By MELISSA WALKER

Staff Writer

How well do students know the presidential candidates?

Dr. Jason Pigg, a professor of social science, said the two main candidates have differing views on the majority of the issues.

"The main issue is the battle of the nation's top one percent income-wise," Pigg said.

Pigg said Bush wants the tax cuts he has already put in place to move forward. Kerry, Pigg said, wants to cut taxes for everyone except those in the $200,000 plus income range.

Kerry would further expand tax cuts for the middle class, Pigg said.

Pigg said stem cell research is also an issue at hand.

Pigg said Bush wants to fund researchers using existing stem cells.

"Bush is wary of creating [life] to destroy life," Pigg said.

Kerry, Pigg said, supports federal funding for all stem cell research.

"I believe it is becoming a big deal because of all of the celebrities involved," Pigg said. "Nancy Reagan and Christopher Reeve were big supporters of all stem cell research."

Iraq, Pigg said, is another topic that personally affects voters.

"Both candidates want to rebuild Iraq and get other countries involved," Pigg said.

Pigg said Kerry argues he will be more efficient at getting other countries' aide, in hopes of relieving some of the burden from the United States.

Pigg said Bush believes it is important he remain president in order to keep things consistent in Iraq.

Jill Rowlett, a junior political science major, said she agrees with Bush's argument.

"I think it is not a good idea to switch presidents during this major event," Rowlett said.

Another concern for the candidates is healthcare.

Bush's plan for aiding senior citizens for the cost of prescriptions will go into effect 2006, Pigg said. Kerry has ambitions to expand government assistance in healthcare and attempt to negotiate prices for prescription drugs.