United States House of Representatives: District 8

Chris Van Hollen (Democrat)

Priorities: Educating our children, protecting the environment, improving health care and making our neighborhoods safer. I was proud to lead the Senate fight that increased local school funding by $80 million a year, providing smaller classes and more all-day kindergarten. I received the Conservation Legacy Award from top environmental groups.

Endorsements: Takoma Voice, The Gazette Newspapers, The Montgomery Journal, Montgomery County Federation of Teachers, Clean Water Action, Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association

Website: www.vanhollen2002.com

Connie Morella (Republican)

Priorities: I will continue working to protect our environment; provide quality education for every child in a safe and secure atmosphere; secure federal funding for balanced environmentally safe transportation solutions; establish accessible and affordable health care; strengthen our economy; and promote global peace and human rights.

Endorsements: League of Conservation Voters, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, Human Rights Campaign, WomenÕs Action for New Directions, Voters for Choice, Planned Parenthood, WomenÕs Campaign Fund, Business and Professional Women, Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Assoc., NARAL, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Campaign for United Nations Reform, Montgomery Co. Retired Teachers Association

Website: www.morella.com

Stephen Bassett (Independent)

Priorities: Overarching theme: repairing the American social contract Campaign motto: "transparent government, private citizenry." Lead issue: Ending the government imposed truth embargo on the facts surrounding an extraterrestrial presence. Other issues: Secrecy reform, restoring trust in government citizen empowerment, separating journalism from the national security state, ending the "War on Drugs"

Website: www.disclosure2003.net