Live from UNYTEA debate, pt. 2
Bradley is asking about earmarks
Doheny: I'm flat out against earmarks. ... We're talking about the ordinary budget process. ... I will have a voice. I will work doggedly hard not for the bridge to nowhere, but things that would actually provide the opportunity for young men and women to come in this area and raise their kids here. ... Earmarks and buying votes at the 11th hour is wrong.
Hoffman: Let's get the record straight. I signed the pledge for no earmarks. ... I took the hit last year when it wasn't popular. I'm the leader. ... He debated me for 15 minutes on that why he would take earmarks. ... That's not a leader people. That's not a conservative. Somebody who changes their view is not someone you want to elect.
Papineau asks about Bush tax cuts
Doheny: Right now, toughest economic period since Great Depression. ... People are out there worried, sick and nervous. .... Make sure we have the Bush tax cuts continue on. The entire amount. ... My tax liability has no bearing on this whatsoever. ... With Obama, Pelosi and Bill Owens, they want to tax you, regulate you, sue you and unionize you.
Hoffman: What we have going on is if the tax cuts are not extended, we are going to collect $1 trillion more from the American public over the next 10 years ... $1 trillion that can't be invested in business, help the economy. ... The Democrats just don't get it. If the Bush tax cuts go away, it's going to kill businesses in the 23rd district.
LoTemplio asks Hoffman about leaving Iraq and timetable for Afghanistan
Hoffman: We did pull out the combat troops, but we still have over 50,000 troops in Iraq. Their situation is ok now, but if it turns around, we need to go back and keep our position strong in Iraq. ... We have to stay in Afghanistan and keep the job going. We'd rather fight the enemies on their soil then have them come over here and fight us. ...
Doheny: I agree with Doug. I think that the timetable in Afghanistan is flat out wrong. ... Only one candidate on this dais who takes interest from his donors. That's Doug Hoffman. ... He's lined his pocket with other donations and other reimbursements for his businesses. It's flat out wrong for this district.
Bradley asks Doheny about Social Security
Doheny: When the outlays of SS are greater than the money coming in, we have a terrible problem. ... The reality is we have to make sure SS, wihch is a great program which provides resources and money for our seniors, actually stays solvent and go forward. ... make sure SS maintains the benefits ... and is restructured in a way that SS is solvent when people my age get older and get ready to retire.
Hoffman: We have to protect the SS system to make sure what the people who were promised get what they were promised. ... I agree with Matt. It's going to be a bi-partisan solution. ... You know damn well that the FEC reports requires you to itemize and list all campaign expenses. ... You're just being fast and loose with the truth. ... People who live in glass boathouses should throw stones. ... The way you treated those officers is just unacceptable.
Papineau asks what's one good reason why you'd vote for your opponent
Hoffman: If I died. Seriously, Matt's a terrific guy. His heart is in the right place. But ot have somebody who's been away for 20 years and thinks he can learn everything about the district in seven months, I don't think that's right. I am the only conservative in this race. ... I will stop the runaway spending, cut regulations and cut taxes.
Doheny: I don't think I need to die to say nice things about Doug. ... He's a great family man. Neither of us came from great means and make successful. ... Hope kids and grandkids have the same success. ... I'm from the north country for Godsakes. ... I understand the difference between Ellenburg and Ellisburg. ... commuted every single week back and forth for seven years. ....
LoTemplio: Do you know what a Michigan is?
Doheny: Yes, I do.
LoTemplio's real question: Has TEA Party been good or bad for America and this district?
Doheny: Yes. ... Tea party has helped revitalize people after "rock bottom" of Obama swearing-in. ... I applaud UNYTEA, the Tea party generally.
Hoffman: I applaud unytea and the tea party. the movement has come around. the silent majority has woken up. ... we're going to fight back.
Bradley asks Hoffman about debating west of Saranac Lake. ... A lot of people say scheduling conflicts is not a reason. it's an excuse. what is he afraid of?
Hoffman: Absolutely nothing. I'm here tonight. We're here debating. ... The 32 percent lead going into the Sept. 14 primary - it's obvious that I'm the people's candidate. I am the true conservative. I gave you the choice last year between two liberals.
