Matheson, the three-term Democratic incumbent in the 2nd District, said should his party win House control: "I would hope for more balanced budgets," the end for funding for design and development of new nuclear weapons and a comprehensive energy policy that "weans us from dependence on foreign oil."

Both men supported the United States' invasion of Iraq.

Matheson is against "an arbitrary deadline" for removing U.S. troops; he opposes immediate withdrawal. "We need an honest assessment on what is working and not working."

Christensen says we must "finish the job and be victorious ... complete the liberation" of the nation.

E-mail: bbjr@desnews.com