Northeast Gubernatorial Debate

[Jerseyrules]

So yeah all candidates for NE governor are invited.  The gentleman from the State of Connecticut may speak first.

[Jerseyrules]

Gentlemen, what is your stance on the following issue?

B, ftr.

Oh definitely

[Jerseyrules]

This must be a one on one debate.

U sure?  What about Rowan?  He deserves representation too, IMO

[Jerseyrules]

This must be a one on one debate.

U sure?  What about Rowan?  He deserves representation too, IMO

I disagree and will not participate in a debate with him.

Why not?  If anything he splits my base (and vice-versa) more than yours, IMHO.  If that's your final opinion than I am thoroughly disappointed and hope you will reconsider, and I'd hope at least Rowan would debate me then.

[Jerseyrules]

Nothing says you can't have both a three-man debate and a one-on-one debate with each other.

Also, Andrew might run just because he's the incumbent, now.  Not sure, though.

Really hoping this isn't becoming the 1980 debates....

[Jerseyrules]

Oh come on Napoleon, don't The People deserve to hear from every candidate?

Discussing in private whisper-speak with him...and by that I mean PM

[Jerseyrules]

No; nonserious candidates don't belong in serious debates.

If he's not a serious candidate than you have nothing to worry about, as non serious candidates can't win; if he pulls an upset then he's a serious candidate and you have nothing to worry about.  After all, it is the people who decide who is a serious candidate and who is not....and yes corporations ARE PEOPLE TOO GOSH!

[Jerseyrules]

My idea was Lincoln-Douglas, no moderators.  Can we please ignore that and allow him to say that, and let the people judge him in their vote.

[Jerseyrules]

Lincoln-Douglas is a two candidate debate format, which was my intention, as only two candidates are campaigning. If there is to be a three candidate debate, we'd have to convince The People's Paper to moderate.

I thought we could be mature and allow each other to speak until finished, as we are able to do in text and as possessing more common courtesy than the sum of 90% of the U.S. congress combined.

[Jerseyrules]

I'd rather have a moderated debate to keep it on track. Three candidates in LD format is extremely hectic, if not impossible.

Alright, no coin toss that could accommodate three, so I'll say you can go first.

[Jerseyrules]

Furthermore, with all due respect, let's just get this damned thing going.  At this point, I dont care who the moderator is.

[Jerseyrules]

Mr. Senator, your opening statement?

[Jerseyrules]

Is it just us two? I may be open to discussing the Rowan debate later, but he isn't here right now and we have no moderator.

Alright it's 1-on-1 LD till he comes back, your move, Senator

[Jerseyrules]

I am Jerseyrules, and I realize that I have my work cut out for me in this election.  I've worked hard as an assemblyman, and while I haven't been in government very long, I firmly believe we can work together.  Until we find fiscal responsibility in this great state, find for liberty, I will fight everyone and everything that stands in my path.  I will strive to restore Constitutional liberties and core liberties.  You can label me a failure until that day.  Well, we were great once. We must restore our shining city on a hill, not through partisanship and petty politics, but through conviction and dedication to principals.  We can and will be great again.

Now it will be a long and difficult journey, and the odds are against me.  But I will fight for liberty, and today I ask you to join me.  I have a great deal of respect for my opponent, and I enjoy debating him in this polite and civil manner.  I've never been an advisor, and I'm only a representative our assembly, but I know where I stand.  I will not shrink from the awesome responsibilities of this great office.  Join me, and together we will go forth in unity to conquer the beast of big government, shadow states, and unfair taxation.

[Jerseyrules]

Well, Senator, you and I both know that is just not true.  Only those making over $10 million per year would be taxed at 10%, and that was my compromise for the liberal-leaning assembly.  My proposal would keep income taxes at under 5% for 90% of Northeasterners.  Now, Senator, I am convinced that this is much better than taking 30% of income at the state level in addition to the federal taxes, wouldn't you?  I care a great deal about the Northeast, but I will not try to spin the record of my opponent, come up with fancy campaign slogans or one-liners, but to spread the message of liberty.  I firmly believe that my proposal is temporary, and a good compromise until we get to shrinking them further, because let's be honest: I tried to repeal state income taxes, and failed.  I want us to have no income taxes, but let's face it, that's not going to happen with this current assembly.  My plan includes capping property taxes at current level and lowering them by 1% each year for 5 years to spur the housing market.  I am all for low taxes, and smaller government, but it's not going to happen overnight.  I would like to force our branch of the Fed to back our currency with gold, and increase our stores of precious metals to set an example for the federal government.  I was a staunch advocate of the high-speed rail and continue to be.  I believe that public funding and private execution is the best way to go.  Now senator, if I may turn to a different subject, what is your position on abortion?

