(6 of 8)
Jude is campaigning on three issues: taxes, taxes and fewer taxes. He wants a $500-per-child tax credit, a capital-gains tax cut and a balanced-budget amendment. Jude joined the G.O.P. in 1992, claiming the Democratic Farmer-Labor Party had become too left-wing, and lost a nail-biter to William Luther in 1994.
THE ISSUES
Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NR Abortion YES Guns NR Gays NO Bosnia NR NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "[T]he next generation will be the first in American history that cannot expect to be better off than the previous. The outrageous debt accumulated by the Federal Government is a shameful situation, and it must change."
WILLIAM LUTHER (D) District 6
BORN: June 27, 1945, Fergus Falls EDUCATION: U of Minnesota, B.S., 1967, J.D., 1970 FAMILY: Wife, Darlene; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Minnesota House, 1975-77; Minnesota Senate, 1977-94; U.S. House, 1994- ADDRESS: 1399 Geneva Avenue North, Suite 103, Oakdale 55128. Tel.: 612-730-4288
While most members of Congress fight the label of career politician, Luther is proud of his 22 years as a legislator. He recently began a bipartisan effort, with Gil Gutknecht of the First District, to offer taxpayers $363 million in savings over five years by capping the number of political appointees at 2,000. He also returns to his district every weekend for "listening sessions" with constituents.
THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense YES Abortion NO Guns YES Gays NR Bosnia NO NAFTA NR Welfare NO* Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "We need to get a handle on the budget. The annual deficits being run up by the government act like a multibillion-dollar lead weight tied to the ankle of our economy."
DARRELL MCKIGNEY (R) District 7 (Northwest--Moorhead; part of St. Cloud)
BORN: July 22, 1965, Villard EDUCATION: Carleton College, B.A., 1987 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Christian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Political-advocacy executive; congressional aide POLITICAL CAREER: Republican nominee for Minnesota House, 1986; sought Republican nomination for Minnesota Senate, 1992 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 1265, St. Cloud 56302. Tel.: 320-202-8166
Faced with limited name recognition, McKigney has turned his campaign into a scathing critique of the incumbent, centering on his opponent's acceptance of PAC money. McKigney promises to limit his own PAC money to one-third of total contributions and pays tribute to the virtues of a balanced budget, tax cuts and the eradication of the IRS. He steers clear of divisive social issues--good politics in a politically moderate district.
THE ISSUES
Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "People have little confidence in their influence in government. They feel their Congress is being bought by special-interest groups."
COLLIN PETERSON (D) District 7