Once more, Meet the Bloggers migrated south to Capital City, this time for interviews with
John Swords,
Zack Space, and
Bob Shamansky . Along with
BFD and
Tim,
BSB,
Plunderbund,
Howard-Empowered, and
OH12 were present.
Unfortunately, I missed the John Swords interview. What follows here are my notes and impressions of the our conversation with Zack Space, candidate for OH 18. Zack's answers were unscripted. He was very deliberate with his points, striving for clarity.
George asked about stem cell research - Zack is father to a 15 year old with juvenile diabetes. He feels that stem cell research is key. We should have respect toward the embryos, but it's immoral to throw away those while millions are suffering.
Russ asked how can we go in a different direction in Iraq? - The Administration is incapable of change, and even if they were, they don't know where they are going. Favors a phase-out on time table, over an immediate withdrawal.
Russ followed up, what if the timetable comes and goes? What then? - America cannot let Iraq extend like Vietnam did.
Eric wanted to know how does Iraq effect national security? - Sensitive region with resources the world currently needs. We need to stabilize the situation not just for the Iraqis, but also ourselves.
I asked can it be stabilized without creating a fundie state? - We need to look beyond Iraq at the roots of this violent fundamentalism (in Saudi Arabia and other countries). Much of it is misguided, and some of it is the result of our foreign policy. We defuse anti-American sentiment throughout the region.
George asked about Zack's background as a law director in Dover and small businessman - A lawyer for 20 years, he has represented Dover and overseen the prosecutor's office, zoning and union negotiations. The small town politics are the heart of OH 18, which doesn't have a large city. Running a business has shown him the other end of the government stick.
Tim wanted more info on Zack's views on abortion? - He believes in a woman's right to choose, doesn't like to be pigeonholed. Feels like changes in pregnancy, i.e. viability, must be recognized - so he's against late term abortions. Also supports notifications, ideally consent, for minors or intervention by social workers in worst case scenario. He'd rather talk about reducing unwanted pregnancies. Life should be valued, but don't criminalize abortion.
Tim also asked how will Zack conduct himself different than Bob Ney? - Ney needs scrutiny. (and I got lost in my notes)
Russ followed that up with a question on public financing of campaigns - It's a possible avenue, but there are First Amendment issues that concern him. He likes the idea of windows of time to raise funds, exempting time around elections as in judicial races.
Tim asked his opinion of Newt Gingrich's proposal to outlaw lobbying in a 20 mile radius of DC. Zack said that was not a serious option. Much laughter.
I asked him about my poorly remembered account of a split between him and Sulzer and Redfern calling for Ney to step down. Zack said there was no disagreement, between him and the others. He feels that Ney ought to resign now, but that won't solve the larger issue of Republican corruption.
Eric brings in a question from Jessica via the shout box; any chance of bringing jobs back to Ohio? - Globalization is here to stay, but our economic state isn't hopeless. He likes a two pronged approach. First, trade policies (NAFTA, CAFTA, WTO) need to be reconsidered. They're designed to enhance profits, period. The race to the bottom has driven down standards. The problem didn't appear overnight, and we can't solve it immediately. Secondly, we need to develop new facets of the economy: clean coal, ethanol, R&D. Unemployment is not the problem in his district, jobs paying too little is the issue.
Russ asked if there isn't the danger of trade deficits becoming permanent due to over reliance on "retraining" and not education. - Zack emphasized how the Administration and Congress have slashed loans and educational support.
I wondered how big an issue miner safety is in his campaign. He emphasized the need to protect all workers, not just miners. Money should not be the end of everything.
Tim asked how a Greek kid ended up in Dover. - Zack spoke of his grandpa who immigrated, served in WW I, earned his citizenship, brought his wife to America, worked in the coal mines, then a steel mill in Dover. The steel mill has now become a warehouse. His dad was also a lawyer who went to school on the GI Bill after the Korean war. The advancement through education was a factor in his family and his life. There was a Big Fat Greek Wedding reference. Tim and George confess to not seeing the movie.
George asked how the decision was made to open Zack's blog to other commentors. Zack doesn't comment on his blog, but wants to have a web presence and contribute to the community.
Russ asked if, in lieu of recent military escalations and rhetoric, would Zack authorize war against Iran. - Zack spoke about how the saber rattling has worn thin. He didn't want to speculate, but emphasized that diplomatic channels must be exhausted, and they need to be backed with a strong military. He said Congress has not been vigilant enough with Bush.
George talked of Zack's concern for health care coverage for every American. - Zack pointed out how costs have risen out of control at the same time record profits have been recorded. Short term fixes need to be applied: pharma negotiations, re-importation. Long term, he feels there are different paths available, not only a single payer system.
Tim asked if the rising cost were due to frivolous lawsuits, or insurance companies. Zack cited his experience as a lawyer, saying how difficult it is to bring a malpractice suit in Ohio. Big business, health care industry, and pharma are skimming billions off the top, and that's the problem.
I thought Zack compared favorably to Joe Sulzer, and I have no idea which of them will get to take out Ney. Thanks again to them for giving their time, and to George for shepherding MTB. Be sure to check out Meet the Bloggers for the real words.
cross-posted from grandpaboy