BCCC Sponsored Debate in 8th Congressional District

PCN has broadcast today's 8th congressional district debate. These are my rough notes. As always, they are not intended as a full transcript and I apologize in advance for any errors or misconceptions. Voters in the 8th are encouraged to watch the debate themselves and make their own decisions.

8th congressional debate
Thursday, Oct. 20th
incumbent Democratic Congressman Patrick Murphy
former Republican Congressman Mike Fizpatrick

Sponsored by the Bucks County Community College and Calkins Media
Bill Pezzza, social and behavioral sciences professor
David Gilmartin co-moderator
asks for quiet in the audience
2 minute opening statements, questions, 2 min response, 1 min rebuttal, questions sent in by newspaper readers and college students, closing statements

Opening statements

PM: thanks, been an honor to serve our country in the army, 2 deployments, and as your congressman done everything I can do improve lives in district, in 3.5 years brought back 3,000 jobs, we must make things here again, cannot be just a service economy, opponent gave vote to Bush admin and Wall St, outsourced our jobs. proud and honored to earn your support and vote.

MF: as alumnus of bccc and long a supporter, proud to be back here for important congressional debate. running for congress because I disagree with the direction of our country. so many issues that face us. choices are what make democracy work. Murphy supports a bigger government that spends more and taxes more, inhibits job creation, debt increased, he voted for stimulus and obamacare, I would have voted against it. he's voted for big banks and bailouts, i would have voted against, cash for clunkers, i would have voted against. I want to get people back to work. when he took office it was 4.?% now it is 9.6% unemployment. wonder if children growing up here will have same econ opportunities i had.

Q1: tax cuts, bush tax cuts set to expire in Jan. PM favors extend for all but household income over 250K, MF support for all income groups.

MF: first, especially in a recession no time to be raising taxes, need business and econ certainty. if they increase they will amt to largest tax increase in us history. extend for everyone sending a specific message to job creators that these are the tax rates and you are now free to create jobs. proved that this will work. revenue will go up. JFK and Ronald Reagan did and revenue went up. when taxes cut in 1982 had 90 consecutive months of econ growth.

PM: it has been documented 97 % of top 2% won't affect small businesses. We have 60k small businesses in Bucks. the money they reinvest in small business not taxed. giving tax cuts to wealthiest 2% will add $700B to national debt. With those tax cuts in the past all we have was budget deficits not surpluses. only time we had surpluses was 8 years of Clinton presidency and we want to take tax rates back to that level. we're a country at war, we're a country at debt, cannot continue policies that got us into debt. don't extend tax breaks to wealthiest Americans while at war.

MF: not extending tax breaks, just keeping current rates until economy improves. you've grown national debt under your watch. small businesses that incorporate under subchapter S are taxed regardless of whether they reinvest.

PM: my opponent, the tax cut fairy, wants to borrow another $700B from China for the Paris Hiltons of the world.

Q2: education as a great equalizer. current two tier system -- some good schools, some failing

PM: need to make sure we are competitive in a global economy. community colleges esp important. i was a student here in 1991-92, partnered with BCCC, Drexel and Delaware Valley College to form green jobs academy. training and educating workers of tomorrow. one of only green jobs academies in nation. major contrast with MF. i supported community colleges, MF signed “pledge to America,” will cut education funding 20%. this is not the time to decrease educational funding. need to make sure we are as competitive as we can be.

MF: number of ways to address issue. education funded by people who work and people who employ workers. most important thing we can do is grow the economy. we're heading in the wrong direction. can't believe opponent accused me of taking a position adverse to community colleges. as county commissioner I drove decision to get Bucks County Community College expansion. PM has been criticizing my support of this in ads, the increase was funded by voter referendum to expand BCCC. proud of my record and my support of BCCC.

PM: I am not criticizing support in past as county commissioner for community colleges, criticizing “pledge for America,” will cut funding 20% for education, you raised property taxes 7 times in 10 years, you raised prop taxes 4 times prohibited by law from doing it again, went to Harrisburg and lobbied to raise taxes.

MF: record of county commissioner supported community colleges. with Obama care government took over all student loans from private sector to fund Obamacare. we need to support students as they take those difficult steps and make those difficult decisions to fund their education.

Q3: health care reform, PM voted for, MF said would repeal.

MF: I would do it differently, 2500 page bill. i would pass series of 20 page bills, all just on one issue. My first day in office would introduce 20 page bill on liability reform, another 20 page bill, encourage competition let us buy across state lines, another 20 page bill will let small businesses go together in association health plans as large businesses do. they passed 2500 page bill that no one read and bad for American people. I would pass series of 20 page bills.

PM: ask then what they will did to address rising health care costs when they had the presidency, house, senate. they didn't do anything. I read the bill, voted for a bill that would help people who were discriminated against for pre-existing conditions, women charge 40% more than men, my opponent wants to repeal that. wants to let companies discriminate on pre-existing conditions, on parents coverage up to age 26, wants to repeal donut hole closing. would cost seniors $4000 for prescription drugs. I think that is wrong and dangerous. we need to move forward, improve health care bill.

MF: I'm for covering pre-existing conditions. in my replacement bill that would be covered, for adults on parents coverage. I’m sure his bill was well-intentioned. we were promised deficit neutral, rates won't go up, can keep coverage.

PM: he says he for this and for that. yet when he had a chance to lead he did nothing. it isn’t perfect. tried to fix, but GOP wouldn't support, that would ease 1099 form burdens in small business. we paid for it by changing loophole for tax cuts for outsourcing, didn't pass?? Its' a good bill and i was proud to support it.

Q4: jobs and outsourcing. why should students be optimistic about finding a job after graduation

PM: we need to have a “make it in America” agenda. can't continue to outsource. in my 3.5 years in office i brought back 3,000 jobs. unemployment in Bucks. 8.4? %. need to make sure you have jobs when graduate. when MF was in congress he was the tie breaking vote on cafta. he told constituents even on the day of the vote that he wouldn't vote for it. Dick Cheney called him and he changed his vote. we need someone in office who won't outsource our jobs. in Bucks we have lost 5900(?) jobs due to cafta and free trade agreement.

MF: i believe the American worker can compete with anyone in the world given a level playing field. he does not. last time we tried that we turned a depression into a great depression. just 4 years ago, when congressman took office unemployment was 4.6% now has doubled. we have second highest corporate tax rate in the world, too much litigation.

PM: hard to believe MF is complaining about unemployment when he was responsible for outsourcing good manufacturing jobs. Jones NY said was moving jobs to Tenn but many went to El Salvador and Nicaragua year after he passed cafta. can't return to failed policies. we need those jobs here in America. need to incentivize small businesses and manufacturers.

MF: just a little rich to hear you complain about cafta when all the facts show trade deficit became trade surplus. bank bailout went for corporations. bail out for automakers when jobs when overseas. cash for clunkers, 80% of cars bought were made overseas. PM outsourced more jobs with those three votes than several previous congressman combined.

Q5: immigration reform. 12m undocumented aliens in US, what should happen to them

MF: how did they get there? not all snuck across the border, some overstayed visas, now they are part of our economy, had children here. how can this happen in a nation with the technology we have. we have to be able to track them down before they are here for years and start families, tell them they have to go home. we have people on line who are doing things the right way,

PM: there are things we have done this year. now every federal worker and federal contractor has to follow e-verify. people working at jobs sites are US citizens or allowed to be here. deported more people in last 18 months that shouldn't be here. if you are here illegally and you commit a felony you need to be on first plane out. contrast with opponent. he supported a bill and voted with Nancy Pelosi, he was liberal on immigration, for sanctuary cities, won't give info on illegal immigrants, won't get federal dollars if won't provide info. he voted with Pelosi. 2300 jobs lost to American citizens bec illegal immigrants paid under table.

MF: against amnesty. they are here illegally. if they commit crimes, need to end catch and release. need to get tough. Nancy Pelosi is PM's speaker not mine. Obama has punted on this issue. this is a tough issue. he has decided to avoid immigration debate. the administration has begun to defund southern border

PM: also against amnesty, he voted against the border fence. i was only Democrat to vote to defund Justice Dept lawsuit in Arizona. Reagan tried amnesty. wrong. cant' go back to same solution.

Q: follow up: what will happen to 12 million illegals here.

MF: after those send home for violating our laws. those who continue to reside here given them an opportunity is to come out and go home and get in back of line and apply to come back in like everyone else.

PM: that's a fair solution to make.

Q6: social security, what needs to be done to fix in long term and short term

PM: it is solvent for 22 more years. hard truth is what we cannot do is privatize it. MF said he favored private accounts, would take money and put it on Wall St. we have to grow our economy to get more tax dollars in the system.

MF: I didn’t hear a real solution. short term, no cola for two years, that's wrong, members of congress get pay raises. seniors need to understand their soc sec is secured and will be make stronger in the future. against raising retirement age, cutting benefit, increasing payroll tax. growing economy will help.

PM: if we want to talk about a payraise. I never took a payraise. he got a payraise as county commissioner even while he had a side job at a law firm. would look at increase in payroll tax. would grow economy and not privatize. looking forward to fiscal commissions report.

MF: as a county commissioner I gave my pay raises away to charity. I challenged you to release your tax returns if you release yours to show where those payraises went. He took 100K book deals, don't lecture us for things that happened 10 years ago. against increasing payroll tax. I would find the individuals that are on social security that shouldn't be. we have people on security who say they can't work, have 7 children, etc. Social Security should be another retirement for seniors going forward.

