Have you always identified with the Democratic party? If not, when/why did that change occur?

What are the issues or reasons that you identify with the Democratic party?

Your parents--what parties are/were they affiliated with?

Have you ever been actively involved in politics? If yes, what did you do?

Have your political views changed any since having children? How so?

Do you ever watch Fox News, or pay attention to any other right-leaning media?

Are there any Republicans whose values you admire, or who you admire as a person?

Who is your dream Democratic ticket in '08?

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Have you always identified with the Democratic party? If not, when/why did that change occur? yes, more or less

What are the issues or reasons that you identify with the Democratic party? I think the party as a whole cares more about making sure all Americans have an equal shot at making it, and recognizes that sometimes you do have to level the playing field and help out those who started at an extreme disadvantage or are disenfranchised. The Democratic party is more forward thinking when it comes to environmental issues, something near and dear to my heart. I find the party to be more tolerant in general, and respectful of people of ALL faiths.

Your parents--what parties are/were they affiliated with?Dad-Liberal Democrat. Mom--Conservative Republican except on the issue of education spending.

Have you ever been actively involved in politics? If yes, what did you do? When I was a senior in high school in Virginia--and I think this a GREAT program that all schools should do--we were required in our government class to do a minimum of six hours volunteering for ANY campaign or candidate. I campaigned for Jim Moran (D, Virginia), who beat incumbent Stan Parris that year (1990). I phone banked and called people, polling them on their political views and likely vote in that election. I got the biggest kick out of the night that Jim Moran came into the phone bank room and thanked those of us there (lots of high schoolers) for volunteering for him. Once I was done with my mandatory hours, I continued to volunteer because I enjoyed it so much. Since then, I'm sorry to say I haven't done much more than stick signs in my front yard at election time, but hey, it's better than nothing at all!

Have your political views changed any since having children? How so? I've always been a democrat, but as a parent who pays a fortune for so-so health insurance, the issues that concern me most these days are health care and education.

Do you ever watch Fox News, or pay attention to any other right-leaning media? I do--I think you have to listen to what they're saying to pick apart the lies and untruths whenever someone brings them up.

Are there any Republicans whose values you admire, or who you admire as a person? John McCain. He's a stand-up guy who isn't a slave to the views of the far right portion of his party. I think it tells me a lot about the Republican party that they chose Bush as a candidate in 2000 over this guy who works well with both Democrats and Republicans, and even when baited by reporters, wouldn't say anything negative about John Kerry during the campaign.

Who is your dream Democratic ticket in '08? I think you've gotta think about Barack Obama. He's smart and dynamic and I think people will identify with him. He's closer to my age so I think he understands what it's like to raise a family today.

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Have you always identified with the Democratic party? If not, when/why did that change occur? Yes, always

What are the issues or reasons that you identify with the Democratic party? I agree with most Democratic issues, abortion, the poor, I am fairly liberal

Your parents--what parties are/were they affiliated with? I am in a Democratic family

Have you ever been actively involved in politics? If yes, what did you do? Does student government count? Otherwise, no.

Have your political views changed any since having children? How so? No

Do you ever watch Fox News, or pay attention to any other right-leaning media? Not too often

Are there any Republicans whose values you admire, or who you admire as a person? I like their stance on small business

Who is your dream Democratic ticket in '08? Clinton/Obama

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Have you always identified with the Democratic party? If not, when/why did that change occur? Yes.

What are the issues or reasons that you identify with the Democratic party? health care, the economy, equality, rights, the enviornment, war as a last resort

Your parents--what parties are/were they affiliated with? My mother's side are basically all democrats, my father's side are basically all republicans

Have you ever been actively involved in politics? If yes, what did you do? I just was involved in the 2004 campaign by attending events whenever possible.

Have your political views changed any since having children? How so? Yes. I think that I look at things as a mother differently than I would look at them before having Jacob. I try to put myself in the position of those whom would be effected by the decisions made(if that makes sense).

Do you ever watch Fox News, or pay attention to any other right-leaning media? Funny, my Dad's wife(rep.) tried to tell me that the only channel that gives you an un-biased opinion on the election was Fox-lol. I found that to be the contrary. I watched "Scarborough" every night(definately a rep.) and it just made me realize that much more how I did not identify with the republican viewpoint.

Are there any Republicans whose values you admire, or who you admire as a person?

Who is your dream Democratic ticket in '08? Someone who can win-lol.

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Sara
Dh Eric
Jacob Thomas~May 3, 2003

Have you always identified with the Democratic party? If not, when/why did that change occur? for the most part, yes. I went through a brief period of being pretty conservative on monetary issues, but that's because I was in business school and they brainwashed me

What are the issues or reasons that you identify with the Democratic party? Civil liberties, the environment, reproductive rights, a desire to invest in our future by guaranteeing every child adequate health care and education.

