Since Iowa is the key state in the presidential primaries, it is fortunate that the relatively small number of people who vote in the caucuses are quite sophisticated in politics. Still, to assist my fellow Republicans of Iowa in the decision making process, I offer some insights. I can do so because I have known Senator Richard Lugar for 26 years in my roles as professor of economics, businessman and community activist. As chairman of “Economists for Lugar,” I advised him on economic policy. Whether he uses or dismisses advice, he welcomes thoughtful input.

Senator Lugar knows economics: theory, institutions, policy and business. He is the bright Rhodes scholar holding an advanced degree in political economy. He became the competent manager in his family business as well as the mayor of a major city—skillfully selecting advisors and sorting out counsel. He is better prepared for the profession of economic policy decisions than any of the current candidates, or even any one of the former presidents.

The decision makers in Iowa receive from Senator Lugar a most rigorous exposition of things that matter. He has already begun to discuss such sensitive economic problems as farm subsidies, medicare, Social Security, tax reform and budget balancing. He wants to turn the presidential campaign into a forum which educates and enlivens Americans and thereby strengthens the national fabric. He spurns trendy campaign managers when they want to coach him to evade hot topics. He faces problems squarely—going where other candidates fear to tread.

Some salient features of Lugar’s initiatives far surpass the competition.

The issue of farm subsidies is a genuine test of integrity. And Senator Lugar, unlike others, does not pander to those Iowans who would keep government programs untouched. Lugar’s plan would pare $11.5 billion annually and ease the gliding into free market in some years. By abandoning subsidies, America’s farmers would produce for the market and not for the government. Actually, surveys reveal that 47% of American farms either get less than $1,000 in annual subsidies or none at all. Thus, Richard Lugar, the only farmer among the candidates, champions to benefit consumers immediately, to invigorate farmers in the long run and to help all taxpayers throughout.

Dr. Janos Horvath

The John W. Arbuckle Professor of Economics

Butler University

Indianapolis, Indiana