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Election 2008 
Carter and Ruiz |
By Philip Jankowski Candidates for Congress share skepticism of bailout, differ on approach to Iraq The race for the District 31 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives pits incumbent John Carter (R-Round Rock) against newcomer Brian Ruiz (D-Hutto). Carter, a former Williamson County district judge, is seeking his fourth term in Congress. He serves on the House Appropriations Committee and the House Republican Steering Committee. Ruiz, 32, is an Austin-born former radio program producer who has now dedicated all of his time to his campaign and two children. He has been active with the Democratic Party as a delegate and campaign worker since the mid-1990s. Following are the candidates’ responses to questions about issues relevant to this election. Financial bailout Carter voted against the bailout twice as well as the funding for mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac. Though against buying up banks’ bad debts, he said he is encouraged by the government’s willingness to buy equity in the companies. “I took the position and still do that alternative issues should be looked at before you just authorize the spending of $700 million. It was a tremendous amount of spending to ask,” he said. Ruiz said he also is against the bailout because to an extent it rewards some of the greed and irresponsibility of Wall Street. “This bill sets a dangerous precedent,” Ruiz said. Iraq war Ruiz said while a lot of success has occurred in Iraq, more attention needs to be paid toward troops once they return home. He would support a timeline for withdrawal, depending on the legislation. “I think in doing that it forces the Iraqis to take care of their business,” Ruiz said. Carter said he would not vote for any legislation with a timeline for troop withdrawal. “I believe that the proper decision is to let our soldiers march out with the American flag, not the flag of surrender,” he said. Health care Universal healthcare would cause the quality of health care to drop dramatically, Carter said. “I don’t think America wants that kind of health care — rationed health care,” he said. “It would be a horrendous tax burden or a horrendous burden on the system that we won’t be able to support.” Ruiz said he is not in favor of universal health care at this time, because it would make balancing the budget unlikely. “What I want to do is balance the budget,” he said. “We have to control spending. I hesitate on anything that increases spending.” Taxes Ruiz said he would avoid raising taxes by cutting spending and paying down debt in order to lessen interest payments. He pointed to ending the war in Iraq and cutting bureaucracy as places to start. “If we are going to cut taxes, then we have to show on paper where we are going to cut spending,” Ruiz said. Carter said he is opposed to tax increases across the board. “Raising taxes during the time of recession has never helped anybody get out of a recession,” he said. “It costs jobs.” Energy Carter said the U.S. needs to wean its dependence on foreign oil, but should not “throw the baby out with the bath water.” “At least for a period of time we are still going to be dependent on oil and gas for much of our transportation,” he said. “We need to take up all alternatives — nuclear, geothermal, wind power, solar power, alternative fuels. Everything should be developed and looked at.” Ruiz said in order to get away from oil dependence all solutions must be explored. He said Carter has vested interests in oil companies based on Carter’s financial portfolio and voting record. “His voting record shows where his interests lay,” Ruiz said. “I think we can all agree it’s not going to be one solution. We would have to be open to all possible solutions.” Bipartisanship People are tired of seeing the hatred between parties, Ruiz said, and he can work with Republicans well because of his fiscally conservative views. “The issues that are important to everyone are American issues, not party issues,” he said. Facing the possibility of working with a Democrat-dominated legislature and executive, Carter said he is willing to cross the aisle. He said the Republican Party still represents his district best and he has the experience to get the most done. “I bring the talent and the experience to do it and I can work with anybody to do it,” Carter said.
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