To help the economy, the government should develop a comprehensive energy policy, increase regulations for the mortgage industry and get its spending under control, said Nick Carter, Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Government should stay out of the economy as much as possible, said Keith Goodenough, Carter's opponent for the primary election Tuesday. However, Goodenough does support stricter mortgage lending regulations and better budgeting by the government.

Carter, an attorney from Gillette, and Goodenough, a utility line locator from Casper, face off in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican John Barrasso. The winner will face Barrasso in November.

The economy is a significant issue for the election, Carter said, even though Wyoming's economy seems to be doing well.

Goodenough said he doesn't see the economy being a significant issue for the election in Wyoming because of its economic success.

But Goodenough said, the government should provide "gentle guidelines" to encourage people to save and educate people on consumer debt while setting a good example by not overspending.

"Congress overspends every year," Goodenough said. "We live in a consumer-driven market. People live beyond their means. It's a cultural issue and not so much a legislative issue."

He said the government spends about $250 billion on interest on the money it borrows every year.

Goodenough said the government needs to get its "out of whack" budget under control.

Carter said the country can get its spending under control by removing troops from Iraq "as fast as practically possible.

"We are borrowing $3 billion from China every week to send to Iraq," Carter said.

Carter supports more regulations for mortgage brokers, because they encouraged people to borrow more than their means, Carter said. When the brokers started to fail, they came to the federal government for help.

His opponent also supports stricter regulations for mortgage lenders.

"The government got its fingers in it, so there should be regulations on who gives and gets mortgages," Goodenough said.

There is a lack of responsibility on both sides, though, Goodenough said. People borrow money they know they have no realistic way to pay back.

Carter said the government can do something about consumer debt. Interest rates used to be more regulated, and the government can encourage more saving by offering tax breaks on any type of savings.

"Congress has been asleep when it comes to consumer debt," Carter said.

Controlling the energy crisis would help the economy, both candidates said.

"Energy is bringing the economy down," Carter said, and the country needs to develop a comprehensive energy policy.

Goodenough said developing alternative energy technology would help spur the economy, too.

Contact reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.