Iowa Second District debate: WATCH LIVE

Cedar Rapids Gazette ^ | 09/12/2010

[iowamark]

The Gazette and KCRG-TV9 are hosting another political debate tonight in Cedar Rapids, this time between the Democratic and Republican 2nd Congressional District candidates.

This follows the rousing Thursday, Oct. 7, debate between Democratic Gov. Chet Culver and former Republican Gov. Terry Branstad at Coe College in Cedar Rapids.

The focus shifts to Cedar Rapids’ Mount Mercy University for the 2nd District debate. Democratic incumbent Dave Loebsack and Republican challenger Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks will be at Betty Cherry Heritage Hall from 7 to 8 p.m. As with the gubernatorial debate, you can watch it live on KCRG Local 9.2, or via live streaming below.

Check out the live stream below, starting at 7 p.m. And tell us: Who will you be voting for in November?

[iowamark]

Live video stream and poll at the link.

Miller-Meeks for Congress

[iowamark]

Go, Dr. Miller-Meeks! Dave Loebsack is one of the most radical socialists in Congress.

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/District-2-Candidates-104831959.html
“”CEDAR RAPIDS - KCRG-TV9 and the Gazette hosted a debate at Mount Mercy University Tuesday evening for the two candidates are vying for the Second District seat.

Throughout the debate, Congressman Dave Loebsack listed off his accomplishments over the past four years. But, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks said he hadn’t done enough and has put the district in worse shape than when he got elected.

Much of the debate between Loebsack and Miller-Meeks remained respectful and calm, but the two candidates clashed over the health care reform bill.

“When you have a bill that wasn’t read by the people who voted for it and signed it and it’s 2400 pages in length, I think there’s a great amount of discontent,” Miller-Meeks said.

Loebsack said, “I voted for that bill because there are over 400,000 Iowans in the Second District who now have more stable and secure health insurance as a result of that bill”

Later, Miller-Meeks said her opponent’s ad which claims she wants to raise taxes is false and misleading.
She said, “I have never ever said we should increase taxes 23 percent. How many people think a Republican running today would say to increase taxes?”

Loebsack responded, “I stand by that ad. My opponent has publicly stated her support for the fair tax. The fair tax is a 23 percent tax on virtually everything you consume.”

The two candidates both agreed the federal government needs to do more to help flood victims recover.

“FEMA, I think, always can do a better job. We’ve got to cut through the bureaucratic red tape,” Loebsack said.

Miller-Meeks said, “Two years later and people are still trying to recover their lives. It’s almost as if they’ve become victims once again.”

During closing arguments, Loebsack touted his accomplishments while Miller-Meeks stressed the need for change.

“Our economic growth has been stalled. Housing is still an issue and a problem and businesses are struggling to grow and create jobs,” Miller-Meeks said.

Loebsack said, “I’ve done everything I can to promote small businesses. I’ve voted over and over again for tax cuts for small businesses because they are economic drivers.”

The candidates also talked about other topics like the postal service, global warming, education and even America’s relationship with Cuba.
If you missed Tuesday night’s debate, there are still other opportunities to catch it again. Iowa’s 2nd District Congressional Debate will air again next Sunday, October 17th at 3 pm on KCRG. You can also catch it Sunday at 6:00 p.m. on KCRG Local 9.2.””