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Q and A: Mike Huckabee

Newsday Staff Writer

How would you finish this sentence? "Sept. 11 is the day that ..."

Sept. 11 is the day that we climbed and we dug, we raged and we prayed, we wept and we comforted, but most importantly, we woke up. In the pitch-black clouds that the death of each tower created, where you couldn't see your own hand in front of your face, we saw the world far more clearly than we had at the dawn of that bright blue morning.

Should we stop divvying up the money for counterterrorism among all 50 states, as we do now, and move to a formula that is entirely risk-based? Why, or why not?

We must move to a formula that is risk-based, not pork-based. It is reprehensible to play politics when our lives are at stake. Obviously, New York remains the biggest bull's-eye, and its level of funding must reflect that, but terrorism can also happen in Oklahoma City as we well know so there needs to be national consideration.

How should the U.S. government manage the influx of illegal immigrants?

One of my highest priorities will be to improve our nation's border security. This is vital to our national security interests. Our government has failed and to address this urgent priority, I have a Nine-Point Strategy at: www.mikehuckabee.com. I will build the fence and increase the border patrol. Illegals will be required to register within 120 days and leave the country, where they will go to the "back of the line." I believe cracking down on employers will result in attrition -- if illegals can't find work, they'll go home.

What's the role of bilingual education in American schools?

I support intensive immersion in English rather than bilingual education.

What can the federal government do to bring down gasoline/oil prices?

We must decrease American dependence on foreign oil. We need to explore in ANWR (Alaska?? cq? tim d. National Wildlife Refuge) and our continental shelves and make it easier to build refineries. My plan is to become energy independent within 10 years.

What's the role of the federal government in efforts to check soaring local property taxes?

Stop the unfunded mandates that impose responsibilities on the states and localities without providing the resources to meet them. I'm pleased that Gov. Spitzer appointed Tom Suozzi to head his commission on capping property taxes.

What would you do to boost job growth in areas like Long Island?

Long Island's prosperity is tied to Wall Street's -- your retailers depend on that money. You've lost jobs from Delta Financial and American Home Mortgage. I support a short-term stimulus of tax rebates, extended unemployment benefits, and accelerated depreciation for businesses. I would begin a second round of negotiations with subprime lenders to expand the Hope Now program.

When would the last U.S. soldier leave Iraq if you are elected president?

When Iraq is stable and secure within its borders and my military leaders tell me they've completed their mission.

Should the U.S. government guarantee health care coverage for every American?

My plan to prevent chronic disease, provide better management and earlier detection of disease, and move to a consumer-based system will make health insurance more affordable and more accessible, while keeping our high level of quality. Our health care must belong to us, not our government or our employer.

What two things should New Yorkers know about you personally?

I completed the New York City Marathon in 2006 and look forward to doing it again. I'm very proud to be endorsed by Yankees' great Bobby Richardson, who won five Gold Gloves and three World Series rings.