Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
Name: Larry Thompson
Current job title: Attorney, talent manager, film producer
Age: 81
Political party affiliation: Republican
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Malibu
Campaign website or social media: LarryThompsonForCongress.com
From voter ID to war powers and from immigration to tariffs, Congress has tackled many issues over the past year. What do you, though, see as the top three issues impacting Californians, and what specifically could you do as a lawmaker to address these issues? (Please answer in 250 words or less, and keep your response to future proposals.)
1. I believe in voter ID. Voters must identify themselves and show proof of citizenship.
2. Keep the borders closed to illegal immigrants.
3. I want to fight for a two-party state.
Speaking of voter ID, the president has implored Congress to approve legislation that would require people to show proof of citizenship in order to vote. What role do you believe the federal government plays in telling states how to conduct their own elections, as dictated by the U.S. Constitution? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
The federal government should require voter identification in all federal elections and implore states to do the same for elections other than federal.
What, in your opinion, should the federal government focus on when it comes to immigration policy? For example, do you place a priority on border security, visas for high-skilled workers, refuge for asylum seekers, etc., and why? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Border security.
It’s been over a year since Gov. Gavin Newsom asked the federal government for supplemental disaster aid to help Southern California communities rebuild after the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires, but neither President Donald Trump nor Congress has acted. What would you do to push for the funding, besides writing letters to the Trump administration or the leaders of Congress? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Get rid of Gov. Newsom even sooner than his term and present an intelligent plan to the federal government that would warrant immediate help.
Do you support a ban or restriction on congressional lawmakers and their families from buying or selling individual stocks? Why or why not? And what would you propose to ensure lawmakers aren’t using their positions to engage in insider trading? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Yes. Lawmakers have abused their right to make investments, and there should be much stiffer penalties moving forward if they breach the new laws. Maybe their salaries should be increased to limit their illegal greed.
Do you support stronger regulations on pollution and carbon emissions? If so, how would you ensure those regulations aren’t overly burdensome on small businesses or lower-income families? And if not, how do you propose lawmakers protect the environment and curtail the impacts of climate change? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
No. Be reasonable in passing laws that protect the environment but stifle economic growth.
President Donald Trump has significantly increased spending for the U.S. Department of Defense. Would you, as a member of Congress, approve additional dollars for the military if the president were to ask for more funding? How would you ensure that any military spending does not end up putting the American people or national security in harm’s way? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Yes, military spending should protect U.S. citizens and not put them in harm’s way. It’s the enemies that put citizens in harm’s way, not the protections that our government offers.
Under what specific circumstances do you believe the U.S. should engage in a war? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
When our president, the commander-in-chief, so decides, and the U.S. Congress votes for its funding.
Do you believe a president should seek congressional approval before engaging in military action overseas? Why, or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Our president, the commander-in-chief, should make each specific decision pursuant to the U.S. Constitution and the War Powers Act.
Congress, in theory, is supposed to serve as a check on the president through budgetary, legislative and oversight powers. Do you believe Congress has fulfilled that obligation during the past two administrations, with one being a Democrat and the other a Republican? Why or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Yes. In fact, I wish Congress would get more constructive things done and spend less time trying to find something wrong in their oversight duties.
Governments around the world are increasingly considering an age ban or other restrictions on social media use among young people, citing mental health and other concerns. Should Congress adopt such restrictions? If so, what specific restrictions do you propose? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I can’t speak for other countries, but I do agree that guardrails should be established for the use of social media by minors under the age of 16.
Statistically, violent crime rates in California are on the decline, yet residents still don’t feel safe or at ease in their communities. How do you see your role in Congress in addressing the underlying issues that make Californians feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Keep the borders closed to illegal immigrants. Remove from our country illegal immigrants. Support law enforcement and give them additional training and funding.
There are term limits to serve in the California Legislature, but none to serve in Congress. Would you advocate for term limits for House members? Why or why not? If you support term limits, how many years maximum should a House member be allowed to serve? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Yes. If elected, I would immediately introduce a bold constitutional amendment to establish firm term limits for members of Congress. It would be a sweeping reform designed to break the grip of career politicians, reduce corruption and return government to the people.
The proposed amendment limits members of the U.S. House of Representatives to four terms (eight years) and members of the U.S. Senate to two terms (12 years).
Congress was never meant to be a lifetime job. It was meant to be a temporary public service. Term limits will end the culture of entitlement, weaken special-interest control and restore accountability to the voters.
My “Good Night and Good Luck” term-limits bill will break the grip of career politicians, reduce corruption and return government to the people.
What’s a hidden talent you have? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I have guided the careers of over 250 major stars in the entertainment industry. I understand the needs and desires of complicated individuals and am able, with my advice, to keep them emotionally balanced and professionally productive. I use a lot of common sense. I believe this experience of mine will help me listen, understand and passionately represent my constituents.