He reported that Clay County residents are not shy about interacting with their congressman on such issues as the proposed outer beltway, impacts of growth, federal support for Cecil Field development and potential job cuts at Jacksonville's Naval Aviation Depot. They also frequently seek assistance from his office on veterans' benefit claims and appeals.

My Clay Sun: How much can you help?

Stearns: "I am one of 435 [members of Congress], but I can help. I have been successful in each of those areas."

MCS: Do they ask about the Iraq war?

Stearns: "At all my town meetings. [In the University of Florida area], it's negative; in Clay and Duval, it's very positive. It's refreshing, the contrast ... [War opponents] want to pull out yesterday and take steps to make sure we can't do this again and [want to] reduce military appropriations. The other side, regardless of what's happened, wants to make sure we leave with honor ...That's the side I'm on."

MCS: Have opponents of a new poker room at the Orange Park Kennel Club sought help for their anti-gambling effort?

Stearns: "I have not gotten calls about that."

MCS: Have you been to the dog track?

Stearns: "I have been. ... I lost 50 or $60 bucks. I'm not much of a gambler, but there are [more than 600] horse farms in Ocala. They're all for parimutuel betting. I am empathetic."

MCS: You have been in office almost two decades.

Stearns: "It has been a challenge. ... We're elected every two years. I've missed a lot of family opportunities. It has it's high points and low points. But it is a wonderful job being on the board of directors of the most powerful country in the world."

MCS: What are your proudest accomplishments? You have done a lot of work for veterans.

Stearns: "Getting a new 95,000-square-foot medical facility for veterans in Marion County. Top notch care. ... Getting a national cemetery [in Duval County], I started that in 1996, it was finally enacted in 2003. (The veterans cemetery opens in 2008, the medical facility in 2009.)"

MCS: What's next?

Stearns: I'm running again [in 2008], working obviously on veterans issues. We [House Energy and Commerce Committee] just passed my bill, the Do-Not-Call bill. ... It was going to expire; this time it will be permanent. [The bill reauthorizes the list that protects consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls; next up is full House vote]."

MCS: Now for the most important question. What costume are you wearing for Halloween?

Stearns: "Hmmm ..."

MCS: OK, what costume would you wear if you had time to celebrate Halloween?

Stearns: "If I had the time, I would be the Lone Ranger. ... I've got a nice Stetson, a mask. I could get a nice cowboy shirt, I've got the boots."