CLICKBACK WITH CANDIDATES

This week, ClickBack asks readers to submit questions they would ask candidates in the 1st Congressional District primary races. The 1st District seat has been held by Democrat Tom Allen for 12 years; Rep. Allen is challenging Sen. Susan Collins for a Senate seat in November. Six Democrats – Michael Brennan, Adam Cote, Mark Lawrence, Steve Meister, Chellie Pingree and Ethan Strimling – are seeking their party’s nomination. On the Republican side, Dean Scontras and Charlie Summers are vying for their party’s nod.

If you could sit down with the candidates, what policy questions would you ask? Go to www.bangordailynews.com and click on the ClickBack logo to post your questions. Some questions will be sent to the candidates, and they will respond in the coming weeks.

Here are some topics readers may want to consider:

. The economy. Polls show this as the top concern in recent months as the nation tries to rebound from a slowdown or recession. What should the next Congress do to get the economy moving again? More stimulus checks? More regulation of financial markets? Major changes in U.S. trade policy such as an end to free trade agreements? More tax incentives for businesses to create jobs?

. Energy and the environment. Gasoline is creeping toward $4 per gallon, a threshold that was unimaginable a year ago. What can the next Congress do to control prices? Should the budget include big investments in alternative fuels and technologies? Even for ethanol that is driving up food prices? Should the U.S. pressure allies such as Saudi Arabia to produce more exports, or work to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration? And what about global warming – should Congress push for stricter emission limits? Higher fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks? Should the United States sign on to international agreements on climate change?

. Health care. The next Congress will likely face a bold new approach to expanding health insurance and health care from the next president, regardless of which of the three candidates wins the White House. What should Maine’s representative be wary of, or what should he or she insist be included in the package? Is universal insurance the answer, even if it requires higher taxes? Restrictions on the marketing of prescription drugs? What about the solvency of Medicaid and Medicare?

. Iraq. The U.S. occupation of Iraq continues into a sixth year. Should the next Congress stay the course, or insist the next president begin withdrawing troops?

What do you want to know from the candidates? Go to www.bangordaily

news.com and look for the ClickBack logo to submit your questions. Return to these pages and the BDN Web site to see the answers.