House: District 4, Position 1

Larry Crouse is so confident of re-election, the Fourth District representative has spent this campaign season largely ignoring his opponent.

Crouse, a Republican seeking a third term in the house, is challenged by Democratic activist Richard “Rico” Reed.

Reed got into the race late, and a bit reluctantly, worried that it would take too much time away from his family. But his bid for the seat offers voters a distinct choice. He and Crouse butt heads on most major issues.

Crouse supports Referendum 49, the GOP transportation plan; Reed opposes it.

Crouse supports vouchers, believing public schools would become stronger if they had to compete for students.

Reed opposes taking funding away from public schools through vouchers. He wishes schools would teach cooperation instead of competition. He believes too many teachers are hired because they are coaches.

Crouse wants to make all criminals serve their full sentences. Reed wants to find less expensive alternatives, such as house arrest, for non-violent criminals.

Crouse is against abortion. Reed supports abortion rights.

Crouse opposes increases in almost all areas of government spending, and supports searches for bureaucratic “fat.”

Reed supports increased funding to cut class sizes, increased community college offerings and expansion of the state’s Basic Health Plan.