The bottom line is that the federal government spends too much. So the answer to our fiscal problems is not to raise taxes, as many Democrat leaders have indicated they would do. The solution is to cut spending. Each year, I vote for the most fiscally conservative budget that comes to the floor, but each year it's defeated by a coalition of liberal Republicans and all the Democrats. Every proposed Democrat budget alternative spends considerably more money and is far more fiscally irresponsible. I will continue to support leaner budgets, and just as important, I will continue to support tax cuts, because the best way to control spending is to limit what the government takes from us in the first place.

2. The number of registered lobbyists in Washington now equals 68 lobbyists for every member of Congress, and lobbying Congress has grown into a $2 billion per year business. Most Americans feel the common interest of the people has become subservient to those who can afford to hire a top notch lobbying firm. What steps would you take to address this problem?

I respect and understand the Constitution and the First Amendment. The First Amendment protects the right of individuals to petition the government. I'm hesitant to infringe on that right, even if it may currently be popular to do so. In general, every one who cares about an issue or contacts his or her member of Congress is a lobbyist — lobbying for something he or she thinks is important. I appreciate the information and perspectives constituents and lobbyists provide, and in the end I base decisions on what I think is best for our state and its citizens. I appreciate the chance to stay connected with the thoughts and feelings of Utahns through thousands of letters, calls, and e-mails, and through regular town hall meetings I hold in every corner of the district. I believe the common interest of the people should and does prevail.