PM: i actually passed a cola last year. tied to inflation that’s why no cola. I acted to give $250 last year and this year.

MF: I don't think that's accurate, some seniors not all, bonus not cost of living. the base social security number that doesn't go up. seniors earned and deserve it.

PM: means testing -- no

MF: means testing -- no

PM: extending age -- no

MF: extending age -- no

Q7: Iraq War, were your 2006 positions justified?

MF: to correct PM, i was not in congress when decision made to go into Iraq. i was in congress in 2005-2006, made difficult decisions. I would have voted not to go in. my decision was continue to fund effort or start immediate withdraw. I voted to win to bring soldiers home the moment victory was achieved. I supported surge but he voted against it. I had called for it throughout 2006, took on administration, new strategy -- surge.

PM: revisionist history, him advocated for surge in 2006. Iraq has made us lose our focus where it should be -- Afghanistan, Osama bin Laden. every cent sent to Iraq [missed this]. i voted against surge to refocus on Afghanistan. he said if we bring our troops back all hell will break lose. we brought them home in an orderly fashion. now can focus on Afghanistan. number one threat is still al Quada, who want to hurt us but also get hands on Pakistan's nuclear weapons.

MF: Iraq and our positions in 2006. you had 2 different withdraw plans in 2006 both essentially said begin withdraw in Dec 2006 leave 50k troops in 2007. it took surge in 2007 to win the war. i thought in 2006 it was important to win first and them come home.

PM: i had the honor of serving in Iraq. He's trying to have it both ways. our troops are doing an incredible job. I was the one who tried to make sure they had the right body armor, passed new GI bill, passed largest increase in veterans benefit in history of the country.

Q8: social issues taken a back seat to economy. select one or two issues and share position

PM: i believe one of the best promises in medical research is stem cell research including embryonic stem cells, which would be discarded otherwise. could find cure to Alzheimers parkinsons, etc. my opponent voted against it, to not fund it. when congress tried to override he stood with Pres Bush. woman's right to choose - i believe has a right to privacy. my opponent co-sponsored a bill which would not allow a womens right to privacy even in case of rape or incest. we are a moderate community. they are not moderate views.

MF: I voted to increase funding for stem cells research, not against. provided there was some success, some guarantee if we invest there will be an outcome. i voted for it when there was evidence of success. last week that pluropotent (?) stem cells, generated form a persons own skin cells can be used to grow other tissue. if use own don't have to take anti-rejection drugs. all of the success has been in the areas of adult stem cells.

PM: I'm also excited about those results too but other efforts retarded by loss of funding. There will be times when you disagree with me but you can take what I say to the bank. he says one thing and does another. I would be proud to have your vote once again.

MF: you were president of pro-life group of your law school group. you were the congressman when I was in favor of online predators bill you said were against and then introduced same bill. i say abortion in case of rape incest and life of mother.

Q9: energy independence, offshore drilling and PA natural gas

PM: have to wean ourselves off foreign oil, make serious investments in wind solar, geothermal, hydrogen, natural gas, and nuclear. can't continue to send money overseas to countries that don't like us and fund terror. start green jobs academy, why I've worked to help make Fairless Hills one of the biggest green energy hubs in the country, ae polysilicon, gamesa, 4th largest solar field in the country, 16.5 acres. natural gas, need to know what chemicals we are putting into the ground and affects our water, i've co-sponsored FRAC act. look at nuclear enegery. GOP talked for 30 years but did nothing. we are now geared up to build 2 new reactors and to fund 5 more nuclear reactors with government bonds

MF: if new nuclear reactors being built, that is great, but process began before Obama administration. we need a balanced energy policy. under Bush admin lots of talk about tax breaks for oil industry. i voted against it. i said at the time we needed to balance it with renewables. that's all you hear about today. green jobs academy -- training them for jobs that may not exist today. gamesa is a Spanish company currently laying off American workers but got lots of tax credits. supports tax policy for renewables if shows benefits and employs American workers. marcellus shale can power country for next couple of decades with pa jobs but need to do so safely. would like to see state DEP ramp up review and regulation in that regard.

PM: long range off short drilling now appropriate, have it safe now, checking up on them. opponent talks about energy bill. co-sponsored bill that passed in house but now opposes when talking to tea party groups. this is a jobs issue. cites Wayne Gretsky who said passed puck not to where person was but where person was going to be. if we don't do this China and India and other countries will do it.

MF: cap and trade not an energy bill. that bill did not exist when I was in congress. i would have voted against that bill.

Closing Statements

PM: thanks for being part of this democracy. doing all i can to focus on jobs jobs jobs. green jobs academy. brought 3,000 jobs back in worst recession since great depression. making new gps 3 and flight simulators, solar field in Bucks County. now is not the time to go back to failed policies. need to get back to making things in America gain, stop outsourcing jobs. provide incentives to small businesses and manufacturers. honored to have your support.

MF: thanks. PM identified issue, jobs, but has wrong solution. issue is jobs, people are hurting. unemployment 10% underemployment 18 or 19%. economy not recovered despite government pending. elections are about choices and choice is clear. PM things we ought to have a bigger fed government, spends more taxes more, increases national debt. he believes in big fed government to create jobs. I believe in you. free enterprise system will lift us out of this recession. hope is not a trillion dollar stimulus that did not create a single job in private sector. hope is not health care plan that .... hope is not cash for clunkers. i will restore dignity and honor in free enterprise system. i ask for your support.

Deja Vu in the 8th

In the run up to the election the congressman from the 8th congressional district is facing criticism for not meeting the public to discuss legislation on medical legislation and the safety net. The race, between a former county commissioner and an Iraq War veteran, is heating up. Sound familiar? It should. Only it's not 2010 and health care reform and Congressman Patrick Murphy, it's 2006 and Social Security, Medicare and Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick. Many of the complaints being lobbed in 2010 at Patrick Murphy in his rematch with Mike Fitzpatrick, were lobbed against Fitzpatrick in their first election battle in 2006, which Murphy won by a sliver. It should be noted that Murphy maintained a consistent support for health care reform, and has held a number of public meetings where people talked about the topic.

In June, 2005 at an "emotionally charged" townhall meeting to discuss Pres. Bush's plan to privatize social security, organizers wanted Congressman Fitzpatrick to take a stand on the issue. Fitzpatrick did not attend and his staff said he was still studying the various proposals (Scheid, 6/07/05). Only a few months before, though, he said he favored private accounts (Hawkes 4/10/2005). In March, 2005, he again was unwilling to commit to a stance (DeCoursey, 03/06/2005). Earlier in the year, he had not held any meetings to discuss it:

Unlike Santorum, none of Pennsylvania's GOP House members held town hall meetings on Social Security during the weeklong congressional recess, although they have been hearing from constituents in other forums and through mail and e-mail to their offices. (Miller, 2/28/05)

Fitzpatrick could not be reached for comment for that article. He had, though, volunteered to be on the GOP's "press affairs team for healthcare issues, which means he'll be speaking at press conferences and before Congress when changes to Medicare are instituted, among other issues" (Hawkes 4/10/2005).

Later in April, 2005, he again expresses his support for the plan:

And he defended President George Bush's efforts to revamp Social Security. There are too many seniors receiving and too few young workers to support the program, he said. (McGinnis, 4/23/2005)

Closer to the election, August 2006, he had come out against Bush’s plan to privatize social security, although his objection does not seem to have been ideological but chronological. He said with other pressing issues facing the country, “now was not the time to focus on Social Security” (Scheid, 8/01/2006)

His stance on Social Security had been bouncing around during his first run for office in 2004 and early in his term. In September of 2004 he said:

The Republican candidate said he won't even consider revamping Social Security if the retirement age is raised, benefits are cut, the payroll tax increases or if the program is privatized. (Finley, 9/30/2004)

In January, 2005 he said:

Fitzpatrick also said the much-buzzed-about idea of allowing people to invest some of their Social Security money in private accounts would move forward, though he didn't know that it would pass in 2005.

"That's a prediction I wouldn't want to make," he said. "I'm predicting a discussion of getting something done."(Callaway, 01/01/2005)

There was also concern about the Medicare prescription drug program and the "donut hole." In a letter to the editor on 10/02/2006 members of PaAction.org complained that Fitzpatrick had not shown up for a meeting with them (McCauley), although according to a Morning Call editorial he had meet with over 3000 senior citizens in 12 townhall meetings in 2005 ("Healthcare in America"). Participants at a January, 2006 meeting on Medicare were also disappointed when Fitzpatrick, who had been expected to attend, was elsewhere that day (Savana, 1/18/2006).

Fitzpatrick did introduce legislation to delay the deadline for signing on to a prescription drug program, as noted:

Fitzpatrick is among the congressional lawmakers seeking to extend the deadline, an effort that has failed largely because the Bush administration wants healthy seniors who have low drug costs to be part of the risk pool to make coverage affordable. (Ciavaglia 5/14/2006)

Fitzpatrick was also the first 8th district congressional representative to use teletownhall meetings:

The technology, never used before in this district, costs taxpayers bout $2,000 for every bulk telephone meeting, [Fitzpatrick's chief of staff Mike]Conallen said. That's a fraction of hosting an in-person town hall, Conallen said. That could costs $10,000 to $14,000, while a mass mailing on legislation could cost more thatn $30,000, he said. (Scheid 7/30/2006)

Sources

Callaway, Brian, “A lawmaker looks ahead,” Bucks County Courier Times, 01/01/2005

Ciavaglia, Jo, "Some putting off signing up for drug plan," Bucks County Courier Times 5/14/2006

DeCoursey, Peter, “State GOP lawmakers hold off on Bush plan,” Patriot News (03/06/2005).

