Republican 2nd Congressional District candidate John Swallow's repsonses to the Deseret Morning News

Republican 2nd Congressional District candidate John Swallow's repsonses to the Deseret Morning News questionnaire:

1. What is the major issue facing Utah today and how would you deal with it?

Funding the state budget, including education, with overtaxing our residents is the major issue facing Utah today. As your congressman I will: (1) assist economic growth (jobs) by making the tax cuts permanent, (2) cut small business regulation, (3) streamline federal permitting process to open up access to our natural resources, and (4) bring federal dollars to compensate Utah taxpayers for the loss of access to our natural resources. The solution to our budget problems is not to raise taxes but to create jobs and provide access to our abundant natural resources. I will use my experience in government to provide access and create jobs.

2. Do you favor or oppose a U.S. constitutional amendment that would define marriage between a man and a woman? If yes, why? If no, why?

I favor a constitutional amendment because I believe it is the only way to keep our judges from redefining marriage as has been done in Massachusetts.

3. Do you favor or oppose allowing U.S. citizens to buy prescription drugs from other countries, like Canada. If not, what can be done to quickly reduce the cost of prescription medicines in the United States?

Favor.

4. How much longer should U.S. troops be in Iraq? At this time, do you favor or oppose spending as much money as President Bush requests on the Iraqi War?

I support President Bush and his plan for Iraq. I would like to see the U.S. pull our troops out by year end of 2005, but we need to stay committed to finishing the job for the region and the people of Iraq.

5. Do you favor or oppose the United States remaining a member of the United Nations?

I have serious concern with the U.N. and its liberal agenda. However, the United States needs to stay involved in the world community and, today, the best forum for that influence is the U.N. I do not support paying more dues than countries like France and Russia, and I would not support the international court having our troops fight under the U.N. leadership.

6. As gasoline prices continue to rise in the United States, do you favor or oppose releasing some of the federal government's huge oil reserves in an attempt to drive down gas prices?