the quality of representation and debate. We need strong advocates for our best ideals and for policy solutions that address our problems. Of course, the House is also tasked with the power of the purse—it begin the process to make decisions on budgets, taxes and spending. And these are levers that can help us continue to evolve into a more perfect union.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading14-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tIt helps as a gauge of interest and experience. But it's not necessary. A patriotic love of our country, a willingness to work in good faith with fellow citizens to solve problems and understanding of American history is more than sufficient.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading15-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe the defining struggle of our times is between democracy and autocracy - at home as well as abroad. We need to strengthen the guardrails around our democracy at home through election reforms, algorithm reforms and instilling a culture that teaches the responsibilities as well as rights of being a citizen in a self-governing society. We need to take seriously the responsibility of uniting our country and healing our divides. This is not just a political and cultural effort, but also economic. We must rebuild the middle class. It is no coincidence that the middle of our economy has been hollowed out while the middle of our politics has been hollowed out. We also need to stand with our liberal democratic allies against the spread of autocracy. We need to strengthen American democracy for the 21st Century.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading16-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading17-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse17-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse17-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading17-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse17-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI support term limits – because democracy depends on citizens stepping up and serving for a time rather than trying to permanently hold onto power. But I believe that terms in the House should be around six terms (or 12 years) and in the Senate three terms (or 18 years). There is some virtue in experience and seniority – but most importantly, if limits on terms become to restrained, our country would effectively be run by unelected and unaccountable staff and lobbyists.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading18-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse18-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse18-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading18-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse18-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThat James Madison made quite an impact. Robert Smalls is an under-appreciated American hero. Barbara Jordan embodied moral authority and love of country.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading19-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse19-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse19-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tBoth sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading19-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse19-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI've been inspired by the profound patriotism I’ve seen from Democrats in Suffolk County. I've also been deeply affected by families struggling to stay in Suffolk County because of the high cost of living. But one conversation stands out to me in particular: I was knocking on doors in Smithtown and spoke to an FBI agent - a registered independent—who expressed real frustration at the fact House Republicans were cutting the budget for the FBI, DOJ and ATF. “That’s going to hurt,” he said. “Talk about defunding the police.”\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading20-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse20-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse20-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tTell us your favorite joke.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading20-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse20-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThis seems like a bad idea.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading21-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse21-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse21-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading21-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse21-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAbsolutely. The US constitution was founded on constructive compromise. We must reason together using a common set of facts, defining common ground and then building on it to solve our common problems. It requires not demonizing people we disagree with. It requires a deep belief that there's always more than unites us than divides us as Americans. It requires putting country over party.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading22-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse22-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse22-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tThe Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading22-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse22-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI believe liberal capitalist democracy has been a positive force in the world. But that means government has an interest in incentivizing behavior that benefits the common good and maintains a healthy and strong middle class without falling into the trap of excessive debt that has derailed so many civilizations in the past. This is a balance - but we must invest in order to grow and we must show that the American dream is alive and well - and that means a strong and vibrant middle class with equal opportunity and social mobility. Specifically, I'm committed to restoring the full State and Local Tax Deduction and expanding the Child Tax Credit - both of which would help address the affordability crisis and rebuild the middle class here on Long Island.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading23-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse23-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse23-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tHow should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading23-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse23-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHouse Oversight is essential to seeing that ethics are being upheld and that programs are implemented according to congressional intent. But oversight should not be weaponized and used to hobble an Administration by turning government into a warfare of partisan interests.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading24-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse24-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse24-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading24-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse24-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t-\tNew York State United Teachers Union<br/>\n<p>-\tEast Hampton Democratic Committee<br/>\r\n-\tSouthampton Democratic Committee<br/>\r\n-\tShelter Island Democratic Committee<br/>\r\n-\tSouthold Democratic Committee<br/>\r\n-\tRiverhead Democratic Committee<br/>\r\n-\tHunting Democratic Committee<br/>\r\n-\tJay Jacobs, NYS Democratic Committee Chair<br/>\r\n-\tNYS Assemblyman Fried Thiele <br/>\r\n-\tNYS Assemblyman Steve Stern<br/>\r\n-\tRebecca Sanin, Suffolk County Legislator<br/>\r\n-\tAnn Welker, Suffolk County Legislator<br/>\n</p>\n-\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading25-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse25-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse25-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat committees interest you?