Candidates on Issues. George Bush

PRES. GEORGE BUSH (R)

Birthplace: Milton, Mass.

Education: BA, Yale University

Career: Congressman from Texas, 1967-70; US Ambassador to UN, 1971-73; US liaison chief in China, 1974-75; head of CIA, 1976-77; vice president, 1980-88; president, 1988 to present. ECONOMY/TAXES

Advocates capital gains tax cut from current top rate of 28 percent to a maximum rate of 15.4 percent for assets held at least three years. Proposes freeze of federal spending on most domestic programs at current levels, excluding benefit programs like Social Security. HEALTH CARE

Would provide tax credits and vouchers to help low- and middle-income families buy health insurance, up to a maximum of $3,750 per family. ABORTION

Opposes abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is in danger. Opposes use of federal funds for abortions except when the mother's life is threatened. DEFENSE

Proposes cutting defense by $50 billion over five years. Would cancel the B-2 bomber, MX missile, Seawolf submarine. Proposes US/Russian plan to eliminate all land-based multiple warhead missiles. ENERGY

Supports oil drilling in ANWR. Advocates nuclear power. Favors reducing restrictions on companies that generate electricity for the wholesale market.

Advocates greater use of alternative fuels. ENVIRONMENT

Advocates market- oriented approach to environmental problems. Supports protection of wetlands and the pursuit of new technologies such as clean coal. Helped craft nation's new Clean Air Act. CRIME

Supports death penalty. Supports limits on habeas corpus petitions for death-row inmates. EDUCATION

Would increase education funding by 7 percent, including increases for Head Start. Supports merit pay for teachers.