NEW YORK

Sunday, June 24, 2001
    • NEW YORK

    Population (1994): 18,169,000 (up 1.0%), 7.0% of U.S. total

    Voting-age population: 13,646,000; 1994 turnout, 37%

    Median age: 33.9 years

    Median household income: $31,899 ($365 below U.S. median)

    Unemployment: 6.5% (0.9% above U.S. average, March 1996)

    Last presidential election: Clinton (D): 50% Bush (R): 34% Perot (I): 16%

    Congressional delegation: 18 Democrats, 15 Republicans

    The tension between the Big Apple's feisty liberals and the upstate conservatives is alive and well in the Empire State, contributing to the nearly even split in its congressional delegation. This year, though, the Democrats hope to make up for some of the seats they have lost to the G.O.P. in the 1990s.

    NORA BREDES (D) District 1 (Eastern Suffolk County--Brookhaven; Smithtown)

    BORN: Oct. 13, 1950, Huntington EDUCATION: Cornell U, B.S., 1974 FAMILY: Husband, Jack Huttner; three children RELIGION: Unitarian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Legislator POLITICAL CAREER: Suffolk County legislature, 1992- ADDRESS: 203 Main Street, East Setauket 11733. Tel.: 516-751-4435

    Bredes blasts incumbent Michael Forbes for his vote against the Brady Bill--a sensitive issue here, especially in the wake of the 1993 Long Island train massacre. She also touts her environmental record, which won her the Sierra Club's endorsement. The high-profile support of the district's wealthy liberal minority could make this a competitive race.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I will fight to preserve Medicare, college loans, Head Start and school lunches. I will stand in opposition to the extreme right-wing agenda being pursued in Washington."

    MICHAEL FORBES (R) District 1

    BORN: July 16, 1952, Riverhead EDUCATION: State U of New York at Albany, B.A., 1983 FAMILY: Wife, Barbara; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Chamber of Commerce director POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 505, Farmingville 11738. Tel.: 516-399-2800

    Though this district leans Republican, a solid base of blue-collar Democrats and an enclave of wealthy liberals make Forbes vulnerable. But he retains his conservative base with proposals to end parole for armed criminals and grant middle-class tax breaks. On the Armed Services Committee he has fought for defense-conversion jobs to ease the pain of military-contract cutbacks.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia YES NAFTA NR Welfare YES Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I'm a strong proponent of a balanced budget, of tax relief for the middle class and of a healthier, safer, cleaner environment."

    KENNETH HERMAN (I) District 2 (Western Suffolk County--Islip; Babylon)

    BORN: March 1, 1942, East Meadow EDUCATION: Massapequa High School, G.E.D., 1959 FAMILY: Wife, Elizabeth; two children RELIGION: Catholic MILITARY: Air Force, 1959-63 OCCUPATION: Architectural-metal-firm owner POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 45 Dixon Avenue, Amityville 11701. Tel.: 516-841-0490

    Adding a page to the G.O.P. playbook, Herman, an Independent endorsed by the Democratic party, had his "Covenant with the Voters" notarized. In it he pledges to reject pac money and to serve no more than six years if elected. Guided by the mantra "Dishonesty is just not good business," Herman has embarked on a crusade to battle corruption in governmant. He says his business sense will help him in office, but he may have a hard time getting past Rick Lazio, who won in 1994 by a 40% margin.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NR Medicare NR Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NR NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "You can be greedy without lying, cheating or stealing. I embrace selfishness, but you also have a duty to mature the species and to develop spiritually."

    RICK LAZIO (R) District 2

    BORN: March 13, 1958, West Islip EDUCATION: Vassar College, B.A., 1980; American U, J.D., 1983 FAMILY: Wife, Patricia; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: SUFFOLK COUNTY LEGISLATURE, 1990-92; U.S. HOUSE, 1992- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 5063, Bay Shore 11706. Tel.: 516-666-3020

    Lazio's moderate brand of conservatism has won voters in a district whose ethnic and social diversity might have crushed a lesser candidate. After a gunman with a semiautomatic weapon killed six and injured 19 on a Long Island Rail Road commuter train in 1993, Lazio broke with his party to support the 1994 Clinton crime bill and the assault-weapons ban. Lazio speaks out against Big Government, but has also voted for legislation to protect access to abortion clinics.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I believe the best way to restore the public's faith in our government's ability to keep our streets safe is to pass laws based on everyday common sense."

    PETER KING (R) District 3 (Eastern Nassau County--Oyster Bay)

    BORN: April 5, 1944, Manhattan EDUCATION: St. Francis College, B.A., 1965; U of Notre Dame, J.D., 1968 FAMILY: Wife, Rosemary; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: National Guard, 1968-73 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Nassau County comptroller, 1981-92; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1428, Seaford 11783. Tel.: 516-781-4766

    King is a wily, rambunctious incumbent who should win in a walk: his opponent, a politically inexperienced eccentric who calls himself Tweezerman, hasn't enough money to mount a serious campaign. Even if he had, he would be hard put to make an inroad into this historically Republican working-class district. King is a dependable Republican, though with his own eccentricity: supporting I.R.A. and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Instead of going for solid working people ... we're driving them toward Clinton. We're going to turn ourselves into a party of barefoot hillbillies."

    DAL LAMAGNA (D) District 3

    BORN: July 4, 1946, Brooklyn Education: Providence College, B.A., 1968; Harvard U, M.B.A., 1971 FAMILY: Wife, Marissa; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Personal grooming products company executive POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 252 South Broadway, Hicksville 11802. Tel.: 516-822-9120

    LaMagna is a study in contrasts. The creative force behind several failed business ventures--including a honey-sweetened ice cream, a drive-in disco and a slasher film--he is also the Harvard-educated CEO of the successful Tweezerman Corp. He has been criticized for the thin line he has drawn between the tweezer business and the election. In this G.O.P. district, LaMagna will have a tough time beating the incumbent--and his own shtick.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave yes (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I don't get why every American can't get health insurance--we are a superpower."

    DANIEL FRISA (R) District 4 (Southwest Nassau County--Hempstead; Mineola)

    BORN: April 27, 1955, Westbury EDUCATION: St. John's U, B.A., 1977 FAMILY: Wife, Jane Gilmartin; one child RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Pharmaceuticals-marketing associate; home-furnishings-company executive POLITICAL CAREER: New York Assembly, 1985-93; U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: 23 Canyon Lane, Westbury 11590. Tel.: 516-333-4900

    A member of the 1994 G.O.P. freshman class, Frisa vowed to trim bureaucracy, institute term limits and cut the capital-gains tax. His political instincts deserted him when he voted to repeal the assault-weapons ban, angering his constituency and giving Carolyn McCarthy a reason to challenge him. But Frisa is a formidable fund raiser and remains, however vulnerable, a favorite.

    THE ISSUES Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NR Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "What [Carolyn McCarthy] has experienced is beyond horror, and I have an awful lot of empathy... [E]ssentially we want the same thing. We have two very different approaches to getting there."

