Candidates' Views

Today through Friday, this page will feature the views of major-party candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives in Districts Two, Three, Four and 12. Some of the responses were trimmed for space. The candidates responded to these Inquirer questions:

TERROR: What policy changes would you like to see made in the U.S.-led war on terror as it is being fought in Iraq, Afghanistan and here in the United States?

TAXES: What changes should be made in America's taxing and spending policies to reduce the federal deficit? Are there taxes you would increase or decrease? What are they? Are there programs you would cut or add? What are they?

AMERICA: Tell us what makes you feel good about this country, and then tell us what's happening in this country that makes you angry. What would you do about these if elected? What would you work on even if not elected?

Today: Second District: Republican incumbent Frank LoBiondo and Democrat Viola Thomas-Hughes.

Tomorrow: Third District: Republican incumbent Jim Saxton and Democrat Rich Sexton.

Thursday: Fourth District: Republican incumbent Chris Smith and Democrat Carol Gay.

Friday: 12th District: Democratic incumbent Rush Holt. (Republican Joe Sinagra did not respond.)

Viola Thomas-Hughes

Democrat

Challenger

Age: 53

Hometown: Fairfield Township

Qualifications: B.A., psychology, Rowan University. Program development specialist with Department of Corrections. Township committeewoman. Formerly, mayor, deputy mayor.

TERROR: First, I believe that the president must disavow any intention of permanently stationing troops in Iraq and relieve fears that the United States intends to profit from Iraq's natural resources, just as Harry Truman did after World War II when setting up the Marshall Plan.

Second, the president must invite the international community, particularly Arab countries, to participate in rebuilding Iraq's security forces, infrastructure and business enterprises. Iraqis must be included in the rebuilding effort, with jobs that pay well enough to attract those fighting the occupation.

Third, the president and Congress need to work together to develop achievable goals that will allow the withdrawal of coalition forces when those goals are met. "Standing down when they stand up" is not a plan.