ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, October 20, 1996 TAG: 9610210126
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
D - Democrat
R - Republican
L - Libertarian
VIP - Virginia Independent Party/Reform Party
How do you see the problem? What's causing it?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``Special interest pressure, combined with concerns by incumbents about getting re-elected, prevent politicians from making the tough choices necessary to balance the budget. Instead, we are promised massive tax cuts and a balanced budget at the same time.''
John Warner (R)
``I have been diligently supporting efforts to balance the budget while funding education, Medicare, school lunches and other priorities. My opponent [is] misrepresenting my record. This political opportunism is a primary example of why budgetary gridlock exists.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``The problem is that we have a deficit, and the national debt is too high.''
George Landrith (R)
``Taxes, wasteful spending and the deficit are all too high. My Democrat opponent implies that the deficit exists because you pay too few taxes. That is wrong. Americans are over-taxed. The real cause of the deficit is that government spends too much.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
``Simply put, we spend more than we take in. We did not get over $5,000,000,000,000 in debt blowing money on our old, sick and poor.'' Cites studies showing ``more tax money goes to the upper income percentages of Americans, known as wealthfare.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``American families simply pay too much of their hard-earned income to the government. Federal taxes alone eat up almost 25 cents out of every dollar earned by families. I still remember my first year in Congress, when President Clinton and a majority of Congress passed the biggest tax increase in history. I voted against it. Despite always increasing taxes, for decades the federal government has consistently run huge deficits - piling up debt that your children and mine will have to pay. That's why I am so proud of the budget this Congress has passed which finally reversed the direction of big government. The budget saved $23 billion and shrank the deficit to its lowest level in 14 years. More than 200 outdated programs and unnecessary offices within the federal bureaucracy were eliminated -the most significant programs in reducing the size of government since the end of World War II.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``In return for our tax dollars, we expect to receive good and efficient services. But thanks to waste, fraud and abuse most of us are disappointed with the result. While some government functions are good and efficient, many others are lacking in both categories.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``The federal government cannot control spending, lower taxes to pay a peace dividend, or stop the insane borrowing. Our $5 trillion dollar debt is the financial evidence of a deeper problem. American society's morality has been undermined by the income tax.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``The national debt quadrupled from less than $1 trillion when President Reagan took office to more than $4 trillion at the end of his term. This unprecedented deficit was caused by dramatically increased defense spending and dramatically decreased taxes.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Americans are not being under-taxed, the government is spending too much. Southwest Virginians are forced to work over three hours of every day just to fund Washington's wasteful pork projects.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``Until about 1982 there was not a big problem, but since 1982 our Congress has overspent on average more than $1,000 per year per citizen more than government received in tax revenue.''
What is its primary effect? What other things does it affect?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``It's linked to our failure to talk about major issues facing the nation. We are in the midst of a revolutionary economic change - a move from an industrial to an information-based economy. Washington politicians keep debating the same old issues and giving the same old answers.''
John Warner (R)
``A lack of principle and a preference for pandering for votes rather than demonstrating leadership.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``We are mortgaging our children's future by saddling them with debt payments that will last their entire lives. The debt is also a hidden tax that increases the cost of buying a house, financing a car or using a credit card.''
George Landrith (R)
``High taxes hurt families because once government takes its taxes, there is not enough left for families to feed, cloth, and educate their children and provide for their children's futures. Additionally, businesses are forced to lay off workers, reduce wages or reduce benefits.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
``The primary effect of the budget deficit chills financial markets, siphons off taxes to pay the interest, and outrages most of us because that interest goes to an elite few. Our trade deficit contributes heavily to the deficit by decreasing revenues.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
Jeff Grey (D)
``Too often officials have decided to fix these problems by putting more money into an already wasteful program. [Also], during the 1980s, we were led to believe that we were living in a booming economy when in fact we were tripling our deficit.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Supporting dependency with money from legal theft or with special legislation is our community norm. This corrupt, godfather-like public morality encourages citizens to organize to be dependent on government and/or to use its force for special interests.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``The primary effect of a debt, now exceeding $5 trillion, is to maintain upward pressure on interest rates as the government competes in the credit market for its debt financing, with adverse effects for the economy. Higher interest rates result in less economic activity.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Washington's tax and spend practices threaten the economic security of our country. Our national debt artificially inflates interest rates, thus raising the cost of buying a car, financing a home, or taking out a student loan.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``The primary effect when you overspend year after year after year is a massive debt. The secondary effect is interest payments that make it harder not to overspend in the future.''