Finley, Ben, “Fitzpatrick defends acceptance of money,” Bucks County Courier Times 9/30/2004.

Hawkes, Allison, "Lawmaker tackles contentious issues," Bucks County Courier Times 4/10/2005

"Healthcare in America," [editorial] Morning Call 12/05/2005

McCauley, "The 'donut hole' disaster," [letter to the editor] Bucks County Courier Times 10/02/2006

McGinnis, James, “Fitzpatrick hears questions, concerns,” Bucks County Courier Times 4/23/2005

Miller, Jeff, "House members slow to commit on Social Security," Morning Call 02/28/2005

Savana, Freda "Some area seniors still say they can't get their medications," Intelligencer 1/18/2006

Scheid, Brian, "Fitzpatrick gets voters on party line," Intelligencer 7/30/2006

Scheid, Brian, “Fitzpatrick says Bush wrong on Social Security, 08/01/2006

Scheid, Brian, "Privatization plan assailed," Bucks County Courier Times 6/07/2005

Another Trivedi / Gerlach Debate

PCN is providing a wonderful public service by replaying a variety of debates. I taped one between Jim Gerlach, Republican congressman from the 6th district, and his Democratic opponent Dr. Manan Trivedi.

These are rough notes from that debate. It is not intended as a full transcript. I apologize in advance for any errors or misconceptions and encourage voters in the 6th district to watch the debate themselves.

6th congressional district debate
Tuesday evening, October 12th
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Main Line Reform Temple
Mark Zucker, Jewish Community Relations Council

Jim Gerlach in 1990 won first of two terms in the state house, then two terms in the state senate. He was elected to congress in 2002. He was worked on welfare reform and land use in state government and in congress he worked for a new national veterans cemetery and on Medicare prescription drugs. He attended Dickinson College and received a BA in political science, and Dickinson Law School. He has three children and three stepchildren.

Dr. Manan Trivedi was born and raised in Berks County and is the son of immigrants. As a young boy he won a contest on healthy eating [missed part of this] and won a community service award in college. After medical school he joined the Navy and was a battalion surgeon with the first troops in Iraq. He has a masters degree in health [missed what aspect of health] and is a primary care physician.

Opening Statement

JG: Greeting and thanks. Election boils down to what does this Congress need to do to run the country around and who is best to represent the district. People feel Congress has taxed too much, spent too much and borrowed too much. Nation that is secure and there for partners like the state of Israel. Did not support stimulus or health care reform or cap and trade or permanent bailout. Opponent favors all.

MT: Greeting and thanks. Been going around district and listening. People are frustrated. Elected officials lost touch. Need new leadership. As battalion surgeon and primary care physician and new father I can supply that leadership. Social security [missed this]. When Red Cheek Apple closed my dad lost his job and his pension was raided. Believed in American dream. JG only fights for Washington special interests. I have fought on the front lines of Iraq and on the front lines of health care. JG follows ideology and I use evidence to decide.

Q1 [citing daughter] What would you say to an 18 year old on why they should vote and care about this election?

JG: Thank her for registering to vote. Look at candidates in all races. What will they do? Her votes count. In my first election I won by 23 votes. It is important to participate. Understand the issues, social security, debt.

MT: Thank her for registering. People get cynical. There are people out there who want to do the right thing. Get involved. Advocate and canvass. Health care, now adults covered under parents health insurance. Student loans, now the middle man is cut out. Jobs. JG voted to give tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas. We need to protect social security.

JG: In health care. Do support covering pre-existing conditions and allowing parents to keep adult children on their coverage. On the vote on jobs overseas. That bill would raise taxes on businesses. Put more debt, 54B, not a jobs bill but a tax and spend bill.

MT: We need to continue to work on health care. System was broken and unsustainable. That bill does give tax breaks to companies shipping jobs overseas.

Q2: The Tea Party, what does it say about us?

MT: Don't understand the Tea Party in any significant fashion. Support effort to increase public discourse. The Tea Party controls Gerlach's party right now. They want to cut off foreign aid, including to Israel. Concerning extremist movement. Gerlach is beholden to them.

JG: Some would say moveon.org too over your party years ago. Some would say it is extreme. There are many Tea Party organizations in this area. Some would say it is extreme. They are angry and concerned. Debt and taxes, what it means for job creation. They take different positions. Concerned about the future of the country. The have the right to engage but it must be done in a civil and respectful way.

MT: Agree we need to be civil and responsible. The Tea Party espouses privatizing social security, repealing all parts of the health care bill, “taking our country back.” We should engage but they must meet us halfway.

JG: They do want to see the bill repealed and replaced but so do 60% of the American people.

Q3: what is civil and responsible in regards to Park 51 (Ground Zero mosque)?

JG: Everyone should and can express our views but not in hate. The may have the right to do it but may not be the right thing to do. The minister who wanted to burn the Koran had the right to do it but it may not be the right thing to do. The same as with those who protest at funerals. They have the right but it may not be civil and responsible.

MT: We need more civil discourse. Base it on evidence and principle. He falls under ideology, what the party bosses tell him. I fought for the Constitution. This is a New York issue but this is a right in the Constitution. I think we can rise above partisan rhetoric. Republican and Democrats are at loggerheads; let's look at the rhetoric and rise above. Let's get things done.

JG: Evidence is clear that the stimulus didn't work. The president said he would keep unemployment under 8% and it is now 9.6%. People want a different direction.

MT: The stimulus was poorly implemented. Wasn't effective or transparent. But something had to be done. If not done unemployment would probably be over 20%. We need to continue. Make hcr better. Instead of no, no, no.

Q4: If you had an hour alone with Secretary of State Clinton, the prime minister of Israel and the leader of the Palestenian Authority [may have this title wrong].

MT: I would be honored in such esteemed company. Israel is a valued ally. In uniform I was willing to fight (die?) for Israel. The important thing – need bilateral negotiations without preconditions and guarantee for Palestine that they will be honest brokers. Security important. The Palestinian Authority left the table.

JG: To Secretary Clinton, you've been doing a good job. Continued to be a facilitating entity. More attention to talking more to Arab nations. Never stepped up to help solve poverty in Palestine (?). Try to get Arab powers to work towards a Middle East peace. To Israeli prime minister, stay strong. Needs to be protected and supported.

MT: has to be about [missed this]. Israel is a soverign nation. The Palestinian Authority must be an honest broker. Palestinian settlements an overblown issue.

Q5: Economic sanctions against Iran regarding nuclear weapons. Additional actions?

JG: I supported that legislation. I supported every effort to get Iran to cease and desist. No one has a crystal ball here. Iran has threatened Israel and is a friend of terrorist organizations. It ought to scare everyone's pants off. Everyone ought to be concerned. Use sanction power. Economic and diplomatc efforts. Every possible effort.

MT: I applauded that bill as well. Implementation is the key. First time we've stopped for an oil company and sanctioned them. Centrifuges don't wait for negotiations. Need to stop Iran. Very real threat. All options on the table, including the military option. Look at how did we get here. Failed policies in Washington. Took eye off the ball. Failed efforts of Bush and Gerlach. Lost the bigger picture.

JG: We got in this situation because the nut in charge of Iran support terrorist organizations and wants to snuff out Israel. Battle for hearts and minds. Basic values we have here not based on one administration. Hopefully Iranians will change the country.

MT: Enforce sanctions. No doubt our actions in part of it. Hold our leaders accountable. Took our eye off the ball.

Q6: climate change, comprehensive energy policy

MT: Time for fact finding is over. The evidence is clear and quite scary. My opponent still doesn't profess to believe that global warming is real and man made. There are bills and ways we can cut emissions. Calling the cap and trade bill a job killer is political rhetoric. Can get this done in a way that promote job growth.

JG: We need a comprehensive energy plan and to break our dependency on foreign oil, break our dependency on fossil fuels. We need to include clean coal and nuclear power. The French get most of their energy from nuclear power. Cap and trade is wrong direction because of the huge cost to business. That would drive businesses offshore. Throw on top of that the increases in energy. PPL says that bill would increase [20% or 30%]. The bill is badly written.

MT: We need clean energy. Look as his big oil and gas contributions. He has taken over $700K in special interest money. Problem with guys in Washington. Need to reduce dependency on foreign oil for security and also to get the economy on track.

JG: You've gotten money from unions and trail lawyers. I would never say that you would alter your decisions based on contributions. I hope you would extend me the same courtesy.

Q7: Tax cuts, if we extend them how will we pay for them?

JG: With 9.7% unemployment the time is not now for raising taxes on anyone. In the House there is bipartisan support for extending the tax cuts to everyone.

MT: I support extending the tax cuts to all but the top 2%, mostly millionaires and billionaires. Economists have proven that it won't help the economy. It is not a supply side problem but a demand problem. Millionaires and billionaires would get $100,000. It would affect less than 3% of the small business and of those 88% are individuals like Derek Jeeter or Paris Hilton. JG favors those that line your pockets. Wish it wasn't the case. You've gotten nearly $1 M from Wall Street. I've gotten no corporate PAC money.