    CAROLYN MCCARTHY (D) District 4

    BORN: Jan. 5, 1944, Brooklyn EDUCATION: Glen Clove Nursing School, L.P.N., 1964 FAMILY: Widowed, one child RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Nurse POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 190, Mineola 11501. Tel.: 516-873-9087

    McCarthy's decision to run resulted from two events: her husband's murder in the 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre and Representative Daniel Frisa's 1995 vote to repeal the assault-weapons ban. A lifelong Republican, she switched parties, announced her candidacy and immediately became a celebrity challenger--she spoke at this summer's Democratic National Convention and has received generous party support. Though Frisa has dismissed McCarthy as a one-issue candidate, he knows better than to ignore the gritty widow's challenge.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NR Medicare NR Defense NR Abortion NR Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia NR NAFTA NR Welfare NR Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I have been a nurse, and I was always there for my patients...Politics is the same thing. You are hired to do a job, and your personal opinion doesn't count very much. It's what your constituency wants."

    GARY ACKERMAN (D) District 5 (Northeast Queens; northern Nassau and Suffolk counties)

    BORN: Nov. 19, 1942, Brooklyn EDUCATION: Queens College, B.A., 1965 FAMILY: Wife, Rita; three children RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Teacher; publisher and editor; advertising executive POLITICAL CAREER: New York Senate, 1979-83; U.S. House, 1983- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 95, Fresh Meadows 11365. Tel.: 516-829-2323

    Ackerman is known for his searing wit, plump figure and distinctive residence (he lives on a houseboat on the Potomac named Unsinkable II--after Unsinkable I, which sank). He sits on the International Relations Committee, and pays a great deal of attention to foreign policy. This summer, the otherwise liberal Ackerman introduced a controversial bipartisan bill to require states to test newborns for HIV if their mothers had not been tested while pregnant.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "We have to show Americans that Democrats are willing to break with the past, to move from welfare to workfare."

    GRANT LALLY (R) District 5

    BORN: Jan. 8, 1962, New York City EDUCATION: Johns Hopkins U, B.A., 1983; Boston U, J.D., 1986; Georgetown U, L.L.M., 1989 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer; manufacturing executive POLITICAL CAREER: Republican nominee for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: 220 Old Country Road, Mineola 11501. Tel.: 516-741-2666

    The verbal melee that enveloped the 1994 contest between Lally and Gary Ackerman has, if anything, intensified this year. Calling his opponent a "corrupt, radical liberal," Lally emphasizes his own outsider status as a businessman (he once owned a company that made celebrity statuary). Although many of his proposals--like reducing taxes and pruning back the government--mirror the Contract with America, he has distanced himself from the G.O.P.'s more conservative fringe.

    THE ISSUES Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "The overriding issues [in this election] are taxes and jobs. I want to cut taxes, make a more positive business environment and create more opportunity locally."

    FLOYD FLAKE (D) District 6 (Southeast Queens--Jamaica; St. Albans)

    BORN: Jan. 30, 1945, Los Angeles EDUCATION: Wilberforce U, B.A., 1967; United Theological Seminary, D.Min., 1994 FAMILY: Wife, Elaine; four children RELIGION: African Methodist Episcopal MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Minister POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1986- ADDRESS: 114-16A Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica 11434. Tel.: 718-262-9700 As pastor of the Allen A.M.E. Church, Flake has easily retained his seat in Congress while building a major community center--including a senior-citizen housing complex and a private Christian school--that employs 800 people. In Congress he champions minority concerns and economic development, and his parishioner-constituents will probably return him to Capitol Hill.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Frankly, I find it frustrating sometimes that our African-American leadership does not seem to accept the notion that economics and business development will determine the survival of our people."

    JOE MISIR (R) District 6

    BORN: Aug. 31, 1942, Corentyne, Guyana EDUCATION: Inns of Court School of Law (England), J.D., 1973 FAMILY: Wife, Sandra; two children RELIGION: Hindu MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 111-21 Jamaica Avenue, Queens 11418. Tel.: 718-850-3715

    Guyana-born and running in a district with a significant Guyanese population, Misir has a potential base of support, despite his political inexperience. He also has an endorsement from the local Conservative Party and supports lower taxes, harsher penalties for crime, and continued welfare reform. On immigration, Misir advocates a skills standard for entry and supports denying health and education benefits to illegal immigrants (except children).

    THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Why do we live in the constant shadow of victimization at the hands of vicious criminals? Why are so many of our neighborhoods decaying and dirty?"

    ROSE BIRTLEY (R) District 7 (Parts of Queens and The Bronx--Long Island City)

    BORN: May 26, 1940, Havana, Cuba EDUCATION: Academia Comercial Madres Escolapias (Cuba), 1958, B.B.A., 1958 FAMILY: Husband, Albert; one child RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Airline sales manager POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 710557, La Guardia Station, Flushing 11371. Tel.: 718-575-1143

    Cuban-born Birtley, who immigrated to the U.S. at age 20, wants to unseat six-term incumbent Thomas Manton to "improve the quality of life" in the Seventh. She signed a "taxpayer-protection" pledge to fight income tax increases, and supports increased choice in education. Birtley is pro-choice, but says she would have supported the ban on partial-birth abortion if it had included a provision for women whose lives were at stake.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion NR Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "After I came here from Cuba, there were times when the money was not so good, believe me. But I did not go on welfare, I worked."

    THOMAS MANTON (D) District 7

    BORN: Nov. 3, 1932, New York City EDUCATION: St. John's U, B.B.A., 1958, LL.B., 1962 FAMILY: Wife, Diane; four children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Marines, 1951-53 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: New York city council, 1970-84; U.S. House, 1984- ADDRESS: 46-12 Queens Boulevard, Suite 211, Sunnyside 11104. Tel.: 718-706-6390

    Though Astoria, Queens, was home to the xenophobic Archie Bunker on All in the Family, Manton's is one of the most racially inclusive districts in the U.S. Consequently, the six-term incumbent's interests are diverse, including legislation to encourage U.S. companies to invest in India, to test convicted rape offenders for HIV, and to include taggants in gunpowder to help trace explosives. This middle-class, urban area leans Democratic, and Manton held onto his seat in 1994 by an overwhelming 74%.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO* Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "An elevated police presence is one of the first and most obvious ways to combat crime...Enacting laws that call for tougher sentences against criminals is another."

    MICHAEL BENJAMIN (R) District 8 (West Side of Manhattan; parts of southwest Brooklyn)

    BORN: Nov. 1, 1969, New York City EDUCATION: New York U, B.A., 1992 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Financial-software executive; investment banker POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 90 John Street, 14th Floor, New York 10038. Tel.: 212-292-2620

    Benjamin, a former investment banker, founded the New York Benevolence Council, a nonprofit group that assists disadvantaged New Yorkers. The self-described "centrist Republican" is pro-choice and anti-death penalty; he also favors a flat 17% income tax and tough sentences for criminals with the "three strikes" rule and "truth in sentencing" legislation to require convicts to serve at least 85% of their jail time. But this newcomer needs an upset to win where Clinton got 60% of the vote in 1992.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Products and services thrive in competitive environments; why not introduce competition into education [through school-choice legislation]?"

