Leonard Lance

Leonard Lance has been a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 7th district of the State of New Jersey, since 2009.

Jobs & the Economy
To create jobs and strengthen the economy, Lance says he will work to return fiscal responsibility, fight against tax increases, repeal Death tax and eliminate Alternative Minimum Tax.

Gas Prices and Energy Independence
To lower gas prices and encourage energy independence, Lance supports increasing incentives for hybrid and hydrogen vehicles to foster conservation, encouraging usage of renewable energy, and increase American production while staying environmentally responsible. In the short term, Lance opposes adding to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until gas prices are stabilized.

Government Spending
Lance says he will work for a balanced budget amendment, and to reform the earmark process to reduce spending.

Gay rights
Lance says he opposes the legalization of marriage for same-sex couples.

Healthcare
Lance supports reforming the healthcare system so that people have access to good healthcare. He also wants to make prescription drugs more affordable. Lance also supports using stem cells for medical research.

Bio
Lance was born June 25, 1952. He holds a B.A. from Lehigh University, a J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School and an M.P.A. from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. Leonard Lance has faced persistent rumors about his sexuality; suspicions about Lance being gay continue despite his opposition to gay rights. Lance was elected to the New Jersey State Senate in 2001 and re-elected in 2003 and 2007. From 2004 to 2008, he was the Minority Leader of the State Senate.

2008 elections
Lance received the Republican bid in the June 2008 primaries, which allows him to run against Linda Stender for the seat of retiring incumbent Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-N.J.) Lance won in the general election, against Democratic candidate Linda Stender, for the seat of retiring incumbent Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-N.J.).

Money in politics
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Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)
Lance will be assigned committees shortly.

External resources

 * 2008 Race Tracker page on New Jersey's 7th Congressional District