Two candidates running for the congressional seat in Utah's Second District met Monday night Oct. 21 to debate the issues facing Utah.

John Swallow, running in his first congressional race and Jim Matheson, the incumbent, answered questions from citizens in the audience as well as questions received from e-mail.

The debate was televised on KUED-TV and was held in the studio on the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

The Second Congressional District takes in a portion of northern Utah County and most of Salt Lake County. The newly realigned district takes in a demographic region that includes all income levels, urban and suburban areas, and all five of Utah's national parks.

Matheson, a Democrat, promised to be an independent voice in congress and assured the audience that he would vote according to issues, not party affiliation.

National security, war on terrorism, economy, education, social security are complicated issues that don't have a one sided answers, he said.

"I think this election comes down to a fundamental issue and that is who best represents Utah," Matheson said. "I will not be a rubber stamp to represent any party or any issue."

Swallow, a Republican, insisted that one couldn't serve in Congress without being swayed by their party.

President Bush will not be able to do his job and support Americans without a Republican run congress, Swallow said.

"If we lose the House and the Senate, President Bush will not be able to support the values of Utah," Swallow said.

"Washington is a game where the majority wins," he said. "I will fight for Utah and for President Bush."

Other than the much-discussed party affiliation issue, the candidates disagreed on topics relating to health care reform, the future of social security, and educational funding in Utah.

Swallow, a resident of Sandy, said he strongly believes people need to have tax breaks in individual healthcare and that the federal government needs to get rid of health care mandates.

Swallow said he also supports privatizing social security and the need to diminish the federal governments role education.

Matheson said he feels strongly that doctors and health care providers need to make decisions concerning health care.

Matheson, who lives in Salt Lake City, said he does not want to raise taxes to safeguard social security.

Ensuring that Congress does not spend the social security surplus is the best way to save the program, Matheson said.

After audience members read long, testimonial type questions, they were reprimanded and reminded that this was a debate and not a forum for public opinion.

The candidates were also reminded be the moderator to answer the questions being asked, and not go into personal agendas.

The candidates agreed on most other topics brought up in the debate, specifically the war on terrorism.

Portions of the debate will be rebroadcast today at 6:30 p.m. on KSL, Channel 5.

Copyright Brigham Young University 22 Oct 2002