Candidate Stephens wants to halt government growth

TUNNEL HILL, Ga. -- Visiting a barber shop Monday, congressional candidate Bill Stephens said one thing he's focused on is "out-of-control spending" in Washington, D.C.

"I'd love to see us do a spending freeze," he said. "I'd like to see something done about restricting the growth of government."

The Forsyth County Republican and former state Senate majority leader is running for Georgia's 9th District seat.

Mr. Stephens said he wants Congress to pay down the national debt and work toward a balanced budget. He also said he's a proponent of a national retail sales tax that would replace other taxes and is opposed to proposed health care reform.

"I think we ought to start with doing something about the VA (Veterans Affairs) system and our veterans and try to fix that before doing anything else," he said.

He said he'd push for tax cuts for small businesses and other incentives to induce job creation.

U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, R-Ga., announced last week he'll resign at the end of this month from the 9th District congressional seat to focus on his campaign for governor.

Mr. Stephens said Rep. Deal's resignation announcement complicates the 9th District race, since many candidates are preparing now for a special election in addition to the July primary.

"Everything is on full speed now, and I'm sure that's true for everybody," he said.