How does this affect you personally?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``I don't want my daughters to carry the enormous debt created by my generation, but Washington seems to be unable to bring the deficit under control. If we fail to balance the budget, interest rates will rise, slowing the economy and preventing us from creating good jobs.''
John Warner (R)
``Like all taxpayers, I am incurring the cost of our Congress and citizens being unable to reach a consensus on spending priorities. Additionally, I am deeply concerned for the financial security of our children and grandchildren in the face of the growing national debt.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``Having co-sponsored the constitutional amendment that requites Virginia to have a balanced budget, I know how such an amendment forces politicians to exercise fiscal restraint.''
George Landrith (R)
``I am motivated to see that our legacy to our children is not a millstone of debt around their necks. It is difficult to buy school clothes, pay for piano lessons, Scouts and Little League fees and save for college when government takes such a big bite of our income.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
``My son and his children are being gouged, and I plan to bring such to a screeching halt, or to screech until it is halted.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
Jeff Grey (D)
Did not address.
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Belonging to a generation which is bequeathing a huge debt to posterity troubles me. Having a mountain of debt hanging over the financial markets troubles me.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``The limits imposed on the government's discretionary budget have made it more difficult to obtain the funding needed for critical Southwest Virginia projects such as industrial parks, farmers markets, small business incubators and our fiber-optic education project.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``My family, like others in my community, struggle to make ends meet as taxes eat up more and more of our hard-earned dollars.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``This affects me personally because I see the country I love leading rapidly to a crisis where our national currency will become worthless, great suffering among the majority of the United States, and a very long recovery period if not addressed now.''
What actions should be taken?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``We should consider a balanced budget amendment and cuts in every part of the budget - corporate welfare, entitlements, and even defense spending beyond what the Pentagon needs. We should [put off] massive tax cuts until our fiscal house is in order.''
John Warner (R)
``The balanced budget amendment to the Constitution should be passed and Congress must continue striving for a consensus on a balanced budget plan. Additionally, the president should aggressively use his new line-item veto authority.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``We should enact the balanced budget constitutional amendment.''
George Landrith (R)
``Government must reduce its spending and balance the budget. We must also reduce taxes. That is why I support tax reform that would give a typical family of four earning only $30,000 an extra $1,261 of its own money to spend each year.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
``First, define the budget. In a business sense, we do not even have one. The trillion dollar S&L rip-off bailout is off-line, as was the Gulf War. We should know what's included in the bill. Emotional hot air about a balanced budget amendment gets us practically nowhere.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Congress passed, and the President signed, the line-item veto earlier this year. This long-needed measure will make an even bigger difference. However, we still need the balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. I've also strongly supported common-sense tax relief for working families including a $500 per child tax credit for families, an end to the marriage tax penalty, a tax cut for children who care for an elderly parent at home, and expanded IRAs to help first-time home buyers and those financing student loans.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``We need to evaluate every program the government has. We need to make it easy to report waste, fraud and abuse. High-skill, high-wage jobs must be created to keep people working and paying [taxes] if we are going to continue to reduce our deficit.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``We must repeal the income tax, sell or lease federal assets to pay down debt, close unconstitutional agencies, impose user fees for parks, etc., and use existing excise tax and tariff revenue to pay for defense, law enforcement, courts and roads without borrowing.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``We should maintain the deficit reduction measures enacted in 1993, which have met their goal in reducing the annual deficit [by about] 60 percent. The next step will be the elimination of the annual federal budget deficit, which we hope to accomplish by 2002.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``I support Senator Dole's 15 percent tax cut for families and a $500 per child tax credit which will allow all families to keep more of their hard-earned money. I support the balanced budget amendment and will fight to end wasteful spending.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``Inform the public of the dangers ahead, get the public involved in demanding that the debt and deficit be addressed with real solutions and not half-hearted pork barrel ridden plans as we have seen in the past.''
