Last night, I had the pleasure of watching Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) get his rear-end handed to him by proud Democrat John Thrasher.
The only debate in the District 2 race took place at Arizona State University (West Campus) to a modest crowd (about 150 or so). This debate was important to District 2, the state of Arizona, and I believe the country as well. People know that come November 2nd, we face a clear choice: Do we return to the failed policies that got us here, and accept "No" as an answer? Or, do we present solutions to problems that have been ignored for far too long, and begin lifting this country back up to the very top?
Go below the fold for a debate recap; And be sure to tell anyone in District 2 that it's time for real representation in Congress!
For briefness (and because this is all from memory!) I'm going to leave out Powell Gamill's (Libertarian) statements. No slight to him, but he's really not running for this office as much as he is protesting government in general and advocating preparing for the end times.
Also, these statements are heavily paraphrased, but accurate to the intent.
Opening Statements
Trent Franks:
As a member of the missile defense, EMP (which is very important), Constitution caucuses, I view national security as a top priority in this post-9-1-1 world. Terrorist attacks will probably occur in the near-term because of weak foreign policy and border security issues. We need to stick to Reagan's vision and first principles.
John Thrasher:
When I get elected, I will fight to represent you, which hasn't happened these past 8 years. We've suffered hard, families have been hit hard. I want to make sure that your children and grandchildren have the same opportunities for education and success. I'll protect Medicare and Social Security, not cut them.
Question 1: What are your thoughts on SB1070?
JT:
1070 has made news not just in Arizona, but all over the US and even around the world. A 50 state patchwork of immigration reform isn't the solution. SB1070 isn't the solution. The federal government has been ignoring this for far too long, and attempts like 1070 is a cry for help. The federal government needs to step up and solve this problem. There are ideas from both sides. Instead of saying "no", I want to represent this district and be a leader; I want to be someone who takes both sides into a room, locks the doors, and says "Hey, let's solve this." That's the kind of representation we need in District 2
TF:
People didn't read 1070 before denouncing it. I wasn't sure what to think, but then I read the bill. It's just like the 287(g) program that the federal government does. I agree with John that the federal government hasn't done its job. Obama's lawsuit against Arizona is wrong- he should be focused on fixing the border problem. With 1070, the easiest thing to do for people who don't like it, is to ask "have you read it?" Most likely they haven't because it is so misunderstood.
(emphasis diarist's :) )
Question 2: How would you grade Obama? What do you think about the Healthcare Reform?
JT:
Healthcare for all Americans should continue to be a priority, and we need to work between now and 2014 to make this stronger. We don't need to have our health system exactly like other countries, but there are areas we can learn from. There's a lot of great stuff in the health care bill, and all of this death panel stuff is just plain wrong. Kids can stay on their parent's plan until they're 26, you can't be kicked off your plan, you won't be denied for pre-existing conditions. This isn't the end though, we need to keep fighting to make sure that Medicare is still fully funded. My opponent has great healthcare- when they talk about repealing this, they want to shut YOU out of what they have. Why should they get the benefits, and you, your children, and grandchildren have to worry about healthcare?
TF:
I'm not a fan of Mr. Obama's policies, I think that is well known. I am proud to have voted against Obamacare. When we move to socialist policies, the quality of what we have suffers. In England, if you have the sniffles, its fine, you can go see a doctor. If you have cancer, you call a travel agent, and book a flight to the United States. We need to continue to adhere to first principles, and make sure we protect all life.
Question 3: The foreclosure crisis is affecting Arizona greatly. What would you do to resolve the crisis?
TF:
Basically, this all began due to Democratic pressure on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They forced these companies to start pressuring the banks to make loans that they knew they couldn't back up. Banks and loan officers were following Fannie and Freddie, who shouldn't have been buying them. If government would stay out of the housing market, we wouldn't have this problem. We need to go back to where a mortgage was just between the bank and the homeowner, and get the government out of the way. This will make banks more responsible because the burden will be on the banks, not the American people, if things go sour.
JT:
It was the banks that created this mess. They invested in these products they didn't even believe in, and started selling chunks of mortgages to each other to get rich quick. There's been widespread concern, particularly due to Bank of America robo-signing and possible fraud. This crisis mainly started because of jobs, and goes back to 2007. If people had jobs, they could pay their mortgage. We need to stop shipping our jobs overseas to China. China and Germany are moving ahead on green energy; Where has my opponent been? We need jobs here in District 2, that should be our focus. The FHA used to work with you and instead of kicking you out of your home, they'd add it on to the tail of the loan. It added more stability. We're leaving a whole generation scarred by this: its tearing families apart. Children ask, "Daddy, why can't I see my friends?" because they have to move away.
Closing Statements
JT:
My opponent thinks that saying "No" is the solution. My opponent claims to support vets, but voted against the GI Bill. He voted against unemployment extension, (other bills that help middle class). He voted against holding China accountable for currency manipulation. We need a representative who will stand up for America and American jobs. I'll stop the outsourcing to China, protect American jobs, Medicare, and Social Security, and keep America competitive. The choice is clear, the difference is black and white.
TF:
Those votes that my opponent has said were mis-characterized. If we are to succeed in leaving our country better off, we must stick to first principles and follow in Reagan's footsteps. Someone said "This country will prosper when older men plant trees that will shade the next generation"; Well, when I went to Congress I had black hair (diarist's note: he has some grey bits now). I'd rather lose an election in America than win one anywhere else
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Whew!
John really did great at the debate. I noticed quite a few "John Thrasher for Congress" buttons- so if any Kossacks made it out, thank you!
WHEN John wins, District 2 will finally have some real representation!
Please, make sure you GOTV! If you have family in District 2 (i.e. the Hopi reservation, Kingman, or the west valley), make sure they know who John Thrasher is, and what he stands for!
Also, consider donating a bit to ActBlue for John. With your help, he's been able to send out his first mailings that will arrive in 100,000 houses tomorrow! As Markos said earlier today, this Friday is the final day for purchases for campaigns- so anything you can give will help!
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More information about John:
John Thrasher wants to bring the new green economy to District 2.
John Thrasher wants to create jobs while protecting Main Street from the excesses of Wall Street.
Get rid of do-nothing Trent Franks