Leadership is something that is sorely lacking in Washington, and our current representative. As an officer in the Navy Reserve, as a graduate of a federal service academy, as an Eagle Scout, and as a manager for a Fortune 200 company, I've learned to work effectively with people from all backgrounds and differing points of view to lead and to accomplish our common goals. As President Obama correctly pointed out in his last State of the Union address, congress needs to adopt the same attitude as Seal Team 6 had- we all have each others' backs and we need to accomplish the mission.

Question 11: Where does the federal government need to scale back and where does it need to spend more? What strategies do you support for tackling the nation's debt.

This a great question, and a very important issue. We need to scale back the military in smart ways. We are no longer protecting the world from Soviet Russia. We need to invest in higher education. We will tackle the nation's debt by rolling back the Bush era tax cuts on the top income earners and add two additional tax brackets above the current top bracket. 100% of that increased revenue should go to paying down the deficit, which is more than $700 billion over ten years. As examples, we need to simplify the tax code to eliminate loopholes, end subsidies to big oil and ethanol, and allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices.

Yes, I do support increasing income taxes on those earning more than $1 million per year.

Absolutely. It is vitally important for Congress to support more affordable higher education. We came out with our policy in November to advocate for making post-secondary tuition tax deductible, capping student loan interest rates at 1.5%, and expanding Pell Grants.

Question 13: What can be done to improve our public K-12 schools?

My Mom is a public school teacher, and I have been a substitute teacher and athletic coach in the public schools, so this is an issue I care deeply about. Jennifer and I are having our first child in August, and we'll be sending him or her to our terrific public schools. Let's start with ending No Child Left Behind. The role of the federal government in K-12 education is limited. We should fully fund special education, something congress has never done. But K-12 education is best managed as close to home as possible, on a local level.

We need to revitalize the American tradition of technical education. This initiative will teach high school students how to take entry level manufacturing jobs. It will prepare college students for careers in information technology, date management, and engineering. The focus of all future technical education needs to green energy and environmentally friendly development.

Question 15: Betsey Porter from Bloomington asks “What is your position on the marriage amendment?” And more specifically to federal law, do you support the Defense of Marriage Act, the current federal law that defines marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman?

I oppose the marriage amendment. I oppose DOMA. I support the elimination of Don't Ask Don't Tell. I support the right of everyone in this country to marry the person they love.

Hi Sharon! Here's a question. Would you like to get together and have a public debate?

Second, Sharon, do you believe, as I do, that one of the most important things we can do to beat Erik Paulsen is to come together, as a party, and work cooperatively to deliver our job creation, real economic growth, and social justice.

2. Because of your interest in ethics, what is your opinion of the role of PACs and special interest groups in campaigns?

Brian, yes we have to come together to beat Erik Paulsen. Without a doubt, I will continue my activism in the Third District to defeat the incumbent.

That was great, guys, thanks. For the remaining time, we're going to turn back to user-generated questions. Here's one from Dusten Retcher in Eden Prairie who wants to know, “What are your stances on Veteran`s issues? Can you take care of our troops without adding to the federal debt?"

As a daughter of a 20 year military veteran who served two tours in Vietnam and is a sufferer of Agent Orange exposure. I know the importance of taking care of our veterans and our troops overseas, who make the ultimate sacrifice. In Congress, I will prioritize voting to support our veterans. We will always look for ways to pay for our veterans out of annual revenue because our heroes deserve no less.

Hi Brian, what will it take for the tide to rise?

Hi Michael. Parents in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center should be able to send their kids to the same colleges and universities as kids from Edina!

Yes.

Undecided from Edina wants to know, "How can you demonstrate that you are an independent thinker, and not a rubber stamp for your party?"

As a scientist, I understand the importance of clear criteria for decision-making. We need to let the data answer the effectiveness of all government programs. I will not ignore inefficiencies or ineffectiveness in programs personally important to me or to the Democratic Party.

I want to thank everyone who has participated. I want to thank Rosemary Rocco for years of political activism, and Dusten Retcher and John Wexler for their service to our country. I also want to thank Sharon for her commitment to this district by running for elected office.

Thanks to Michael Olsen and Catherine Richert for moderating the forum. I want to thank Brian for his participation as well. It was wonderful to answer questions from so many people in the district. My experience as a scientist, mother, business owner, and community activist has prepared me to represent the real concerns of people in the 3rd district in the US House. My experiences working with Minnesota's Congressional Delegation on health care reform taught me much about how Congress and the process work. I will arrive in Congress ready to repeal DOMA, to support our bullied youth, and to put people back to work. Thanks again, everyone who participated.

Thanks again everyone. Also, I'm interested in your feedback on the forum. Email me at molson@mpr.org