30th
1st CD debate at Bowdoin!
Good Evening.
We will be liveblogging the debate between Charlie Summers and Chellie Pingree tonight. Also check out Darren Fishell’s liveblog at bcuria.com.
Aaaaand we’re off!
Jennifer Brooks and Susan Sharon are moderating.
Format will include candidate-to-candidate responses, follow ups, and questions from the public.
3 broad questions to start. Pingree gets first question.
#1: Economy is the number one issue. Both of you opposed bailout. Do you support bailing out automakers?
CP: We are losing jobs and need economic help. Auto industry should have done more, but we will need to help them, with conditions, as they are a major employer in the U.S. Opposed bailout because it wasn’t clear on the return to the taxpayer. There should be aid to states in a second stimulus package. Invest in infrastructure.
CS: I’ve worked 30 jobs around the district and I can wash hair. DC doesn’t take care of Maine Street or Wall Street, just themselves. Too much pork in the bailout. Needed more detail and taxpayer protection. Must be credit for small businesses. Must protect jobs and create manufacturing jobs in the US. CEO of bailout company will get $1 salary. Auto industry? Maybe tax incentives too companies, but no large stimulus.
CP: Trade difference. I am concerned about NAFTA, need better labor standards, environmental standards. We need to get back some manufacturing jobs.
CS: Free trade must be fair. Exports are good, but we need to avoid taxes. Mirror taxes are good. Environmental standards are also good.
