| Office: | Minnesota District 33A State representative |
Other candidates in this race:
|
| Party: |
Republican |
| Incumbent: |
Yes |
| City of residence: |
Mound |
| Age: | 58 |
| Background: |
Ninth term as state representative. Mayor, city of Mound, 1986-1991; Mound City Council member, 1984-1986. Occupation, attorney. J.D., Oklahoma City University School of Law. B.A., University of Minnesota. U.S. Army - honorable discharge. Son - Airman Ryan Smith, U.S. Air Force M.P., age 19. Taxpayer Republican. |
| Endorsements: | Republican Party of Minnesota; Teamsters DRIVE; Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association; Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life; TwinWest Chamber of Commerce PAC; AFL-CIO Minnesota; National Rifle Association - NRA Political Victory Fund; Police Officers Alliance of Minnesota; Minnesota Nurses Association Political Committee; AFSCME Minnesota Council 5. |
| Most important issue: |
The DFL majority took a $2.2 billion surplus which they spent into a $935 million state budget deficit. Then they passed one of the largest tax increases in Minnesota history - $6.6 billion in higher gas taxes, sales taxes, license renewal taxes and car registration taxes. Our government is too big, takes too much of our money, and controls too much of our lives. The issues? Reducing your tax burden. Education funding that is predictable and fair; more money into the per-pupil formula; with standards, local control and accountability. Free enterprise without excessive regulations. Limited government providing needed services. |
| Views: |
Candidates were asked to respond to statements on five policy issues. They were given seven options: "Strongly agree", "Somewhat agree", "Have mixed feelings", "Somewhat disagree", "Strongly disagree", "Have no opinion" and "Do not wish to respond."
| In light of high gasoline prices, the Legislature should repeal the gas tax increases enacted in February. |
Strongly agree |
| The state should require cities to allow law enforcement officers to inquire about people's immigration status during routine police work, such as traffic stops. |
Strongly agree |
| Legislators should rule out tax increases during the next session. |
Strongly agree |
| The state should put a cap on tuition increases at state colleges and universities and pressure the University of Minnesota to do the same. |
Strongly agree |
| The state should provide more funding for K-12 education, even if it means reductions in other areas of the state budget or raising taxes. |
Somewhat agree |
|
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