    JERROLD NADLER (D) District 8

    BORN: June 13, 1947, Brooklyn EDUCATION: Columbia U, A.B., 1969; Fordham U, J.D., 1978 FAMILY: Wife, Joyce Miller; one child RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: State official; lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: New York Assembly, 1977-92; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: 379 West Broadway, Suite 305, New York 10012. Tel.: 212-925-7581

    Nadler won his seat after incumbent Ted Weiss died on the eve of the Democratic primary. The late Weiss still won the primary, leaving it to party leaders to choose a new nominee. They tapped Nadler, who then swept the general election with 81% of the vote. He has fought to help restore Brooklyn's waterfront and introduced the Mothers and Infants Good Health Act, which ensures mothers a minimum 48-hour hospital stay after delivery.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "We must restore New York's port, rebuild its decaying infrastructure and complete the missing links in its freight-distribution network...if New York is to prosper."

    CHARLES E. SCHUMER (D) District 9 (Parts of Brooklyn and Queens--Sheepshead Bay; Forest Hills)

    BORN: Nov. 23, 1950, Brooklyn EDUCATION: Harvard U, B.A., 1971, J.D., 1974 FAMILY: Wife, Iris Weinshall; two children RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: New York Assembly, 1975-80; U.S. House, 1980- ADDRESS: 432 Park Avenue South, Suite 1206, New York 10016. Tel.: 212-696-9308

    A ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Crime, Schumer is a bad word to NRA lobbyists: he was a fierce sponsor of the assault-weapons ban and the Brady Bill, which mandates a five-day waiting period before buying a handgun. He also sponsored a law making it illegal to obstruct access to abortion clinics, a popular move in the liberal Ninth. By no means camera shy, Schumer may be setting himself up to bid for New York's governorship in 1998.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "The pro-gun arguments...are as flaky as the arguments of the tiny few who still insist that the earth is flat."

    ROBERT VERGA (R) District 9

    BORN: Nov. 25, 1965, Rockville Center EDUCATION: Georgetown U, B.S., 1987; Fordham U, J.D., 1993 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Bank executive, lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 68-30 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale 11385. Tel.: 718-386-2993

    Verga, another nonpolitician diving into politics, says he's a fed-up citizen who wants to see new leadership and accountability in government. In classic Republican fashion, he attacks the liberal Schumer as a "tax-and-spend" lawmaker, and in a mostly white, middle-class Brooklyn and Queens district surrounded by encroaching inner-city slums, he points out that high taxes have not helped to combat drugs, unsafe streets and an unraveling school system.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "We need to view ourselves as owners of the government. We are paying record sums of money to the government, and yet we are not getting anything for it."

    AMELIA SMITH-PARKER (R) District 10 (Parts of Brooklyn--Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Heights)

    BORN: April 26, 1955, Brooklyn EDUCATION: Marymount Manhattan College, B.A., 1986 FAMILY: Husband, Reginald; one child RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Entrepreneur; CEO POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 2645 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 766, Brooklyn 11207. Tel.: 718-257-8224

    Smith-Parker says incumbent Edolphus Towns is a name without a face in this district, part of which has the highest murder rate in New York City. The eldest of seven children and a former single parent, she founded her own loan-brokerage firm and has twice run for Congress. A friend to tax breaks for the middle class and small businesses, Smith-Parker also says child care and senior care are paramount if socioeconomic conditions are to improve.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NR Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays NR Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare NR Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Things just don't make sense anymore. [Politicians] are dancing around the real problems. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line."

    EDOLPHUS TOWNS (D) District 10

    BORN: July 21, 1934, Chadbourn, N.C. EDUCATION: North Carolina A&T; State U, B.S., 1956; Adelphi U, M.S.W., 1973 FAMILY: Wife, Gwendolyn; two children RELIGION: Baptist MILITARY: Army, 1956-58 OCCUPATION: Professor; hospital administrator POLITICAL CAREER: Brooklyn deputy borough president, 1976-82; U.S. House, 1982- ADDRESS: 360 Clinton Avenue, Suite 6R, Brooklyn 11238. Tel.: 718-783-0780

    Towns, the son of a North Carolina sharecropper, made a name for himself in Brooklyn politics before moving to Capitol Hill 14 years ago. The former hospital administrator has worked for stricter FDA regulations and more liberal health-care benefits, and pushed a bill--passed in September--to require health plans to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay after childbirth.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "There is no more critical issue than funding for health-care services to combat the AIDS virus."

    CLAUDETTE HAYLE (R) District 11 (Central Brooklyn--Flatbush; Crown Heights; Brownsville)

    BORN: Jan. 24, 1955, Kingston, Jamaica EDUCATION: York College, 1977-80 FAMILY: Divorced; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Entrepreneur; financial and information-systems consultant POLITICAL CAREER: Delegate to White House Conference on Small Business, 1986-90 ADDRESS: 656 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn 11238. Tel.: 212-348-2467

    Married and a mother of two at age 20, Hayle says her life experience will help her connect with inner-city youth and demonstrate that it's possible to make it out of poverty. But whether this will help in a district that hasn't voted for a Republican since Lincoln--and where the incumbent wields such clout, according to the Washington Times, that businesses are afraid to support Hayle--will depend on getting her fellow Caribbeans and pro-life Catholics to the polls.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Major Owens is full of baloney if he says he never heard of me."

    MAJOR OWENS (D) District 11

    BORN: June 28, 1936, Memphis, Tenn. EDUCATION: Morehouse College, B.A., 1956; Atlanta U, M.L.S., 1957 FAMILY: Wife, Maria Cuprill-Owens; five children RELIGION: Baptist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Librarian POLITICAL CAREER: New York Senate, 1975-82; U.S. House, 1982- ADDRESS: 1767 Union Street, Brooklyn 11213. Tel.: 718-467-4858

    Seven-term incumbent Owens sides with those who believe the CIA conspired with Nicaraguan contras to sell crack in south-central Los Angeles--only one of the ways the African-American community has been victimized, says Owens, whose district has the highest population of blacks in the country. He has championed their plight strongly and eloquently, even rapping about it on the House floor. His district, where over 80% of registered voters are Democrats, has never given him less than 89% of the vote.

    THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: ["Major's Rap"] At the big white D.C. mansion There's a meeting of the mob And the question on the table Is which beggars will they rob?

    MIGUEL PRADO (R) District 12 (Lower East Side of Manhattan; part of Brooklyn and Queens)

    BORN: Dec. 18, 1951, Lima, Peru EDUCATION: Georgetown U, B.S.F.S., 1974 FAMILY: Wife, Barbara RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Glassware-manufacturing executive POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 70 Bayard Street, New York 10013. Tel.: 212-965-9042

    Though Prado has never held public office, he claims strong political roots: both his grandfather and great-grandfather served as President of Peru. Criticizing opponent Nydia Velazquez for her opposition to a balanced-budget amendment and welfare reform, he offers a conservative platform with tougher laws and sentencing, a curfew for minors, more police officers on the streets and better rehabilitation and training for drug addicts. Like Bob Dole, Prado is antiabortion and supports a 15% tax cut.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NR Medicare NR Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia NR NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "[T]he very dream that brought immigrants here, in search of opportunity and liberty, is being lost."

