Gay Black Republican has been flying the flag of obnoxious, politically conscious punk in Indianapolis since the release of "Drive By Plane-ing" in 2002. The band followed that disc up with "Ballet on Barbed Wire" (2003) and "Enola" (2006), and this fall released "Capitol Wave," 15 tracks of garage, ska and surf-influenced hardcore punk. With the general election fast approaching, bassist Rich Barker polled his bandmates for their take on the pressing issues of the day.

Question: What is GBR's stance on abortion?

I like to spread stem cells on my morning toast. Mmm, stem cells.

What is the GBR position on immigration reform?

Annex Mexico; then we can become their problem!

Should Intelligent Design be taught side by side with science?

Teaching conflicting sciences side by side? That's like asking Big Foot to explain the existence of the platypus.

Global warming: genuine problem or tree-hugging pinko hoax?

Genuine problem. My morning coffee now boils itself. I blame Taco Bell. Methane gas is the culprit!

Lobbyists: parasites or misunderstood advocates?

Parasites --I found two lobbyists in my stool last night.

Describe John McCain in a word.

POW. (Editor's note: Technically that's three words, but we'll let it slide.)

Describe Barack Obama in a word.

Promise.

Describe Ron Paul in a word.

Who?

Should the owners of struggling small businesses get bailouts and sweet severance packages?

Certainly, and if (the government is) bailing out their buddies, then we need to rename our nation the USSA (United Socialist States of America).

Have you ever been invited to play a (gay) Log Cabin Republicans fundraiser?

Oddly enough, we haven't; but we did actually play an anti-Bush rally. Many were confused.

Which Iraq war exit strategy do you prefer -- through Afghanistan or through Iran?

We should leave Iraq on the ships and planes carrying the oil that Bush started the whole farce on anyways. ... We are paying now for the Texas Tea that isn't so sweet!