District 4 hopefuls at arms over nuclear weapons

PLAINFIELD, Ind. -- A congressman who proposed the use of tactical nuclear weapons in Afghanistan said during a campaign debate he still believes the weapons could be useful against terrorism.\n"I don't cower in the face of tough decisions. I want America to be and act like a superpower, and that is how we will place fear into those who seek to terrorize America," U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer said Tuesday during a debate among candidates for west-central Indiana's 4th District seat.\nThe five-term congressman's opponents, Democrat Bill Abbott and Libertarian Jerry L. Susong, each attached more conditions to any nuclear weapons use. Abbott said the weapons should be used only in response to a nuclear attack, while Susong said they could be used as a last resort to decide victory or defeat.\nLast September, Buyer suggested using small nuclear devices to trap al-Qaida and Taliban forces in their cavern hideouts in Afghanistan rather than risk exposing American troops to possible biological weapons.\nNow, Buyer said, he is convinced that Iraq's Saddam Hussein is a clear threat, and he supports the war resolution that gave President Bush broad authority to use force against the Persian Gulf nation.\nBuyer is a Gulf War veteran and is a lieutenant colonel in the Army reserve.\nAbbott, an Army veteran, compared the current war resolution to the 1964 congressional resolution that opened the way for increased U.S. involvement in Vietnam.\n"I have to look at you kids and decide if you're willing to die for whatever reason President Bush gives me," Abbott said.\nSusong also said he was wary that war with Iraq might turn into "another Vietnam," but said that he supports pre-emptive military action if it is justified.\n"If you're going to be punched in the nose, punch the other guy first," he said. "I'm for defending ourselves, but I'm not for getting into another Vietnam."\nPlainfield High Schools seniors conducted the 75-minute debate, which was arranged by social studies teacher Chris Cavanaugh.