    NYDIA VELAZQUEZ (D) District 12

    BORN: March 22, 1953, Yabucoa, Puerto Rico EDUCATION: U of Puerto Rico, B.A., 1974; New York U, M.A., 1976 FAMILY: Divorced RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Professor POLITICAL CAREER: New York city council, 1984; U.S. House 1992- ADDRESS: 271 Grand Street, Brooklyn 11211. Tel.: 718-384-2173

    As a young girl in a rural Puerto Rican sugar-cane town, Velazquez wondered what lay beyond the mountains. In 1992 she became the first Puerto Rican woman in the House and has maintained a strong commitment to her Latino roots. She was arrested in 1994 while protesting President Clinton's repatriation of Haitian refugees, and has fought for a national strategy to combat financial crimes.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NR NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "What is true of minorities is that we are not in power, we're not in control of the legislative process, but that does not mean we are not fighting back."

    TYRONE BUTLER (D) District 13 (Staten Island; part of southwest Brooklyn)

    BORN: Jan. 15, 1948, Morehead, Ky. EDUCATION: Xavier U, B.A., 1970; Boston College, M.A., 1972 FAMILY: Wife, Anne Taylor-Butler; three children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Army, 1972; Army Reserve, 1972-78 OCCUPATION: Records and information-management consultant POLITICAL CAREER: Democratic nominee for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: 70 Bay Street, Staten Island 10301. Tel.: 718-876-9112

    Passing effective anticrime laws, implementing education reform and preventing "corporate welfare" are what this Democrat vows to do in the House. Butler, who met with President Clinton in June as part of a Democratic congressional workshop on the new Families First agenda, claims Susan Molinari is as conservative as Newt Gingrich.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Republicans in the 104th Congress have let American children down. They have made our kids the sacrificial lambs at the altar of the wealthy and the privileged."

    SUSAN MOLINARI (R) District 13

    BORN: March 27, 1958, Staten Island EDUCATION: State U of New York at Albany, B.A., 1980, M.A., 1982 FAMILY: Husband, Bill Paxon; one child RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Political aide POLITICAL CAREER: New York city council, 1985-90; U.S. House, 1990- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 060248 New Dorp Station, Staten Island 10306. Tel.: 718-980-0807.

    Molinari was the youngest member of Congress when she won her father's seat in 1990, and has distinguished herself as an energetic legislator. Now the highest-ranking G.O.P. woman in the House, this savvy incumbent, who is married to Representative Bill Paxon (District 27), is a social moderate who supports abortion rights and gun control, and a fiscal conservative who backs a balanced-budget amendment.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "The unique American spirit that defied a king and challenged a continent and conquered space still beats in the heart of every one of us. But we must have a leader who shares our dreams."

    JEFF LIVINGSTON (R)

    District 14 (East Side of Manhattan; part of Queens and Brooklyn)

    BORN: Jan. 30, 1947, Tacoma, Wash. EDUCATION: U of Rochester, B.A., 1969; New York U, J.D.,1973 FAMILY: Wife, Robbin Blaine; two children RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: National Guard, 1970-76 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Sought G.O.P. nomination for New York Assembly, 1994 ADDRESS: 122 East 83rd Street, New York 10028. Tel.: 212-517-5048

    Livingston, a moderate Republican in the mold of one-time Representative and former New York City mayor John Lindsay, is pro-choice and pro-gun control. He also supported welfare reform, provided its harsh edges be blunted. In a district famous for bleeding-heart capitalists, Livingston preaches economic productivity to constituents who probably don't need his help, but traditionally like to help others.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave yes (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "With an additional bipartisan effort to make welfare reform work, we will in time be able to look back on 1996 as the year we began to end welfare as we know it."

    CAROLYN MALONEY (D) District 14

    BORN: Feb. 19, 1948, Greensboro, N.C. EDUCATION: Greensboro College, A.B., 1968 FAMILY: Husband, Clifton; two children RELIGION: Presbyterian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Legislative aide, teacher POLITICAL CAREER: New York city council, 1982-92; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: 1010 Third Avenue, Third Floor, c/o Local 3, Manhattan 10021. Tel.: 212-308-0801

    Representing Manhattan's ritzy Silk Stocking district, Maloney is a tenacious, resilient legislator. Realizing that more than $50 billion was owed to the Federal Government (about $20.5 billion in student loans), she sponsored the Debt Collection Improvement Law of 1996 and joined other Congresswomen to draft a "Women's Contract with America." She has also gone toe to toe with the N.R.A.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I know these numbers look boring, but if we manage [debt collecting] better, it could be very exciting... You have more money for Americorps and school lunches."

    EDWARD ADAMS (R) District 15 (Northern Manhattan--Harlem; Washington Heights)

    BORN: Nov. 1, 1943, New York City EDUCATION: Queens College, B.A., 1971; Rutgers U, J.D., 1977 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Presbyterian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer; state Assistant Attorney General POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 1 West 125th Street, Suite 207, New York 10027. Tel.: 212-987-2676.

    Adams' five-step revitalization program for the economically challenged 15th District focuses on crime, housing, entrepreneurship, jobs and community development. He calls Harlem a "sleeping giant" that, with the right leader, can again be "the spark plug and heartbeat of the nation." Unlike Charles Rangel, whose connections extend well beyond New York, Adams' campaign is grass roots. And he'll need deep roots to hold his own against the powerful incumbent.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NR NAFTA NR Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: [Referring to Rangel] "Chairing the Ways and Means Committee does not translate into a means or a way of delivering the 15th Congressional District out of despair."

    CHARLES RANGEL (D) District 15

    BORN: June 11, 1930, New York City EDUCATION: New York U, B.S., 1957; St. John's U, LL.B., 1960 FAMILY: Wife, Alma; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Army, 1948-52 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: New York Assembly, 1967-70; U.S. House, 1970- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 5577 Manhattanville Station, New York 10027. Tel.: 212-665-8550

    Rangel, with his familiar raspy voice and diamond-in-the-rough demeanor, has 26 years under his belt as the Harlem Congressman who succeeded Adam Clayton Powell. He has done enough TV to gain national stature, and has the House seniority to be a contender to chair the mighty Ways and Means Committee. Rangel's longstanding priority is bringing education, jobs and job training to his district so that Harlem can again be the flourishing community it was in the '20s and '30s.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Black folks are being hurt as we never have before...The same thing happened in Germany, where people thought this was happening to somebody else. But they will find out they're on the list too."

    JOSE SERRANO (D) District 16 (South Bronx)

    BORN: Oct. 24, 1943, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico EDUCATION: Dodge Vocational High School, diploma, 1961 FAMILY: Wife, Mary Staucet; five children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Army Medical Corps, 1964-66 OCCUPATION: Public official POLITICAL CAREER: New York Assembly, 1975-90; sought Democratic nomination for Bronx borough president, 1985; U.S. House, 1990- ADDRESS: 203 West 90th Street, Apt. 4B, New York 10024. Tel.: 212-496-6101

    Representing the 16th District is not the most glamorous job: Serrano's constituents live in one of the most poverty-ridden areas in the nation. In an attempt to fight the district's urban ills, he's sponsoring a trust fund that, if passed, will let taxpayers contribute $1 from their tax refund to help revitalize public libraries nationwide.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: [On welfare reform] "It is immoral to ask our children and legal immigrants, who have played by the rules and pay taxes, to pay for the flaws of a workplace."

