Incumbent MA2 Congressional Represenative Richard Neal,(D), up for re-election in 2010 - photo urbancompass blog
The only MA-2 Congressional District Debate known to be televised before the mid-term election on Nov. 2nd took place yesterday on New England Public Television, Channel 57, in Springfield, MA. The one-half hour debate, broadcast at 7:30 pm, was tapped earlier in the day. Coverage of the debate on MassLive, the Springfield Republican’s Website offers the three areas of “interest “touched upon during the limited time allowed the public to compare and contrast the two candidates.
Tom Wesley, Republican Candidate for MA2 Congressional District 2010 image Wales Republican blog
Incumbent Democrat Richard Neal continued to imply that he would be taking up issues when he returned in next session, between each of the three questions poised during the debate. The Congressman spoke for the longest period of time during each question and appeared a bit too over-confident throughout the debate. In the first round of questions, regarding jobs and taxes, Neal accused Republican opponent Tom Wesley of being an “outsourcing expert”, Wesley countered that although companies are forced to outsource to the fact that the U.S. corporate tax rate is second only to Japan (which country is reviewing their tax policies), he also was responsible for bringing jobs back into the country when the tax climate changed. As an example, Wesley cited a company brought back to the district from Germany, when that nation’s tax rate became unfriendly. In addition, in disusing taxes, Wesley brought up the fact that Congress allowed the Bush tax cuts to expire, which means that all constituents will bear a heavy tax burden in the coming year. Neal, who stuck to the party line of “no tax cuts for the Rich”, agreed with Wesley, when he inquired of Neal, what the Congressman felt was “rich”, and if the a $500,000 bench mark might be in order, keeping small business owners’ more comfortable. Neal said he was willing to look at that when he returned for the next session. Neal continued to focus on the incorrect fact that cheap labor drives outsourcing, while Wesley having asked and answered, smiled and told the moderator to move onto the next question. Wesley appeared controlled and confident in all three areas touched on during the debate.
On the question of spending Neal spoke about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the cost of which being the responsibility of the prior administration, never noting that the continued and increased effort in Afghanistan was undertaken by the current administration. Neal noted that he voted against his own party in the original Congressional role of allowing then President Bush to seek military action against Iraq. He said it was the “best vote he ever made”. Mr. Wesley, a veteran, also spoke to the conflicts, noting Special Forces should be utilized instead of the full-scale military option in both instances.
On the question of Health Care Reform, Neal stuck to the Obama Health Care plan, while Mr. Wesley offered alternate solutions, which appeared to be unacceptable to Congressman Neal. Wesley pointed out the jobs lost in the district due to the Health Care Reforms and taxes, while Neal spoke about constituents who were without health care. The later a bit disingenuous as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has mandatory health care coverage. Wesley suggested that certain portions of the Health Care Reform bill were acceptable, however, offered options that would lower costs to both taxpayers and business. The most humorous statement made in this segment came from Congressman Neal, when Mr. Wesley spoke about an Ambulance service that had to reduce its workforce (cutting jobs), because of the cuts to Medicare reimbursement which all health care providers are experiencing. Congressman Neal quipped: (paraphrased) “I know about ambulances – I won an award in Washington from an Ambulance Association!!” Although that statement might be tied with the response by Congressman Neal regarding Social Security and Medicare: (Paraphrased): “I know about Social Security and Medicare”! The fact that seniors would not be given a cost of living raise for a second straight year, was not discussed, nor the fact that Congress had insured they received an annual C.O.L.A.
In the debate, it was clear that Mr. Wesley knew a thing or two about the issues at hand, and that Congressman Neal was clearly on the defensive. As there were no closing statements, it is difficult to score the debate, however, regardless of any partisanship, Mr. Wesley, on content and appearance of control, scored. Both men would be eligible for congeniality awards, if one were looking for a fiery exchange, there was none present.
All in all, the time allowed was far too short, and other districts in the Commonwealth, such as the MA 1, which borders the 2nd district, incumbents have given the time to their constituents by taking part in either multiple and or extended televised debates. One would think, as Congressman Neal voted with the entire Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to take a break in order for incumbents in the Congress to go back to their districts to campaign, one would be seeing a great deal more, as far as debates and coverage of this particular district race. In addition, with that vote to leave, the issue of the Bush Tax cuts was left on the table – the result, a continued hiring freeze from employers across the district who are not sure what liabilities they may face in 2011.
The full podcast of the debate should be available after its second airing, this Sunday at 10:30 am. On Channel 57, in Springfield, MA.
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