Thanks for the people at the Utica Observer-Dispatch for bringing some substance to reporting on the race for Congress in New York's 24th District today. Everybody ought to go on over to their web site to check out the responses candidates gave to a questionnaire the paper sent out to them asking about seven issues.
I'm away on business in Florida today (don't get too jealous, it's only a bit warmer than Upstate New York today, and I'm working inside the mirrored glass tower of a corporate building before being whisked away tonight to the Windy City), so I'm not able to look at a paper copy, but I do have to warn you that the online format of the responses is not the best - I'd like to know what the questions are that the candidates are responding to, for instance. But that's nit picking. All around, this is a very good day for the voters of the 24th District. Now, could the other papers in the area cover this content, please? I don't know many in Geneva who read the Utica newspaper.
Thanks especially to Ray Meier who, without any information on his web site other than that he is "coming soon" (good for you, Ray!), has now dispelled any illusion that might be a moderate. Ray Meier looks almost as right wing as they come, just on this side of Rick Santorum.
In his responses, Meier manages to throw in a little gay-bashing, opposition to stem cell research, and supports George W. Bush's tax policies, which include the outrageous Paris Hilton Multimillion Inheritance Tax Break.
Ray Meier sent out a clear message to the people of the 24th District today: If you like what George W. Bush has done to America, vote Ray Meier for Congress. Just like that long-promised evidence for Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, he's coming soon!
Monday, March 27, 2006
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5 comments:
It is great that the OD printed that. Thank you for pointing this out to your readers. I am curious though as to the choice of issues. These are important issues, but what about health care and energy policy? What about environmental issues? military policy?
I think this points out the need for some debates. There is a clear distinction between the Democratic candidates and the Republican candidates. There does not seem to be as clear a distinction among the Democrats (except possibly Koziol) on the firm answers. Could I suggest that you use this blog to call for some public debates among the candidates? I don't know much about the true issue stances (not just soundbites) of these candidates and since you seem to talk to all of them, maybe you could suggest to them that some debates occur soon (especially if those writing into your blog are correct and there are endorsements happening already).
"Bring on the substance"
GREAT IDEA !!!!
We do need debates and perhaps debates in our own party about choice.
I live in the Western corner of the district and my dem committee chair says we're endorsing Arcuri - yet I haven't heard him or any of the other candidates. I'd like to see the candidates side by side, ask them some questions and then make a choice.
We have primaries so we can choose a candidate for the ticket - debates will give us the information WE need to make that choice. I haven't given my choice to any committee chair nor any candidate. I suggest until people hear from all these candidates that they don't give up their choice either.
"Bring on the Debates"
Meier is scary. Brad Jones and Leon Koziol looks moderate next to him.
Debates are a great idea, one of the few ways to really get at substance. Democratic committees should hold them before the primary, and then afterwards the League of Women Voters.
Debates are a great idea, however, calling for 12 of them like Roberts is...is a joke. It is a tactic that unfamiliar candidates use to build name recognition on the coat-tails of bigger candidates (i.e. Arcuri and Koziol).
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