From Air Force One, Manhattan-like Projects and "brain drain," here is what Terry had to say...

How have you engaged the collegiate demographic to encourage voter turnout?

I truly believe that young people are the heart of any political campaign. For years we have worked with college students, particularly the College Republicans, to engage this demographic in the political process. In fact, we currently employee three UNO students in the Congressional and campaign offices. The involvement of college students directly motivates and drives voter turnout.

In your race, do you feel the collegiate demographic is an important group to include in your campaign? Why or why not?

Unquestionably. The job of a Member of Congress is to represent all of the constituents in the district. College students offer valuable insight into the public policy decisions that will directly affect them in the future.

Of what importance and affect does UNO have on Omaha and Nebraska at large?

UNO is part of a statewide university system that contributes great value to Omaha and the state. UNO draws from the best and the brightest in the area as well as throughout the world. In return, UNO provides Omaha and the state with the skilled work force we need to support financial services, space and computer engineering, telecommunications, and agriculture industries. At the same time, UNO also graduates artists and musicians who contribute to our nationally recognized arts community. UNO helps to supply the skills for the jobs that help decrease "brain drain" and keep Omaha and Nebraska moving in a positive direction of growth.

Do you have any plans for alternative energy initiatives?

My strong interest in alternative energy started when I came to Congress eight years ago and was selected to serve on the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. This was before the need to diversify our energy sources really hit the front pages. We must have a diversified energy portfolio. We are a country that depends on energy. The real question is where we concentrate our efforts for renewable energies. I believe we need a Manhattan Project for the implementation of hydrogen energy. My personal goal is to have my now six-year-old son, Jack, driving a hydrogen car by the time he has his driver's license. Also, I believe biofuels, which are produced here in Nebraska, are critical to our energy portfolio. This will be a long, costly process, but we must move America forward on renewable energies.

What is Your stance on:

One-city-one-district initiative?

As the Member of Congress, it is my job to ensure that all of our school districts, whether consolidated or not, receive their fair share of federal funding. I don't believe that this funding for Title One schools would change if the districts change. On the issue of L.B. 1024 � I thought it was an embarrassment to Omaha and Nebraska. The best solution is always the one that maximizes educational opportunities.

Gay marriage?

I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Abortion?

I am pro-life.

Immigration policies?

I believe in immigration. America has always and will always need immigration. However, I support legal immigration. We must secure the border first. I also oppose amnesty for anyone who has violated U.S. laws. Rewarding people for coming and staying in our country illegally is not the way to resolve this issue. I feel we can and need to achieve a workable guest worker statute for workers that wish to temporarily enter the U.S. to fill the jobs that need filling. Many of us in Congress are willing to work together to find acceptable common ground on this issue.

Why were you not present for Bush's recent visit to Omaha?

President Bush is always welcome�in Nebraska, especially when he comes to talk about important national issues like immigration reform. I have met with the President on many occasions, including flights on Air Force One.

Prior to the president's visit to Omaha, I had recently sat down with the president, as well as his top legislative and political advisors, in the White House and discussed immigration as well as renewable energies. So I was pretty familiar with what he was going to say. More importantly, however, was the fact that Congress was in session and was considering the Homeland Security appropriations bill. The people in my congressional district elected me to represent them in Washington and that is what I was doing.

Let's break it down: Why vote for you over Jim Esch? What makes you stand out from him?

Experienced leadership and seniority.

The U.S. Congress is a political system that rewards seniority. The longer you have been in office, the more you can accomplish. I serve on an influential "A" committee. I am a trusted advisor to the Majority Leader and a member of the Majority Whip team. Eight years on the Omaha City Council and eight years in Congress have provided me the opportunity to know the people of the district, their goals and values. I try to represent their views and values each day in Congress.

In a sentence, describe your mission in politics.

To honor the trust given to me by the voters of the 2nd Congressional district by representing them to the best of my abilities in the U.S. House of Representatives.