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading25-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse25-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t- Transportation &amp; Infrastructure, specifically the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee<br/>\n<p>- Ways &amp; Means<br/>\r\n- House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence<br/>\r\n- Homeland Security<br/>\n</p>\n- Energy &amp; Commerce\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-222307-2024-05-27\" id=\"heading26-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse26-222307-2024-05-27\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse26-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading26-222307-2024-05-27\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse26-222307-2024-05-27\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tDemocracy is government of, by, and for the people. It is therefore essential that citizens have faith that their government is honest and led by representatives who are not ethically or financially compromised. Transparency and accountability are essential to a well-functioning democracy. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nJohn Avlon completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Avlon's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I'm a native New Yorker, the grandson of immigrants and the father of two young kids. I’ve worked most of my career as a journalist and author, recently as a CNN anchor and senior political analyst, where my Reality Check segments aired on the morning show and across the network. I joined CNN fulltime after working as Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director of The Daily Beast for five years – during which time we won 17 awards for journalistic excellence and were blacklisted by the Trump campaign, which I consider a badge of honor. I’ve written four books – Independent Nation, Wingnuts, Washington’s Farewell and Lincoln & the Fight for Peace. Previously, I was a columnist and served as chief speechwriter to the Mayor of New York during the attacks of 9/11. I first became engaged with politics because I was inspired by Bill Clinton’s presidential campaigns and his centrist Democrat “third way” approach to politics. My wife is Margaret Hoover, the host of Firing Line on PBS. I live in Sag Harbor, New York. I decided to get in the arena and run for office when I realized that Trump was going to be renominated by Republicans after his attempt to overturn an election on the back of a lie that led to an attack on our capitol. I believe that now is the time for our generation to step up and defend our democracy – and I didn’t want to look back and tell my children that I could have done more when it mattered most. That’s why I’m running for Congress. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I am a common-sense Democrat running to flip a swing seat from red to blue in Suffolk County, New York. In 2024, we need to build the broadest possible coalition to defend our democracy, defeat Donald Trump, and win back Congress from his MAGA minions, who aren’t even trying to solve problems anymore. When this hyper-partisan fever breaks, we need to restore faith that American government can work for Suffolk County families again by rebuilding the middle class, protecting reproductive freedom, combating climate change and defending our democracy. We need to reduce the cost of living and improve the quality of life. Addressing the cost crisis and rebuilding the middle Class: Washington Republicans raised our taxes so they could fund billions more in tax breaks for corporations and the super-rich. They used the tax code as a partisan weapon by capping the State and Local Tax Deduction, which targeted blue states. Long Island families have depended on the SALT deduction for decades. But Washington Republicans are never going to restore it because their party is just too invested in the partisan red-state/blue-state divide. But Democrats can and will restore the SALT deductions if we if we take back\r\nCongress. I’ll also fight to increase the Child Tax Credit to help working families and move more kids out of poverty. Reproductive Freedom: The decision to have an abortion should be between a woman, her doctor, and her God – not the government. But women today are growing up with fewer rights\r\nthan their mothers had. Trump’s Supreme Court appointees took away the constitutional right to reproductive freedom after 50 years of Roe v Wade – and they lied to the American people about their determination to do it. Nick LaLota cheered the repeal of Roe and said he wants states to go further. Now, Donald Trump is saying that women should have\r\ntheir pregnancies tracked while states a further restricting this right and the Republican Speaker support a national abortion ban. We need a\r\nDemocratic Congress to protect reproductive freedom. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I've spent most of my career as an author and journalist warning about the dangers of hyper partisanship and polarization of our democracy – while trying to offer solutions for ways to overcome those forces by strengthening the vital center. As the grandson of immigrants, I'm deeply patriotic. I believe the United States of America stands for something more than itself. Therefore, I believe that we need to strengthen American democracy for the 21st century. We need to heal our divides on a political, economic, and cultural level. That means election reform, combating disinformation, teaching civic education, and rebuilding the middle class. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I've written books about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I've always admired Theodore Roosevelt. Other political heroes include Senator Robert F Kennedy, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Senator John McCain. Margaret Chase Smith deserves eternal admiration for the way she stood up to Senator Joe McCarthy. Bill Clinton awakened my love of politics as I was inspired by his Third Way vision of “opportunity responsibility and community” - concepts that still apply today. I wrote my college thesis on Vaclav Havel. Barack Obama was certainly an inspirational and generationally resonant leader and among contemporary elected officials I have great admiration for Senator Angus King of Maine because of his commitment to common sense problem solving, his principled independence and his ability to use humor to build bridges between people. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? My books “Washington’s Farewell” and “Lincoln & the Fight for Peace” provide the best way to understand my political philosophy. In addition, I’d recommend reading the essay I co-wrote for TIME magazine called “The Unum Test.” What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? In our polarized times, putting love of country over party is most important principle for an elected official. What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? The ability to build teams, solve problems and communicate clearly. I'd like to thank that I can balance moderation with moral courage and model kindness as a character trait consistent with effective leadership. Also, we need more journalists and presidential historians in politics. