Some say that the scientific consensus provides the best available information on the state of knowledge on an issue while others say that the scientific consensus is a meaningless concept. How important to you is it to make policy decisions based on scientific consensus?

What then does it take for you to believe in a scientific theory? We all know that Romney and Santorum will tell you that they do believe in some scientific theories. So we need to know which ones, and why they do believe in them.

12. Scientific Integrity. Many government scientists report political interference in their job. Is it acceptable for elected officials to hold back or alter scientific reports if they conflict with their own views, and how will you balance scientific information with politics and personal beliefs in your decision-making?

Science has been increasingly under attack from a number of members of congress in recent years. Do you believe legislative decisions should be based on sound science or political ideology?

How much longer are we going to stand for ID/creation nonsense to challenge evolution in public schools?

The American Science Pledge asks candidates for elected office to commit to basing public policy decisions on the knowledge produced by science, which may be informed but not superseded by economic interests and their values. Will you sign the American Science Pledge?

The OTA served Congress well and in recent years would have blunted the most outlandish notions that arise from the members from time to time. It could be ignored as is the CBO occasionally, but a few facts from a credible OTA might still bleed into the debates.

Often, and especially with climate change, the consensus formed by thousands of scientists is rejected by politicians who claim that the existence of a few skeptics indicates that the "jury is still out," and hence both sides can be ignored. Considering there are still skeptics of gravity, clearly this skepticism must be disregarded at some point. What should the consensus satisfy such that you will reject the claims of skeptics?

Many findings are reported which may conflict with previous findings, but are candidates able to determine which are closer to "reality" and their implications for policy development? Do they understand the scientic method and how new or additional information is incorporated with existing paradigms?

Similar to #12 in scientific integegrity category.

The increase in religious ideas in the 50's gave rise to the placement of this phrase on US currency, but some argue it is a violation of the principles of the founding of this country as a strictly secular nation that takes no sides with regard to "Gods".

When regulations are written should information gathered and reviewed by neutral scientists trump data provided by industries about to be regulated?

Controversy seems relegated to two classes of theories: 1. Those considered incompatible with one's faith, and 2. Those which, if accepted, lead to considerable financial costs and potentially undercut one's political ideology. Ironically, arguments for (1) inevitably seek to control liberties - in direct contradition to arguments for (2). And yet the same groups frequently fall into both categories.

Candidates for office are often accused of misconstruing the validity of scientific issues, such as the credibility of climate change research, in order to gain popularity with certain sections of the electorate. Should there be consequences for a public figure who delibrately spreads misinformation about established scientific issues?

Science can be controversial as it works its way through discovery, understanding and universal adoption. Quashing innovative research based on non-universal religious beliefs can put our nation at a disadvantage and put off life-saving and life-changing discoveries. How can you balance your personal beliefs with American's constitutional freedoms of liberty?

What is the best way to reduce population. Reducing population and birth control is different. We fund research on keeping people alive, anti-aging, etc. On the other hand, we all agree Earth is over populated.