    RODNEY TORRES (R) District 16

    BORN: NR EDUCATION: NR FAMILY: NR RELIGION: NR MILITARY: NR OCCUPATION: NR POLITICAL CAREER: NR ADDRESS: 962 East 172nd Street, The Bronx 10460

    Torres is a phantom candidate, unknown to the New York Republican Committee, the Federal Election Commission and the New York Board of Elections. Despite having obtained the 1,250 signatures needed to get on the ballot, he lists no phone number for his campaign headquarters or residence on the ballot-registration form; mail sent to the listed address (above) was returned. In fact, according to voter-registration records, the Rodney Torres at that address is a Democrat. Neighbors had not heard of him, and local civic groups were also unaware of Torres' campaign or how to reach the candidate. According to the Board of Elections, there is no penalty for not campaigning, and Torres remains the G.O.P.'s man in the 16th.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NR Medicare NR Defense NR Abortion NR Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia NR NAFTA NR Welfare NR Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: NR

    ELIOT ENGEL (D) District 17 (North Bronx; parts of southern Westchester)

    BORN: Feb. 18, 1947, The Bronx EDUCATION: Hunter-Lehman College, B.A., 1969; Lehman College, M.A., 1973; New York Law School, J.D., 1987 FAMILY: Wife, Patricia; three children RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Teacher; guidance counselor POLITICAL CAREER: New York Assembly, 1977-88; U.S. House, 1988- ADDRESS: 304 West 231 Street, The Bronx 10463. Tel.: 718-601-8768

    Every year Engel goes to the State of the Union address hours early to get an aisle seat--happily positioning himself for a few seconds on TV and a presidential handshake. A tireless campaigner, he has been labeled the "nerdiest Congressman" by the New York Observer. But his idiosyncrasies don't put off the 17th, which has elected him three times for his liberal record and attention to local problems.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: [On this summer's Welfare Act] "I don't regard this as a welfare-reform bill. I regard this as a throw-children-out-on-the-street bill."

    DENIS MCCARTHY (R) District 17

    BORN: Dec. 12, 1968, The Bronx EDUCATION: State U of New York at Farmingdale, A.A.S., 1993 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Property manager POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 4330 Katonah Avenue, Suite 150, The Bronx 10470. Tel.: 718-733-7916

    McCarthy, 27, has aligned himself with most of the G.O.P. platform, promoting Bob Dole's 15% tax-cut proposal as the best way to spur economic growth, create jobs and eliminate welfare dependency. In an attempt to expand educational opportunity, McCarthy favors giving low-income Bronx families a $2,000-per-child voucher each year to let parents send their children to the school of their choice. McCarthy also supports a bill to require minors to get parental consent before having an abortion.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare NR Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I believe partial-birth abortions are infanticide. I oppose abortion, but believe the only way to have effective social change is through the electorate."

    KERRY KATSORHIS (R) District 18 (Parts of Westchester --Bronx and Queens counties)

    BORN: July 31, 1945, Chicago EDUCATION: St. John's U, B.A., 1967; New York Law School, J.D., 1970 FAMILY: Wife, Ellen; three children RELIGION: Greek Orthodox MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Police officer; assistant district attorney; lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: New York City sheriff, 1994-95 ADDRESS: 1279 North Avenue, New Rochelle 10804. Tel.: 718-545-9596

    Though the moderate Katsorhis admires incumbent Nita Lowey's record on women's rights and the environment, he says she hasn't done enough for the economy and emphasizes his endorsement of Bob Dole's plan for a 15% tax cut and enterprise zones. A former cop, Katsorhis is also tough on crime, advocating the death penalty for anyone who kills an on-duty law-enforcement officer.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "The difference in philosophy is simple: I believe that taxpayers know how to spend their money more wisely and efficiently than some bureaucrat in Washington."

    NITA LOWEY (D) District 18

    BORN: July 5, 1937, The Bronx EDUCATION: Mount Holyoke College, B.A., 1959 FAMILY: Husband, Stephen; three children RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Public official POLITICAL CAREER: New York Assistant Secretary of State, 1985-87; U.S. House, 1988- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 271, White Plains 10605. Tel.: 914-683-3275

    Lowey was thrust into the spotlight at the Democratic convention, the only person besides Al Gore invited to speak twice. The attention has some insiders saying the energetic Lowey will give Senator Al D'Amato electoral fits in 1998. For the moment, she continues to to promote women's issues. In June she proposed a bill to give businesses a tax credit for providing women with counseling, legal and medical services and education about domestic violence.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Unfortunately, both Washington and Albany are cutting vital funding for education. That is absolutely wrong. We cannot build a stronger America on the backs of our students."

    SUE KELLY (R) District 19 (Hudson Valley--Poughkeepsie)

    BORN: Sept. 26, 1936, Lima, Ohio EDUCATION: Denison U, B.A., 1958; Sarah Lawrence College, M.A., 1985 FAMILY: Husband, Edward; four children RELIGION: Presbyterian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Hospital administrative aide; medical researcher; retailer; professor POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 599, Katonah 10536. Tel.: 914-232-5940

    Despite endorsements by much of the G.O.P. leadership, including Newt Gingrich, Kelly had to endure a bitter primary battle, mostly over her "liberal" views on abortion--she is pro-choice. Still, considered a loyal Republican, the former professor of patient advocacy sides with her party on fiscal issues, promoting small businesses and supporting the balanced-budget amendment.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion NO Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia YES NAFTA NR Welfare YES Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: [On abortion] "The decision should be between a woman, her doctor and her God. What are you going to say to a child who would lose a mother because an abortion is illegal?"

    RICHARD KLEIN (D) District 19

    BORN: Nov. 20, 1938, New York City EDUCATION: Queens College, B.S., 1962; New York Medical College, M.D., 1967 FAMILY: Wife, Barbara; six children RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: Navy Reserve, 1955-56; Navy, 1957-59; Marine Corps Reserve, 1960-61 OCCUPATION: Physician POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 251-3 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights 10598. Tel.: 914-962-6996

    Klein retired from medicine after 25 years to campaign for Congress, hoping to find the right prescription for the 19th District. He thinks the G.O.P.-controlled House has been too extreme on social issues, especially health care. He also supports an assault-weapons ban and wants stronger environmental regulation. But Klein has a tough race in this district, where Republicans routinely win with a double-digit margin.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Two years ago we voted in a new Congress, and we found out that this Congress turned out to be a bunch of extremists."

    YASH AGGARWAL (D) District 20 (Rockland; parts of Westchester, Orange and Sullivan counties) BORN: Aug. 12, 1940, Nanuki, Kenya EDUCATION: U of Strasbourg (France), B.S., 1966, M.S., 1970; Columbia U, Ph.D., 1975 FAMILY: Wife, Hemangini; two children RELIGION: Hindu MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Financial consultant; research scientist POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 17 Tarry Hill Drive, New City 10956. Tel.: 914-638-3972

    A political novice, Aggarwal has a doctorate in seismology and was one of the first people to predict an earthquake using scientific methods. But in 1995 he organized the nonpartisan Citizens Congress, which created a plan to balance the federal budget in seven years without debilitating cuts in any federal programs. Now he's predicting a political temblor.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NR Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "[I]t is terribly important that Democrats, Independents and concerned Republicans unite to defeat extremist forces that have taken over the Republican Party."

