Sen. Sam Brownback responds

We received over 800 questions and comments for Sen. Sam Brownback (news, bio, voting record). Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and to the senator for responding.

Sen. Brownback was interviewed by Talk to Power producer Ilyse Veron. He was filmed in his office in Topeka, Kan.

Yahoo! readers wanted to know about many different topics, including Sen. Brownback's religion and how it affects his policy, his stance on stem cell research,  and the upcoming elections.  

Below is a breakout of questions with links to Sen. Brownback's taped responses to each.

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On religion and policy 

Many readers commented on Sen. Brownback's Christian conservatism and its impact on his work as a lawmaker.

One reader, self-identified as a Christian conservative, sought to move the focus away from divisive issues and instead on areas of common ground. "I recently heard you remark that we need to find the things that link us together rather than focusing on the issues that divide us as a nation. Assuming that most people have formed [fairly] solid positions on the war, abortion, taxes, etc., which issues do you think we can focus on as Americans that might bring us together?"

See Sen. Brownback's response here.

Another reader, self identified as a "non-believer," asked: "Why is it so important to Christian conservatives that I, a non-believer, live by your code of morals?" 

See Sen. Brownback's response here.

On stem cell research 

There was much debate among readers on the subject of stem cell research in the news.  

One reader, noting that Sen. Brownback was a cancer survivor, asked him to elaborate on his stance on embryonic stem cell research. Another reader wrote, " I am concerned that your acknowledged focus on the 2008 presidential bid  [and] ... your opposition to stem cell research is hurting chances to improve the economy of the Kansas. "

See Sen. Brownback's response here.

On abortion 

Abortion was also a widely mentioned topic on the boards.  One reader wrote: "As a conservative born-again Christian I have become increasingly annoyed that the Republican majority I voted for has not done enough to abolish abortion. What is the GOP going to do and why does it lack the will to do what needs to be done?"

See Sen. Brownback's response here.

On the war in

Iraq

Virtually every guest on Talk to Power has addressed the war in Iraq.  This week, a reader asked, "Under what conditions do you see the United States able to withdraw from Iraq, and how would you suggest attaining those conditions?"

See Sen. Brownback's response here.

On Darfur 

One reader compared U.S. involvement in Iraq to its lack of involvement in Darfur and wrote, "You have demonstrated interest in Darfur. Please explain why nothing more substantive about this genocide has been accomplished."

See Sen. Brownback's response here.

On online forums 

A number of readers asked questions about the forum itself, and the effect of public dialog on policy. "What influence do comments like these on Yahoo have on the way you view politics and your constituents?" asked one.

Another added, "Do you ever get frustrated by people making political statements in forums like this instead of asking actual questions intended to create dialog on the subject they find important?"  

See Sen. Brownback's response here.

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Thanks again for your comments and questions, and to Sen. Brownback for participating.
 

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