Beau Babka answers Deseret Morning News questionnaire

As a professor and a father, education is of great importance to me. Though the heart of the No Child Left Behind Act does seek to advance the educational requirements of America's school system, it is lacking. The lack of federal funding is one of the factors that is preventing this act from reaching its full potential. With the current implementation of No Child Left Behind, teachers are forced to cater to stringent standardized tests, rather than paying attention to the needs of their students. This act also creates the need for more administration; that, in turn, pulls money away from teachers, students and classrooms.

12. There are no federal term limit laws for congressmen. Are you willing to say now that you will limit your own terms in the U.S. House? If so, how long before you would retire and not seek re-election?

Though there currently is no congressional term limit law, I do feel that the basic ideal of the Congress is its fluidity. Simply put, every now and then a shakeup is good. And while there is no term limit, many Utah legislators have made promises to limit their terms but, over several election cycles, have yet to retire. I don't want to limit myself to one or two terms and then in course of my time in Congress realize that I have the ability to do more for the people of Utah. I want to have the time to do what is needed, but I do not want to be a lifetime congressman; but rather than retire, who knows? There may just be the possibility of a Senate run.

13. The above questions are aimed at finding out where you stand; why voters should pick you. Can you give us one (or more) reasons why voters should not pick your opponent? For example, does he lack experience, education, vision, does he bring conflicts of interest or is he too closely associated with a minority wing of your party, is he more likely to lose in the final election, etc.?

The best way for me to describe my opponent's shortcomings is to take notice of what almost half of the Republicans voters in their primary felt: Chris Cannon is simply not representing Utah or the people of the 3rd District. He votes along the party lines seemingly without deviation. I will not do that. I want to be the voice of my constituents and not a puppet of my party.

16. Health-care costs are spiraling upward. How should Congress go about helping Utahns and Americans fix the system? Are health savings accounts the answer?

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