MD-8 challengers unload on Van Hollen, despite his absence

Gordon Clark (left), Steve Hudson, Bill Parsons, Deborah Vollmer and Lih Young: Politicker Photo 

ROCKVILLE -- Just because he was absent, doesn't mean Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D) wasn't the 600-pound gorilla in the room at Thursday's debate. Van Hollen, required to attend an impromptu caucus meeting on an emergency financial program, sent legislative director Bill Parsons in his stead. And the challengers, all eager to give the incumbent a piece of their mind, were forced to settle for the stand-in.

The 8th Congressional District hopefuls included Green Party member Gordon Clark, Republican Steve Hudson and Democrats Deborah Vollmer and Lih Young - both write-in candidates.

"Chris Van Hollen advocates for policies that don't meet our needs and many instances I believe take us in the exact opposite direction that we need to go," said Clark.

Clark then accused Van Hollen of being too close to the corporations and industries that fund his campaign - a talking point he used frequently.

"Are you better off than you were six years ago when Chris Van Hollen came into office?" said Hudson. "I think the answer is no."

Hudson called the current Congress one of the worst "in the history of government."

Vollmer had a few issues with Van Hollen as well, but her main beef was with the war in Iraq.

"I don't think Mr. Van Hollen's a hawk, but he's got a mixed record," she said. "We need a leader, we need a leader who will vote against all funding for the war in Iraq and will bring our troops home."

Young spent most of the evening explaining her philosophies and praising America's strengths. Her message, she said, was "challenge and change."

Parson vouched for Van Hollen's six year record, noting he's served the Kensington Democrat for five years.

"He's spent every day trying to provide responsive, responsible, properly prioritized, forward looking representation for this district he serves," Parsons said.

Candidates would often speak heatedly against Van Hollen, but Parsons rarely flinched. He sat relaxed and calm - rarely looking at or responding to other candidates. Parsons spent his time detailing Van Hollen's positions and policies.

During closing remarks, however, Parsons took his allotted two minutes to counter certain claims - many of which were made by Clark.

But Clark took his two minutes to turn it up a notch and the crowd responded energetically.

"I would be happy to rebut Mr. Van Hollen if Mr. Van Hollen ever appears to come into public," said Clark.

The debate was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County and Friends of the Rockville Library. It will be rebroadcast over the weekend on Access Montgomery channels 19 and 21.