LANDER - Republican state Rep. Frank Philp said when there is a budget surplus - as has been projected, once again, for Wyoming - the top priority for the Legislature should be to save for the future.

It is important to set money aside, Philp said, for "rainy days and for the support of state government for future generations."

Libertarian Richard Brubaker, his challenger, emphasized tax cuts and tax credits when asked what the Legislature should do with the predicted surplus.

"[A] tax exemption for first-time homeowners," Brubaker said. "Reducing property tax on agricultural land. Tax credits to volunteers that save us money, such as volunteer firemen, EMTs and youth group leaders and coaches."

Both candidates are running to represent House District 34 in the state House of Representatives. District 34 represents rural Riverton, Shoshoni and eastern Fremont County.

Philp said after ensuring that saving is the first priority, the Legislature should then look at using any extra revenue to bolster other needs, such as infrastructure.

"I believe that dollars put in the Permanent Mineral Trust Fund are important to provide interest income for years when mineral revenues might not be as much as they have been in years past," Philp said.

Infrastructure, such as highways and water development, is important, Philp said, and needs to be adequately funded. The Legislature should also look at helping out local governments, he said, "to manage the growth the state is experiencing."

"I believe we need to contain the growth of state government as much as possible," Philp said.

Brubaker believes a tax break for first-time homeowners in Wyoming is important, because young, "hard working" people are having a hard time getting by in the face of rapidly rising property taxes.

"I would put them first on my list with a five- to seven-year property tax exemption," Brubaker said.

When asked if the Legislature should do anything to help make health care more available to Wyomingites, both candidates pointed toward some sort of tort reform as a possible course of action.

"I would still support changing the constitution to allow limitation of liability in medical cases," Philp said. "I think the lack of limits on liability contributes to the inability to attract physicians to Wyoming."

Brubaker had a similar take.

"As a Libertarian I support [the] free market," he said. "I do support capping liability to help keep costs down. Lawsuits only cost the rest of us with higher medical bills."

Both candidates oppose a proposed statewide smoking ban in public places, they said.

"When you ask the government to legislate against one group, you are giving them a license to legislate against you," Brubaker said. "This concept of invading the rights of others is why we are losing our rights."

When asked if the Legislature should do anything to help diversify Wyoming's economy, Philp said lawmakers should support the efforts of the Wyoming Business Council and work to provide adequate infrastructure for businesses.

"Keeping taxes and regulation low is important to attract and promote new business," Philp said.

Both candidates generally oppose the idea of the state Legislature doing more to regulate land development and both are against a proposed fuel tax hike to fund highways.

"With new technologies many of our new cars get better mileage, which would leave those who can't afford these new vehicles carrying a larger share of the burden," Brubaker said. "The group that I am concerned about [is] the lower wage earners."

When asked if he supports stricter drunk driving penalties, Philp said, "I believe we have strict penalties now."

Brubaker believes an existing law affecting Wyoming's truck drivers is too strict, and ought to be altered.

"I'm opposed to truck drivers losing their source of income while driving their personal vehicle at the present .04 [percent blood-alcohol] limit on them for [their] first offense," Brubaker said.

A better approach, he suggests, would be to "impound the vehicle of any offenders over .17 for the duration of the penalty."

Contact reporter Chris Merrill at chris.merrill@trib.com or (307) 267-6722

BIO BOXES

House District 34

covering rural Riverton, Shoshoni and eastern Fremont County

Richard "Bru" Brubaker

Party: Libertarian

Age: 55

Home: Riverton

Occupation: Truck driver, supervisor

Education: High school, 48 credit hours of college

Family: Married, four children, of which two were adopted, and four grandchildren

Political experience: None

Breakout: Frank Philp

Party: Republican

Age: 60

Home: Shoshoni

Occupation: Rancher and farmer

Education: Bachelor's in range management, University of Wyoming

Family: Married, one daughter

Political experience: Incumbent legislator, state House of Representatives

covering rural Riverton, Shoshoni and eastern Fremont County

Richard "Bru" Brubaker

Party: Libertarian

Age: 55

Home: Riverton

Occupation: Truck driver, supervisor

Education: High school, 48 credit hours of college

Family: Married, four children, of which two were adopted, and four grandchildren

Political experience: None

Breakout: Frank Philp

Party: Republican

Age: 60

Home: Shoshoni

Occupation: Rancher and farmer

Education: Bachelor's in range management, University of Wyoming

Family: Married, one daughter

Political experience: Incumbent legislator, state House of Representatives]]->