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When attacked for not being more vocal in Congress, Coyne simply reminds voters of his accomplishments, highlighting his position on the Ways and Means Committee, his support for the Economic Revitalization Act, his stand against the G.O.P.'s "Defense of Marriage Act" proposal and his Pittsburgh roots. The 14th is a solidly Democratic district that probably will support its liberal and locally focused, if quiet, Representative.
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: "Relationships are the grease that turns wheels. That's what counts."
BILL RAVOTTI (R) District 14
BORN: April 16, 1966, Lower Burrell EDUCATION: Indiana U of Pennsylvania, B.S., 1989 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Insurance agent POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: 3380 Babbock Boulevard, Pittsburgh 15237. Tel.: 412-369-5011
Ravotti supports a flat tax, lower taxes on savings and investments, abolishing high congressional pensions, and an "America first" foreign policy. He calls his agenda "mainstream conservatism," but in the 14th, where Democrats dominate more than 6 to 1, mainstream may look more like minority. Ravotti admits he is the underdog but hopes an aggressive campaign and knocking on thousands of doors will win over liberal constituents.
THE ISSUES
Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays NR Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "These treaties [NAFTA and GATT] ship our jobs overseas and have contributed to the decline in the wages of American workers. How can we walk away from our own people? These people are hurting."
BOB KILBANKS (R) District 15 (East--Allentown; Bethlehem)
BORN: March 31, 1952, Easton EDUCATION: Lafayette College, B.A., 1974 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Christian MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Real estate agent; congressional aide POLITICAL CAREER: Sought Republican nomination for U.S. House, 1994 ADDRESS: P.O. Box 707, Bethlehem 18016. Tel.: 610-974-9403
In the primary, Kilbanks upset Bethlehem Mayor Ken Smith; his surprise candidacy makes next week's outcome even more unpredictable. Kilbanks calls himself anti-Washington and has vowed to refuse a congressional pension and to step down after six terms. In an evenly divided district, which the 15th is, every election tactic is a risk--and a potential advantage.
THE ISSUES
Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave NR (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "The bottom line is that families have to live within their means. Why can't the Federal Government, which is supposed to represent these families, do the same?"
PAUL MCHALE (D) District 15