A GUIDE TO THE CONGRESSIONAL RACES: OHIO

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QUOTE OF NOTE: "It's difficult to run now that I'm married and have kids, but I saw what America was offering my children and I knew I had to get my message out there."

RALPH REGULA (R) District 16

BORN: Dec. 3, 1924, Beach City, Ohio EDUCATION: Mount Union College, B.A., 1948; William McKinley School of Law, LL.B., 1952 FAMILY: Wife, Mary; three children RELIGION: Episcopalian MILITARY: Navy, 1944-46 OCCUPATION: Lawyer; businessman POLITICAL CAREER: Ohio Board of Education, 1960-64; Ohio House, 1965-66; Ohio Senate, 1967-72; U.S. House, 1972- ADDRESS: 733 42nd Street, N.W., Canton, Ohio 44709. Tel.: 330-492-1559

In 13 races for the House, Regula has never received less than 59% of the vote. His popularity has much to do with his moderation, including support for such "liberal" causes as the National Endowment for the Arts. But he also gets high marks from labor unions for his opposition to NAFTA.

THE ISSUES

Budget YES Medicare YES Defense YES Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave yes (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "We recognize on balance that the arts contribute to the national character, they contribute to the rich cultural heritage of our nation."

JAMES TRAFICANT JR. (D) District 17 (Northeast--Youngstown, Warren)

BORN: May 8, 1941, Youngstown EDUCATION: U of Pittsburgh, B.S., 1963; Youngstown State U, M.S., 1973, M.S., 1976 FAMILY: Wife, Patricia Choppa; two children RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Drug-program director POLITICAL CAREER: Mahoning County sheriff, 1981-84; U.S. House, 1984- ADDRESS: 1823 Basil Avenue, Poland, Ohio 44514. Tel.: 330-743-1914

Traficant is known for outrageous oratory--he used his favorite phrase, "Beam me up," 30 different times in one session of Congress. And it hasn't mattered to his constituents, who like his strong stand against NAFTA and tax increases and have returned him to Washington six times by a wide margin. He has no G.O.P. challenger.

THE ISSUES

Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion YES Guns YES Gays YES Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)

QUOTE OF NOTE: "Wake up, Congress. Our policies are so misdirected, if you threw them at the ground, they would probably miss."

ROBERT BURCH (D) District 18 (East--Steubenville; Zanesville)

BORN: Sept. 27, 1949, Louisville, Ky. EDUCATION: Kent State U, B.A., 1971; Georgetown U, J.D., 1975 FAMILY: Single RELIGION: Roman Catholic MILITARY: None OCCUPATION: Lawyer POLITICAL CAREER: Ohio Senate, 1985-96; Democratic nominee for Governor, 1994 ADDRESS: 123 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663. Tel.: 330-364-1739

Betting that the Republicans are on the run, Burch wants to link incumbent Bob Ney to Newt Gingrich and contends that the 18th District has been hurt by haphazard G.O.P. cuts in the federal budget that will hurt programs for schools and small businesses. His goal in going to Washington is to re-establish economic security for American workers.

THE ISSUES