Posted on 10/29/2006 9:41:59 AM PST by SmithL
A few jabs got mixed into the pro-Memphis talk Saturday night at the final live debate between the three candidates for the 9th Congressional district seat.
Democrat Steve Cohen and independent Jake Ford traded the biting remarks as they shared the stage with Republican Mark White at LeMoyne-Owen College to address issues such as civil unions, international policy, the media, party loyalty and candidate qualifications.
Cohen defended a 2004 vote in the state legislature against a bill to ban civil unions, although he opposes same-sex marriage.
While believing in the "sanctity of marriage," Ford said people who enter into civil unions should "have the same type of resources and protections as married couples."
White said he's dead-set against it because of his religious beliefs: "Some people call it discrimination. Some people call it a civil-rights issue. I call it a line in the sand I cannot cross."
After being asked whether they would support sending American troops to end genocide in Sudan, the candidates agreed steps should be taken.
White said, "I will do everything I can do to protect innocent people." Ford emphasized going in with a plan. And Cohen said he would more strongly support such a move in concert with the United Nations.
On increasing the minimum wage, Cohen and Ford agreed, but White said, "What we need to do is educate children to where minimum wage is not an issue."
On loyalty to their political parties, White said he is loyal to the Republican Party but his allegiance is to all citizens.
Cohen spoke as if party loyalty was a moot point, predicting that Democrats will gain control of the U.S. Senate. But he said he will be able to be bipartisan.
Ford said, "I am a Democrat. I certainly will caucus with them when I get to Washington," adding that running as an independent allows him to "put people back in front of that party."
Ford said he gained much of his experience and community service through his family, in particular his father, former congressman Harold Ford Sr.
Cohen lauded Harold Ford Sr. and his brother, Harold Ford Jr., who is running for the U.S. Senate, then said to Jake Ford: "And Mr. Ford, you're no Harold Ford Sr. or Harold Ford Jr."
Ford said the relationship between the media and candidates should be professional, before accusing Cohen of "smoking marijuana with them."
Ford made the remark in rebuttal, so the format did not allow Cohen to respond.
Jake is the Ford Family's latest attempt to keep THEIR seat in Congress.
No polls on this race? I can't find any on RCP.
Ford(s) don't need any poll. The will keep that seat for sure. They're the Kennedy(s) in black.
They're splitting the RAT vote though. Looking at the 04 numbers, it appears that even if someone had split the dems down the middle, they still would have trounced the Republican, but turnout for the dems will be WAY lower this year than in 04....unlikely, but just saying...
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