What's standing in the way of these actions?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``First, politicians naturally want to get re-elected, so they make promises that they think voters want to hear. Second voters don't always let politicians know that they're smart enough to see through promises of a balanced budget and massive tax cuts at the same time.''
John Warner (R)
``Political opportunism and the unprincipled desire of some to put their own parochial interests ahead of the interests of our nation, its children and future generations.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``Too many politicians in Washington are too busy trying to assign blame to one party or the other. With less blame and more hard work, we should be able to balance the budget.''
George Landrith (R)
``The biggest blockade to real tax reform and budget reform are professional politicians who have spent their entire adult life in government and have become used to taxing other people's income and then spending it to promote themselves.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
``That a single member of either House who was there for the S&L rip-off is still in office astounds me. We stand in the way because we continue sending members of losing teams back to D.C. Those who have been supposed to be looking out for all of us have failed us utterly.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
Jeff Grey (D)
``The people who will stand in the way of this are the same elected officials who wish to relinquish all responsibilities of the federal government to state and local governments. We can balance the budget that reduces the deficit without cutting the life line to our families.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Either personal or altruistic (for other's benefit) self-interest justifies the coercion of special interest legislation and the income tax. Naturally, no American is willing to give up their benefit from big government while another American is still receiving any.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``While individual members of Congress are arguing for major changes in the 1993 legislation, I do not foresee major obstacles to keeping these deficit reduction efforts in place.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``My opponent was rated one of the biggest spenders in Congress by the National Taxpayers Union. In the 104th Congress alone, my opponent voted for $76 billion in increased spending. It's irresponsible actions like Rick's that are [creating] a $5 trillion debt.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``An ill informed and sometimes lazy press and news media that are often focused on the story of the moment rather than main event. Sort of like reporting on how fast one lemming is running rather than warning the crowd they are going to drown.''
What can a member of Congress do?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``A senator can vote for a balanced budget amendment. A senator can be willing to make the tough cuts in all parts of the budget. A senator can be honest with the voters and tell them that a massive tax cut doesn't make sense until we get our fiscal house in order.''
John Warner (R)
``I intend to continue working to balance the budget while supporting the spending priorities important to Virginians.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``For 18 years in my office in Richmond, I have had a sign on the wall that says, `The ordinary citizen pays for government.' Members of Congress should always remember that simple fact.''
George Landrith (R)
``A member of Congress can work for a balanced budget and tax reform. Those who say we cannot balance the budget, keep our promises to seniors with Medicare and Social Security, and reduce the heavy tax burdens either lack the political will or lack the vision.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
``A member of Congress can prevent the 'off-line' budget deception, stop absurd tax cuts (or increases), force reasonable tariffs (gut NAFTA and GATT), increase employment and tax base by thwarting the non-competitive multinationals, and encourage business growth here.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``At the local level, one congressman really can make a difference. I've cut my own personal franking budget by 50 percent since taking office. The pay raise Congress gave itself just before I took office, I donate to charities in my district each year.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``The Congress should put forth some real efforts to reduce waste, fraud and abuse, instead of taking the easy way out by turning over a big expensive mess for the states to deal with.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``A Libertarian elected to Congress will be national news. By electing a Libertarian, Virginia's 6th District can show the nation the way back to a society which allows and respects independence and rejects the use of official coercion for private advantage.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``Members should resist efforts to repeal the deficit reduction program enacted in 1993.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``The sole responsibility for our deficit woes rests in Congress. As the Constitution prescribes, Congress controls federal spending. When elected, I will fight for a balanced budget, attack wasteful spending, and reduce taxes.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``A member of Congress who really loved and cared for his country more than his million-dollar pension, salary of $133,600, or re-election, would stand up and inform the press, his constituents and the nation of the danger we face.''
