This afternoon was the third candidate forum for AZ-08 democrats. It was held in Sierra Vista at Buena High School at 1:00. 4 of the 7 democrats who are declared candidates were there discussing the issues. All of the candidates did extremely well and I'm convinced that this primary is sharpening their skills for the general.
After visiting Naco, Mexico, my girlfriend, a friend and I were late, but we just missed the intros. Appearantly Francine Shacter was sick, so she felt it was best for everyone present not to show up. Her finance chair gave a closing statement on her behalf, but it allowed the other candidates to answer things a bit more fully.
In attendence were: Alex Rodriguez (TUSD Schoolboard), Gabrielle Giffords (Ex-State Senator), Jeff Latas (Commercial Pilot & Fighting Dem) & Patty Wiess (Former News Anchor). Absent were: Francine Shacter (Dem Activist), Richard Roth (Rio Rico School Teacher) & Dwight Leicster (Dem Activist whose name I've surely spelled wrong).
Follow me over to the flip for the details...
For full disclosure I'm backing Jeff Latas in this race.
I got there during the opening remarks, so we didn't miss much.
The first question was about immigration. I don't recall the question specifically, but it seemed like every candidate gave their general border policy and then most of them answered the specifics. I think that Jeff Latas, Patty Weiss and Alex Rodriguez answered the specifics, but Gabby Giffords didn't get to it. The answers varied a bit with Gabby (being the first to answer) taking a harder line on enforcement and talking a lot about the importance of trade (which I think is another issue all together). Jeff then answered by saying that we need to make it easier for those who want to work to come across so the border patrol can concentrate on catching drug smugglers and terrorists (if there even are any -- 2 minutes hate) and cracking down on illegal employers so they push for reform and assisting the Mexican economy. Patty then laid out a fairly complex plan to tax illegal employers to help pay for the costs of the immigrants to our hospitals and schools. Alex finished up with his usual dazzling display of not answering the question (while saying "crucial" and "my friends" a lot)
The candidates were also asked about Iraq. They all have expressed displeasure with the way it is being handled. This is the second of the forums that I have attended and it seems as if Jeff hasn't changed his opinion of this (he thinks we need to get out) while Gabby and Patty are sliding to the left and starting to sound more like him. I'm glad to see them changing their tune a bit, but I don't think it's very genuine. Gabby still wants to try to build partners in the world to try to help with the situation. I think it's a bit late for that myself. Civil war is coming weather we like it or not and no matter how long we stay in. Why see more kids die and more money wasted? I think Alex commented on the number of dead American soldiers and the money being wasted. Jeff also spoke on the number of wounded who would have their lives changed forever.
There were a number of questions on many topics asked by reporters. Each of these questions was answered by just of the candidates answered. The topics covered ranged from the San Pedro River/Water conservation to the BRAC and Ft. Huachuca. They also included sustainable energy and health care. I don't remember all the questions or answers, but one question that was asked of Jeff and Gabby was about renewable energy and the reporter (C.J. Karamargin of the Arizona Daily Star) asked "Do any of you own a hybrid car?" Jeff raised his hand and said that his is parked in the lot outside before talking about getting off foreign oil and converting to renewable sources of energy. Gabby followed up by saying that she rides her bicycle whenever possible. Jeff got a hand and Gabby got a chuckle.
At the end they were each asked about a topic that they would like to address that is not normally covered at these forums. I honestly cannot remember what Gabby and Alex answered with. Patty was the first to answer and spoke about the issue of mental health parody (I believe that means coverage of mental health care by insurance) that was extremely touching as she's had mental health issues in her family (not implying that she has issues at all -- it was evident that this is something very important to her). Jeff was last to speak and he touched on Veterans health issues. He quoted Lincoln saying that we need to mend the country by taking care of the veterans, widows and orphans before talking about how the government is dropping the ball on our vets now (with DU) just like they did in Vietnam (with agent orange).
They were all asked why they should be elected: Patty went first and talked about her career of "service" bringing Tucson the news and that she thinks we need to return to the Jeffersonian vision of a citizen-representative. (I wouldn't exactly call it a career of service, but okay). Then Alex touted the facts that he is a veteran and has worked for the Clinton administration. He said that he could diffuse the Rovian attack on Democrats for being soft on defense because of this. (Maybe it takes a bit more to outsmart Rove?) Jeff followed up by talking about his record of service in Iraq and the pentagon as well as being an environmentalist and sending his children to public schools. Gabby finished up with her record serving as a state Senator (which I will admit is quite good, but her DLC creds turn me off) and her business experience (she inherited her father's tire company and brokered a deal to sell it to a national chain).
The closing statements were very brief, and Jeff got a big laugh with "I announced my candidacy and two weeks later, Kolbe [the incumbent] announced his retirement."
This WEDNESDAY (March 1) from 5-7 is a Tucson area d-kos meetup. We are meeting at the lobby of Hotel Congress downtown. Come for some drink, discussion and fun. AZ-08 candidate Jeff Latas has said that he will make it. All candidates and members of the d-kos community are welcome to come.
Hope you can make it!