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Character. A commitment to putting country over party. The ability to communicate clearly and advance a fact-based debate that aims to persuade. The ability to solve problems and think long term. What legacy would you like to leave? I'd like to be remembered as a good man and an effective leader who helped elevate our debates, heal our divides, practiced the politics of the golden rule, and strengthened the vital center. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? I remember dimly being aware of the Iran hostage crisis during the Carter administration and the assassination attempt against President Reagan. I distinctly remember the Challenger explosion and finding myself deputized to go tell classes in my school what happened. What is your favorite book? Why? It’s almost impossible to name just one but Legends of the Fall by Jim Harrison is the closest because of its sweep and precision. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell. The Last Lion by William Manchester. And Deadline Artists, an anthology of America’s Greatest Newspaper Columns that I edited with my friends Errol Louis and Jesse Angelo. If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be? The mythical vision of Lincoln What was the last song that got stuck in your head? Stick That In Your Country Song by Eric Church. But I love music and listen to it constantly. That's just the last song that got stuck in my head. My favorite band is U2. Soul is the most underrated genre. Lately, I've been listening to a lot of the Clash’s London Calling, Drive-by-Truckers and Steve Earle on the campaign trail. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Everything worthwhile is a struggle on some level - except love for your children. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? It is the people's house—a citizen-led legislature that has the potential to represent the full diversity of America and embody our best civic debates. Obviously, this has not been true in recent years. However, I believe we need to throw our shoulder to the wheel and improve the quality of representation and debate. We need strong advocates for our best ideals and for policy solutions that address our problems. Of course, the House is also tasked with the power of the purse—it begin the process to make decisions on budgets, taxes and spending. And these are levers that can help us continue to evolve into a more perfect union. Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics? It helps as a gauge of interest and experience. But it's not necessary. A patriotic love of our country, a willingness to work in good faith with fellow citizens to solve problems and understanding of American history is more than sufficient. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? I believe the defining struggle of our times is between democracy and autocracy - at home as well as abroad. We need to strengthen the guardrails around our democracy at home through election reforms, algorithm reforms and instilling a culture that teaches the responsibilities as well as rights of being a citizen in a self-governing society. We need to take seriously the responsibility of uniting our country and healing our divides. This is not just a political and cultural effort, but also economic. We must rebuild the middle class. It is no coincidence that the middle of our economy has been hollowed out while the middle of our politics has been hollowed out. We also need to stand with our liberal democratic allies against the spread of autocracy. We need to strengthen American democracy for the 21st Century. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes. What are your thoughts on term limits? I support term limits – because democracy depends on citizens stepping up and serving for a time rather than trying to permanently hold onto power. But I believe that terms in the House should be around six terms (or 12 years) and in the Senate three terms (or 18 years). There is some virtue in experience and seniority – but most importantly, if limits on terms become to restrained, our country would effectively be run by unelected and unaccountable staff and lobbyists. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? That James Madison made quite an impact. Robert Smalls is an under-appreciated American hero. Barbara Jordan embodied moral authority and love of country. Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful? I've been inspired by the profound patriotism I’ve seen from Democrats in Suffolk County. I've also been deeply affected by families struggling to stay in Suffolk County because of the high cost of living. But one conversation stands out to me in particular: I was knocking on doors in Smithtown and spoke to an FBI agent - a registered independent—who expressed real frustration at the fact House Republicans were cutting the budget for the FBI, DOJ and ATF. “That’s going to hurt,” he said. “Talk about defunding the police.” Tell us your favorite joke. This seems like a bad idea. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? Absolutely. The US constitution was founded on constructive compromise. We must reason together using a common set of facts, defining common ground and then building on it to solve our common problems. It requires not demonizing people we disagree with. It requires a deep belief that there's always more than unites us than divides us as Americans. It requires putting country over party. The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected? I believe liberal capitalist democracy has been a positive force in the world. But that means government has an interest in incentivizing behavior that benefits the common good and maintains a healthy and strong middle class without falling into the trap of excessive debt that has derailed so many civilizations in the past. This is a balance - but we must invest in order to grow and we must show that the American dream is alive and well - and that means a strong and vibrant middle class with equal opportunity and social mobility. Specifically, I'm committed to restoring the full State and Local Tax Deduction and expanding the Child Tax Credit - both of which would help address the affordability crisis and rebuild the middle class here on Long Island. How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers? House Oversight is essential to seeing that ethics are being upheld and that programs are implemented according to congressional intent. But oversight should not be weaponized and used to hobble an Administration by turning government into a warfare of partisan interests. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? -\tNew York State United Teachers Union -\tEast Hampton Democratic Committee -\tSouthampton Democratic Committee -\tShelter Island Democratic Committee -\tSouthold Democratic Committee -\tRiverhead Democratic Committee -\tHunting Democratic Committee -\tJay Jacobs, NYS Democratic Committee Chair -\tNYS Assemblyman Fried Thiele -\tNYS Assemblyman Steve Stern -\tRebecca Sanin, Suffolk County Legislator -\tAnn Welker, Suffolk County Legislator - What committees interest you? - Transportation & Infrastructure, specifically the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee - Ways & Means - House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence - Homeland Security - Energy & Commerce What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability? Democracy is government of, by, and for the people. It is therefore essential that citizens have faith that their government is honest and led by representatives who are not ethically or financially compromised. Transparency and accountability are essential to a well-functioning democracy. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign ads", "answer_html": "<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1548351761485-0\"><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(\"div-gpt-ad-1548351761485-0\"); });</script></div>", "answer_text": ""}]