What can citizens do?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``Most importantly, they can recognize that government can't solve every problem alone, and they can work together in their own communities with businesses and nonprofit groups to tackle important issues in partnership with government.''
John Warner (R)
``Vote for those candidates with a demonstrated record of supporting a balanced budget and the willingness to make the tough decisions to set spending priorities.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``Citizens should keep an eye on the people they elect to make certain that their representatives act in a fiscally responsible manner - not promising programs or tax cuts they can't deliver without busting the budget, destroying Medicare and hurting education.''
George Landrith (R)
``Citizens must elect leaders who are willing to look beyond the next election. Too many people running for office have never know anything other than running for office - it is how they make their living. We must elect leaders who want to find long-term solutions.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
``Citizens can put Wood in Congress. If they can find American-produced goods, buy them.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
Did not address.
Jeff Grey (D)
``The citizens should take the responsibility of demanding honest representation and access to their representative.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Citizens must answer these questions: 'Is it moral to have government do for you what natural and divine law forbid you to do yourself? Would you demand money from your neighbors or coerce them to gain advantage? Is it moral to have government do it for you?'''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``Citizens should make an effort to understand the source of the $5 trillion national debt so that the mistakes of the Reagan years will not be repeated. The simple lesson we should learn is that the government should pay for its spending.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Citizens should study their representative's voting record and elect candidates who share their values, who understand their hardships and can appreciate a hard day's work.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``The citizens can wake up and take action. Make the best of every opportunity to let your congressman know that you care and that you are aware of the situation, and vote.''
Other than government, what other public institutions should be involved and in what way?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``State and local governments suffer from the same problems plaguing the federal government - too much partisan bickering and not enough focus on important issues. Businesses and nonprofit groups can work together on helping government solve problems.''
John Warner (R)
``Accept responsibility for administering those programs which are more appropriately their domain. Many times local and state governments and even non-governmental institutions can provide services more economically and efficiently than the federal government.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``All of our public institutions need to recognize the need for a balanced budget and encourage public officials to enact one.''
George Landrith (R)
``I am a strong supporter of private groups being involved. However, the deficit was not caused by private groups - it was caused by a government that spends too much. Additionally, the heavy tax burdens placed on Americans are the fault of government.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
``Taxes, spending and the deficit are the domain of government. Certainly we should consult experts from across the spectrum, being wary of narrow self-interest, but this is a government-made problems and government is where it has to be solved.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
Did not address.
Jeff Grey (D)
``There should be more public forums to allow for better communications.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Civic and religious leaders must condemn the interest-group enabling income tax, scorn the use of federal legal theft or special legislation to take care of themselves or others, and lead the way to a public morality which shuns dependance and legal aggression.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``Universities, foundations, civic clubs and other groups interested in public affairs should sponsor programs on the dramatic increase in the national debt between 1981 and 1989. Citizens can become more knowledgeable about the mistakes which were made.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Citizen watchdog groups like National Taxpayers Union and Citizens Against Government Waste do a great job pointing out instances of government waste. Both groups rate Mr. Boucher as one of the biggest spenders in Congress.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``I've found that less than one in four voters know the difference between the deficit (how much overspent this year) and the debt (overspent all previous years). The news media could easily help correct this deficiency and help solve the problem.''
LENGTH: Long : 493 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: 11 headshots KEYWORDS: POLITICS CONGRESSby CNB