Election 2008 - Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, War in Iraq, Health Care, Global Warming, Education, Abortion

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Election Information by State

Upcoming Primaries

5/6 Indiana, North Carolina

5/13 Nebraska (R), W. Virginia (D)

5/18 Hawaii (R)

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Mike & Whitney's Real Wedding

Quick Facts

Age: 78

Party: Democratic Party

Marital Status:
Married to Whitney

Wedding Date:
Sunday, May 06, 1984

Children:
Martin; Lynne

Education:
BS in Economics from Columbia University & 4 honorary degrees in law and public affairs

Birthplace:
Springfield, Massachusetts

Mike Gravel

Officially dropped out of the race: May 25, 2008

Early years? Born to French-Canadian immigrant parents in 1930 in Massachusetts, Mike Gravel was raised in a working class family. In college, Gravel studied economics at Columbia University and then moved to Alaska, without funding or a job, to begin his political career. He worked in various business fields, including real estate, before running for his first election.

Political background? Gravel was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives in 1962 and won reelection in 1964. Gravel won a tight senatorial election later in 1968, and served as Alaskan senator for 12 years until 1981.

What's he known for? During his time in the Senate, Gravel played a major role in Vietnam War and foreign policy. He is also attributed to having ended the draft following the war, after engaging in a one-man filibuster in 1971 against legislation that would renew the draft.

Hot issues? Among his hot issues are the war in Iraq, foreign policy, and tax reform.

Issue	Position
Abortion	Supports abortion rights.

Education	Opposes No Child Left Behind. Supports private school voucher initiatives.

Environment-Energy	Supports legislation that would cap emissions in order to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Health Care	Supports a plan for universal health care through a voucher program based on economic need.

Immigration	Favors a guest worker program. Wants to set up a streamlined naturalization process, but wants to ensure that there is open communication about NAFTA and free trade in order to stimulate job growth and improve the economy.

Iraq War	Opposed use of military force in Iraq. Opposes sending additional troops to Iraq. Supports an immediate troop withdrawal.

Same-sex Marriage	Supports same-sex marriage.

Taxes	Wants to replace the IRS and income taxes with a national sales tax and issue funds to families living below the poverty line.

Women's Rights	Supports a bill that would require businesses to hire more women and minorities.

Hilary for VP? "Just curious if you want her to run on the ticket..." read more on The Knot boards

Should Obama Pay Clinton's Debt? "Is it customary for a former member..." read more on The Nest boards

Views on Illegal Immigration? "I personally have no problem..." read more on Wedding Channel boards