I favor keeping the Bush tax cuts in place. Most economists agree they played a key role in starting the current recovery. They provided immediate economic benefit and will continue to benefit the economy in the years ahead by encouraging saving, investment and job creation.

The Congress has already eliminated income taxes on the bottom 50 percent of American workers, and some of those who paid no taxes will still get a "refund." The tax cuts benefitted all Americans, reducing tax burdens across the economic spectrum.

10. What should be done about health care in the country, if anything? Should it be the government's responsibility to provide affordable health care to all of its citizens?

Experience in other countries has shown that a government-run program of health care breaks down as a population ages and the ratio of retirees to workers goes up. Our present system is preferable to a government-run system to address this challenge, but it still needs dramatic improvement.

Reforming our tax code is the first and most important step to fundamentally restructuring health care in our country. Our current tax code provides the wrong kinds of incentives for businesses to provide health care for their employees, and it does not give individuals control over how to spend their health-care dollars. This is the most serious, long-term economic challenge we face.

As chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, I have held a series of hearings that point to a variety of possible solutions. I will continue to pursue this in the next session of Congress.

11. What is the one personal trait/characteristic that you want voters to know about you, and why is that important in this race?

I have an open mind and am willing to consider new ideas and new solutions, as well as a determination to try to solve problems without regard for where the solution came from or who gets credit. Given the enormous changes we're going through, I believe this attitude is essential.

12. As you know, having Hill Air Force Base closed would be a great blow to Utah's economy. What will you do specifically to help keep the base open?