Q&A with Alaska U.S. House candidate Robert Ornelas

The Anchorage Daily News asked candidates for U.S. House running in the special primary election to answer a series of questions. Read all of their responses here.

ROBERT ORNELAS, American Independent Party member

What in your background qualifies you to represent Alaskans in Congress?

I’m the former state chairman of the American Independent Party of California.

Why are you running for U.S. Congress in Alaska?

To protect Alaska sovereignty from Russian foreign encroachment.

What would be your top priority if elected to Congress?

Issues that I will prioritize as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives will be defending state of Alaska from Russia, and I am concerned with sovereignty of Native American and Alaska Native communities. The last time Russia invaded Alaska was August 20, 1924. Alaska has a common interest with Ukraine. Stop Russian squatters at Wrangel Island and Crimea, Ukraine. I promise to guard our U.S. Constitution and to protect our sovereign borders.

What is your position on abortion?

I oppose. The woman has the right to self defense but the fetus has to be the cause of attacking her. The physician’s job is to try to save both woman and child.

If legislation came before the U.S. House that would guarantee the same abortion rights nationwide as the Roe v. Wade decision, how would you vote?

No.

If you oppose abortion rights, how should the federal government support a person who is forced to carry their baby to term against their wishes?

Assist with adoption.

Would you support a bill, if it came before the House, to expand the size of the U.S. Supreme Court? Why or why not?

I oppose packing (expanding) the court.