Deseret Morning News questionnaire responses from 2nd Congressional District candidate Lavar Christensen, Republican.

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. National security/winning the war on terror: I will not support retreat in the war against terror and abandoning Iraq's

fragile new democracy. I will work to provide our servicemen and women with all the resources, support and protection they need to securely establish freedom in that vital region and fight the terrorists abroad so we do not have to fight them at home.

2. Whether the Democrats in Washington will gain majority control of Congress: When we consider the war, the need for new oil development and refineries in our country, taxes, the economy and the important moral issues of our time, the national Democrat agenda is not the direction Utah wants to go. I will not vote to turn control of Congress over to the Democrats in Washington. I will work for lower taxes (including a permanent repeal of the death tax), oil and energy development in Alaska and Utah, reduction of the deficit, traditional marriage, states' rights and victory in Iraq.

2. Would you, over the next two years in office, ever vote for a tax increase? Explain.

No. We do not tax too little in this country — we spend too much. Government is always tempted to guarantee the income it desires by simply taking more from the people in higher taxes. However, as a conservative Republican, I believe that lower taxes and less government build a strong economy. Government revenues actually increase when individuals have maximum freedom and incentive to earn, save and invest. A tax increase is rarely justified and only under emergency conditions when it is fully explained to the public to obtain their support. That is why balanced budget amendment proposals include an exception for times of war and national emergencies.

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

I supported then and I support now the action taken to liberate Iraq. Hussein defied 17 United Nations Resolutions and a final warning that could have avoided the current conflict. His capture, a new Constitution and free elections in Iraq support the action taken.

4. In your opinion, what should the United States now do in the Iraqi War?