South Dakota House candidates meet in first debate
Posted: Thursday, August 21, 2008
MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) -- Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin said her background and experience make her the better choice for South Dakota's lone U.S. House seat, but GOP challenger Chris Lien countered that Congress needs a dose of business sense that he can offer.
The two candidates debated Wednesday under a big green-and-white tent at the Dakotafest farm show near Mitchell.
Herseth Sandlin, who was elected in 2004, said her childhood on the family farm near Houghton and her background as a lawyer give her experience needed to draft and pass legislation that represents South Dakotans well.
"I understand the way of life, the joys that it brings, the planning for the future, passing the farm or ranch off to the next generation," she said. "That's why every day over the last four years I've gone to Congress and worked for your way of life."
Lien, who also is a lawyer, said he's making his first bid for public office because his involvement in the family mining and manufacturing business gives him decision-making and budgeting skills that Congress could use.
"Growing up in a family business has taught me a simple thing: The goal of our legislators should be to look out for the next generation, not just the next election," he said.
The two candidates took questions on mostly non-farm-related issues and agreed on much, including support for federal spending cuts, reducing the federal budget deficit, expanded oil drilling, the Hyperion oil refinery near Elk Point and opposition to national health care.
Lien said part of the problem with Congress is lumping legislation together. He said he would separate energy projects, for example, and deal with them apart from other issues.
"We need to look at it on a single-issue basis," Lien said.
Herseth Sandlin said that's unrealistic.
"Anyone who thinks that focusing on one particular issue is going to solve our nation's energy process doesn't understand the process," she said.
Both candidates also said the bailout of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae was justified because of the threat to the economy.
Herseth Sandlin said the problem was largely caused by a lack of governmental oversight. Numerous people in finance, real estate and others said the legislation was needed, she said.
Lien said it's another bailout using taxpayer money and was important to stabilize the housing market, but it goes contrary to the way business works.
"Congress needs to understand the discipline that if you make a bad decision you have to deal with those consequences and it's not always at the cost of taxpayers," he said.
Anessa Klumb of Mitchell, who attended the debate, said she's supporting Lien.
"I think Stephanie needs to focus on her family first," she said of Herseth Sandlin, who is expecting her first child.
First-time candidates such as Lien have ambition but Herseth Sandlin has demonstrated how to work with members of both parties, said Paul Widman, whose wife, Betty, agreed the difference between the candidates was clear.
"You have to be able to work with not only your side of the aisle but also the other side," he said.
The two candidates debated Wednesday under a big green-and-white tent at the Dakotafest farm show near Mitchell.
Herseth Sandlin, who was elected in 2004, said her childhood on the family farm near Houghton and her background as a lawyer give her experience needed to draft and pass legislation that represents South Dakotans well.
"I understand the way of life, the joys that it brings, the planning for the future, passing the farm or ranch off to the next generation," she said. "That's why every day over the last four years I've gone to Congress and worked for your way of life."
Lien, who also is a lawyer, said he's making his first bid for public office because his involvement in the family mining and manufacturing business gives him decision-making and budgeting skills that Congress could use.
"Growing up in a family business has taught me a simple thing: The goal of our legislators should be to look out for the next generation, not just the next election," he said.
The two candidates took questions on mostly non-farm-related issues and agreed on much, including support for federal spending cuts, reducing the federal budget deficit, expanded oil drilling, the Hyperion oil refinery near Elk Point and opposition to national health care.
Lien said part of the problem with Congress is lumping legislation together. He said he would separate energy projects, for example, and deal with them apart from other issues.
"We need to look at it on a single-issue basis," Lien said.
Herseth Sandlin said that's unrealistic.
"Anyone who thinks that focusing on one particular issue is going to solve our nation's energy process doesn't understand the process," she said.
Both candidates also said the bailout of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae was justified because of the threat to the economy.
Herseth Sandlin said the problem was largely caused by a lack of governmental oversight. Numerous people in finance, real estate and others said the legislation was needed, she said.
Lien said it's another bailout using taxpayer money and was important to stabilize the housing market, but it goes contrary to the way business works.
"Congress needs to understand the discipline that if you make a bad decision you have to deal with those consequences and it's not always at the cost of taxpayers," he said.
Anessa Klumb of Mitchell, who attended the debate, said she's supporting Lien.
"I think Stephanie needs to focus on her family first," she said of Herseth Sandlin, who is expecting her first child.
First-time candidates such as Lien have ambition but Herseth Sandlin has demonstrated how to work with members of both parties, said Paul Widman, whose wife, Betty, agreed the difference between the candidates was clear.
"You have to be able to work with not only your side of the aisle but also the other side," he said.
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