Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Doug Anderson figured he'd have the Democratic race much to himself when he decided last year to take on three-term incumbent GOP Sen. Jake Garn. But Garn decided to retire, and Anderson's nomination dream became a nightmare when U.S. Rep. Wayne Owens, D-Utah, jumped into the Senate race.
Anderson fell quickly behind in the polls, then rallied when Owens had his House bank problems last spring. Anderson survived elimination in the Democratic State Convention by just eight votes but has trailed Owens constantly among party loyalists in primary match-up polls.Owens and Anderson don't drastically differ on many of the issues. (See chart Page B2.)
But they differ a lot in style and viewpoints of each other.
Anderson says Owens can't win a statewide race, especially the Senate, and Democrats should realize that and give him the nomination. Owens says he's the only candidate with a chance to beat the eventual Republican nominee in a heavily Republican state.
Owens says he's defended Utah well over the years and did it again several weeks ago when he won an upset victory for Utah defense jobs when his amendment killing competition to Utah's Space Shuttle rocket motor passed the House.
Anderson says Owens' tenure in the House represents all the perks and privileges that Utahns hate. "People no longer view Congress as a force for good. For years, (Owens) has participated in that (congressional) system, taking advantage of the perks without ever even hinting that we need change. Utahns have a choice (in the primary election) - a choice between the old, tired country club politics of the past and a new more efficient politics based on the needs and desires of the people."
From the Central Utah Project funding to fighting against the 1000 Springs Power Plant, Owens says he's worked hard for the state and won impressive battles in Congress. Owens counters he has brought change, change that has helped Utah. "It's easy to talk about change, but no other candidate can offer a proven record of actually accomplishing important changes for Utah."
Tomorrow: The Republican race for U.S. senator
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(Additional information)
Election issues
The Deseret News this week is publishing a series of articles on major issues in races that will be decided by voters in the Sept. 8 primary.
For information on the Republican U.S. Senate race please see Thursday's newspaper. For gubernatorial races, see the Deseret News on Friday and Saturday.
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(Chart)
U.S. Senate - Democrat
Wayne Owens
How would you balance the federal budget?
Over five years cut the defense budget by $50 billion to $75 billion and reduce foreign assistance by 20 percent. Give president the line-item veto and require sunset review of major federal programs. Budget should be split, with budget balancing required on most programs, but "invest-ment" programs like education, capital facilities and research and development could borrow.
What kind of federal campaign reform if any, do you support?
Favor voluntary spending limits, lower media rates for those who comply with the limits and public financing for up to a third of the spending limit for those who comply. Candidate may raise one-third of money from PACs and a third from private individuals. These are better ways than term limitation to achieve turnover. Committee chairmanships should be limited to eight years.
What would you do about rising health-care costs?
Health care should be a right of everyone. Main goal is cost containment. A partnership between government and private industry is best - with mandatory employee participation at 3 percent of salary for employee and no more than 5 percent contribution by employer. Guaranteed insurance when moving from one job to another.
Why are you the Democrat who can win in November?
I'll win because I can best fight for Utah in Congress. I've proved it time and again. I can win because Utahns are tired of one-party, monolithic, unimaginative politics in the state. A Democratic Utah senator is change indeed.
What kind of Utah wilderness do you support?
I've recommended 5.4 million acres in 126 separate parcels. But this is a starting point. I fully expect it to be changed downward, and I want to clarify the rights of grazers and miners.
What kind of tax changes to you propose?
Supports a cut in capital gains tax, a comprehensive investment tax credit, easing passive loss rules, expanding IRAs and giving first-time home-buyers a tax credit. Rather than raising gasoline taxes for crumbling roads and bridges, an oil import fee should be imposed for these repairs.
How should any new federal programs be paid for?
More money should be spent on education, infrastructure and civilian research and development. For the first two years, the money should come from within the domestic discretionary budget. After two years, it should come, in part, from defense cuts.
How would you reduce military spending?
Cut troop deployment in Western Europe and the Pacific to 33 percent of current levels. End expensive arms programs, like "Brilliant Pebbles," B-2 bomber and Seawolf submarine, that were designed to counter the Soviet Union's Cold War. Slow down other arms programs, like F-22, Star Wars and Comanche helicopter. Cut the C-17 transport, not needed.
How would you improve the American economy and instill long-term growth?
Enforce real deficit reduction. Cut capital gains tax. Invest in education. Increases civilian research and development. Accelerate writer-offs for start-up manufacturing. Reject federal regulation taht puts U.S. companies at international disadvantage. Ease technology export regulations.
Doug Anderson
How would you balance the federal budget?
Defense budget should be cut by 5 percent to 10 percent per year for five or seven years. President should get the line-item veto to cut pork-barrel projects. Budget should be divided into consumption and capital improvements, with the consumption budget balanced by law each year. Cut congressional staffs by 25 percent, cut congressional pensions.
What kind of federal campaign reform, if any, do you support?
Require PACs to give evenly to incumbents and challengers. Require TV and radio stations to give free air time to "serious" candidates as a condition of their FCC license. Cut congressional privileges, like free mailing and huge staffs, which give incumbents unfair advantages. These are preferable to term limitation.
What would you do about rising health-care costs?
Reform insurance law, spread the risk pool. Require standardized billing. Require regional cooperation in purchase and use of costly medical machines. Limit medical malpractice to actual damage suffered, punish attorneys and plaintiffs who bring frivolous suits. Provide incentives to preventive health care. End tobacco subsidies.
Why are you the Democrat who can win in November?
I'll win because people want change and I offer that. I demand that. My five-point plan to end pork barrel politics will dramatically change the way Congress works.
How should any new federal programs be paid for?
Spend more on education and job training, paying for the enhanced programs in defense cuts, which could total $150 billion.
How would you reduce military spending?
Reduce defense budget by 5-to-10 percent per year for at least five-to seven years. End the B2 bomber and Seawolf submarine programs now. Make Japan, South Korea and Europe pay all or more of their defense. Fund the C-17 transport, needed for quick-deployment of U.S. troops around the world.
How would you improve the American economy and instill long-term growth?
Spend more on education and job training. Increase tax credits that result in increased economic growth.