[Vision2020] Statesman: GOP House candidates answer questions

[Mark Solomon]

U.S. House candidates on the issues
 From taxes to land management and beyond, the Republicans make a 
pitch for your votes

Edition Date: 05-14-2006


What should we do about federal taxes?

Brandt: "We should look at a flat tax and abolish the IRS."

Johnson: "I oppose tax increases because it excuses irresponsible 
spending habits ... and allows big government to grow."

Sali: "I will vote to reduce taxes at every turn and will work to 
lower spending."

Semanko: "I would be interested in looking at either a flat tax or a 
national sales tax."

Sorensen: "First, I would make President Bush's tax cuts permanent. 
We will not increase revenue over the long run without economic 
growth, and tax cuts generally create economic growth."

Vasquez: "I would consider a flat-tax option only with the 
elimination of exemptions ... (including) the exemptions for 
illegal-alien foreign nationals filing in U.S.A."

How should we address the deficit?

Brandt: "The appropriations process should focus on America's needs 
and not the world's wants. The 35,000 D.C. lobbyists should not be 
allowed to have their clients' private projects funded through 
appropriation earmarks."

Johnson: "We must eliminate pork projects from the federal budget, 
establish line-item veto authority for the president, and reform 
entitlement programs that are on a collision course with bankruptcy."

Sali: "I will co-sponsor a balanced-budget amendment. Approximately 
30 percent of Medicaid costs can be saved by transforming it into a 
community-health-center-style ... program."

Semanko: "I also want to see a balanced-budget amendment to the 
Constitution adopted. ... Such an amendment will force Congress to 
set priorities and spend only the money that is needed for the most 
important programs."

Sorensen: "To balance the budget, we need to cut spending - plain and 
simple. A deficit of $8.2 trillion is unacceptable. To cut spending, 
we need to put everything on the table."

Vasquez: "Re-evaluate foreign aid expenditures and contributions to 
the United Nations efforts."

How should we manage lands?

Brandt: "The states should be given the ability to manage their own 
air, water, land and wildlife including endangered species."

Johnson: "I have consistently worked for forest-health improvement, 
sustainable grazing and recreational access to public lands. I oppose 
the sale of federal lands to balance the budget. I support reform of 
the Endangered Species Act."

Sali: "Federal laws such as the National Environmental Policy and 
Endangered Species acts should be amended to protect private-property 
rights and recognize that human beings are important species too."

Semanko: "The federal government needs to be a better manager of the 
lands, and it needs to allow for multiple use of our federal lands. 
Idaho is a growing state, and we need to make sure we protect the 
land for the people, not from the people."

Sorensen: "We need more state control of our environment, and less 
control from the federal government. Badly written environmental 
laws, such as the Endangered Species Act, have hit many communities 
like a wrecking ball."

Vasquez: "The federal government's role in state land issues should 
be severely curtailed."

Do you support the Owyhee and Boulder-White Clouds proposals?

Brandt: "Each state is unique and the federal government's 
one-size-fits-all rules do not work. We can protect our environment 
and use it responsibly."

Johnson: "Proposals like (these) should be decided with local 
representation and must ensure private-property rights are protected."

Sali: "I do not support additional wilderness in the Boulder-White 
Clouds Mountains and am not yet convinced of the need for additional 
lockup of the Owyhee Canyonlands."

Semanko: "I believe that negotiations on the Boulder-White Clouds 
need to continue; I am opposed to the current legislation. As far as 
the Owyhee Canyon lands, it is too soon to comment on legislation 
that has not been introduced yet."

Sorensen: "I'll reserve my opinion on wilderness until I see the 
final product, but I support the collaborative efforts initiated by 
Rep. Simpson and Sen. Crapo."

Vasquez: "Idaho does not need more land designated 'pristine 
wilderness' that results in its becoming inaccessible for Idahoans to 
use or harvest natural land and forest resources."

Why are you the best choice?

Brandt: "I am the only small businessman in the race and have both 
the common sense and the proven leadership track record to 
effectively serve the constituents of the 1st District. I will always 
place America first and the needs of the 1st District above anything 
else. I am a responsible conservative who does not 'go along to get 
along' yet accomplishes things for my constituents."

Johnson: "As a member of Idaho's leadership team, I best reflect the 
ideals and values of the 1st Congressional District. In my 
professional career I've helped solve the savings-and-loan crisis, 
helped fix the largest municipal bankruptcy in the U.S., and helped 
Oklahoma City recover after the bombing of the Murrah Building."

Sali: "My 16-year-record in the Legislature proves I am a true 
conservative who leads on conservative issues. ... My record also 
proves I fight against politics as usual and have the backbone to 
stand firm for what I believe is right."

Semanko: "I am the only candidate who has worked in Congress, having 
worked for Sen. Larry Craig. I am the only candidate with meaningful 
federal land-management-law experience. I am the only candidate who 
has worked and lived in both North Idaho and Southern Idaho. I am 
also the only candidate who is not a professional politician."

Sorensen: "What separates me is my level of experience. During my 17 
years in the Legislature, I've worked with others, built coalitions 
and sponsored key bills. My peers elected me to leadership and I've 
chaired key committees. ... I can work well with our congressional 
delegation and be effective in Congress from Day 1."

Vasquez: "My opponents have now followed my lead in fighting the 
illegal-alien invasion. Regrettably for them, they failed to do 
anything about it when they had the chance."
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