Dianne L. Blais is running as the Green Party candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia's 11th Congressional District. She is certified for the Nov. 3 general election ballot alongside Arthur G. Purves, a Republican, and James R. Walkinshaw, a Democrat.

Asked why she is seeking office, Blais said in our questionnaire: "To publicize the Green Party's platform of hope for a more peaceful world."

Candidate information

Party affiliation: "Have been a Green for 12 years because of their platform for peace and their stand on social and environmental issues," Blais said in our questionnaire.

Education: "Got a BA in economics at 19 and had some graduate school but have taken many classes since then in many subjects," she said.

Occupation and work history: "Most of my life has been as a volunteer stressing education and peace," Blais said.

Family: "Had four children (and now have 7 grand-chidren) and over 100 foster children in an volunteer emergency foster program. Ten years ago, three girls lived with us and we consider them family #2," she said.

Government connections: "My husband was an Air Force officer and worked for the government," Blais said.

Experience and public service

Previous elected or appointed offices: "Elected to positions in numerous organizations including League of Women Voters. Liaison/representative to Fairfax County advisory boards," Blais said in our questionnaire.

Qualifications: Asked what accomplishments show she can handle the job, Blais said: "I've been involved in leadership in many organizations and groups. I have a vision for the U.S. that other people share and would utilize them to perform optimally in Congress."

Blais said on her campaign website that she has served as state co-president of the League of Women Voters of Virginia and state co-president of the American Association of University Women. She also listed serving as convener of the Jane Addams branch of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.

On the issues

Top priority: "The U.S. needs to abide by the rule of law and set an example of good governance and actions to help, not hurt people. Impeach Trump," Blais said.

Critical differences from opponents: "I want more changes in the government than the other two candidates. I want much of the money we spend on war used here in the U.S. to support families and their needs," she said.

Health care: "National health care is needed now," Blais said.

Federal spending and debt: "Two major changes - the creation of money and halving the military budget," she said.

National security and Iran: "We never should have gone to war with Iran and should get out ASAP. No war, sanctions or coups!" Blais said.

Energy and environment: "Congress should strive for renewables rather than fossil fuels. Toxic contamination (any created by the U.S.) needs to be cleaned up and PFAs (forever chemicals) need to phased out completely," she said.

Affordability and cost of living: "The Green Party doesn't want banks creating money - it is Congress's job. This would change our system from a debt economy to an economy without built infloation," Blais said. She added: "Tariffs or sanctions increase costs and are contrary to a working global economy."

Immigration: "ICE should be what it was pre-2002 (non-existent)," Blais said.