Doheny: Yield minute back to Mr. Hoffman to answer the question. ... I will debate any single time. ... The reality is this district is big and it's outlandish that we're not going to have at least one debate in Watertown, Central New York or Fulton, Hamilton area. I don't know why my candidate won't do it. .... It's flat out not fair to those people.
Papineau asks Hoffman: What do you the most important thing to attract and retain young people?
Hoffman: We have to fix the economy. ... I know government regulations and high taxes is impeding growth in the area. ... Need broadband for high-tech, sales, marketing jobs for young professionals. ...
Doheny: Have to make sure we have infrastructure ... asset is the great universities ... tremendous resources ... the greatest resource of the district more than mineral rights, more than land, is our talented young human beings. That's who we have to retain. ... No vote against Nancy Pelosi and someone who will try to turn this district around.
LoTemplio: If you don't win the primary, will you stay in the race?
Hoffman: I will win the primary. I'm 32 points ahead at this point. I'm going to fight like I'm losing. ... When I win the primary, I'm going to reunite the Republican and Conservative parties. ... Doheny didn't fight for the people of the 23rd district. .... He knew he could not get the Conservative line because it was given to me fair and square.. ... The spoiler in this race is Matt Doheny.
Doheny: All 11 counties have endorsed me. ... Doug's right that I was asked by the chairman of the conservative party who lives in brooklyn and I turned him down. ... I'm a man of my word. ... I said I would support whoever the nominee is .... Yes, I'm going to support whoever you pick. ... I will put my trust in my collective hands. ... The reality is: This is an important seat, one of 40 needed to get back Republicans.
Bradley to Hoffman: The poll you cited is the poll done by your campaign. ... We really can't be sure if you're ahead as you cited. Therefore, if you do not win the primary and run on the Conservative line, whether it's you or Doheny that runs as a third-party candidate, how do you justify pulling votes away from Republican opponent and possibly giving district to Owens?
Hoffman: I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that happens this year (defeat Owens). ... All he's (Doheny) is doing is going to see the party insiders. .... These are the same people who did my polls last year. They were right on last year. They are right on this year. ... very trustful that the people are behind me. ... I have been around the district 40,000 miles on a car. ... I've been meeting with the people, not the political leaders.
Doheny: My mom always taught me you get what you pay for. I have no idea what's right or wrong. ... All other stuff is flat out irrelevant or garbage. ... I'm going to flat out support whoever the nominee is. ... The reality is unlike what Mr. Hoffman is saying, we're going to win. ... No competition for the conservative party. it was given to him by one party boss who lives in Brooklyn. .... He is actually backed by the true party boss.
Papineau asks about increase security and keep out potential illegals
Doheny: Part of the largest, unguarded border. ... We need to make sure that bad things don't happen. ... It's scary the amount of drug trade and other illegal activities has to be stopped. .... Secure the border with more resources. ... law enforcement - trust their judgment to say what resources are needed. ... We have a border that provides commerce, economic opportunity. We can't make sure we kill the golden goose. ... We have to commit resources. We can do this. We have to make sure the economic vitality of the resources remains.
Hoffman: What Matt is saying is also true. We have to have a secure border, but we can't hinder commerce going back and forth. ... I've had clients complain to me that they've been detained at the border, questioned - we have to have strength and security at the border and have to make sure the people that shouldn't get in, don't get in.
Onto closing statements.
Doheny: I think Doug and I agree on everything tonight. The choice between is two good conservatives. ... This is the choice between two people. Who can beat Bill Owens in November? ... Who is the most viable? Who has the best resources? Who has the best understanding and hard work? ... It's a clear choice. It's me. Doug's a good man. But last time we saw what happened. It's not going to change.
worst feeling is waking up on Nov. 3 and the House and Senate are in Democratic hands.
Stop the spending. Stop the growth of deficit. Bring back pro-growth policies.
Hoffman: Matt is a terrific man. Matt has a lot of skills to bring here. But who do you want as your next congressman? Someone who's been with you for the last 35 to 40 years, who knows your struggles ... who has to worry about paying a payroll, just like you do in your own household? ... I'm the only real conservative in this race. I'm the one who gfought for your conservative values last year. ... only reason we lost last year was Republican dropped out and endorsed Democrat.
