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BORN: Aug. 27, 1948, Storm Lake EDUCATION: U of Iowa, B.A., 1970; U of Kansas, J.D., 1975 FAMILY: Wife, Patricia; three children RELIGION: Presbyterian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Iowa Republican Central Committee, 1982-89, chairman, 1987-89; Poweshiek County attorney, 1979- ADDRESS: P.O. Box 850, Montezuma 50171. Tel.: 515-623-1996
To counter the blow dealt by the Iowa Farm Bureau, which endorsed his opponent, Mahaffey called for a series of debates to show that he too supports farmers. He believes a smaller government would lower interest rates, which would in turn translate into cheaper houses, cars and equipment for his constituents. He also thinks some things such as education can be handled best on a local level.
THE ISSUES
Budget YES Medicare NR Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NO 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: "It is a given that I support a balanced budget. Iowans struggle to make ends meet and live within their means. The Federal Government should have to live within a budget like Iowa families must."
GREG GANSKE (R) District 4 (Southwest--Des Moines; Council Bluffs)
BORN: March 31, 1949, New Hampton EDUCATION: U of Iowa, B.A., 1972, M.D., 1976 FAMILY: Wife, Corrine; three children Religion: Roman Catholic Military: Army Reserve, 1986- OCCUPATION: Reconstructive and plastic surgeon Political career: U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: 5907 Grand Avenue, Des Moines 50312. Tel.: 515-279-1994
Ganske's defeat of 36-year incumbent Neal Smith was one of the great upsets of 1994. The former surgeon wants to take a scalpel to congressional pork and small-business regulations. When it comes to crime, he would rather attack the cancer with punishment than preventive medicine, including a crackdown on deadbeat dads.
THE ISSUES
Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES 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: "It takes two people to bring a child into the world, and it takes two people to raise a child in this world. Unfortunately, in too many cases, one parent believes that their responsibility ends when the baby is born."
CONNIE MCBURNEY (D) District 4
BORN: Jan. 20, 1940, Lacey EDUCATION: U of Iowa, B.A., 1959-63 FAMILY: Husband, Michael Percival RELIGION: Protestant MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Weather reporter; community child advocate; teacher POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 1020 Walnut Street, Des Moines 50309. Tel.: 515-280-1285
With a focus on educational programs and support of the earned-income tax credit for the working poor, McBurney hopes to become Iowa's first female representative in the state's 150-year history. She promises to fight for working families, and says high schools should teach marketable skills to noncollege-bound students. At the same time, she has pursued careers as an educator and television weathercaster, and established Project Mainstreet to provide funding for community-improvement projects.
THE ISSUES