    BENJAMIN GILMAN (R) District 20

    BORN: Dec. 6, 1922, Poughkeepsie EDUCATION: U of Pennsylvania, B.S., 1946; New York Law School, LL.B., 1950 FAMILY: Separated; three children RELIGION: Jewish MILITARY: Army Air Corps, 1943-45; National Guard, 1981- OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: New York Assistant Attorney General, 1953-57; New York Assembly, 1967-72; U.S. House, 1972- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 3001, Middletown 10940. Tel.: 914-343-4615

    In 1994 the moderate Gilman voted with President Clinton 71% of the time and was the only House Republican to vote against the balanced-budget amendment. He still sides with the G.O.P. on cutting government regulation and outdated federal programs, but Gilman has sometimes found it hard being a moderate soldier in the midst of the Republican revolution.

    THE ISSUES Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "While government can offer help to citizens in time of need, it can also provide roadblocks to those working toward attaining the American dream."

    MICHAEL MCNULTY (D) District 21 (Capital district--Albany; Schenectady; Troy)

    BORN: Sept. 16, 1947, Troy EDUCATION: College of the Holy Cross, A.B., 1969 FAMILY: Wife, Nancy Lazzaro-McNulty; four children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Public official POLITICAL CAREER: Mayor of Green Island, 1977-83; New York Assembly, 1983-88; U.S. House, 1988- ADDRESS: 911 Central Avenue, West Gate Plaza, Albany 12206. Tel.: 518-438-4223

    McNulty, the only New York Democrat to be endorsed by the state's Conservative Party, opposes abortion, supports an amendment to criminalize flag desecration and endorsed the Contract with America except its welfare-reform and tax-cut provisions. The Democrats have long called this district home, but the 21st is far from a liberal stronghold, and McNulty has quietly supported these voters' interests for the past eight years.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "In November we're going to send Newt Gingrich back to Georgia and elect a new Democratic Congress."

    NANCY NORMAN (R) District 21

    BORN: Dec. 17, 1931, Shenandoah, Iowa EDUCATION: U of Nebraska, B.M.E., 1953, M.M., 1957 FAMILY: Husband, Robert Spearman; two children RELIGION: Episcopalian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Public affairs broadcaster; college instructor POLITICAL CAREER: Republican nominee for U.S. House, 1992 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 921, Latham 12110. Tel.: 518-786-3038

    Norman says little has changed since she faced Michael McNulty in 1992--that's why she's running again. A 1951 Miss America contestant and retired Schenectady TV personality, Norman focuses on health care; she wants newly licensed physicians to have the chance to pay back school loans with "commensurate service" in poor areas. Norman also supports mandatory waiting periods on gun purchases and is solidly pro-choice.

    THE ISSUES Budget YES Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I would not condone a man being told that he could not have a legal, safe vasectomy any more than I would condone a woman being told that she could not have a legal, safe abortion."

    STEVE JAMES (D) District 22 (Rural east--Glens Falls; Saratoga Springs)

    BORN: Feb. 2, 1952, Mount Vernon, Ohio EDUCATION: Princeton U, A.B., 1974 FAMILY: Wife, Sheran RELIGION: Episcopalian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Dairy co-owner; actor POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 1 Main Street, General Delivery, Ancramdale 12503. Tel.: 518-329-9696

    Despite his lack of political experience, James jumped into the race to fight what he considers the extremism of incumbent Gerald Solomon, especially on the assault-weapons ban. He also favors a $10,000 tuition tax deduction and a $1,500 tax credit for families working to put a child through college. James advocates cutting waste and eliminating duplication and says his skills as an entrepreneur and dairy owner will aid him in a district where agriculture and small business are the backbone of the economy.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "This isn't a career ... for me; this is an idealistic fight, a fight that I feel I had to make."

    GERALD SOLOMON (R) District 22

    BORN: Aug. 14, 1930, Okeechobee, Fla. EDUCATION: Siena College, 1949-50; St. Lawrence U, 1952-53 FAMILY: Wife, Freda; five children RELIGION: Presbyterian MILITARY: Marines, 1951-52 OCCUPATION: Insurance executive POLITICAL CAREER: Warren County legislature, 1968-72; New York Assembly, 1973-78; U.S. House, 1978- ADDRESS: 21 Bay Street, Glens Falls 12801. Tel.: 518-761-1053

    A high-octane conservative and chair of the House Rules Committee, Solomon wanted to run for the Speaker's gavel in 1994, but yielded to his friend Newt Gingrich. In a heated exchange on the House floor this year, he invited assault-weapons-ban advocate Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) to "step outside." He takes good care of his district, though, and his odds for a 10th term are good--the district is only 23% Democrat.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: [Addressing Patrick Kennedy] "My wife lives alone five days a week in a rural area in upstate New York. She has a right to defend herself when I'm not here, son, and don't you ever forget it."

    SHERWOOD BOEHLERT (R) District 23 (Central--Utica; Rome)

    BORN: Sept. 28, 1936, Utica EDUCATION: Utica College, B.S., 1961 FAMILY: Wife, Marianne; four children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Army, 1956-58 OCCUPATION: Congressional aide; public relations executive POLITICAL CAREER: Oneida County executive, 1979-82; U.S. House, 1982- ADDRESS: P.O. Box C, Utica 13503. Tel.: 315-733-8825

    The National Journal called Boehlert the Green Hornet for his efforts to make government care about the environment, sometimes contrary to the G.O.P. agenda. But the battleground in this race may be the economy. The 23rd District lost 1,400 jobs when Griffiss Air Force Base was scaled back in 1993, and Boehlert is pushing to make the Rome Laboratory a National Law Enforcement Technology Center.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "My primary focus has been--and will continue to be--the economic prosperity of our region. No other issue even comes close."

    BRUCE HAPANOWICZ (D) District 23

    BORN: July 9, 1941, Utica EDUCATION: College of the Holy Cross, 1958-60; Utica College, 1960-68 FAMILY: Divorced; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Meat-market owner POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 36 West Monroe Street, Little Falls 13365. Tel.: 315-823-0102

    Sounding alarms for Rome, Utica and Oneonta, Hapanowicz could unseat seven-term incumbent Sherwood Boehlert if he manages to tap into resentment over what he says is a continuing local economic crisis. Hapanowicz's priorities are stimulating the economy and creating jobs. He would set up enterprise zones for small businesses and attract them with tax breaks, a reduction of the burden of federal regulations and lower interest on loans. He supports a tax deduction of up to $10,000 for college tuition and vocational training, especially for poorer families.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave yes (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I don't know about you, but I am tired of seeing businesses around the region voting with their feet."

