Publication Date: Wednesday Oct 28, 1998

CONGRESS: Eshoo facing three challengers

Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, was first elected to Congress in 1992, the "year of the woman," which also saw the elections of Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein to the U.S. Senate, as well as the election of a new president.

Those heady days have faded for the Democrats, with Boxer in a tight re-election bid and President Clinton facing an impeachment inquiry in the House of Representatives.

It hasn't been a happy year in Congress, Eshoo says, because of the Clinton scandal and legislative inactivity. The latter she blames on the Republican congressional leadership.

Eshoo, who served on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors before her election to Congress, isn't being targeted by the Republican Party. That means her Republican challenger, Chris Haugen, is mounting a grass-roots campaign with friends and family instead of with big bucks.

Eshoo is also facing Libertarian Joe Dehn, who ran against her in 1996, and Natural Law Party candidate Anna Currivan.

Anna Currivan

Age: 47

Occupation: Mother

Residence: Los Altos

Issues: Currivan calls the Natural Law Party the the "youngest and most realistic" political party. Among other things, the Natural Law Party advocates national health care, renewable energy production, sustainable agriculture, educational reform, lower taxes and election reform.

On impeachment hearings: "All adulterers and liars in government positions should step down now."

On school vouchers: "The Natural Law Party promotes all levels of education, so we are for vouchers."

Joseph W. Dehn III

Age: 44

Occupation: Computer programer

Residence: Palo Alto

Issues: Dehn, a Libertarian, is highly critical of large government and the two dominant parties in Washington for maintaining it. He said America was founded on the idea of liberty, which is being ignored today. He said he would not support any new taxes and is in favor of eliminating the federal income tax and many of the programs the taxes support.

On impeachment hearings: "I think it is unfortunate that the whole country is distracted by the scandal. I would have voted for the full inquiry."

On school vouchers: "I would get the government out of education entirely. I would only support voucher plans that didn't increase government spending."

Anna Eshoo

Age: 55

Occupation: Member of Congress

Residence: Atherton

Issues: Since her election in 1992, Eshoo has introduced or co-sponsored legislation on high technology, health, environmental and education issues. Included were bills on creating uniform standards to limit frivolous high-tech lawsuits, to secure a loan for the purchase of Bair Island near Redwood City, to guarantee insurance coverage for reconstructive breast surgery, and to create tax incentives for high-tech companies to donate computers to schools.

On impeachment hearings: "I voted for the proposal that would limit the inquiry to the end of the year. The other proposal was not limited and was passed."

On school vouchers: "I do not (support vouchers). The answer is to help rebuild the education system."

Chris Haugen

Age: 52

Occupation: Teacher

Residence: Palo Alto

Issues: A Republican, Haugen said he is concerned about federal inroads into local education policies and a loss of individual rights. He also believes federal taxes are hurting families and small businesses. He said he became interested in running for Congress after hearing how many new programs were being proposed by President Clinton in his State of the Union speech.

On impeachment hearings: "I would have voted for the one they ended up doing, because the Clinton administration is very good at delaying things. We want the truth. That's what the American people want."

On school vouchers: "I worked on the voucher campaign. I think it is a good idea, and it is fair."