Hopefuls offer up ideas to aid economy

Fourth in a series on the issues facing 13th Congressional District Republican candidates Judy Biggert and Sean O'Kane in the Feb. 5 primary.

New blood in Washington will end wasteful spending and stimulate the flailing economy, Republican Sean O'Kane predicts.

But his primary opponent Republican U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert says her 10 years on Capitol Hill have produced economic benefits for residents of the 13th Congressional District.

The winner of the race between the two Hinsdale residents Feb. 5 will face Democrat Scott Harper and the Green Party's Steve Alesch in the November election.

The flagging economy is on the front burner now, with an economic stimulus package proposed by President Bush and congressional leaders.

O'Kane, a home builder, was cautious about the plan, saying it's important not to waste money and add to the federal debt "in an attempt to be seen doing something."

A better way to jumpstart the economy would be to rebuild the nation's aging infrastructure, he advised.

Biggert, an attorney, says she'll vote for the stimulus plan. She endorses keeping tax cuts spearheaded by Bush in place when they expire, despite criticisms the policy benefits the wealthy and punishes the middle class.

The tax cuts spurred economic growth, Biggert said, adding that in general, Americans are taxed too much.

"I think the best thing is to extend the tax cuts," Biggert said. "The second thing is to invest in research and development, in the long term that will produce the high-paying jobs of tomorrow."

On the tax cuts, O'Kane contends such policies are positive for the economy in general.

He also recommends moving toward a graduated flat tax and says the middle class is overburdened by the current system.

One of the jewels of the 13th District is Argonne National Laboratory near Darien, which employs about 2,900 workers and fosters a number of related businesses and industry.

Both candidates say that developing jobs in science and technology is key to ensuring America's competitiveness and prosperity.

But O'Kane has been critical of Biggert in light of recent budget cuts at the lab that have been approved by Congress under her watch.

Biggert said she's appealing to budget appropriators along with Sens. Barack Obama and Dick Durbin to restore what she called "devastating" cuts.

A 2007 report by the Social Security Administration concluded that by 2017, program costs will exceed what tax dollars generate as millions of baby boomers join those collecting the benefit. To stay afloat, Social Security would need $4.7 trillion more over a 75-year period.

Biggert called for a bipartisan solution to the projected shortfall but did not give any specifics.

She supports giving young workers who are just starting to pay Social Security authority over investing a small portion of their contribution.

O'Kane said the current Social Security promises more than it delivers. He favors looking into giving people more control over their retirement accounts.

But he adds, "we don't want to make any drastic changes for anyone ready to retire."

The 13th District includes parts of south Cook, southwest DuPage and north Will counties.