A Look at Key Mexican Election Issues
By The Associated Press
1 hour ago

Positions of Mexico's three main candidates on issues of importance to United States:

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CRIME

FELIPE CALDERON, of conservative National Action Party: Advocates U.S.-style public trials, extraditing criminals to face charges abroad, and life sentences for kidnappers.

ANDRES MANUEL LOPEZ OBRADOR, of leftist Democratic Revolution Party: Says poverty is root cause of crime, advocates more education and social programs for youths, but also favors using army to fight drug traffickers.

ROBERTO MADRAZO, of Institutional Revolutionary Party: Calls for tougher sentencing and more coordination and intelligence work among police agencies.

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TRADE AND ECONOMY

CALDERON: Favors trade and economic stability, proposes reducing tax burdens to stimulate private investment.

LOPEZ OBRADOR: Favors protecting Mexican industries and agricultural sector and boosting Mexico's oil and construction industries. Says he will not obey North American Free Trade Agreement clause requiring Mexico to lift tariffs on U.S. corn and beans in 2008.

MADRAZO: Takes middle ground, proposing more private investment but also increased state support to farmers.

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IMMIGRATION

CALDERON: Espouses temporary guest worker program in U.S. and job creation in Mexico so people won't have to leave.

LOPEZ OBRADOR: Promises to use Mexican consulates to defend immigrants' rights in U.S., and wants U.S. to contribute to job creation in Mexico.

MADRAZO: Promises to reduce migration by helping more Mexicans survive on their farms, through subsidies and aid programs.

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