Paul Van Dam answers Deseret Morning News questionnaire

One of the hallmarks of good government is fiscal responsibility. Yet, the outrageous deficits currently being run up are the largest monetary deficits our nation has ever experienced — leaving us and our children drowning in a sea of red ink. The chief cause of the deficits is the out-of-control spending embraced by my opponent. This irresponsible and reckless behavior needs to stop and stop now. As a representative of the people of Utah, I will be an advocate for fiscal responsibility in government spending. I will vote against congressional pay raises and funding for new nuclear weapons that require testing. We can also reduce the deficit by developing a more effective, lower-cost prescription drug benefit for our seniors. Allowing the government to negotiate for lower prices and reimport drugs from Canada would save hundreds of billions of dollars and reduce the deficit.

The tax cuts recently passed have delivered a measure of tax relief to the middle class. If we rein in spending, I support making those cuts permanent. I also advocate a complete overhaul of our tax system and structure. I'm not saying we will be able to file our taxes on a postcard, but I do advocate a new tax structure that it is both fair and simple. Our current system unfairly punishes married couples and the middle class, who have seen their tax burden increase, while other groups have seen a decrease in their taxes. For starters, we need to permanently eliminate the marriage penalty and develop a tax structure where everyone pays a fair share. I support closing loopholes that allow corporations to avoid paying taxes by moving offshore and deferring payments. Closing these loopholes will help reduce the deficit and lower the heavy tax burden borne by the middle class, small businesses, families and individuals.

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?

Our health-care system is on life support. We need to go beyond band-aid fixes like HSAs and develop real solutions to the problem. I believe that Utahns should be able to have access to the same benefits as our senators and elected officials. Allowing Americans to buy into Federal Government Employee Benefit programs, along with lowering the cost of prescription drugs would make health care more affordable for Utah families and be a good first step for solving the health-care crisis. Ultimately, we need to consider making health care a nonprofit industry. We also need to develop a new system for handling malpractice complaints, which would reduce insurance costs and legal fees.

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 want the people of Utah to know that I have a deep sense and understanding of the issues that affect them. From my previous experience as Utah's attorney general, I know what matters to Utahns, and I've spent the last year traveling through the state to obtain even more knowledge about the issues that matter to Utahns. That understanding, combined with my experience in office will make me a dynamic and effective representative of the people of Utah.