JG: You don't understand evidence out there. Raising taxes on those earning over $250,000. They are the people that create jobs. $900B tax increase on them is goofy and totally irresponsible.

MT: Confusing evidence and rhetoric. Less than 3% of small businesses affected. Will only help millionaires and billionaires. Single person companies, hedge funds and artists. Any economist with half a soul would tell you this won't help.

Q8: Assuming we extend tax cuts how do we fund them?

MT: We need to look through federal budget with fine tooth comb. A lot of inefficiencies. Don't send jobs overseas, cut health care. Secretary of Defense says the Dept of Defense spends too much. Support troops. When in Iraq saw contractors being paid more than soldiers. It can't be done with a mallet and must be done with a surgical knife. So send a surgeon to Congress.

JG: Congress has not done oversight job well. Under Clinton and Bush total government spending was 20% of the gdp, now it is 25% of the gdp. That is unsustainable. When JFK cut taxes it increased the economy. The same happened with Reagan cut taxes. Leave money in the private sector to create jobs. Don't increase spending in public sector that should be done in the private sector.

MT: The answer isn't bigger government but smarter government. I did this as a health policy advisor to [Navy? Government?]. Trickle down – I'm still waiting for the trickle. If it worked we wouldn't be in this position. We got here by tax cuts for the wealthy and by deregulation.

JG: Would like someone who has been in the House since 2006 to take responsibility. The Democrats were in control. Haven't said a word about tort reform and you're a physician! I talk with physicians every day and they want tort reform.

Q9: school choice

JG: Support voucher program in DC to see what would happen. Haven't supported it more generally. Need more evidence. Did support Opportunity Scholarships in PA. Has worked well. Public schools need resources. Allow opportunity for people to go to charter schools, etc.

MT: Support school choice that makes education better. In national budget very little spending on education. Someone said if you want to see what the economy will be like in 10 years look at education now. Innovation, support teachers. Don't just teach to the test. Not allowed to be creative. I've always said tort reform should be part of the solution. But not the whole answer. Tort reform is not everything.

JG: Issue interesting. ESCA, Elementary School Reauthorization Act gives distressed schools choices: fire the principal, fires the principal and half the teachers or close the school and go to a charter school.

Q10: immigration reform

JG: The president called on Congress to take It up, not enough consensus: 1) control southern border, majority come for better life but also drug dealers and terrorists, 2) immigration and national security administration – ability to deal with those who overstayed their visas, and 3) people who come through other circumstances. Rule of law. Bipartisan discussion on those here without legal right. Rule of law.

MT: comprehensive immigration reform. Seal borders. Crack down on companies who hire illegals. Those here pay back taxes, criminal background check, get in back of line for citizenship. Has to be national, can't be state.

Q11: abortion

JG: oppose except in cases of rape, incest, and life of the mother. Work to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

MT: Need to reduce unwanted pregnancies but as a husband, father of a daughter and as a physician, believe in a woman's right to choose.

Closing Statements

MT: Thanks. Thanks to JG for allowing recording and taping of this debate. Let's have a debate in Berks County. We've had a debate in Chester and Montgomery Counties. It is clear there is a difference between the candidates. My opponent has gone Washington. Stopped listening to us. Washington syndrome. We need real people with real solutions. His policies won't work. Repealing tax cuts will cost us [missed amount]. Shipping jobs overseas will cost us. America can't afford Gerlach anymore.

JG: Thanks. The American people can't afford current policies. People in my district communicate every day. They want lower taxes, lower government spending, and stop bailouts. Repeal and replace health care reform. My opponent is on the wrong side of the 6th district. He supports the stimulus and capt and trade. People want to change Congress, through out current leadership and current policies.

Fitzpatrick Flags

I am told that at last Thursday's 8th congressional district debate Mike Fitzpatrick's campaign distributed American flags. Unfortunately they were made in China.

Today's Patrick Murphy / Mike Fitzpatrick Debate

Today’s debate between Congressman Patrick Murphy (D) and Mike Fitzpatrick ® who represented the district from 2004 – 2006 was broadcast live over PCN. I took advantage of this to watch and take notes. This is not intended as a full transcript, voters of the 8th congressional district are encouraged to watch the debate themselves.

As always I apologize in advance for any errors or misconceptions.

Welcome to Chamber of Commerce and LWV debate
Linda Mather of the League of Women Voters of Bucks County
Carlo Borgia senior vp of Wachovia Bank

Biographical Introductions
Patrick Murphy is an Iraq War veteran, born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, attended Bucks County Community College, then Kings College and Widener Law School. He served in Bosnia and IraQ and earned the Bronze Star.

Mike Fitzpatrick is a lifelong resident of Middletown Township, served as Bucks County Commissioner for 10 years, two years in congress. He attended Bishop Egan High School, St. Thomas University and Dickinson School of Law.

Moderators ask audience to turn off cell phones, etc, “your unwanted actions will detract, we are here to hear from them not from you.”

Opening statement

PM: thanks. I’ve had the honor of serving in Congress for the past 3.5 years, also honor of serving in the army. I’ve done everything I can to help the people in the district, what can we do to make our country an even greater country. brought 3k jobs to district. can't be just a service dominated economy. we have to make things. MF gave his vote to the Bush admin and Wall St. I’ll be honored to earn your vote.

MF: thanks. serious and significant debate. at crossroads in nation's history. we are hurting. businesses are struggling. not just a referendum on Obama admin, choice between PM and me. I believe in smaller more efficient government, small businesses can employ more people, more opportunities in private sector. PM for larger govt that taxes and spends more. stimulus created no jobs. choice is clear.

Q1: long tern strategy for business to create jobs and employ more workers

PM: small businesses -- empower them to create more jobs. giving them proper tax incentives to hire and buy. I've done that. we need to get back to making things in our country gain. MF was tie breaking vote to outsource jobs. CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement). hurt Bucks and middle class. at our own detriment.

MF: not about trade but how to empower small business. need to do everything we can. jobs not created in public sector but private sector. ask them to create jobs and listen to them. They need contained health care costs and lower taxes. I’m the only candidate who signed taxpayer protection pledge. PM recessed congress without extending tax cuts.

Q2: isn't not taking actions on extending tax cuts actually a tax increase:

MF reason jobs not being created in current econ is because of rising health care costs and uncertainty of tax rates. so when congress recessed without extending tax cuts is historic tax increase.

PM: in the military I learned about honor and integrity. I voted not to adjourn but to tackle tax cuts. extend for 98% of Americans. we cannot afford to borrow $700B from China to extend those tax breaks to millionaires. cannot borrow and spend. not the right thing to do. right to extend for middle class.

Q3 estate tax, go from 0% to 55%[blogger update: initially I reversed the speaker's initials -- thanks the reader (see comment below) who corrected me. apologies to the candidates]

MFPM: wife is an attorney in Doylestown at Fox Rothschild, does estate work, extend tax break to estates up to $7M, but tax estates above that. co-sponsored bill to do just that. going back, MF raised property taxes 7 times in 10 years. that is his record

PMMF: talking about Bucks Commissioner term 15 years ago, many of those tax increases voter approved. does not go from 0 to 55%, taxed from time we are born to when we die, income, capital gains, unAmerican to tax death. not a tax but confiscation of private property

Q4: prevent Fannie or Freddie from creating economic problems in future

MF: main culprit in mortgage meltdown. as member of financial services committee asked them tough questions, Barney Frank not concerned about that, but only how many people could be put in houses whether they could afford it or not. fannie and freddi not included in new regulations.

PM: you heard about a pledge and tough questions. we have worst mortgage meltdown in history. When I took over from Mike it was like cleanup crew from Eagles game. changed rules so you have to have money to get mortgage. He sat on oversight committee and did nothing. if you want to go back to failed policies he's your guy.

Q5: 6 months of hindsight, should any portion of the health care reform bill be amended or repealed

PM: proud to vote for hcr, tax credits for small businesses to give employees health insurance. voted for bill that they wouldn't have same 1099 requirements. chaired econ development committee for small business in community. they said health care costs important. we addressed it. MF wants to repeal.

MF: wouldn't be proud of voting for that bill. perhaps flawed because voted for without being read. we were given specific promises that it would be deficit neutral, costs for small businesses wouldn't go up and rates wouldn't rise. small businesses tell me rates going up a lot. seniors losing policies. repeal and replace.

Q6: what have you done to help family farms in Bucks

MF: as county commissioner lead effort to preserve family farms and open space, family farms are original small business in US. pay taxes, hire individuals. food security, land preservation. have experience on local level. number 1 issue is repeal of death tax

PM: we need to keep family farms, support open space efforts. allow to pass from generation to generation. pass farm bill will help family farms. just down for Delaware Valley College, family farm school for our nation. 4—H and other similar organizations. need to encourage young people to go into agriculture.

Q7: US Chamber of Commerce criticized for political spending. Chamber of Commerce says no foreign monies used. should Chamber of Commerce be able to advocate for members?

PM: supports Chamber of Commerce, concern that they are spending $50M to advocate. they do take money from foreign entities. want firewall that it could not be used in US elections. support Disclose Act. best way is transparency and disclose it. opponent doesn't mind shadow groups. we ensure foreign money isn't being spent

MF: only shadowy groups spending in 8th are spending money against me. labor money, 526? monies. my money is from in district, yours isn't. unAmerican to go against Chamber of Commerce, rights under constitution. Disclose Act created an exception for labor unions, applies to Chamber of Commerce but not labor unions, unAmerican.

