In this episode of The Open Door (January 10), panelists Jim Hanink and Valerie Niemeyer talk about what’s involved in running for the Senate of the United States. What motivates a candidate to do so? What are the technical requirements? How much money does it take to mount a campaign? Need serious Christians apply for the job? Our special and welcome guest is Mark Ruzon. Yes, he is a candidate for the Senate! He is also the Chair of the California State Committee of the American Solidarity Party. Mark is a Senior Software Engineer with Google. He and his family live in Mountain View, California. The questions we will ask him include the following. Feel free to ask your own!

1. Why did you decide to run for the U.S. Senate?
2. Just what’s involved in getting your name on the ballot here in California?
3. Is it true that only millionaires or their friends can campaign for the Senate?
4. What does it mean to say that everyone, regardless of birth status, income, or behavior has an inherent value and dignity? And what is your basis for affirming this claim?
5. As Senator, how would you advocate for more widespread economic opportunity and ownership?
6. You believe that families are the fundamental unit of society. What does this mean in terms of specific policies? What is the proper role for government in a family’s child-rearing decisions?
7. Your goal is a medical system that covers family members from prenatal care to hospice. How could California achieve such a goal?
8. California is facing a housing crisis. What factors have brought it about? What steps do you propose for dealing with this crisis?
9. Critics claim that our immigration system is broken. What measures do you propose for a truly humane immigration system?
10. What role should the United States play in contributing to peaceful international relations?