Beard and Hager offer different takes on state government

Republican State Assembly candidate Bob Hager says "Government is getting too money hungry."  Hager complained Tuesday night at a candidate forum in Decorah "I don't like the way the State of Iowa is going with deficit spending."  Hager told the audience this is a "critical time" for the state—and spending needs to be reined in.

Democrat John Beard said the legislature has done a good job of maintaining the state budget, pointing to the across-the-board 10 percent spending cut that was imposed.  He says it was a real achievement that the legislature balanced the state budget without higher taxes—despite facing "challenges of historic proportions."

Democratic State Assembly candidate John Beard

Republican State Assembly candidate Bob Hager