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Congressman Istook Addresses ORU Students

By Rebecca Gehle


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Click Photo to Enlarge
Congressman Istook addresses ORU students.

Congressman Istook addresses ORU students.
Congressman Ernest Istook addressed students, faculty and staff Friday, answering questions and discussing his values as a public servant. Congressman Istook admitted that he is strongly considering running for Governor in 2006.

"We can do better," said Istook in regards to pursuing the governor seat. In reference to Washington, Istook stated, "we've lost a principal-centered approach to things going on." He stated his belief that separation between church and state is being misinterpreted by his fellow congressmen in Washington.

"The presence of government requires the absence of religion, the growth of government requires the shrinking of religion, and that is just flat-out wrong," stated Congressman Istook.

Aside from divulging his thoughts on running for governor and speaking on the importance of religious freedom, Istook invited attendants to ask questions on various topics.

Students and faculty inquired on issues ranging from Istook's stance on repealing the death tax, the current status of the Perkin's Loan, as well as whom is to blame for the Hurricane Katrina failures.

In reference to a question concerning illegal aliens, Istook admitted that he disagrees with President Bush's stance. "We must secure our borders," said Istook.

The ORU Government Department was instrumental in bringing Congressman Istook to campus. His talk was a great opportunity for the students to learn about the federal government.
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