Q8: detainees at Gitmo

MF: should not be closed and detainees sent elsewhere, don't try detainees in NYC. created to keep those criminals off our shore, have trials there

PM: a lot of detainees should be put to death, bring them to justice and put them to death. he doesn’t like the ads but you did raise property taxes, did sit on oversight committee. you did nothing in health care. we need people who are actually going to do something.

Q9: proper balance between environmental regulations and small business growth

PM: we have strong military and great economy. hurting right now. I voted to put our country on the right track. need to make sure streams, water and air not polluted. 99% okay. don't want to be China where air pollution causing asthma. do need balance.

MF: need to strike a balance, that's what I did for 10 years as a county commish. that's what we need, create solutions, bring people together. I voted for health care liability reform, bring down cost of defensive medicine. PM won't vote for liability reform. I must have done a good job as county commish because you {PM} moved here. you should extend tax cuts

Q10: contain health care costs for small biz

MF: primary issue for small businesses, missed opportunity for hcr, increase coverage but promise not to cost anything. did not deal w cost containment, can't buy across state lines. did nothing to keep us healthy, several taxes in hcr bill, including a tax on real estate

PM: when I tell you I do something I do it. real estate tax has been debunked. head of realtors told him yesterday not to lie about it, a phantom thing. he wants to repeal bill. for seniors that would reopen donut hole, discriminate based on pre-existing conditions.

Q11: support FRAC act (sb 1215), oil and gas companies disclose chemicals used in fracking

PM: co-sponsor of house version. need to know what's in water system. want to utilize gas in state and country. need to diversify energy uses, solar wind and nuclear. MF used to say global warming an issue now he says it isn't.

MF: Frac act, state environmental regulators should have information on it, should be able to access resources in an environmentally sensitive and reasonable way. should make sure regulations and taxes not a disincentive. marcellus shale etc can make us energy independent, also create jobs. find reasonable balance.

Q12: open govt directive, transparent and participatory

MF: directed at executive branch. we were promised by Pelosi that congress would be ethical, Obama said would be transparent. in hcr lobbyists brought in by back door, 2500 pages no one read it. not transparent. no live townhall face to face meeting not transparent.

PM: folks know I had townhall meetings. MF was at one of them. he is lying to your face. newspapers moderated two of them. hard to believe I'm being lectured by guy who voted for bridge to nowhere. now every request has to be transparent, financial disclose, lectured by a guy whose first vote was to keep in in place Tom DeLay, who had ethics problems

Q13: role of federal government in education

PM: partner with and empower teachers, also about parenting, education doesn't just happen in the classroom. wife and I read to kids every night. important. checking their homework, being involved in process. taught at West Point. empower educators to do the right thing, not just teach to test, develop leaders.

MF: proper fed role, us dept of ed has mission but wastes money and inefficient, mandates but doesn't fund. mandate where can fund otherwise get off the field. don't want faceless bureaucrat in DC deciding what Bucks kids will eat for lunch or textbooks they will use, leave to local school directors.

Q14: best way to ensure nuclear weapons never used

MF: peace thru strength (quoting Reagan), strong military, navy with ships to patrol oceans, make sure Iran doesn't get nuclear weapons, both Obama and Hillary Clinton ensured that Iran would not get nuclear weapons, falling down on job

PM: secure loose nukes that might be out there especially in foreign nations like former USSR. Pakistan has nukes, must make sure not overrun by al Qaeda. when MF in office didn't focus on Pakistan, focus on Iraq which had nothing to do with 9/11

Q15; balance cost of military with domestic needs

PM: need to balance books, some programs in dept of defense wasteful., Secretary of Defense asks some programs not be funded but Congress funds them anyway. I listen to him and don't fund. MF did. when they say we don't need certain things we shouldn't keep funding them.

MF: when I was in congress federal deficit decreased, when he is in office deficit exploded. national debt almost doubled. Constitution says first objective is defense. national debt is a defense issue, domestic spending under control so we can fund defense.

Q16: climate change

MF: we need to be certain before we enter treaties with other nations that science is clear. much of this science was skewed. some data debunked. if we are going to enter treaties need to hold other nations like China to same standards

PM: he spent $3T on Iraq war. climate change, we are dependent on foreign oil, funding both sides of war on terror, I supported green energy bill to do just that. we have to get serious about it. YCarbon moved to Bucks because we have energy hubs, green energy

Q17: proper role of corporations in American elections

PM: corporations part of economy, feds are referee. if they aren't doing the right thing, govt needs to step in, child labor, environmental regulations. corporations do not have more rights than citizens. The citizens united decision a travesty. my opponent supports unlimited corporate donations

MF: corporations are run by individuals. individuals play role in process. we aren't permitted to take corporate donations. value opinions of individuals that run corporations. private enterprise has made this country great.

Q18: Do you support voting representation for the citizens of Washington, D.C.

MF: debated for some time. engaged in census process. Constitution says people of several states enjoy representation. Question is people who don’t live in a state. Questions for the courts

PM: voted for it and supported it. MF was a leading congressman for corporate cash in last election because of his vote on CAFTA. on day of vote he told Bucks he was a no, then Bush called him and he flipped. has hurt small businessmen and employees.

Q19: reduce politician’s benefits and salary

PM: voted against pay increase for congress, when it passed anyway, gave that money to charity. when MF a county commish he voted for a pay raise for himself, also had a side job at a law firm. he voted against giving troops pay increase.

MF: voted for pay raises for troops. for term limits (3 terms), eliminate of congressional pensions would get back to public servants not professional politicians. PM has taken 2 pay increases and gave to charity. I did that as Bucks commish, gave every pay rise to charity, will disclose tax returns to provide today, calls on PM to do the same.

Q20: 3M notified retirees that would not cover health care due to Obama health care plan

MF: Pres promised that if you have a health care plan you like you can keep it. repeal and replace with real hc reform. costs going up. need to contain hc costs, now on slow slide to socialized medicine.

PM: hc costs have been rising, need to address, have done that. MF wants to repeal what helps seniors, wants to repeal closing of donut hole. discrimination for pre-existing condition, cherry pick healthy people.

Q21: costs of higher education

PM: wife and I still paying off college debts. students get better bang for buck at community colleges. passed legislation to lower interest rates for college loans. train and educate for jobs of future, green jobs academy

MF: in hcr bill unholy grab of private loans for education. we don't know what outlying costs will be now that fed has grabbed all student loans. have 2 daughters in state colleges. borrowing for children's education. rising costs of health care increased education costs.

Q22: cap and trade

MF: opposed

PM: now opposed but he used to be for it. need to be investing in green jobs. we have 20k green jobs in Bucks. site of old steel mill in Fairless hills. steel jobs gone but now green jobs, 4th largest solar fields in country, Gamesa and AE Polysilicon now in Fairless

Q23: illegal immigration

PM: crack down on it. national security. funded border fence. illegal immigrants coming here because they are being paid under the table. do not like amnesty, did it under Reagan, wrong, crack down on employers paying illegals under the table. I was only Democratic congressman against federal suit again Arizona lawsuit

MF: will vote to deseat Pelosi as Speaker. need to secure border, build a fence. in Israel saw fence to reduce terrorist attacks. when in congress voted to fund fence. also need to fund high tech security, unmanned drones, fully fund verify system to id illegals

Q24: national energy tax

MF: no national energy tax. should not raise taxes in recession. should become energy independent. Democrats set unreasonable taxes. you voted cap and trade bill that included national energy tax. keeping manufacturing in US -- health care, salaries and cost of energy

PM: not for it. MF co sponsored an energy bill and then flipped on it. you can disagree with me but when I tell you something you can take it to the bank. i passed largest middle class tax break in country's history. he raised prop taxes 7 times in 10 years, hurt middle class and seniors.

Q25: what commitments can you make on what you will do to help people in Bucks

PM: tax breaks for small businesses to grow jobs to make investments here in Bucks and not for countries, stand true for idle class families and small businesses. extend marginal tax cuts for 98% of Americans. MF wants to borrow $700B from China to give multimillionaires tax cut

MF: create an atmosphere in federal government that empowers small business to create jobs, reduce national debt, be most accessible congressman in this country. unemployment going up. national debt doubled under your tenure. will have townhall meeting once a month, half on specific issue half open.

Q26: support maintaining office of c ethics as an independent body

MF: for whatever it will take to have what we were promised, most ethical congress in history, not a record to be proud of. just before being sworn in PM took $100K book advance that would have been unethical if he took it after being sworn in

PM: his plan was to allow someone criminally indicted stay in leadership position. I voted for independent ethics office. I said Rangel should not just step down from leadership position but to resign from congress.

closing statements

PM: thanks. I have done my best to serve my country and vote my conscience. want to make things in this country. built 4th largest solar field in country, [gives other exmaples]. want to do more but can't if we return to failed Bush policies. when he had the chance he voted for everyone but you. I have tried to do everything I can to [missed this]], don't want to outsource jobs. we have lost 5K jobs in Bucks because of bad trade deals according to dept of labor. that is MF's agenda. I will continue to work with you and small business and families to do what's right.

MF: believe an American worker, on a level playing field, can do better than everyone. all those companies he mentioned are subsidized by govt, he gives them money that's why they’re his friends. he has doubled national debt. can't explain away what has happened under his watch. want to see more opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs. will create jobs that will lift us out of this recession. I believe in you and the American worker. when you’re successful America will be successful. proud to represent you.

