Barack Obama, Democrat:


BARACK OBAMA
Date of Birth: August 4, 1961
Hometown: Alexandira, VA.
Family: Married to Michelle Robinson Obama
Children: Malia Ann, and Sasha Obama
Religion: United Church of Christ
Education: Education: B.A. Columbia University
J.D. Harvard law School 1991
Public Service / Elected Offices: Experience: Illinios State Senator 1997-2004
US Senator Illinios 2005-present

On the Issues
Iraq
Senator Obama is calling for a reduction in the number of U.S. troops, a time frame for a phased withdrawal, the Iraqi government to make progress on forming a political solution, improved reconstruction efforts to restore basic services in Iraq and engaging the international community (particularly key neighboring states and Arab nations) to become more involved in Iraq.

Obama introduced legislation with the goal of removing all combat brigades from Iraq by March 31, 2008, a date consistent with the bipartisan Iraq Study Group's expectations. The plan allows for a limited number of U.S. troops to remain in Iraq as basic force protection, to engage in counter-terrorism and to continue the training of Iraqi security forces.

If the Iraqis are successful in meeting the 13 benchmarks for progress laid out by the Bush Administration, this plan also allows for the temporary suspension of the redeployment, provided Congress agrees that the benchmarks have been met.

Immigration
Obama supports additional personnel, infrastructure, and technology on the border and at our ports of entry. Obama believes we need additional Customs and Border Protection agents equipped with better technology and real-time intelligence. However, enforcing our borders is only one step of comprehensive immigration reform.

To remove incentives to enter the country illegally, Obama says we need to crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants. He wants to create a new employment eligibility verification system so employers could verify their employees are legally eligible to work in the U.S., making it fair to legal workers and tougher on employers.

Obama supports a system that requires undocumented immigrants who are in good standing to pay a fine, learn English, not commit crimes, go to the back of the line for citizenship, and then after all those conditions are met, they would be granted the opportunity to stay in the United States.

Healthcare
"I believe every American has the right to affordable health care. I believe the millions of Americans who can't take their children to a doctor when they get sick have that right. We now face an opportunity, and an obligation to turn the page on the failed politics of yesterday's health care debates. It's time to bring together businesses, the medical community, and members of both parties around a comprehensive solution to this crisis, and it's time to let the drug and insurance industries know that while they'll get a seat at the table, they don't get to buy every chair."

The Obama health care plan would require all children to have health care coverage. It would also offer coverage to all Americans through a plan similar to the benefits Congressional members get. No one could be denied coverage under this plan due to pre-existing conditions.

Energy
Obama supports implementation of a bold market-based cap-and-trade system to reduce dependence on foreign oil and nonrenewable, polluting sources of energy. He wants to dramatically increase federal investment in advanced clean-energy technologies and energy efficiency.