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October 30, 2008

Fallin, Perry campaign for 5th District post

James Coburn

EDMOND — Many people have described the 2008 campaign as critical for America’s future. As they compete for voters, 5th District U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin and Democrat Steven Perry contrast in what’s crucial in the Nov. 4 general election.

District 5 is densely populated and located in central Oklahoma. It covers three counties, most of Oklahoma County, Pottawatomie County and Seminole County, with principal cities including Oklahoma City, Edmond, Shawnee and Seminole.

Fallin wants Congress to spend less money, secure the nation’s borders, reform the IRS and help better education. Fallin voted against the $700 billion bailout plan when first introduced to Congress, but approved the Senate version.

Perry said, “The recovery bill that was presented to Congress was absolutely the worst piece of legislation that was ever absolutely necessary for the survival of our country.”

He would reform on the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which he said would help fund Oklahoma’s education system.

Fallin wants American troops to come home as soon as possible, reduce government spending on the war, but not at the security of the nation. People are weary of the cost of the war and want the troops to come home, she said. Those are all valid concerns, Fallin said.

Regarding foreign policy, Perry supports a U.S. withdrawal from the Middle East.

“Peace means prosperity. That’s what my campaign is all about,” said Perry, 55, a landman and attorney for Triad Energy Inc.

Perry said the U.S. would receive a peace dividend if it would end its military involvement in the Middle East, including Afghanistan. He also said the U.S. has too many needless military bases overseas, including Germany and Japan.

Americans are worried about home foreclosures, the nation’s economic downturn and the high cost of gasoline, Fallin has noted in her campaign. Both candidate support research to diversify America’s energy resources. Both support drilling for oil at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. They agree that maximizing American production of natural resources will lessen dependence on foreign oil.

Fallin is working with members of Congress to put forward a plan of action to reduce America’s dependence on foreign energy.

“I believe Oklahoma has got a great role to play … in the development of energy whether it is more exploration and production of oil and gas, developing alternative fuel sources and the use of technology,” said Fallin, 53.

Improving the infrastructure of roads and bridges remains a huge concern for Oklahomans, said Fallin, a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. A good highway system is good for Oklahoma’s economy, the safety of its residents and the future of Oklahoma, she said.

“Actually, I’ve already co-sponsored legislation that will allow the state to keep more of the federal taxes that we pay on gasoline here in Oklahoma rather than sending it to the federal government.”

To help rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, Perry advocates one year of mandatory national service at age 19.

Both candidates say Congress should help create an affordable health system.

Portable health-care insurance would create more competitiveness for what is offered consumers, Fallin said. Another idea is to make health-care insurance premiums tax deductible for individuals, she said.

Perry said health care is a right for all Americans. “I would be more inclined to go for universal health care,” he said.

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