Democrats, Republicans debate in First District

First District Debate: In Wye MillsWYE MILLS - Democratic and Republican candidates competing in the race to serve Maryland in the First Congressional District participated in a debate this afternoon here at Chesapeake College.

Seven candidates, including Republicans Wayne Gilchrest, Andy Harris, and Robert Banks, along with Democrats Frank Kratovil, Christopher Robinson, Steve Harper, and Joseph Werner were present. GOP candidates E.J. Pipkin and Joe Arminio were absent.

The debate focused on a variety of issues, including the war in Iraq, illegal immigration, health care, the deficit, and the environment. Audience members posed questions to the candidates throughout the course of the event.

On the war, Gilchrest, the incumbent, said the military surge has been a "success," but said a "dialogue" should begin with leaders' in countries like Iran and Syria. He also said the U.S. should pursue a "relentless peace agreement" between the Israelis and Palestinians, which would help bring stability to the Middle East.

The Republicans: Judge Robert Banks, Rep. Wayne Gilchrest and Sen. Andy HarrisHarris, a conservative state senator fighting to unseat Gilchrest, said "spending" was the cause of the ballooning U.S. deficit, and called for tax cuts to stem the problem. He said tax cuts would "grow the economy" out of the deficit "like Ronald Reagan did."

There was a heated moment during the debate when an angry audience member challenged Harris and asked him to defend large contributions that he received from political action committees (PACs) like the Club for Growth and the Eagle Forum.

Pipkin's seat: Republicans Sen. E.J. Pipkin and Joe Arminio did not attendA calm Harris said he was "proud" to receive support from the Club for Growth, saying the organization was a leader in "free enterprise." He also said he agreed with the Eagle Forum's pro-life position and stance against gay marriage.

Banks, a judge, challenged Gilchrest, saying the congressman "would not change Maryland's abortion laws." In what was perhaps a reference to Harris, Banks said he "would not be a congressman for the special interests." Banks admitted he was a "long-shot candidate."

Kratovil, the favorite to win the Democratic nomination, said the "economy" was quickly becoming "the number one issue" in the country. He said a cut in the interest rate would "spur growth."

Kratovil, the state's attorney for Queen Anne's County, also said "middle class and small business tax cuts" would spur growth. He said tax cuts for the wealthy and for big businesses would be "irresponsible" with a large deficit.

Robinson, a lawyer, said he was a "strong advocate" for "early withdrawal" of American troops from Iraq, saying a safe withdrawal could be completed "within 18 months." Robinson cited the lack of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, along with the death of Saddam Hussein and the formation of an elected Iraqi government as reasons for his position.

The Democrats: Steve Harper, Frank Kratovil, Christopher Robinson and Joseph WernerOn the environment, Werner said he would vote for a hypothetical measure improving fuel efficiency standards. The attorney also said a "carbon tax" would be the best solution to limiting carbon emissions.

Harper, a former Foreign Service Officer, said the U.S. needed to "take care of the less fortunate" when asked about the 47 million Americans who do not have health insurance. He said a "single-payer system" would "probably" be the most effective solution.

Gilchrest, for his part, said advances in stem cell research could "revolutionize health care." The congressman advocated his strong support for stem cell research.

When asked about the illegal immigration debate, Harris said "entitlements for illegal immigrants" should "not be expanded."

Kratovil reminded the audience that the United States was "a nation of immigrants." He said the nations' immigration policies should be "tough but fair," saying the current immigration system had become too difficult for those seeking to come to the country legally.

He also said "action" should be taken "against those not here legally," adding that the debate "should not become a racial issue."

Each of the candidates expressed support for the improvement of environmental standards in the Chesapeake Bay.

"Much of the degradation of the bay comes from development and human activity," Gilchrest said.

The congressman said "technology" could improve the bay, helping to clean pollution and improve air quality. Gilchrest said the state needed "the political will" to improve the situation.

The Republican and Democratic primaries are scheduled for Feb. 12.