Surrounded by supporters, Republican congressional candidate Ron Greer shook hands and offered to answer voters’ questions on Library Mall Tuesday afternoon.

With Election Day less than a week away, both Ron Greer and incumbent Democrat Tammy Baldwin have made frequent appearances on the University of Wisconsin campus urging students to vote.

Dan Breed, Greer’s campaign manager, explained why students should show their support for Greer Nov. 5.

“Greer has a lot of experience on things students connect with,” said Breed. “What I am really impressed about Ron is that he doesn’t tell people what they want to hear.”

Breed added that Greer is constant in his ideas.

“He states his firm beliefs,” he added.

If elected, Greer promises to reallocate tax dollars and leave more money in voters’ pockets.

“I believe in less government control,” he said.

Greer supports the war with Iraq.

“I think Saddam Hussein is a risk to the United States and the rest of the world,” he said. “The only way to deal with [Hussein] is through military action.”

Greer said the United States should not be afraid to tackle this problem alone.

“If we cannot get the support of other countries, we can go in [to the war] alone, if we have to” Greer said. “We need to go all the way to Baghdad and wherever else and take Saddam away in chains or in plastic bags.”

Many students are concerned with tuition increases. Greer believes it is the function of the state government, rather than the federal government, to address funding for public education.

“Talk to state politicians and university officials,” he said. “The federal government cannot do anything but allow students to have a longer payback period on loans.”

Greer said he supports President George W. Bush’s environmental policies.

“I think the President is doing a good job,” he said. “We should always maintain a balance between environmental protection, without sacrificing jobs and lives.”

“I think we should thin and log [forests], if necessary,” Greer said. “I am opposed to the environmental extremists, which have become too prevalent in the last 15 or 16 years.”

Unlike his Democratic opponent, Greer does not support embryonic stem-cell research.

“There is no such thing as therapeutic cloning. It is a farce,” he said. “The cloning of embryos is wrong and should be outlawed.”

Greer pointed out that he does not necessarily disapprove of stem-cell research per se.

“Any type of adult stem-cell research on tissue and fat is fine, but I oppose the destruction of embryos.”

Greer emphasized the need for the privatization of Social Security.

“Social Security is a scam for black folks,” he said. “It is unfair to women, especially black women.”

“Once you pay into the system, there is no guarantee you will get it back,” he added. “But if you owned your Social Security account, the government couldn’t take it away.”

Greer criticized the current American Social Security system.

“My mother-in-law has served 30 years in the school system, but she is stuck and cannot wait a few years for retirement to kick in,” he said. “The system is unfair.”

As a pro-life candidate, Greer strongly opposes abortion. “It is wrong to kill the life of a baby,” he said. “I think legalization is a mistake.”

Greer believes African-American communities are targeted by abortion-service providers.

“Black babies are being killed,” he said. “Thirty-five percent of abortions in the United States are being performed on black women, while we only make up 12 percent of the population,” he said.

Greer had harsh words for those who advocate pro-choice.

“Anybody who supports it is insane,” he said. “It is morally wrong. Killing 13 million babies is genocide.”

As congressman, Greer would promise economic security and growth for Wisconsin.

“I am looking for ways to create long-term jobs, make investments in economically depressed areas and establish businesses,” he said. “The most effective thing we can do is to reduce government regulation, take tax money and reinvest it in businesses.”

Greer believes he is a good choice for student voters.

“I am the best man for the job,” he said. “Our future depends on it. Primarily, we need to look to the future graduates of college. If you do not want to be taxed out of your mind, then vote for me.”

On the other side, Eric Phillips, campus coordinator for the student organization College Democrats, will be showing his support for incumbent Tammy Baldwin on Election Day.

“I am a firm Tammy Baldwin supporter,” Phillips said. “She is the best student candidate — students are at the head of her agenda. Baldwin is on campus today and has been here a million other times. She has a progressive agenda on issues which the student body is concerned about.”