The candidates on the issues

Candidates sometimes make an art form of saying a lot without saying anything. In this section, Boston.com looks at their public statements and position papers to piece together their stands on major issues. We'll be adding to the list as the campaign progresses.

Abortion
Affirmative action
Arts funding
Campaign finance reform
Child care
Defense
Drug use
Education
Environment
Farm policy
Foreign policy
Gun control
  Health care
Immigration quotas
Internet sales tax
Labor issues
Missile defense system
Nuclear test ban treaty
School voucher proposals
Social Security
Taxes
Trade with China
World Trade Organization