KLINE TO RUN FOR 8TH DISTRICT SEAT

Richard Kline of Gipsy is running again for Congress.

The Bollinger County man, who ran as a Republican two years ago, is running as a Democrat this time in his bid to win the 8th District congressional seat.

Kline, retired from a career in the military, is campaigning largely on the platform he used in 1996.

"My basic agenda is God and prayer, flat tax and making government accountable," he said. "It's time for a change."

Kline said he would serve the public instead of the lobbyists and federal bureaucrats. He opposes abortion.

"You cannot serve a corrupt government agenda and expect to receive the blessings of the Democratic process," he said.

"There is not now nor has there ever been a moral argument for abortion," said Kline.

"All of the evil plagues that exist in our country can be overcome by God and the exercise of prayer," he said.

Kline favors an annual $25,000 tax exemption per individual. Income above that level would be taxed at 10 percent.

Kline said he supports universal health care that includes eye care and dental care. Safeguards should be included to preserve quality in medical care and allow patients to sue for insufficient care.

"America is a house divided," said Kline. "Our government has intruded into every phase of our lives and has governed against the will of the people."

Said Kline, "Our agenda is to be left alone and to live our lives with less government interference."

Kline is critical of the current system of education. "I am in favor of an education system that teaches our children, not an education system that programs our children; an education system that parents control, not government; an education system that is competitive."

He cited a litany of problems ranging from welfare to what he views as the "dumbing down" of education. "We can blame institutions and organizations for our imminent demise, but the bottom line is that we are responsible for the condition of our country," he said.

"We are at war with a liberal government. We have two ways to win this war - the power of prayer and the secret ballot," he said.