John Swallow answers Deseret Morning News questionnaire

2nd Congressional District

John Swallow, Republican:

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

Funding the state budget, including education, without overtaxing our residents is the major issue facing Utah today. As your congressman I will: (1) assist economic growth (jobs) by making the federal tax cuts permanent, (2) cut small business regulation, (3) streamline federal permitting process to open up responsible 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 responsible access to our abundant natural resources. I will use my experience in government and in business to provide such 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. What is your stand on Amendment 3, which will be on the Utah ballot, which would amend the Utah Constitution to limit marriage between a man and a woman? Do you favor the second part of the amendment, which some legal experts, including Republican Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, say is too restrictive and possibly has equal treatment concerns?

I plan on voting for Amendment 3 to protect marriage.

4. 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, so long as the prescription drugs are safe.

5. 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 the end of 2005, but we need to stay committed to finishing the job for the stability of the region and the people of Iraq.

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