South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Five seek Democratic nod in 2nd District

Five Democrats are seeking to gain their party’s nomination in next week’s primary for the 2nd District Congressional seat.

Democrats Byron DeLear of Chesterfield, Mike Garman of O’Fallon, William C. “Bill” Haas of St. Louis, John Hogan of St. Charles and David L. Pentland of Warson Woods are vying for the opportunity to face incumbent U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Town and Country, and Libertarian Thomas L. Knapp of St. Louis in the Nov. 4 election.

Of the five Democratic candidates, only Haas responded to a Call questionnaire.

Asked to identify the most important issue in the primary election, he said, “Economy — important to all.”

Haas, 63, teaches at Harris-Stowe State University. He is single and has an 18-year-old son.

Haas, who served on the St. Louis Board of Education from 1997 to 2005, said he is seeking the Democratic nomination “to do God’s work with God’s gifts.”

He gave the following responses to a Call questionnaire:

What is your position on abortion?

Haas said, “Work toward no unplanned pregnancies with education and safe, affordable contraception of choice.”

What is your stance on the death penalty?

Haas said, “Against.”

Are you concerned that efforts to increase homeland security could infringe on our constitutional rights?

Haas said, “Yes, but a fair balance can exist. Present bill is more or less worth it.”

Are tougher gun control laws needed?

Haas said, “Illegal seller of gun responsible equally for any crime committed with it.”

What do you propose to ease the tax burden on working families?

Haas said, “Tax cuts under $100,000; tax increase over $200,000.”

What measures, if any, will you propose to encourage economic development in this area?

Haas said, “Education, job training, green technology.”

How do you propose to solve the problems facing Social Security? Do you favor privatizing Social Security?

Haas said, “No. Congress will find a way to adequately fund it.”

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