Ninth District candidates debate in forum
July 17, 2008
With Missouri's primary elections less than a month away, Republican and Democratic candidates vying for the state's Ninth Congressional District seat discussed the issues in candidate forums held on Monday at Stephens College.
The Republicans
The five Republicans in the race differ in terms of political experience, but differed only slightly in their viewpoints on the issues during the debate.
When asked about their positions on Congressional earmarks, the candidates were varied in their opinions.
Dan Bishir, a St. Peters resident who is unknown in the political arena, said he does not support the allowance of earmarks.
“We keep robbing ourselves and robbing ourselves and we’re not paying it back, and earmarks are one of the reasons.” Bishir said. “I feel that maybe, as people, we going to have to tighten up our belt a little bit and not get as much stuff as we need.”
Blaine Luetkemeyer, a former two-term Missouri state representative and former director of the state Division of Tourism, also said he does not support earmarks and that limiting them would be “a good way to trim the budget.”
Rep. Danie Moore, R-Fulton, said she would support earmarks, but also that they should be “dealt with in a fair and equitable manner.”
“The original intent of earmarks was a good thing,” Moore said. “The problem is, it’s taken a bad turn.”
Former MU football player Brock Olivo – who, like Bishir, is a newcomer to politics – said he is “not against all earmarks.”
“I think earmarks definitely have their place if there is overwhelming support at the local level.” Olivo said.
Rep. Bob Onder, R-Lake St. Louis, said he supports increased limitations on earmarks, and that government “needs comprehensive earmark reform.”
When asked if they would support government intervention in the housing market, each candidate said they did not support a bailout of mortgage companies affected the downturn in housing markets and that they would support penalties for mortgage lenders that might have used unfair practices to attract homebuyers.
The candidates were also generally in agreement when asked how they would changes to the tax system. Each agreed they would support a fair tax, which … and Ondeer and Bishir said they support an abolishment of the Internal Revenue Service.
On social security, the candidates agreed they would not support tax increases to increase the fund.
Luetkemeyer and Moore said they would support privatization of social security, and Luetkemeyer said more money could be made available for social security with changes in the tax system.
The last 30 minutes of the forum was used to let the candidates answer the moderator’s questions freely.
The candidates said they would support a repeal for the current ban on offshore oil drilling, which has recently been discussed by members of Congress.
When asked if they would support amnesty for illegal immigrants, all of the candidates except Olivo said they would.
Olivo, whose wife is an Italian immigrant, said at the end of the debate that he doesn’t support amnesty, but said he does support a guest worker program.
“To me its important to not dissuade immigrants to come to our country,” Olivo said. “Were a country built on immigration. We’re the melting pot.”
Jim Robertson, the moderator for the debate said the GOP candidates were in “lockstep” in regards to their positions on major issues, and said they were more “polite” to each other than the participants of the Democratic debate.
The Democrats
Indeed, the four Democratic candidates in the race were more at odds with each other on the issues than their Republican counterparts, and their portion of the forum turned into heated debate at certain points.
When the candidates were asked how they propose to wrest control of the Ninth District seat from the Republican Party in a Republican leaning district, each gave varying responses. U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo., has held the seat for six terms, and is vacating the position to run for governor.
Marion County Presiding Commissioner Lyndon Bode said he is a “pro-life” and “pro-gun” Democrat, and said he has connections with farmers and businessmen alike.
“It’s a wide district,” Bode said. “It’s a big district. I believe with the values that I grew up with as a Democrat, we can win this district.”
Former State Rep. Steve Gaw, D-Moberly said Ninth District voters are “coming back” to the Democratic Party. He said he supports energy policies that help farmers and small business in times of rising costs.
“This is a time of need,” Gaw said. “This district is a district that wants someone to stand up to special interests and look out for their interests.”
Former State Sen. Ken Jacob, D-Columbia said the abortion rights issue is “something that needs to be addressed to the people of the Ninth District.” He also said he wants to persuade voters in the district that “Democrats are not trying to take their guns away.”
Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia, said the Ninth District “has lost its way” during the 12 years Hulshof has held the seat, and added, “It will be coming home.” She said she could offer health care expertise, and that only a “handful” of Washington lawmakers know the health care system as well as she.
On energy, Baker and Jacob both agreed that some additional oil drilling would be beneficial, but Gaw and Bode both said specifically that they would support offshore drilling.
“We need to have a plan that says that we’re willing to do what it takes to tell the rest of the world that America is serious about taking care of its own energy needs.” Gaw said.
During open discussion, the candidates were asked their views on the Iraq war, which wasn’t discussed by the Republican candidates.
When discussing health care for veterans, Baker and Jacob found contention over their views on the use of private hospitals for veteran care.
Jacob said during the debate that he doesn’t like the idea of veterans using private hospitals for health care because it draws away government funding for veterans programs and that the facilities are not equipped to deal with the “special needs” of veterans. He also said veterans organizations have not supported the plan.
“It worries me that we would actually take revenues that are going to veterans hospitals and send them to private hospitals when they are not supposed to be taking care of them.” Jacob said.
Baker said some of the health care needs of veterans could be absorbed by private hospitals, which she said could make health care for veterans more affordable. When asked by Jacob if she knew of any veterans organizations that support the plan, Baker was unable to name any, but she continued to defend her position.
“I think we should be open to this plan and discuss it,” Baker said. “There’s no reason why something like this shouldn’t be on the table.”
After the debate, Baker said the debate was “nice and friendly”, and that it ended “badly.”
Jacob said Baker “went out on a limb” with her advocacy of the plan.
“I don’t think she understands that there is a neoconservative movement to privatize everything, including veterans hospitals,” Jacob said. “That plan is part of that movement, to do away with veterans hospitals. That’s why the veterans are so afraid of it.”
This article has been changed to reflect the following correction.
Correction: The July 17 report "Ninth District candidates debate in forum" incorrectly stated which Republican candidates supported amnesty. Candidates Dan Bishir, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Danie Moore and Bob Onder said they would support amnesty, whereas candidate Brock Olivo said he would not. The Maneater regrets the error. (Added 3:28 p.m., August 17, 2008)
More July 17, 2008 News Stories
- Ninth District candidates debate in forum — With Missouri's primary elections less than a month away, Republican and Democratic candidates vying for the state's Ninth Congressional District ...
- Porter named interim education dean — She is the outgoing Sinclair School of Nursing dean.
Most recent News Stories
- New sustainable technology to be installed in residence halls — Building Dashboard will monitor energy consumption in a handful of residence halls.
- Extended Housing explained — Extended House has provided space for a record number of freshmen.
- Hulshof and Nixon release dueling education plans — Nixon and Hulshof released competing plans for Missouri higher education students.
- MU students to work in health clinics in Mexico with international group — The trip is open to all students, not just those studying medicine.
- Students flock to Comedy Wars on Wednesday nights — Comedy Wars attracts crowds Wednesday nights in Memorial Union.