Notes from Gerlach / Trivedi Debate

Jim Gerlach, incumbent Republican congressman for the 6th congressional district and his Democratic opponent, Dr. Manan Trivedi held the first of two schedule debates this past Sunday Oct. 10, 2010. These are my notes from the debate. It is not intended as a full transcript. As always I apologize in advance for any errors or misconceptions.

The Inquirer published an article on the debate in today's paper ("Gerlach, Trivedi spar over jobs, health," by Joelle Farrell). According to the article Gerlach did not want the debate recorded. Hopefully these notes will not violate his unilaterally imposed rule.

The debate was sponsored and moderated by the League of Women Voters. The audience was, by and large, well behaved, though there was a little rowdiness towards the end. It was certainly more civil than the audience at other debates I have attended.

Opening Statements

JG: Greetings and thanks. There are 2 questions: What will next Congress be like and what will its policies be. What to do to represent the district best?

MT: Greetings and thanks. I’ve been listening across the district. People are frustrated by DC. I am also. Need a new breed of leaders from our community. I’m an Iraq War veteran, a primary care physician. I can provide leadership. My father lost his job and his pension was raided. JG is a career politician. I will fight for you.

Q1: stance on Citizens United

JB: More use of private sector money in elections. Not just corporations but unions and non-profits also. It is now the law of the land. There was a bill to limit corporate money but I opposed it because it left out unions and nonprofits. It was only concerned with corporations. Must be across the board.

MT: Need to get money out of politics. Has too much power. In favor of constitutional amendment to get rid of power of corporations and special interests in campaign finance. When I applied to medical school people asked me about my qualifications not corporate support.

Q2: social security

MT: Social security is a promise. Pledge to protect it, not raise age limits, not raid trust fund. JG will raid and privatize.

JG: Opposed to privatization of social security. It is an important program and not just for the aged. My father died when I was young and my mother received social security survivor benefits. Should ask the American public for a consensus. Have a national non-binding referendum on how to preserve and protect social security. In favor of lock box.

Q3: ending tax breaks for companies that outsource jobs.

JG: yes, but that is not the only issue. congress needs a proactive policy that cuts taxes on job creators, corporate taxes, regulations. Help small businesses. Competitive global economy. Make more credit available.

MT: yes. JG has voted against HR 4540, HR 27, HR 4213. Would save [missed number, in millions or billions]

Q4: Chemicals in Marcellus Shale, should companies withhold information on what chemicals they use in fracking?

MT: Should not allow these guys to squirt their “secret sauce” into our land. I do support legislation to require companies to state what chemicals are used in their process. Standard should be higher than whether or not you can set tap water on fire.

JB: Marcellus is an important economic opportunity. Look to Harrisburg to allow industry to create jobs and economic wealth. Need to understand was chemicals are used. Encourage DEP to put in stronger regulations. Outlaw harmful chemicals. Returning to last question – I opposed those bills because they had higher taxes in it. Stimulus sent jobs overseas.

Q5: health care reform – what elements are most important?

JG: repeal and replace. Bad bill. new taxes, cuts in Medicare. Move to consumer and market based approach. buy across state lines. tort reform.

MT: Who do you want making your health decisions? Your primary care physician or an insurance company? He had his chance. If it is repealed, then companies can discriminate on the basis of pre-existing conditions, adult children cannot be on parent’s policy, there will again be caps on how much the insurance company will spend on your care. health care should be about patient not profits.

Q6: steps to solve immigration issue

MT: Need immigration reform, seal borders, don’t hire illegals, need to pass background checks.

JG: Sounds like MT is for amnesty. Immigration reform starts with control of southern border. maybe we need to increase the number of guest worker visas. Let them move in legally. ICE should take responsibility if an illegal is picked up locally. Back to health care reform, many physicians support my campaign {reads list of endorsements.]

Q7: tax cuts to wealthy

JG: Extend tax cuts to all. has bipartisan support. height of irresponsibility not to have vote on this yet.

MT: Not to wealthiest of wealthiest. That would cut a $100K check to every millionaire and billionaire, $750billion total. JG wants to make sure millionaire and billionaire buddies get tax cut. Polices and economists tell you that the middle class will spend, wealthy won’t. On health care, I know from the trenches about health care.

Q8: gridlock

MT: too much gridlock and rancor. JB is in “beltway bubble.” In health care we used evidence based medicine, see what works. Need that in DC. I never choose ideology over evidence.

JG: Speaker should allow more bipartisan bills through. House rules need to be changed to reduce power of majority party. Speaker wouldn’t allow amendments to health care reform bills.

Q9: foreclosures

JG: Congress should exercise oversight duties. If there were abusive practices, they should be [missed this]. Subprime loans were encouraged by Fannie and Freddie.

MT: Dismaying but not surprising. Big banks that got bailed out but voted against any reform for banking We need people fighting for everyday Americans.

Q10: reproductive health care

MT: Support access to reproductive services. Some insurance companies cover viagra but not birth control. make abortion safe, legal and rare.

JG: pro-life with exceptions for rape, incest, and life of mother. for family planning. MT supports tax payer dollars for abortion. Tax cut issue – should not increase taxes on small business owners.

Q11: interrogation techniques at Gitmo

JG: Don’t’ allow torture. We do have many enemies. We do need access to information.

MT: I served in Iraq. Felt that war was wrong but followed orders. Iraq took our eye of the ball in Afghanistan. JG should be held accountable. Waterboarding should be stopped. Abu Ghraib only addressed lower level people. Leaders should be held accountable.

Q12: Who are your three larges contributors, how much did they give you and what did you promise them?

MT: I honestly don’t know. Very few. Most of my campaign funds come from individuals. Haven’t promised anyone anything. On tax cuts – less than 3% of small businesses will be affected.

JG: Corporations not allowed to give directly – has to go through PACs. Opponent has many labor unions. I have maxed out donations from the National Association of Independent Businesses, hospital groups and realtors. Those are the folks who have contributed. Nothing promised to any of them.

Q13: How does taxing middle class and upper class less help the economy?

JG: has worked before, done by JFK, Clinton, etc. Leaving more money in private sector. Small business is what grows the economy.

MT: Failed to mention Bush, deregulated industry, cut taxes on wealthy. They have no new vision. Has run economy into the ground. Giving tax cuts to the middle class works.

Q14: DADT repeal?

MT: yes

JG: Defense Secretary Gates ahs asked for a study of the military. I want to see the results of that study. On taxes, opponent wants to raise taxes on job creators.

Closing Statements

MT: We need real people in office. JB does what party bosses tell him. Wants to ship jobs overseas.

JG: Thanks. Job crushing taxes and deficit increasing policies. People in the 6th district don’t want more taxes and bailouts.

Stop Loss Application Deadline Approaching

from the inbox:

[update: I am told the deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 3rd and there is a headline to that effect on the website referenced at the end of this post, but I cannot absolutely guarantee this is true. Veterans are encouraged to meet the original October 21 deadline where possible, and to check with someone about the extension.]

Today, Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) announced that about 145,000 service members who were forced to extend their tours of duty, known as stop loss, in Iraq and Afghanistan, are eligible to receive payments that they deserve for their service to protect the United States. Congressman Kanjorski strongly supported legislation which ensures that that those eligible for the special pay will receive $500 for each month or partial month served in stop loss status. At the Dupont VFW, Congressman Kanjorski discussed that our troops deserve these payments and pointed out that many service members and veterans who are applicable still have not applied to receive these payments. The deadline to file paperwork to receive the stop loss payments closes on October 21, 2010. The payments apply to service members affected by the stop loss between September 11, 2001 and September 30, 2009.

“Our troops and service members have put their lives in jeopardy and fought to protect our country – one of the most noble and selfless acts possible,” said Congressman Kanjorski. “For many of these troops, their tours in Iraq or Afghanistan were extended involuntarily, and I have worked in Congress to ensure that at the very least, they are fully compensated for their hard fought efforts. I strongly encourage eligible veterans to apply to receive the payments they deserve before the deadline in just over a month. I also encourage Northeastern Pennsylvanians to help spread the word to local service members and veterans about these payments. We must work to continue to support our troops and their families, and provide needed services to our troops and veterans who put their country above all else.”

“I would like to thank Congressman Kanjorski for supporting legislation that ensures that eligible Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, such as myself, are recognized and compensated for our involuntary extensions,” said Jeff Demko, an Iraq war veteran from Luzerne County. “I hope that all eligible service members apply for the payments in advance of the deadline next month. I signed up to serve and defend my country, and like many other service members, my tour in the Army was involuntarily extended at the request of the military. Because of the legislation that Congressman Kanjorski supported, I, and many others are able to receive compensation for the sacrifice we made to protect the country that we love.”

Mr. Demko served in the Army from January 8, 2003 until April 30, 2006. His enlistment terms stated that he should have completed his service on January 7, 2006, but it was involuntarily extended for almost four months.

As of July 29, 2010, the Pentagon had paid out $111 million to 25,000 service members and veterans affected by the stop loss. The average payout is $3,000 to $4,000 per claim. The Pentagon has approximately $423 million left in the program’s fund.

The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act, which Congressman Kanjorski supported, states that those eligible for the special pay will receive $500 for each month or partial month served in stop loss status.

Who is Eligible for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay?

