CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Democratic congressional candidate Anne Barth, speaking to more than 1,200 students and teachers at Capital High School in Charleston on Tuesday, said inaction by Washington leaders created the nation's current economic crisis.

Barth also called for an end to the Iraq war.

"Our troops have served with honor. They have done everything we have asked them to do. We need to turn our attention to the war in Afghanistan."

Barth is running against Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., who is scheduled to speak at Capital High at 9:15 a.m. today.

Capital High Principal Clinton Giles opened the program, stressing the importance of understanding the "views, beliefs and opinions" of candidates running for elective offices.

The money spent rebuilding Iraq, Barth said, would be better spent at home.

"Today, we are spending $12 billion a month in Iraq. They are getting new bridges and schools. And because of the cost of oil, Iraq has a budget surplus of $80 billion. I want to see us build more bridges and schools."

Barth also criticized the Bush administration for the nation's current economic quagmire.

"Washington isn't working for us now. Wages are shrinking. Jobs are stagnating. We have no energy policy to help us in the future."

Answering questions from students, Barth said, "We are facing an economic crisis, the likes of which we have not seen since the Depression [in the 1930s]. I oppose the failed policies of this administration that led to this crisis.

"Wall Street should not be bailed out," Barth said. "CEOs should not be allowed to profit through this crisis. We need better oversight. Our House and Senate must do their jobs."

Nicholas Naylor, a 14-year-old ninth-grade student in the audience from Pinch/Quick, said, "It is really good that our school gives students the opportunity to see political leaders. We have a wonderful school.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Democratic congressional candidate Anne Barth, speaking to more than 1,200 students and teachers at Capital High School in Charleston on Tuesday, said inaction by Washington leaders created the nation's current economic crisis.

Barth also called for an end to the Iraq war.

"Our troops have served with honor. They have done everything we have asked them to do. We need to turn our attention to the war in Afghanistan."

Barth is running against Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., who is scheduled to speak at Capital High at 9:15 a.m. today.

Capital High Principal Clinton Giles opened the program, stressing the importance of understanding the "views, beliefs and opinions" of candidates running for elective offices.

The money spent rebuilding Iraq, Barth said, would be better spent at home.

"Today, we are spending $12 billion a month in Iraq. They are getting new bridges and schools. And because of the cost of oil, Iraq has a budget surplus of $80 billion. I want to see us build more bridges and schools."

Barth also criticized the Bush administration for the nation's current economic quagmire.

"Washington isn't working for us now. Wages are shrinking. Jobs are stagnating. We have no energy policy to help us in the future."

Answering questions from students, Barth said, "We are facing an economic crisis, the likes of which we have not seen since the Depression [in the 1930s]. I oppose the failed policies of this administration that led to this crisis.

"Wall Street should not be bailed out," Barth said. "CEOs should not be allowed to profit through this crisis. We need better oversight. Our House and Senate must do their jobs."

Nicholas Naylor, a 14-year-old ninth-grade student in the audience from Pinch/Quick, said, "It is really good that our school gives students the opportunity to see political leaders. We have a wonderful school.

"I think Capital High has many students who like politics. We have a Republican Club and a Democratic Club here," said Naylor, who enjoys studying world and West Virginia history.

Naylor also sings in Capital High's show choir "Voices in Perfection."

During her talk, Barth stressed the need for adequate government funding for all public schools, as well as for Pell Grants and low-cost loans for college students who need them.

Barth supports offshore drilling and tapping petroleum from the government's strategic petroleum reserves.

She also supports increased scientific research for developing alternative fuels, including biomass, biodiesel, wind, solar energy and cleaner coal.

"Some of that research may get done in Morgantown," she said. "Today, we are not doing enough.

"Our only energy policy has been to give tax breaks to Big Oil, to companies like ExxonMobil. And our vice president [Dick Cheney] is an oilman. The price of gas has increased by 200 percent during the Bush administration."

Barth graduated from Roosevelt Junior High School on Charleston's East End and Charleston High School. As a child, she lived in a variety of towns around the state, where her father served as a Methodist minister.

"I love this state. I never lived anywhere else. We have two girls in Morgantown [at West Virginia University] and I hope both decide to stay here.

"I am proud I worked for Sen. Robert Byrd, our country's finest statesman," Barth added, referring to positions she held for 21 years, including 16 years as Byrd's West Virginia state director.

Reach Paul J. Nyden at pjny...@wvgazette.com or 348-5164.