Matt Throckmorton's responses to the Deseret Morning News questionnaire

Republican 3rd Congressional District candidate Matt Throckmorton's responses to the Deseret Morning News questionnaire:

1. What is the major issue facing Utah today and how would you deal with it? Our economy, which affects every aspect of public policy. There are several key factors that the federal government can affect that will impact Utah. Regulatory environment, tax structure, trade issues and fiscal policy. All of these need to be improved. Currently our fiscal policy is the most troubling. Our national debt and yearly deficits have grown to such a degree that it has weakened our dollar, which is the source of many problems. This is one factor in the increased cost of gas, as an example. We need to rein in our spending immediately. This is a difference between myself and my opponent.

2. Do you favor or oppose a U.S. constitutional amendment that would define marriage between a man and a woman? If yes, why? If no, why?

Only as a last resort. There are several steps that need to be taken before that decision is made. These steps include fighting the issue within the courts and finding different legislative options to include restricting jurisdiction, and if these do not work I would support a constitutional amendment. I would insist that it be a strongly worded amendment that truly clarified and defined this traditional relationship.

3. Do you favor or oppose allowing U.S. citizens to buy prescription drugs from other countries, like Canada? If not, what can be done to quickly reduce the cost of prescription medicines in the United States?

The issue is whether larger entities such as states should be allowed to do so. There are very short-term gains that can be made from this, though by allowing this to take place we are ensuring a worse problem down the road. I view policy from a long-term perspective, and this is how we need to address this problem. I do not support this policy. If we are serious about the cost of drugs we must take several steps now so that over the next decade we can realize a real drop in the cost of drug prices.

4. How much longer should U.S. troops be in Iraq? At this time, do you favor or oppose spending as much money as President Bush requests on the Iraqi war?

We need to have a strong and realistic exit strategy for Iraq. We are now in the process of transferring power to a new Iraqi government. This will be difficult with many bumps in the process. We must restore sovereignty to the Iraqi people. Currently it is planned to have free elections by the first of January. This would be an ideal time to remove our troops. I do support the money requested by the president, with very strict oversight. We have seen problems with contractors overcharging or funds not making it to the troops in Iraq. We need to ensure that every penny that is appropriated for operations in Iraq is spent there. We also need to ensure that the Defense Department is not shifting funds. This means that with an additional $25 billion going to Iraq, other funds earmarked for Iraq are now withheld and spent elsewhere.

Comments