It was one Democrat against six Republicans -- formidable odds for anyone but Donna Anderson.
But Anderson, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 66th Michigan House seat, stood out from the rest who participated in the Livingston Press and Argus candidates' forum Thursday (July 24, 2008) at the Brighton Performing Arts Center.
The Republican candidates sounded like carbon copies of each other, complaining about government red tape and regulation (also known as consumer protection laws) and proclaiming themselves as opposed to abortion.
But Anderson stood out with her support for alternative energy, for targeted tax credits, for microloans to entrepreneurs, for federal help to take health care off the backs of employers, and for reducing spending on prisons in order to provide more funds for schools.
She also stood out from the rest in her support for banning smoking in restaurants, bars, and casinos, and for her support of stem cell research for life-saving cures. And she was the only candidate to even mention the importance of protecting the environment.
Anderson's most direct competition -- her opponent in the August 5 primary -- did not participate in the forum. Tommy Crawford has unclear ties to the party and has been invited to party events but not attended.
The two candidates vying for the GOP nomination did participate, but they were somewhat underwhelming.
Bill Rogers, brother of incumbent 8th District Rep. Mike Rogers and now a Livingston County Commissioner, came across as unprepared. He talked a lot about himself and the subcommittees he has served on for the county commission. He tried to joke about being in a lip-synch event he appeared in. It just didn't work. In the end, he did not really have much to say about how he would make things better in Michigan.
Rogers' campaign seems to be all signs, no substance.
Jason Corosanite wanted to sell the audience (and viewers on the Press and Argus' live webcast) on his religious fervor, calling himself "first and foremost a Christian." He also called on the other candidates not to accept any PAC money "if elected." Well, what about while they are running now?
The other four participants were vying for the Republican nomination for the 47th House seat. The Democrat, Scott Lucas, is unopposed in the August 5 primary.
2 comments:
I thought Donna did an excellent job. Not only were positions on the issue the best, but she simply had the best presentation. I agree with you about Bill Rogers. I really personally like him, but he was totally unprepared. They were playing so much to the Republican base it was a waste of time to attend. Which makes me wonder why they asked the stem cell question. They fell over each other to show their pro-life credentials. I will never understand why you can throw the cells in the trash, but you can’t use them to possibly find a cure for so many diseases.
Watching the forum, I couldn't help but be reminded of Matthew 6:5:
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men."
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