SPRINGFIELD - As the housing market remains uncertain and the word "recession" is used more often by economic experts, Central Illinois voters' interest in their own finances could help guide their decision on a new congressman.

In the 18th Congressional District, the Republican hopefuls vying to replace U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood all talk of lower taxes as a means of stimulating the economy, but the three offer their different backgrounds as distinguishing factors on tax and economy issues.

Jim McConoughey of Dunlap is a lifelong businessman who works in economic development in the Peoria area. John Morris of Peoria points to decision-making on the local level as a former Peoria City Council member, and state Rep. Aaron Schock of Peoria highlights his dealings as a state lawmaker.

McConoughey in particular says he senses that voters' financial interests have become their most important concern, transcending other hot-button issues like the military conflicts in Iraq and elsewhere.

He released a plan last month that, among other things, calls for repealing the estate tax and the controversial alternative minimum tax.

Morris and Schock both also agree that it's a good idea to repeal the estate tax, which hits inheritances and can affect family farms.

But the candidates differ somewhat on the alternative minimum tax, which was created in 1970 to ensure high-income taxpayers didn't use too many deductions to avoid paying income tax. Because of inflation over the years, more and more middle-income people have been crossing the threshold for the AMT.

Congress recently moved to reduce number of people eligible for the AMT, but McConoughey said he thinks that tax should be eliminated.

Morris said he's not sure that should happen immediately, and he thought Congress made the right move.

Schock agreed with Congress' action as well, and also doesn't think repealing the tax is a good idea.

"I don't think that's a realistic goal right now," Schock said.

Helping the housing market?

On the housing market issue, Schock is the only candidate of the three who supports President Bush's plan to respond to the mortgage crisis.

Home values have dropped and foreclosure rates are high after more people began defaulting on risky loans.

Bush struck a deal with lenders to freeze rising interest rates on some of those loans in order to try to prevent some foreclosures. Schock said he thought that was a good short-term fix.

Morris said it was probably time for Congress to start looking into fixes for the mortgage problem but said he didn't support a particular plan.

"We do not want to see the economy slip into recession," Morris said.

McConoughey said the issue is one to monitor closely, but said the government shouldn't get involved yet.

He thinks lawmakers and others should wait until it becomes clear the housing market has slipped to a level that would cause a "severe recession."

"Then, I think the government should get involved, but not until then," he said.

Hands-off government has been a theme from all three Republican candidates in the campaign. To separate themselves, including on issues of the economy, the candidates often turn to their backgrounds.

McConoughey points to his time as a businessman and has frequently emphasized that he hasn't held elected office.

"I have 26 years of actually doing things," he said. "I physically have done that work."

Morris said he has local experience as a former council member trying to attract businesses to the city.

"The private sector must lead the way," he said.

Morris is on leave from WTVP, Peoria's public television station, so he can campaign full time.

Schock, 26, is in his second term as a state lawmaker, but his opponents often say he is too immature to serve in Congress. He counters that he's the only one of the three who's held elected office and run his own business.

"I'm the only one who's done both," he said.

The winner of the Feb. 5 Republican primary could go on to face a Democrat in November. Democratic Party leaders have the opportunity to pick a candidate after the primary date.

The 18th District includes areas in Macon County north of Decatur and parts of Tazewell and Woodford counties.