State Rep. Michael Jackson and Republican State Sen. Bill Cassidy answered students’ questions and voiced their views and policies Thursday evening in a forum sponsored by the Center for Student Leadership and Involvement.Democratic incumbent Rep. Don Cazayoux declined to participate in the forum. The forum, held in the Student Union, gave students a chance to ask their questions, ranging from the economy to education, and hear the candidates’ opinions and policies before the Nov. 4 election.  “First off, I am not gonna raise your taxes,” Cassidy said to open the round of economic questions. “John Kennedy said the time to raise taxes is not when you’re going into a recession, and we are going into a recession.” Cassidy said he proudly supported the $700 billion bailout package despite criticism, because of the benefits he sees when looking at the overall economy. ”I feel conservative principles are the best,” Cassidy said. “I think lower taxes and limited government maximize your security and opportunity. The government should not get in the way of opportunity and success.” Jackson said he would be skeptical of anyone who would paint a rosy picture of America. He said this country is fighting two wars, has a failing economy and has faced back to back budget deficits. “During the Clinton years we had strong economic growth,” Jackson said. “We need to look at capital gains taxes so that the middle class has a chance to compete and that whatever is done is done in fairness.”—-Contact Steven Powell at [email protected]