Summary

U.S. Rep. John J. "Jimmy" Duncan Jr. a Republican, has served the Second Congressional District for 20 years. He is running for re-election against Democrat Bob Scott in the Nov. 4 election.

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Duncan emphasizes fiscal conservatism in campaign

By Joel Davis
of The Daily Times Staff
Originally published: October 22. 2008 3:01AM
Last modified: October 22. 2008 1:29AM

U.S. Rep. John J. "Jimmy" Duncan Jr. isn't done yet.

Duncan, a Republican, has served the Second Congressional District for 20 years. He is running for re-election against Democrat Bob Scott in the Nov. 4 election.

"Mainly because I love this country, and I want to do everything I can to try to help it remain the greatest country in this world so that our children and grandchildren can have as good or hopefully better life than I've had," Duncan said during a telephone interview Tuesday. "I'm really concerned that we're heading into dangerous territory because of astounding fiscal irresponsibility."

If re-elected, Duncan, 61, said he wants to work for fiscal sanity.

"The main thing is I hope to add my voice and my vote to those in the Congress who want to put this nation on a sounder basis financially," he said. "The main thing that I've emphasized in my time in congress is fiscal conservatism. The reason for that -- it's not because I'm selfish. I vote against a lot of things that I might vote for if we had surplus money."

Duncan has been issuing warnings for some time about the government's more than $50 trillion in unfunded future pension liabilities, including for civil service employees and members of the U.S. military.

"In just a few years, we're not going to be able to pay our Social Security and veteran's benefits and things of that type with money that will pay anything," he said.

If re-elected, Duncan would serve as a member of a party pushed even further into minority status if projected Democratic seat gains materialize.

"I would much rather my party be in the majority, but I've been able to work with all the Democrats I've needed to work with as far as helping with things in this district," Duncan said.

"I won't have any trouble getting along with the Democrats, but I'm hopeful that it won't be as big as Democratic year as a lot of people are predicting. I've lived through big Democratic years and big Republican years. The pendulum swings. There is just no away around it. President (George W.) Bush is just tremendously unpopular and it's hurting Republican candidates all over the country."

Duncan said is grateful to voters for sending him to Washington for 20 years.

"I'm very grateful for my job," Duncan said. "I've worked just as hard as I possibly could. I feel very fortunate to have my job. The people of the Second District have been very, very good to me, and I appreciate that very much."

Duncan currently serves as the ranking member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's Highways and Transit Subcommittee. He also holds seats on the House Committee on Natural Resources, which retains jurisdiction over national parks and natural resources, and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.