Your parents--what parties are/were they affiliated with? Mostly Democratic, but would cross party lines if a Republican appealed to them (as I will do)

Have you ever been actively involved in politics? If yes, what did you do? no

Have your political views changed any since having children? How so? I have become much more liberal the past few years, but I think it's more of a reaction to having people like Bush and Ashcroft in power than having children.

Do you ever watch Fox News, or pay attention to any other right-leaning media? I don't watch TV news at all. I think it is all crap. I read the Atlantic Monthly, which is a magazine for moderate conservatives with brains.

Are there any Republicans whose values you admire, or who you admire as a person? I also like John McCain, but I think he sold his soul by endorsing Bush so enthusiastically.

Who is your dream Democratic ticket in '08? So far there isn't one. I think Barak Obama needs to gain a little more experience.

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Have you always identified with the Democratic party? If not, when/why did that change occur? No, I initially registered Republican because my dad was a Republican. I started to change my mind after learning more about politic in college, but what really triggered it was going to Europe after college (1992) and talking to my Sweidsh relatives about their views.

What are the issues or reasons that you identify with the Democratic party? Healthcare for all, reducing the deficit, pro environment, pro choice, against war in Iraq

Your parents--what parties are/were they affiliated with? Dad Republican, mom not a US citizen but agrees with my Dad

Have you ever been actively involved in politics? If yes, what did you do? I did some phone banking for Kerry

Have your political views changed any since having children? How so? No

Do you ever watch Fox News, or pay attention to any other right-leaning media? No

Are there any Republicans whose values you admire, or who you admire as a person? Richard Riordan, the former major of Los Angeles (he was a very liberal Reublican )

Who is your dream Democratic ticket in '08? Kerry again if he could win, but I know that's not going to happen.

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Have you always identified with the Democratic party? If not, when/why did that change occur? Yes.

What are the issues or reasons that you identify with the Democratic party? My grandfather was an old Southern Democrat from way back. He actually made a crack at a political career in New Orleans in the 50s/60s and managed some races for others including a mayoral race. But he used to talk to me all the time about politics and policy and government . . . I think it is from him that I get my love of politics and the reason why I identify w/the Dem party: the values they stand for are the same ones my grandfather stood for. And he was a very smart, very good man.

Your parents--what parties are/were they affiliated with? Dems

Have you ever been actively involved in politics? If yes, what did you do? I've never volunteered for a campaign. But I've done my share of letter writing and phone calling, etc. for political causes I believe in.

Have your political views changed any since having children? How so? No. Makes me believe even more strongly now that we have to do something about these right-wing nuts before they ruin the country for all of our children.

Do you ever watch Fox News, or pay attention to any other right-leaning media? Oh god no. I think I'd barf if I watched that crap.

Are there any Republicans whose values you admire, or who you admire as a person? I also admire John McCain. I think he is a good man which is why I was also so puzzled about his speaking up for Bush. Not only speaking up but pretty much licking his a$$, pardon me for saying so. DH and I were watching and we turned to each other and said, "he has to be sick to his stomach to have to stand there and say that." Anyway, I do admire him. I also think Bob Dole has a great sense of humor!

Who is your dream Democratic ticket in '08? I'd love to see Hilary run. I'd love to see Dean run again (but it will never happen. He'd never get elected)Of course, Jon Stewart always has my vote!

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Have you always identified with the Democratic party? If not, when/why did that change occur?Yep.

What are the issues or reasons that you identify with the Democratic party? Civil liberties and women's rights, first and foremost. The environment, universal healthcare and equal opportunities for all closely follow.

Your parents--what parties are/were they affiliated with? My mom was originally a Democrat--she was a hippie and was actually at Woodstock, and I'm not sure about my dad when he was young. But, they're both Republican now, although my sister and brother are Democrats.

Have you ever been actively involved in politics? If yes, what did you do? Not really. I did attend the pro-choice rally in DC in 1992.

Have your political views changed any since having children? How so? Nope.

Do you ever watch Fox News, or pay attention to any other right-leaning media? No. It infuriates me too much to listen to them. But I eat, sleep and breathe Air America!

Are there any Republicans whose values you admire, or who you admire as a person? I admire my parents. I can't think of any values. And, oh yah, Bill O'Reilly. (gag! Just kidding!)

Who is your dream Democratic ticket in '08? I can't think of one yet. I'd like a ticket that will win, andsadly enough, I don't think that a black person or a woman can do that yet. I really wish that JFK Jr. had lived. He'd have won in a landslide election, I bet. (And he was such great eye candy!

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Niki, Mom to Sophie (3 years) and Talia (1.5 years)