    JOHN MCHUGH (R) District 24 (North Country--Plattsburgh; Watertown; Oswego)

    BORN: Sept. 29, 1948, Watertown EDUCATION: Syracuse U, B.A., 1970; State U of New York, Albany, M.P.A., 1977 FAMILY: Wife, Katharine RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: City official; legislative aide; insurance broker POLITICAL CAREER: New York Senate, 1985-92; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 6161, Watertown 13601. Tel.: 315-782-3150

    In New York's vast North Country, federal programs are often a necessity, and McHugh has fought to retain some, like the Milk Marketing Board, which controls milk prices, and the Essential Air Service program, a subsidy that provides a vital air link for many rural communities. Still, he was named "most frugal" New York Congressman by the National Taxpayers Union, and has returned 30% of his staff salary for the past three years to reduce the national debt.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Americans are being asked to accept lower levels of spending at every level of government...and Congress should lead by example."

    DONALD RAVENSCROFT (D) District 24

    BORN: Feb. 19, 1920, Trare, Iowa EDUCATION: U of California, Berkeley, 1946-48; U of Nebraska, J.D., 1952 FAMILY: Wife, Margaret; two children RELIGION: Unitarian MILITARY: Air Force, 1942-45 OCCUPATION: Law professor POLITICAL CAREER: Democratic nominee for U.S. House, 1988 ADDRESS: 24096 Bisig Road, Rodman 13682. Tel.: 315-232-2140

    One thing the 76-year-old Ravenscroft can't be accused of is running for office with no idea of what he'll do when he gets there. In 1995 he and his wife penned the Handbook for Voters and Liberal Democratic Candidates, a 106-page tome that says government-funded college education, universal health care, a minimum wage above the poverty level and a fair tax on net income will help the economy and create a more egalitarian society.

    THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "For true democracy, I believe that government decisions must be made on the merits, not on how much money was paid to the decision maker."

    MARTY MACK (D) District 25 (Central--Syracuse)

    BORN: March 15, 1953, Cortland EDUCATION: Cornell U, B.S., 1975; State U of New York, Cortland, M.A.T., 1976; U of South Carolina, J.D., 1979 FAMILY: Wife, Lee Scott; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Cortland County attorney, 1984-87; mayor of Cortland, 1988-91 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 6070, Syracuse 13217. Tel.: 315-479-6225 When Mack addressed the Democratic convention in August as a warm-up speaker for Jesse Jackson, few delegates knew who he was. By the end of the speech, with conventioneers cheering, Mack had made a name for himself and earned endorsements from Democratic heavies Geraldine Ferraro and Secretary of Housing and Human Services Donna Shalala. Mack may have a better chance than the powerful incumbent would like to admit.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "As Speaker of the House Foley taught us two years ago, anybody can be beat."

    JAMES WALSH (R) District 25

    BORN: June 19, 1947, Syracuse EDUCATION: St. Bonaventure U, B.A., 1970 FAMILY: Wife, DeDe; three children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Marketing executive; social worker POLITICAL CAREER: Syracuse common council, 1978-88; U.S. House, 1988- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1974, Syracuse 13201. Tel.: 315-471-9154

    Walsh broke G.O.P. ranks this year to support the minimum-wage hike--as he did in 1993, when he was one of only three Republicans to support President Clinton's economic-stimulus package. However, opponent Marty Mack is aggressively campaigning to link him to Newt Gingrich, citing as proof of servitude Walsh's agreement with the Speaker on 90% of votes. Walsh has enjoyed solid support in the past three elections, but this race may be tougher.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "We can't put businesses out of business to improve people's quality of life, because then they won't have a job to support their families."

    MAURICE HINCHEY (D) District 26 (South--Kingston; Binghamton; Ithaca)

    BORN: Oct. 27, 1938, New York City EDUCATION: State U of New York at New Paltz, B.S., 1968, M.A., 1970 FAMILY: Wife, Ilene Marder; three children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Navy, 1956-59 OCCUPATION: State employee POLITICAL CAREER: Democratic nominee for New York Assembly, 1972; New York Assembly, 1975-92; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: 19 Chenango Street, No. 404, Binghamton 13901. Tel.: 607-773-0840

    Winning by a narrow margin in his two House races, Hinchey may be too liberal for this rural midstate district. He supports strong environmental regulation, the pro-choice movement and AIDS funding. Opponent Sue Wittig is trying to exploit Hinchey's liberal soft spot, but he is counting on Ithaca, home to Cornell University, and the labor centers of Binghamton to send him back to Washington.

    THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Let us not return to supply-side economics. Let us keep on a steady course, which is providing economic growth for all Americans."

    SUE WITTIG (R) District 26

    BORN: Nov. 2, 1954, New York City EDUCATION: Marist College, B.A., 1976 FAMILY: Husband, Ludwig RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Wallpaper-store owner POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 778, Lake Katrine 12449. Tel.: 914-339-1220

    Wittig, owner of Wallpaper World and host of a local cable-access show, The Washington Report, wants to apply her commercial acumen to legislation and attack the three threats to small business: taxation, litigation and regulation. In a district hit hard by IBM downsizing and where constituents worry about high taxes forcing companies south to Pennsylvania, Wittig's message has resonance.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia NR NAFTA NR Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "The deficit is not high because we're taxed too little, it's high because we spend too much."

    THOMAS FRICANO (D) District 27 (Suburban Buffalo and rural west--Amherst)

    BORN: Jan. 2, 1940, Silver Creek EDUCATION: Erie County Technical Institute, A.A., 1959; State U of New York at Buffalo, B.S., 1975 FAMILY: Wife, Susan; three children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Labor-union regional director; auto worker POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 4455 Transit Road, Third Floor, Williamsville 14221. Tel.: 716-568-9697

    Fricano began work at age 19 at a Chevrolet plant. Now on the UAW's International Union Executive Board, he hopes to make this race a referendum on the Contract with America, which he calls the Contract on America. Facing Bill Paxon, one of Newt Gingrich's lieutenants, Fricano has made hay of Paxon's vote against the minimum-wage hike. In this battle between labor and the G.O.P. Congress, Fricano has strong support despite the district's solid Republicanism.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "It's like eating an elephant, you have to take one bite at a time...We will just keep doing what we have been doing until Nov. 5."

    BILL PAXON (R) District 27

    BORN: April 29, 1954, Akron EDUCATION: Canisius College, B.A., 1977 FAMILY: Wife, Susan Molinari; one child RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Public official POLITICAL CAREER: Erie County legislature, 1978-82; New York Assembly, 1983-88; U.S. House, 1988- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 69, Victor 14564. Tel.: 716-924-0550

    As chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, Paxon was an author of the Contract with America and a key player in the G.O.P. landslide of 1994. A tireless, effective fund raiser, he is also married to Representative Susan Molinari (District 13). The only husband-wife congressional team, they are often spotlighted as symbols of the younger wing of the G.O.P. But as the novelty of the Contract becomes tarnished by political bickering, Paxon is finding himself in a real race for his House seat.

    THE ISSUES Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "I don't separate myself one inch from Newt. Our successes largely have been because he is our leader."

