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Show 2A Signpost Tuesday, September 23, 1986 Congressional candidates disagree on economic issues 'rw. jf K v. I V - ? ! .. ' r- ' I- - v 1 - t ' ' X . - . . , A V ... - CONGRESSMAN JIM HANSEN seeks reelection. "I'm bullish on America. I'm bullish on Utah." Economic forecast is America. (Signpost file photo) Susan Fishburn News Editor Incumbent congressman Jim Hansen and former congressman Gunn McKay addressed the issues in separate interviews with Signpost editors last week. Recent polls show voters split 50-50 and McKay is gratified by his share of public support. "Most candidates are forgotten after two years. We haven't spent the money the Hansen campaign has, but the polls show us as fairly even. It's phenomenal for an incumbent to be that close so early in the race to his opponent. He's vulnerable absolutely. There is something the voters are concerned about," McKay said. A devastating 48 million dollar shortfall in the state budget and national concern about the 230 billion dollar national debt may make economics a central issue in this campaign. On that subject, the candidates are clearly in disagreement. Hansen said the economic picture is bright. Citing rising home starts, increased auto sales, falling interest rates, lower unemployment and increased sales by the 18 largest retailers as indicators of a strong economy, he said, "I'm bullish on America. I'm bullish on Utah." McKay, on the other hand, expressed concern about the national trade deficit. "In the last six years, we have gone from a 4 billion dollar surplus to a 170 billion dollar deficit." McKay said. He believes that's a direct result of federal policies that allow relatively unrestricted international trade in the U.S. that American business does not enjoy in foreign markets. "Until they open the doors, we must put up some trade restrictions. We don't offer unilateral disarmament to the Russians because they are not willing to decrease their arsenals. But, economically, we allow foreign countries to come in and walk all over us. We are the patsy," McKay said. "We need a strong defense, "and that depends on a strong economy." Hansen contends that in political campaigns, politicians always bring up two issues: Social Security and the economy. Recalling the 1982 election in which he defeated Steven Dirks, he said, "No matter what the question was, he (Dirks) always gave an economic answer." "My opponent likes to bring up (see CANDIDATES on page 3) bright for COSMETOLOGY IS STILL ON THE WEBER STATE CAMPUS l- COSMETOLOGY nwV Only At -J" IS T' All A S I j ' 1 "7 " Technical Education Bldg. Phone: 626-6309 (for appointment) Monday - Friday; 8:30 - 4:00 When Looking Good is Important - ! -.-.'V ' FORMER CONGRESSMAN GUNN McKAY: come in and walk all over us. We are the patsy. ... economically we allow foreign countries to (.Signpost file photo) |
