Rasoul: National Debt a Security Issue

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Rasoul: National Debt A Security Issue

Says Personal Conviction Won't Affect Legal Stance On Abortion

By Jeff Mellott

Sixth Congressional District Democratic candidate Sam Rasoul said Wednesday that he is ready to go to Washington, D.C., where he vows to fight special interests while working to secure a balanced federal budget.

The Blue Ridge businessman and political newcomer, who stopped by the offices of the Daily News-Record for an editorial roundtable, said voters could count on him to fight the national debt, which he considers a national security issue.

But anti-abortion advocates should not bet on Rasoul's support. Although he says he's opposed to abortion personally, he also opposes government intrusion into a woman's right to choose.

Rasoul is seeking to unseat Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke. Independent Janice Lee Allen of Bridgewater also is challenging Goodlatte.

Rasoul said he liked to separate his personal feelings from pending legislation.

"There is a difference in what I believe is my job as a legislator and what my personal convictions are," he said.

Rasoul said he had to draw a line and that it could not be "his way or the highway."

Even with his personal convictions on abortion, Rasoul said, "I don't feel the government should have the right to come in and tell, during the first trimester, what [a woman] can or cannot do with her body."

Fresh Ideas

For 20 months, Rasoul has been crisscrossing the district, which extends from Shenandoah and Rockingham counties to Roanoke and Lynchburg.

At 27 years old, Rasoul is the youngest congressional candidate in the country. This is his first time seeking political office.

Rasoul said his youth is an advantage in his race against Goodlatte, 55, an eight-term congressman, and Allen, 56, also a political newcomer.

"People are looking for new and fresh ideas from an independent mind that has not been tainted by the system," he said.

But Rasoul has not made much progress against Goodlatte, according to a recent survey.

A public opinion poll conducted by Roanoke television station WDBJ and SurveyUSA showed him trailing Goodlatte by 29 points, 59 to 30 percent. Allen polled 3 percent.

Rasoul, however, discounted the poll's results, saying it is too early in the election process to have much meaning.

Opposing Vouchers

On other issues, Rasoul said he did not want to do anything to undermine public education funding.

Rasoul said he opposed school vouchers, but would consider tax credits for parents who homeschool their children. He does not, however, support tax credits to help send children to private schools.

Supporting private education with public funds leads to a socioeconomic divide, he said.

No Bacon

Rasoul, running in one of the most conservative congressional districts in the state, said he would align himself with Democrats in Congress who supported reining in the federal spending.

He wants to sponsor comprehensive reform of earmarks, commonly referred to as "pork barrel" projects, which he blames for driving up federal spending.

Asked if he would bring home the bacon to the 6th District, Rasoul said, "no."

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