District spans large area

Former GE worker vows to fight 'Big Bucks' politicians\nThe grass roots campaign for Bill Abbott (Dem.) is turning heads. The bright yellow sandwich board sign hanging over his shoulders has travelled from Monticello, Ind., down through Greenwood, Ind., and will continue throughout the 4th District until Election Day, Nov 5. \nAbbott's message is clear. "A regular guy can work hard and beat the 'Big Bucks' politician."\nA few main issues Abbott said he is concerned about are jobs, immigration and the American dream. \nAs a member of the Electrical Workers Local #2249, GE's decision to move 1,500 jobs out of Bloomington affected him personally.\n"Keeping high wage jobs in the District is important to Abbott," campaign worker Rick Dietz said. While IU may not be in his district, Abbott said he recognizes that benefits from the University community and life is a buffer against severe economic times. \nAbbott also said he supports legislation that would allow foreign workers who follow the law to gain citizenship, yet those who work here illegally would be refused citizenship. \nAbbott is also a member of the National Rifle Association and supports the Second Amendment. Abbott's one-strike attitude shows he is not hesitant about issuing lifelong sentences to felonies or misdemeanors, either.\nConservative wants prayer in school, Federal wage cuts\nA third party vote does not always mean a vote for liberal policies. \nFourth District candidate Jerry Susong said he chose his party because of his strong conservative beliefs. \n"The libertarian is the only conservative party left," Susong said. "Libertarians believe in enforcing the Constitution and the Freedom of Religion. This is a Christian nation, with Christian freedoms. If you want to pray in school, you have the right to."\nSusong, an IU law school graduate, said he believes he has the interests of college students in mind, especially when it comes to the conflict with Iraq.\n"I would not send our young people into war until I had irrefutable evidence that our nation is in danger," Susong said. "I am very much for a strong military but not a misuse of military."\nIf elected to office, Susong said his first goal would be to cut wasteful spending by Congress.\n"After first saying a prayer, my goal would be to cut Federal waste," Susong said. "I'd put up legislation to cut Congress' wages. Both parties have become irresponsible in their spending."\nIncumbent faces new constituents in re-drawn 4th district\nThe incumbent candidate Steve Buyer (Rep.) for the 4th District is facing new challenges this year in the first election since the redrawing of the Hoosier congressional districts. Buyer said he is now working on gaining support and trust of the new residents to which he might represent.\nDuring his time in the U.S. Congress, Buyer worked to be financially conservative, concentrating his work on eliminating the national debt. \nAs a former 2nd Lieutenant in the Gulf War, this Citadel graduate said he supports economic strength, a strong military, senior retirement security and health care, as well as education and tax relief.\nBuyer is an advocate on health issues affecting military personnel, veterans and their families. \nHe also has worked avidly to make available health care and assistance to Gulf War veterans suffering from undiagnosed illnesses. Such military backing has allowed Buyer to become a nationally recognized leader on national security and defense issues, including America's defense policy concerning Bosnia.