Service members, veterans, and beneficiaries of service members whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009 may be eligible for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay. This includes members of the Reserve Components, former, and retired members who served on Active Duty while their enlistment or period of obligated service was extended, or whose eligibility for retirement was suspended from one of the following:


* Contractual Expiration of Term of Service (ETS), Expiration of Active Service (EAS), or Reserve End of Current Contract (RECC)
* An approved separation date based on an unqualified resignation request or Release From Active Duty (REFRAD) order
* An approved retirement based on length of service


Who is Not Eligible for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay?

Service members who received a bonus for voluntarily re-enlisting or extending their service after being involuntarily extended no longer qualify for retroactive stop loss pay.

How to Apply for the Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Program

Service members can apply for the Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Program online at www.defense.gov/stoploss.

Service members can also download and print the form by clicking here.

In order to apply, service members will need their DD 214 or DD 215.

Notes from Bryan Lentz and Pat Meehan Debate (9/22)

It doesn't sound like there will be any other debates between the contenders for the open 7th congressional district seat. I made a point of watching and taping their recent debate on PCN and typed up rough notes.

Some of the remarks were difficult to catch. The sound quality was not the best and some comments, especially those of Mr. Meehan, were a little convoluted at times.

This is not intended as a transcription. I encourage the voters in the 7th district to watch the debate if possible (it is about 75 minutes long). PA2010 has posted some video clips here -- if you don't want to watch all of it, catch the closing statements. As always I apologize in advance for any errors or misconceptions.

I didn't set the tape quite right and so missed the first few minutes where the rules are set.

The debate was originally held on Sept 22nd.

Moderator: Matthew Handel, JCRC and Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

Introductions

Republican Pat Meehan. first elected as District Attorney in 1995, he tried the DuPont murder trial and the Aimee Willard murder. In 2001 he was sworn in as US Attorney, protect region from terrorism, prevent crime, fraud and abuse. Health care fraud cases. corrupt public officials in Philly.

Democrat Bryan Lent, 2 term state rep. 4th generation Army veteran, graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy, served in the 82nd airborne served in Iraq, Bosnia and the Sinai. Between deployments he served in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office. In office he supported [missed a few things] and education funding.

opening statements

PM: thanks. Talk about important issues to 7th cong district, particularly to the Jewish community, peace and prosperity in the Middle East. As US Attorney began job 7 days after 9/11 see impact of terrorism and what it can do to sense of safety and security to nation, an experience Israelis have lived under for generations. First and foremost Iran and nuclear Iran and impact on peace and prosperity in entire region. Must not allow that to take place. Second, an experience I had sitting at top of Masada this summer when I visited Israel. Think back some 2k years ago. those trapped on a hilltop concerned about a siege. 2k years later same kind of mentality. Never again true today regarding nuclear Iran and other nations that deny Israel’s right to exist. Need complete agreement of Israel’s right to exist. America’s role needs to continue to be paramount, in Mid East. capacity we have with our America economy to be able to support for us to serve from a position of strength. Going through a remarkably challenging economic times, must focus on real opportunity to create jobs and prosper and let us continue to take leadership role

BL: thanks. Our country faces difficult challenges, record deficit, 2 wars, struggling economy. I want to go to Congress to confront those challenges while maintaining our commitments as a country, to seniors, middle class and allies around the world. Unfortunately in our politics today there is a move to a radical right wing, toward abandonment, meet challenge of debt by abandoning seniors and allies like Israel. Promote economic policies that have wiped out our middle class. I’ll go to DC not to meet an agenda but to solve problems. As a paratrooper do a job well and get results.

q1: Israel and Palestinian Authority recently begun negotiations, settlement moratorium. what is US role in negotiations?

BL: Served in Middle East in 1987 as a peacekeeper in Sinai, keeping peace set at Camp David. The way we get to peace is not putting preconditions on Israel. let Israel come to the table without preconditions.

PM; We cannot impose preconditions on Israel. We appreciate that right now the negotiations with Palestinians are captured by the inability of [Abbas? Hammas?] to even represent on the front end that he can control those [missed this] 2 state solution is objective to be working towards but security of Israel must be guaranteed.

q2: as a follow up what actions would your personally take as a congressmen

PM: deal with influence of Iran. The greatest concern I have is their capacity to continue to act as an agent of terrorism. aggression throughout entire Middle East. We have to rein in threat from Iran. Begins with their potential to be able to secure nuclear weapons. Our role is calling for negotiations. Cannot have preconditions. Take a leadership role in assuring Israel is free to act in its best interests

BL: one of the keys to peace in Middle East is a strong Israel. I would reject argument that we end foreign aid. Israel must be able to defend itself. Advocate for foreign aid, essential for Israel. Against unilateral condemnation against Israel. Israel must be able to come to the table unencumbered.

q3: Iran, Obama signed legislation economic sanctions against Iran. UN security council also sanctions. but Iran continues to enrich uranium. What do you see as the role of congress?

PM: We have to stand and speak with unified voice as Americans on behalf of Israel and peace in Middle East. Some of Obama's commentary sends mixed signals. Tried various approaches to deal with Iran. Sanctions. Looking to tighten them. Deal with ability of Iran to project itself into Iran. Opportunities to allow nascent opportunities to Ahmadinejad after stolen elections. return to kind of govt that would respect world order. lost that when the president recognized Islamic Committee of Iran. what we need to be doing is to assure that if sanctions don't work we stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel. Assure that nuclear threat does not pose threat to Israel.

BL: When Pat says there was an opportunity to return to govt. The last govt was the Shah, a brutal dictator. His actions that led to revolutions and govt we had today. Ahmadinejad elected, illegally but elected. We invaded Iraq, mistake, Blunder. Led to removal of only counterbalance of Iran. strengthened hand of extremists in Iran. Led to more instability. nuclear Iran unacceptable. We must pursue sanctions and if they aren't effective see what we can do to improve them. US will not tolerate an Iran with nuclear weapons.

q4: Homeland security, threats since 9/11. Some homeland security funds made available to nonprofits including some Jewish non-profits. Role for govt in this, funds?

BL: resources whether grants or other resources devoted to where threat is. There is a heightened threat again Jewish groups. Help with defense of that. advocate for that in Congress.

PM; As US Attorney helped create joint task force. aware of scope of threats, global perspective, threats came here within US, Islamic factions, skinheads, growing threat, it can be appropriate in certain circumstances, groups given support to allow them to do some kind of security, cameras, and such to protect themselves.

q5: economy, further stimulus spending, nonprofits in Jewish community

PM: not in support of further stimulus spending, spent already, and unemployment went up to near 10%. we have invested money in our public sector to the point where we have 65000 more public sector employees where 8M private sector employees laid off. For US to be able to be supportive of entities like you mentioned that function, what will let us get our economy started again. Not more stimulus spending or borrowing that will put on backs of our children trillions and trillions of dollars of debt. Allow those capable of investing in business, create environment to let people create real jobs

BL: if I could have written stimulus or had input would have liked to see more investment in infrastructure, mass transit, more done about that because that is key to Delco having vibrant economy. what would Pat have done. Part of that stimulus was aid to states that would have let Upper Darby increase spending to bring them up to level of wealthier school districts. Pat says he would have voted against that, aid to schools districts. What about hospitals that were able to do things because of stimulus. I go to trains stations every morning. seems like very third person works in health care. When I look at stimulus I look at how that will affect people of the 7th congressional district not people in boardroom.

PM: Impact of that spending is this incredible debt. Spending largely borrowed. he supported billions of dollars in new spending. billions of dollars held in reserve by school districts. there needs o be some level of cushion but shouldn't borrow when sitting on reserves

BL: pat is campaigning with a state rep candidate who is president of the Upper Darby school board. You should talk with her about that and how she has raised prop taxes. I voted to increase spending in education to make sure Upper Darby and other schools had adequate finding. Our economy will never be vibrant if we don’t have good schools. stimulus not sole cause of debt. 2 wars that we didn't pay for, prescription drug program under Bush that we didn't pay for.

q6: congressional spending and growing deficit, what would you cut?

BL; foreign aid fraction of budget. Israel receives $30 mil over 10 years, but we spend $100 mil each year on Afghanistan. small price to pay in Israel. foreign aid lets us avoid sending soldiers to fight. Debt is a real problem. Pat and tea party want to fix debt by privatizing medicare which ends medicare, privatizing social security which ends social security. Pat had breakfast event with Eric Cantor, leader in privatizing social security. Fix debt by making tough choices, look at defense for spending, trillions to corporations. Don’t solve debt problem by giving tax cuts to people who make millions of dollars.

PM: Be honest in debate. BL suggested positions I have taken that I have not taken. He had tv ad up that has been labeled misleading. I have never advocated privatizing social security. We must be honest in dialog. The best way for us to deal with deficit is to create sustained and growing economy. Generate tax revenues that will do the most to bring back the dollars that since the beginning of the downturn in economy biggest problem is loss of tax expenditures in addition to stimulus spending. Create economic environment that will let us grow our way out of problem. Tough decision make in bipartisan manner. Problems. need to control costs of health care. We need genuine competition. control health care costs.

