- What role, if any, do you believe the United States should play on the global stage?

The US should always be a global leader and because we are a country for good that believes in the rule of law, we also are expected and should lead.

- What is the greatest geo-political issue facing the United States today?

China is always on the forefront. They are building and militarizing islands, changing the laws of the air and sea that have been in place for centuries. They are also over-leveraging Pacific Island nations in order to obtain UN votes or valuable assets from these developing nations. They are also stealing our intellectual property and plainly not playing by the rules. If they want to be a world leader or world superpower, they need to start acting like one. What’s happening with Iran is obviously a great concern. Putin will not stop until he has taken what he wants. Those are probably the top three.

- How do you view America’s alliance system as it currently stands? What changes, if any, to the alliance structure would you like to see implemented?

Alliances are important. The problem is you can’t pick and choose when you want to participate and support each other in that alliance. We have seen Spain and other countries not come through when requested in the Iranian conflict. I think it’s always important to review and reevaluate all of our alliances and support of countries within them.

- What role, if any, should U.S. foreign assistance play in advancing America's interests abroad, and what principles would guide your decisions on funding those programs?  How do you view the decision to shutter USAID?

As a former ambassador, I dealt with USAID. The problem was they were not transparent and were not responsive to the needs that were determined by either the Ambassador or a member of the administration. They did their own thing for way too long. I believe that we need to have roving Ambassadors so that we can anticipate all the needs, especially in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East.

- What role should Congress play in authorizing or overseeing the use of U.S. military force abroad, including recent actions involving Iran?

The President has certain powers within the executive branch that he has the full authority to use. It’s my opinion that if any President is going to put boots on the ground for a sustained period, he needs to get authorization from Congress and support from the American people.

- What outcomes should the United States pursue in its relations with Iran and what approaches do you support in achieving these goals?

We all know that Iran has never been one to be trusted. They’ve had numerous opportunities to be a good neighbor and a productive member of the world. They have chosen a different path. They’ve had many opportunities to obtain peace, and they’ve chosen not to take advantage of these opportunities. It’s time for the people to make a change.

- Do you support further aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia? If so, what types of aid would you vote for?

I would have to review the situation in more detail and obtain the appropriate briefings to make that determination.

- How should the U.S. approach its relationship with Israel?

I have been to Israel and remember playing basketball in an underground bunker and going to an area of Israel where there were tens of thousands of expended rocket canisters lined on a field. They have every right to defend themselves. I am appreciative of the Abraham accords that the President is trying to put forth and the consideration of Arab countries in the region joining.

- What path would you like to see the United States chart in regards to international trade relations? What role should Congress play in setting trade policy?

As an ambassador, I have done trade deals. I have always felt that if a country is going to charge us for example, 10% tariff then we should reciprocate. Also, if we are going to allow them to have access to our markets, then we should have the same access to their markets.

- Where do you believe the United States should seek cooperation with countries that are also strategic competitors, such as China, and where should it draw firm lines?

I have always been a trust, but verify person. Any relationships that we develop need to have very strong checks and balances. That is critical to ensure our safety and security.

- What are your current views on immigration policy and enforcement in the United States? This includes legal and illegal immigration, refugee resettlement, and asylum programs.

President Biden should never have opened up our borders. It created a mess that we will be dealing with for many, many years. The President was elected to close the border and deal with the problem. Obviously, it is a complicated problem. I firmly believe that anybody who has any type of criminal record or has perpetrated any crime should be deported immediately. If Congress does not support the actions of the President, then they should change the laws.

- What role should the U.S. Congress play in shaping U.S. Foreign Policy and how much should it defer to the President and the U.S. Department of State?

Sadly, Congress has difficulty passing even a basic bill. The President needs to react almost immediately to situations that develop. He is the President and has the right and the ability to set the tone on foreign policy. Congress should be there as a check and balance or a partner to accomplish our goals.

- How do international events affect the lives of people in New Hampshire, and how would your foreign policy priorities benefit the state?

As a result of what’s happening in Iran, our gas prices have gone up, inflation has risen, and there is a sense of frustration that the conflict will not end. In addition people who are crossing our northern border illegally have created serious problems when it comes to drug and human trafficking. They want someone who has experience to deal with these issues.

Enclosing, this survey does not fully represent my positions on any of these issues. They are very complicated and through my years of experience, I understand that these are things that have to be worked on at great length to become or have a resolution.