|
Profile: Merrill Cook
2nd Congressional Dist. For the first time in his long political career, Merrill Cook is running as an incumbent instead of a challenger. The Congressman from Utah's 2nd district says he's brought benefits to his constituents, and says he will bring more in a second term. News Specialist Shelley Osterloh has this Decision '98 report.
|
|
 -Main Election Page- |
Merrill Cook says he got his passion for poliltics when he was just ten years old, sitting with his dad in 1956, watching presidential election returns on t.v.
The passion never faded.
He married Camille, they had five children, and his explosives manufacturing company made him millions. That allowed him to run again, and again, for public office.
Cook: "I'VE THROUGHLY ENJOYED THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE OF SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE SALT LAKE VALLEY IN THE CONGRESS."
Cook's win two years ago came after more than a decade in the political arena.
He ran for Mayor in 1985, and County Commissioner in 1986. A republican who left the party in 1988, he became an independent and ran for Governor. He fought for tax reform, term limits, ran again for Governor in 1992, congress in 1994-- all unsucessfully.
It wasn't until he returned to the Republican party, that he was elected to congress in 1996.
Through it all, he says, he's been consistent on the issues.
Cook: "I THINK PEOPLE KNOW THAT I'VE ALWAYS STOOD FOR THE CORE PRINICPLES OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.. BUT I'VE NEVER BEEN A PARTY LINE VOTER. MY LEAVING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, AS AN INDEPENDENT REALLY HAD MORE TO DO WITH STICKING TO THE PRINCIPLE AND NOT JUST FOLLOWING THE PARTY LINE."
A hot button issue this year -- term limits -- which Cook says he's always favored... but longer than six years.
Cook: "I THINK YOU BECOME A LAME DUCK RIGHT FROM THE TIME YOU GET THERE. I THINK A 12 YEAR TERM LIMIATION, LIKE I HAVE BEEN SUPPORTING OVER MANY YEARS AND THE ONE THAT HAS THE MOST SUPPORT IN CONGRESS, MAKES A LOT MORE SENSE."
As for his congressional accomplishments, Cook points to increased highway funding for Utah, plus additional road money to help prepare for the Olympics.
He also cites his efforts to balance the federal budget and reduce taxes.
Cook serves on the Transportation committee and the Banking and Financial Services Committee.
Cook: "BRINGING MONEY TO PAY FOR I-15 SO WE DON'T HAVE TO RAISE TAXES LOCALLY, WE DON'T HAVE TO RAID EDUCATION BUDGETS TO PAY FOR THE I-15 RECONSTRUCTION."
Cook says voters will have a clear choice, because he and his Democratic opponent differ on many issues.
Cook: "I THINK ITS KIND OF A CLASSIC MATCHUP BETWEEN A CONSERVATIVE AND LIBERAL."
If he wins, Cook will be the first politician re-elected in District Two in eight years.
Cook says there are advantages to being an incumbent, but some disadvantages, too. His Congressional demands have made it difficult to travel here and campaign.
