POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

DATE OF BIRTH: Aug. 22, 1945 (63)

HOMETOWN: Atlanta

RESIDENCE: Atlanta

EDUCATION: B.A., University of Georgia; Law degrees from University of Georgia, 1969; Masters in Business Administration, Georgia State University.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: U.S. Army, served in Vietnam 1969-1971; Lawyer, started legal career in 1972 as an assistant legislative counsel to the Georgia Legislature.

POLITICAL BACKGROUND: Georgia House of Representatives, 1983-2001, including a stint as chairman of the House Judiciary committee. Appointed by Gov. Roy Barnes in 2001 as commissioner of the Department of Human Resources, resigned in 2003. Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor in 2006.

RELIGION: Presbyterian

FAMILY: Wife, Joan; Four children, three grandchildren.

ON THE NET: MartinForSenate.com

AP Questionnaire

Q: Financial Bailout: Do you think the $700 billion financial bailout bill will work? Why or why not?

A: I have serious concerns regarding the bailout bill that was passed and would not have voted for it had I been in the Senate. Before committing $700 billion of taxpayer money, Congress should have ensured that the root causes of the financial crisis were addressed so that this does not occur again. Specifically, I would have insisted that the bill address the fundamental problems created by the deregulation of Wall Street and include consumer protections to stem the abusive lending practices that are at the root of this crisis - practices that I sounded the alarm on two years ago, long before the mortgage crisis began. In addition, we're now seeing how flawed the bailout package really is. Banks are using their bailout money to buy other banks, rather than help homeowners and consumers. And the bailout may end up paying for even bigger Wall Street CEO bonuses.

Q: War: When should the U.S. withdraw its troops from Iraq? What should determine the withdrawal? Should the U.S. commit additional troops to Afghanistan?

A: I believe a policy decision should be made by the President and the Congress that it is time to leave Iraq. The timing and manner of withdrawal of our troops should be left to our commanders on the ground and be done in a way that is consistent with the safety of our troops. We can't afford to keep spending $10 billion a month in Iraq and it's time to let the Iraqis stand on their own two feet.

Q: Energy: Do you support increasing domestic drilling, including offshore, to augment the nation's energy supply? Why do you think this is an effective strategy given government estimates showing it will have only a minimal effect on gas prices and that U.S. oil consumption far outstrips its resources? What specifically can Congress do to encourage alternative fuels?

A: I believe that our priority should be to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. To accomplish this goal, all options must be considered including increased domestic drilling. However, and more importantly, we must also have a long-term view when it comes to energy independence. This will necessitate a strong commitment to the development of alternative fuels. Congress can play a role by creating tax and financial incentives for innovation.

Q: Health care: According to the U.S. Census, some 47 million people don't have health insurance in the U.S. Do you view this as an urgent crisis, and what would you do about it? Do you believe health care is a right or privilege?

A: I believe it is critical that every American have access to quality, affordable health care. The unreasonably high cost of health insurance has left too many Americans without coverage. The cost of providing care to the uninsured gets passed along to those with insurance in the form of higher premiums. This vicious cycle must be stopped. I believe the federal government can play an important role in ensuring that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. While I do not advocate a purely governmental health care system, a public-private partnership could provide the type of coverage needed to stem the health care crisis. Providing health care for every American will require hard work and creative thinking. A critical first step will be to get the government's financial house in order, balance the federal budget and stop wasteful deficit spending. As when I helped create the PeachCare program here in Georgia, I will bring to Washington the type of experience and creative thinking that will be required to make sure health care can be accessible to all.

Q: Taxes: Can the economy afford any additional tax cuts, including a continuation of the Bush tax cuts? If so, how would you pay for those cuts?

A: There is no doubt that our economy has been left in a weakened state as a result of mismanagement by the current administration. Rather than continuing on that path, we need to empower our greatest economic resource the middle class. I support a tax policy that enhances the spending power of the middle class by giving them tax cuts. What we cannot do is continue giving billions of dollars in tax breaks to big oil and special interests.

Q: Deficit: Specifically how would you address the ballooning federal deficit? Do you support any tax hikes? If not, where specifically do you think the budget can be cut (i.e. defense, Medicaid?) What specific government programs should be cut to offset the $700 bailout?

A: The failed economic policies of the current administration have created a record budget deficit that could top $1 trillion. The first step toward returning to a balanced budget is for the government to get its financial house in order and start exercising the same fiscal discipline that Georgia families have to do in their own households. I was successful in doing that when I was Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Resources during the difficult economic times following 9/11, making very tough decisions to prioritize programs and reduce spending in order to balance the department's budget.