BL: Pat left out most significant contributor to debt. It is TARP passed by Bush with support of [John] Boehner. bailout of Wall St. commercial is true. You do want to extend tax cuts for people who make millions of dollars without making spending cuts you will grow debt. if you want to work in a bipartisan fashion to cut budget. how about voting to pass small business spending act. Pat opposed it.

q7: If elected what policies would you pass on taxes

PM: I have spoken out about in support of idea of not allowing Democrats to raise taxes across the board as would happen if tax cuts expire. BL talks about this having no impact on deficit. Of the $4 trillion that would be generated by this new taxes. so the fact of the matter is we do not want to be raising taxes at this time on anybody. That’s the kind of thing that would put us back into a negative situation. 35 Democrats wrote a letter to Nancy Pelosi about impact of raising taxes at this time. funding of small business -- hit hard by taxes. subchapter S corporations would be at risk.

BL: every economist has said there is a difference in extending tax cuts for those who earn under $250K, of those who earn over $250K over 80% earn more than $1 million. They tend to save if earn more than million. if make less than 250K you spend it, put it back into the economy. gets economy going. tax cuts for wealthy doesn't do that. also an impact on economy. no impact on economy for over 1 million. If you are blessed with wealth you need to do more. small business lending act. number 1 issues ,need access to capitol. that act would have made credit available to small businesses and cut their taxes.

PM: small business lending act. my concern including the fact that what they were trying to do is infuse capital from fed into local banks, influence what lending was done at local level. next step to where determination is made on ideological bases on what loans ought to be made. banks are flush and have more capital than ever before but not lending in uncertain economy.

BL: Pat describes what bill is trying to do. Our local business need capital. he would have govt be a bystander and watch business suffer. govt can do something. we aren't spending that money, we’re making loans. how can be you against that unless adhering to far right and boardroom not people. lets do something lets not oppose everything.

q8: tax policy. president proposes limit on charitable deductions on top tax brackets. worry about local giving to charities

BL: when top bracket goes back to 39% charitable deductions remains at 35%. to pay for expansion of health care. something the Jewish Federation believes in. example of paying for things we are trying to do as a country. some additional pressure on people trying to make charitable donations.

PM: hidden taxes put in place by Pelosi health care. talking about creating a disincentive when nonprofits increasingly challenged to deliver social services. even those in the arts. a time when we want to create policies to encourage those who are wealthy. need some small turnback on the donations they can make. reducing the amount they can make by raising tax rates and lowering rate they can get back. health care bill we haven’t figured out how to pay for.

q9: health care reform. what legislation would you support and what measures do you want to see

PM: I will support vote for repeal of current health care bill. replace with something to work to control health care costs. There was no debate, a problem of one party rule. Pelosi fashioned bill in midnight hours, said pass first and then read. will cost more than promised. will cause regulation. all unknown quantities. there are real opportunities to hold down cost of health care, competition across state lines. compel health insurance companies not reward them with franchise. create competition that will drive down costs. create pooling for small businesses. allow them to compete. tort reform. BL had come out against. saving in systems so no defensive medicine.

BL: PM, every job he’s ever gotten is as a result of one party rule is now against one party rule. second, if you're going to congress and your first mission is to repeal a bill that will give insurance to sick people, discriminate again children who are sick, then I don't want you to be my congressman. Pat has on his website or did, that his first three priorities were end discrimination against pre-existing conditions, do away with cap on expenses and let adult children stay on their parents’ policy. those are in the current bill. families went bankrupt after paying for insurance because family member got sick. I disagree with repeal. don't return it to the insurance companies. we do need to do more on costs. we need to reduce cost of care. reform system. don't repeal a law that is providing a benefit to people you want to represent.

PM: absolutely I' was in support of common sense things that people were in favor of that weren’t part of bill. creation of bill whose costs are going to increase above what was promised.

BL: he mentioned pooling. that is in bill with the health care exchanges. it isn't perfect but it has a lot to do in cost containment. you can't campaign on being against discrimination on pre-existing conditions and then be in favor of letting insurance companies run it again.

q10: lowering health costs, how ?

BL: one of the untold stories of health care debate are many pilot programs in legislation. deliver quality care more cheaply, remove redundancies, remove unnecessary testing. there are ways. There are two systems in Texas and one delivers care for a fraction of what the other one costs. We need to replicate that through incentives. Look at Geisinger, Cleveland Clinic or Mayo.

PM: never included in bill. things that generate real savings, competition. I saw this as a prosecutor, dealing with things like prescription drugs. tremendous dollars when they were able to represent both sides of negotiations, they represented both the govt and health care systems. lack of ability to see what they were doing with negotiations. what were are able to do with prosecutions is to see what is going on. see what competition could do.

BL: there is competition in state exchanges. originally a Republican idea, to see that people had choices, including basic packages, see what is offered. agree that you should be able to buy across state lines.

q11: balance budget, what would you cut?

PM: look at those dollars currently in unspent stimulus dollars. TARP funds not expended. work on performance based budgeting in govt agencies. making them each year produce dollars spent appropriately and effectively. look across the board at all expenditures. start again and return genuine efforts at controlling costs of health care.

BL: look at everything. 76% of annual budget is entitlements and national defense. you could cut everything else there are 2 areas growing and contributing to the debt. need to protect entitlements. medical care for seniors and greatest poverty program we have ever seen, social security, should be preserved. invest in education system. if we don't have an educated workforce or good transportation system we won't have a prosperous economy. He should have a more specific answer if deficit is his first priority. We need to cut defense. You can't be serious about debt and deficit reduction if you don't cut defense. I have experience doing it. last budget I voted for cuts in 31 of 35 budget lines. not because we wanted to but because we had to.

PM: talking about cutting taxes from a guy who voted for a budget that was $1 million more than year before. Republican refusal to pass compelled them to cut. I worked on the ability to analyze by making presentations for base realignment and closure committee. doing it by a basis of genuine competition and what stood on merits. performance based budgeting.

BL: which of your taxes increased and did so dramatically?. property taxes -- brought to you by Delco GOP. brought to you by his running mate.. I did my job in Harrisburg and will do it in Congress

PM: Republican budget helped education and still cut costs. he's picking and choosing. property taxes, we should draw down school district reserves before raising prop taxes

BL: hope you will deliver message to Republicans that control county govt and school districts. those reserves held to pay for increases in pensions.

[exchange between candidates over state budget. BL asks if PM would have supported increased to education funding. PM would have supported budget that would have held line on spending]

q12: defense spending: barney frank 25% cut in military budget

BL: flat cuts are a way to avoid difficult decisions. I know what works in field for our soldiers, what programs are effective. lets have that debate line by line. significant reduction in defense. support what Secretary of Defense Gates is doing. we can’t afford any longer to buy every program offered

PM: great rhetoric why wasn't that done in Harrisburg [BL: we don't have an army in Harrisburg]. where was he when a large budget was introduced. the rhetoric doesn't match what he did. he didn't change things in Harrisburg he won't change things in Congress

BL: in PA we have to pass balanced budget. my job as a legislator is to have priorities. Education is a priority. who raised your taxes recently. Republicans in Delco, Republican controlled school districts. Those tax increases would be greater without help from state. have voted to keep and cut good programs. another local tax controlled by Republican, largest county govt in pa

PM: rhetoric doesn't match the actions. only done when Republicans in legislature compelled those decisions to be made. yes he voted but only after pulled there kicking and screaming.

q13: energy dependence

PM: we have to make a real commitment to allow our energy policy to include all resources at our disposal., include nuclear energy, gas in PA, that would allow us to have energy generated from own region. must be scrupulous about it being safe. must investigate oil from off our coast. also look at wind and solar. not let govt tell you what to do but tax incentives for most efficient on table and let market decide. don't rely on foreign nations.

BL: its not that we have a bad energy policy. we have no energy policy. threat to economy, natural security. when our soldiers fired upon in Iraq and Afghanistan the money comes from oil money, from Saudi Arabia and Iran. need to get off oil addiction, off addiction to foreign fuels, 60% of Iran's gdp is oil. jobs -- China and Europe creating thousand of jobs in new energy. we can put electricians to work here putting solar panels in. need to get away from hundreds of years of bad policy. I'll be a leader for that in Washington just as I’ve been a leader for that in Harrisburg.

closing statements:

BL: thanks. there's a real difference between PM and me. I've been a legislator for 4 years he's been a politician for 30. my first job out of college as a paratrooper. whoever is elected has to make tough choices, speak truth to constituents. you cannot cut taxes for millionaires and reduce deficit. cannot encourage shipment of jobs overseas. must invest in infrastructure. you cannot do this if you promise tax cuts to rich people and corporations. Independence Hall tea party has endorsed two people within 15 miles of this podium. Pat and Christine O’Donnell. Pat running with endorsement of tea party. if he had a chance to vote for aid to states, aid for school districts, he would have voted no. He chose the tea party and ideology over constituents. he would have voted no on closing Florida loophole. Pat will go with ideology and rhetoric over real needs. would have voted no on small business act. if you send me to DC I'll standup for you. fight for real solutions.

PM: thanks. my opponent continues to characterize what he says rather than what I stand for. he was a prosecutor now says he thinks that is purely a political position. I was a District Attorney for 14 years. take issues that affect people and work with others. work I did as US Attorney. work with people of both parties. work on issues like violence in urban issues. worked with Democrat mayors, look at solutions that didn't care about partisan activity. issues we face are real. people who are out of work. sense of uncertainty about future. lost sense of confidence in future of this country. go back to basics. develop vibrant economy based on principles of free enterprise. He's wrapped himself in policies Nancy Pelosi has been promoting, public option, cap and trade, billions in new spending. things that have put us in situation we are in. need to have genuine dialog. it will not happen unless there is a Republican voice in current Congress.