Herald Today - Buchanan, Jennings Square Off
Herald Today - Buchanan, Jennings Square Off
Source: Herald Today
BRADENTON - There was no friendly hug between Vern Buchanan and Christine Jennings this time.
Instead of their customary embrace, the longtime business acquaintances-turned-political rivals politely shook hands - then differed over immigration, taxes, campaign tactics and other issues Wednesday during The Herald's televised forum for the 13th Congressional District seat.
Buchanan, a Republican, and Jennings, a Democrat, are seeking to replace Rep. Katherine Harris, who is running for the U.S. Senate.
The two nominees disagreed on economic issues, especially whether to repeal tax cuts President Bush pushed through Congress a few years back.
Jennings said tax cuts for the top 1 percent of taxpayers should be repealed, but that those benefiting the middle class should be preserved. Replied Buchanan: "You can't pick one or the other: It's all part of the same package."
Both also preached fiscal restraint, saying they support a "pay as you go" philosophy toward federal spending. Jennings said congressional earmarks have their place, but that waste and fraud need to be eliminated; Buchanan said a balanced-budget requirement would reduce deficit spending without having to raise taxes.
"It's really about spending, and we've got to put a freeze on spending," he said. "We don't need to take more money out of taxpayers' pockets."
Another point of contention between the two was negative TV ads.
Buchanan had fired the first salvo two weeks after the primary, airing an ad that said Jennings' support for repealing the Bush tax cuts amounted to her supporting higher taxes for families and small businesses.
"To say I would do anything to hurt small business is simply wrong," Jennings said, saying she approved numerous loans to small businesses when she was a bank executive.
Buchanan said Jennings' response ads, which link him to "corrupt" business dealings, were "over the top." He defended his business dealings as fair and honest.
Buchanan said he wants tougher border security, including more fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border. He opposed granting amnesty to illegal immigrants, saying it would spur even more illegal immigration and greater national security concerns.
"If they want citizenship, they need to do it through a legal process," Buchanan said. "What we do is say, if you want citizenship, get in line like everybody else."
Jennings said illegal aliens should "earn a path to citizenship" that includes learning English and paying a fine for illegally entering the country. She said mass deportation of an estimated 11 million illegals would be costly, time-consuming and break up families with children who are U.S. citizens by birth.
Jennings said she opposed term limits because it reduces the voters' right to choose who represents them. Buchanan said he was open to the idea but personally feels "12 years is enough," because of a political system that protects incumbents.
Despite their differences, Buchanan and Jennings agreed on some things:
Protecting the local environment, with both saying they oppose allowing oil drilling off Florida's Gulf Coast.
Getting back a greater share of gas-tax money sent to Tallahassee and Washington.
Launching a full investigation into former Rep. Mark Foley's sexually suggestive communications with minor congressional pages.
Political observers and both political parties view the race as key to whether Republicans maintain their House majority or Democrats end 12 years of GOP control. Republicans have held the 13th District seat since 1984.
With registered Republicans outnumbering registered Democrats in the district, CQPolitics.com has rated the race as "Republican favored" while the Cook Political Report calls the race "leaning Republican." But both candidates are heavily courting independents, a key swing vote.
The district covers most of Manatee, a small portion of Charlotte and all of Sarasota, Hardee and DeSoto counties.
http://www.vernbuchananforcongress.com/news/Read.aspx?ID=48