Mobile Press Register

Candidate Survey

Mark Thornton

Libertarian Party Candidate for the United States Senate

1. What do you think is the most important question facing the Senate that affects Alabama?

Even under optimistic government estimates, Social Security will go bankrupt by 2026. That means that someone my age (36) will work an entire lifetime, pay more than 15% Social Security taxes, and retire just in time to see the demise of Social Security and the financial ruin of the country.

2. Both candidates refer frequently to "Alabama values." Explain what you mean by this term, and how you would promote them in the Senate.

I hold a different view of "Alabama values." I believe candidates should uphold their campaign promises, not sell themselves to special interest groups like the Trail Lawyers and the "Christian" Coalition, and not have your campaign financed and run by powerbrokers from Washington. It includes upholding the Constitution and State's Rights.

3. What campaign reforms, if any would you advocate to reduce the influence of special interests in government while providing adequate funding for candidates who are not independently wealthy?

Term limits for politicians, judges, and bureaucrats. End free postage and taxpayer campaign subsidies. End federal campaign regulations that entrench incumbents and harm challengers and grassroots organizations. Expand the House of Representatives to the original ratio of Representatives to Citizens so that Citizens can afford to Represent themselves.

4. On what major positions, if any, do you disagree with your party's candidate for president?

Harry Browne, the Libertarian candidate wants Americans to give up their favorite government program so we can eliminate the Income Tax and replace it with nothing. I support eliminating the Income Tax, but I think all federal programs do as much harm as the Income Tax.

5. What are the qualities you will look for in examining the judicial qualifications of nominees for federal judgeships, including the Supreme Court?

The good society is ruled by law, not men. Judges should have a record of upholding the Constitution including the ninth and tenth Amendments. The Supreme Court should be a check on the power of the President and Congress, not a tool to interfere with States and individuals. I will promote my short list of recommendations to the President.

6. Some concern has been raised that certain international agreements might infringe on the rights of American citizens. Do you believe we have adequate constitutional guarantees against such infringements? If not, what existing or pending agreements do you perceive as threats to our national sovereignty?

I support peace and unilateral free trade with all nations, entangling alliances with none. I oppose NAFTA, GATT, the Mexican bailout, and the World Trade Organization. I oppose the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. I would bring our troops home from Korea, Japan, Germany, Italy, Cuba, Bosnia, and Iraq.

Biographical Information:

Name: Mark Thornton

Date of Birth: June 7, 1960

Place of Birth: Geneva, NY

Marital Status: Single

High School: St. Francis De Sales High School

College: St. Bonaventure University, B.S. 1982

Auburn University, Ph.D (economics)1989

Previous Races: 1984 Congress, 3rd District of Alabama

1988 Constable of Lee County

Public Offices: Constable of Lee County

Chairman of the Alabama Libertarian Party

Member of present

party since: Paid member of Libertarian Party since 1979

Previous party

affiliation: Volunteer, Conservative Party, 1974-78

Registered Republican 1978