    GEOFFREY ROSENBERGER (R) District 28 (Rochester and most of suburban Monroe County)

    BORN: July 28, 1953, Rochester EDUCATION: U of Kentucky, B.S., 1974, M.B.A., 1976 FAMILY: Wife, Janet; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Investment manager POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 312 West Commercial Street, East Rochester 14445. Tel.: 716-381-0200

    Rosenberger, co-founder of a Rochester investment-management firm, says he'll bring strong business principles to Washington. Jobs are created by motivated entrepreneurs, not government bureaucrats, he says, pushing the G.O.P. slogan, "tough on crime--easy on taxes." An underdog, Rosenberger hopes to topple incumbent Louise Slaughter with a "Washington values" label that's not loved in sensible Rochester.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NR Medicare NR Defense NR Abortion NR Guns NR Gays NR Bosnia NR NAFTA NR Welfare NR Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "The people of Monroe County believe we should balance the nation's budget and make welfare recipients work for their benefits. Their common-sense values are the values I will take to Congress in November."

    LOUISE SLAUGHTER (D) District 28

    BORN: Aug. 14, 1929, Harlan County, Ky. EDUCATION: U of Kentucky, B.S., 1951, M.P.H., 1953 FAMILY: Husband, Robert; three children RELIGION: Episcopalian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Bacteriologist POLITICAL CAREER: Monroe County legislature, 1975-79; New York Assembly, 1983-86; U.S. House, 1986- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 14117, Rochester 14614. Tel.: 716-473-9240

    This native of the Kentucky mountains is known as a fiery fighter for the interests of Rochester. She used her seat on the Budget Committee to wrangle funding for a program to encourage business and job growth in Rochester and, as chair of the Congressional Women's Task Force, championed the Violence Against Women Act and introduced legislation (which passed last May) to protect insurance coverage for women genetically prone to breast cancer.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "It has always been my opinion that a serial rapist should not be treated like an arsonist when it comes to sentencing."

    DAVID CALLARD (R) District 29 (Northwest--part of Buffalo; Niagara Falls)

    BORN: Jan. 16, 1950, Medina EDUCATION: St. Lawrence U, B.A., 1972; U of Rochester, M.A., 1973 FAMILY: Wife, Nelda; two children RELIGION: Presbyterian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Bank executive POLITICAL CAREER: Ridgeway town council, 1988-92, town superintendent, 1992-93; Orleans County legislature, 1994- ADDRESS: 111 Main Street, Lockport 14094. Tel.: 716-433-2022

    A banker, Callard quit his job early this year to pursue the congressional dream. Canvasing the area in a red, white and blue school bus, he sought support in his bespectacled, meticulous banker's style. Democratic incumbent LaFalce has ruled the district since 1974, but as in the rest of upstate New York, the conservative tradition is strong, and Callard just might be able to tap into it.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "My feeling is yes, we can win this election if we can reach the people...Believe me, I wouldn't have given up my job if I didn't think it could be done."

    JOHN LAFALCE (D) District 29

    BORN: Oct. 6, 1939, Buffalo EDUCATION: Canisius College, B.S., 1961; Villanova U, J.D., 1964 FAMILY: Wife, Patricia; one child RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: Army, 1965-67 OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: New York Senate, 1971-73, Assembly, 1973-74; U.S. House, 1974- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 383, Niagara Falls 14302. Tel.: 716-282-6445

    Until the 1994 G.O.P. takeover, LaFalce chaired the Small Business Committee and worked to spur development in industrial areas like his district, once one of the heavy-industry capitals of America. He supported the U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement, hoping to help his district take advantage of Toronto's booming economy. And he pressured the Department of Energy to remove nuclear waste from a site in Tonawanda--no small issue in a district that includes the infamous Love Canal, and no small feather in LaFalce's cap either.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "Should the vote in my congressional district in part be a referendum on Newt Gingrich and his leadership?...I believe that it should be just that."

    FRANCIS PORDUM (D) District 30 (West--Buffalo)

    BORN: Dec. 4, 1945, Lackawanna EDUCATION: Colgate U, B.A., 1968; State U of New York at Buffalo, M.S., 1972, C.A.S., 1978 FAMILY: Divorced; one child RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Teacher POLITICAL CAREER: Erie County legislature, 1980-83; New York Assembly, 1983- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 2056, Blasdell 14219. Tel.: 716-675-2234

    Pordum scored a coup in May when he won the endorsement of the AFL-CIO, which supported opponent Jack Quinn in 1994. This endorsement has meant funding and volunteers in what is always a daunting process: unseating an incumbent. Democratic big guns like Dick Gephardt and party celebrities like Patrick Kennedy have made appearances on Pordum's behalf. In this heavily Democratic district, the former teacher gives the party a real opportunity.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "My candidacy is about protecting the working families of western New York from the misguided and mean-spirited policies supported by ... the Republican Congress."

    JACK QUINN (R) District 30 BORN: April 13, 1951, Buffalo EDUCATION: Siena College, B.A., 1973; State U of New York, Buffalo, M.A., 1983 FAMILY: Wife, Mary Beth; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Teacher POLITICAL CAREEr: Hamburg town supervisor, 1985-92; U.S. House, 1992- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 2012, Buffalo 14219. Tel.: 716-648-6055

    It was a surprise when Quinn won a House seat in this Democratic district in 1992 and when, in 1994, he got an endorsement from the normally Democratic AFL-CIO. But this year, despite his support for the minimum-wage hike and opposition to NAFTA, labor is backing opponent Francis Pordum. Still, Quinn won $40 million for the Buffalo waterfront this year, a surefire election plum, and has sponsored legislation to create a clear federal snow-emergency plan, a hot issue in the land of the "lake effect."

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "We've worked hard to vote independently of the party...People aren't as angry, because we're getting things done."

    AMO HOUGHTON (R) District 31 (Southern tier--Jamestown; Elmira; Corning)

    BORN: Aug. 7, 1926, Corning EDUCATION: Harvard U, A.B., 1950, M.B.A., 1952 FAMILY: Wife, Priscilla Dewey; four children, three stepchildren RELIGION: Episcopalian MILITARY: Marines, 1945-46 OCCUPATION: Glassworks company executive POLITICAL CAREER: U.S. House, 1986- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1107, Corning 14830. Tel.: 607-936-4481

    As scion of Corning Glass and one of the wealthiest members of Congress, Houghton brings a decidedly businesslike mien--and a moderate Republican voice--to Capitol Hill. As a member of the influential Ways and Means Committee, he helped craft a six-year balanced-budget plan. But he's not an advocate of wholesale cuts, and fought to save the National Endowment for the Arts and funding for public television.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion NR Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "What I bristle at is when I go to a Republican caucus and they're shouting down the voices of reason. It's not the Republican Party I joined, and it's not sustainable."

    BRUCE MACBAIN (D) District 31

    BORN: June 19, 1962, Harvey, Ill. EDUCATION: Cornell U, A.B., 1984; Syracuse U, J.D., 1989 FAMILY: Wife, Shelly; two children RELIGION: Congregationalist MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: High school teacher POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 138 Scofield Road, Freeville 13068. Tel.: 607-266-6425

    A social-studies teacher, MacBain, 34, says he's running because he's tired of the G.O.P. giving the government burden to the states, which are then forced to cut education to make ends meet. He's throwing his support to the elderly, environmental protection, tourism, fisheries and vineyards (all vital to his district)--and to education. Not a multimillionaire like his opponent, MacBain couldn't leave his job to campaign full-time. But running against a five-term incumbent who received 85% of the vote two years ago, that may have been a wise decision.

    THE ISSUES

    Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

    QUOTE OF NOTE: "[A] clean environment creates jobs."