Questionnaire responses from Jim Matheson

I have voted to make some tax cuts permanent, such as fixing the marriage penalty, protecting the child tax credit, and repealing the estate tax. It makes sense to allow small businesses and families to make proper planning decisions. Deficit-reduction requires numerous budget reforms that I support, such as reinstating budget rules that say before you can add new spending, or cut revenue, you must show how you are going to pay for it, the line-item veto, spending caps and a balanced budget amendment.

7. Please give your specific stands on the following issues, which some term as moral issues:

— Stem cell research. I voted for HR810 — legislation that allows federal funding for stem cell research within narrow limits and under strict ethical guidelines.

— Cloning of human cells. I voted to ban human cloning.

— Abortion. I voted to ban partial-birth abortion; I voted for parental notification before a minor can cross state lines for an abortion; I voted for greater federal protection for pregnant women who are victims of crime.

— Capital punishment. I support capital punishment.

— Same-sex marriage. I voted for federal legislation that would amend the U.S. Constitution to define marriage as being between a man and a woman. I supported the amendment to the Utah Constitution that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman.

8. Specifically say how you would "solve" the immigration problem in the short and long term, what programs would you being, what would you do with the current 11 million estimated illegal immigrants now in the U.S.?

Immigration reform relies upon better enforcement and a fairer immigration system. I have voted for strengthening our borders, hiring more border agents, constructing border fencing and enhancing technology to track visitor entry. I oppose amnesty.

9. What is the one area where you see a real difference between you and your major party opponent?

I am not a "rubber stamp" for any political party. I look at each issue on its merits and then I vote according to what's in the best interest of Utahns. Mine is an independent voice for putting Utah first every day.

10. Responses to questions from Republican candidate Lavar Christensen:

1. You have said, "Harry Reid makes me proud to be a western Democrat." Why do you believe it would be good for Utah and America for Sen. Harry Reid and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi to become the majority leaders in Congress?