[Jerseyrules]

I think 30% is too high and I think 10% is too high. I don't support saddling workers with the burden of excessive income taxation. This has been my platform the entire campaign. You have no right to accuse me of lying.

Well, Senator, I agree with you completely, but as I said, you should tell that to my colleagues in the legislature, and if you win, I'd be glad to help enact your tax policy.  But the truth is I tried to eliminate state taxes outright, and my proposal was a counter-compromise to the Speaker's, and that those making under $10,000 per year would pay only 1% in taxes, and only millionaires would pay more than 9%

[Jerseyrules]

As a former Speaker, I have an excellent understanding of how the legislature works and how to get bills passed. We need revenue, eliminating taxation altogether is a silly and unrealistic proposal. I will take a more pragmatic approach, and I will rescue this region from financial collapse without stunting economic growth.

So now you're to my left on fiscal policy?  When did that happen?!  Anyhow, I am firm in principals, and I know we can lower taxes drastically in several years.  As I have said, compromise is necessary, which is why I introduced my proposal.  Either way, whomever wins, I look forward to working closely with the Senator after the election, and I believe that lower taxes and relaxed regulations is the way to rescue our economy from the brink.  I know we have heard the experience argument before, but I'm sorry Senator; that dog just won't hunt this time.

[Jerseyrules]

So...  Who is moderating this debate?..

Lincoln Douglas.  See, Napoleon, I told you we could be civil in Lincoln-Douglas.

[Jerseyrules]

So...  Who is moderating this debate?..

Lincoln Douglas.  See, Napoleon, I told you we could be civil in Lincoln-Douglas.

I was always up for a one on one debate.

Oh yes.  Well, I think one more wouldn't be too hectic.  Anyway, as I said, I we've all heard the experience argument before, and I admire experience, but I'm sorry senator, that dog just won't hunt this time.

[Jerseyrules]

You can say that all you want but it doesn't erase the fact that many of us remember the disaster following an election where ideology and party affiliation were the only factors contributing to the candidate's victory. My experience, competence and creativity are certainly more valuable to the future of this region than simple ideology. Voters who want to see this region flourish once again can take comfort in knowing that I will set a new standard for the Governor's office. If elected, I will be more prepared for this job than any Governor since, I suppose, AndrewCT (although I guess he is Governor now too). Throughout my terms as Senator I've remained in close touch with regional government. I've been involved consistently but I'm ready to do more.

I admire your qualifications, Senator, and as I have said I admire you.  I do not accuse you of being out-of-touch, nor do I suggest that you love this region less than I.  I merely believe that people are craving a fresh face and new ideas.  Now, Senator, can we focus on more pressing issues, such as state budgets and abortion?

[Jerseyrules]

You were also forced to remove your name from consideration due to an abysmal track record.

?  I would welcome him to a debate, though I don't agree with his past.

[Jerseyrules]

I'm proposing reforms to promote activity, reforms to how the legislature works, reform to how tax and budget policies work, and you want to talk about abortion? Okay...where do you stand on abortion, Representative?

Alright, I didn't know that was pressing.  On abortion, I consider myself pro-life, while not being an extremist.  I believe that partial-birth abortion is horrible, and would not be necessary if we keep abortion and the morning-after pill safe, legal, and rare.  While I confess that I don't have much in mind for legislative reform, I was going to talk about balanced budgets, etc.  I'd like to enact a proposal, and in fact I proposed this to the legislature, which would require holding spending at or below inflation, and requiring a 2/3 majority to increase taxes.  I believe this is an efficient way to keep spending low and stop the expansion of tax rates.

[Jerseyrules]

All that does is tie our hands and prevent us from effectively managing economic circumstances. That's too extreme for an environmentally conscious, business-friendly region. The chance of the legislature passing a pro-life bill is 0%.

Well I appreciate your cancern, Senator, but in extraordinary circumstances tax hikes can still be passed, they just require a 2/3 majority, as they should.  This would ensure bipartisan support for any tax increases.

[Jerseyrules]

Has that policy ever worked?

It hasn't ever been tried

[Jerseyrules]

I'll be back in about an hour or so.