Deseret News Questionnaire responses from U.S. Senate candidate Pete Ashdown, Democrat.

1. In general, what are the two major issues facing the United States and your specific House district today, and how would you address them?

1) Energy Policy — Energy policy spills into so many other facets of our national policy. The economy, national security, environmental health, and individual budgets are all affected. I do not think we should be buying oil from countries who are not friendly to the United States, especially Iran, but we do because our energy policy lacks imagination. The United States has a history of solving tough problems; the transcontinental railroad, splitting the atom, damming the Colorado, the interstate highway system, and going to the moon. Finding clean, plentiful and cheap energy sources should be our next national priority. Our economy will be supercharged by our efforts and we can stop financing the dictators and monarchies of oil-rich countries.

2) Fiscal Responsibility — With record deficits, this government is putting our children into financial bondage while Congress happily spends away. I solemnly pledge to refuse congressional pay raises until there is a balanced budge and the deficit is eliminated.

2. Would you over the next two years in office ever vote for a tax increase? Yes. No. Explain.

I believe the government currently collects more than enough in taxes, but the responsibility is not fairly distributed amongst citizens and businesses of this nation. My own small business has never gotten a tax break or any assistance from the government, yet the oil companies are receiving tax credits to explore for more oil in a very profitable non-speculative business. I will work to repeal these tax credits while placing tax incentives where they are more useful in building our economy.

I will strive to make the tax system fair across the board to all Americans. This will require a complete overhaul of the tax system, which is likely to result in both increases and decreases in true taxes paid, varying based on prior status and income levels.

3. Before the United States invaded Iraq, did you favor or oppose the U.S. taking new military action in the country?