10 Questions for 10th District Candidates

Promoted from archives. Consider this an open thread on how a Democrat can win the 10th Congressional race.

I asked ten questions of the Democratic candidates running for the open seat in the 10th Congressional District. I asked Denise Freeman; Terry Holley; James Marlow; and Evita Passchal. Below the fold are the answers I have received. I will add others if they are submitted.

From Terry Holley:

1. What are your ties to the 10th Congressional district and how do they make you a better candidate than the others running?

I am a native of Columbia County and have lived here for most of my life. My parents live here as well as my brothers and my wife’s family. My father retired from the VA Hospital, served as a Justice of the Peace, and we had a farm of cattle and hogs while I was growing up. My mother was a telephone operator and then opened a beauty shop when we started to school. Both of my parents were very active in their church and taught me working class values that describe who I am. I went to high school here and returned to teach in the schools of Columbia County. After eleven years in education, I went into business and have been a small businessman for the past 20 years. We work here, worship here, and live here. This area is my home and I am proud of it. We are active members of our church and I have been privileged to serve as a Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Worker, and Choir Director. During my teaching career, I was faculty advisor for the Interact Club, which is sponsored by Rotary International, also, I served as a Webelos Cub Scout advisor, and later, as senior advisor for a post of 65-70 Explorer Scouts while teaching in Richmond County. These kids learned how to snow ski, rapel down a cliff, explore caves, do ropes courses, and learn about “leadership and followship”.

2. How long have you been politically active? What prompted your pariticipation?

Politically, I have served as the county chair for the Democratic Party in Columbia County, the Director for the Georgia Association of County Chairs, and Congressional District Chair for the 9th and later the 10th District. I currently serve on the Executive Board for the Democratic Party of Georgia. My roots politically are grassroots. I believe in the farm team and that our candidates should be “rooted” in this district and should be actively involved in perpetuating our grassroots efforts. I believe in the Democrats who still think that parades, festivals, spaghetti dinners, envelope packing parties, phone canvassing and yard signs are still important. I served as Columbia County Chair for former U.S. Senator Max Cleland in 2002 and helped all state candidates in their district efforts last November when they asked for help. What sets me apart is that I know our schools because my wife is a teacher in Columbia County schools and because I have children in those schools, in addition to being a former educator. I know our transportation needs because I have been up and down the 10th District many times and have taken the time to stop and talk with people about our roads, traffic congestion, and I-3. And, not only did I speak with the folks in the street, but I went to the local newspaper editors to hear what they had to say. I understand what the people talk about when we speak of healthcare needs because I have met with nurses and doctors from our local hospitals to learn more and have toured the Eisenhower Hospital at Ft. Gordon in Augusta to learn about conditions affecting veterans before the Walter Reed debacle. I knew that conditions and equipment needed updating and oversight so that when I speak of these conditions, I can speak knowledgeably. I am running because I believe one must have a leader’s head and a servant’s heart to be committed to public service. I have only one political special interest and that is the people of the 10th District. These are the reasons I am running. Because it’s about us, all of us, not just me.

3. If a Democrat wins the 10th district seat, Democrats will be in the majority in the Georgia Congressional delegation. What efforts do you have planned to assure further Democratic gains in Georgia?

The shift of power in the Congressional Delegation to 7-6 is one of the most important aspects of this race. I have emphasized it over and over that this is like winning not one seat, but 7. We as a state can have so much more if we win this one. As I’m traveling the district and listen to the needs of each county, I am reminded of just how big of an impact this transition could make. My plans are added to daily particularly as regards housing, job development, and education. When we’re in the majority, we can enlarge the farm team I spoke of earlier because Democrats will have renewed hope. Just like when the 110th Congress came under the control of Democrats there was a renewed interest in our county parties.

4 How will you help Georgia Democrats up and down the ballot in 2008? (Whether or not you are elected to serve in the 10th district.)

My credentials show that I am a worker. I believe that the grunge work, the hard work is the most important and positive work. I always stand ready to help any true Democrat. I relish the day when we go from a beet red state to a bright blue one and I will continue to avail myself to our party and its ticket. I was working before this race came up and I’ll be working after this race is won.

5. What are the three issues that you will focus on should you win?

The most obvious issue is the war, the second is a viable healthcare plan, and the third is economic development. I have emphasized that we must tie appropriations to an exit strategy for the war. This President has not been listening and as the Congress appropriates all monies, we must let him know that we respect him, but he is accountable to the Congress for funding and that we will be informed and we will not negate his promise to turn this situation over to the Iraqi government as promised as soon as possible. All war appropriations should be earmarked with an exit strategy. Concerning healthcare, I propose that we go to a single payer system as has been presented to the Congress by Rep. John Conyers. It is a reasonable solution that will help a broken system. Every American deserves healthcare, particularly our children. We can offer good jobs to people if we pay attention to economic development. We’re not talking entitlement. For example, I believe that we should work on building an elevated rail system in the middle of our Interstate highways. For every 1 billion dollars spent on transportation, there is a return of 58 million jobs. We can connect this state and other states, provide reasonable transportation to our elderly, and reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.

6. What are your views on the Iraq War? What possible solutions do you bring to the table?

The Iraqi War must be first on our agenda as a Congress to resolve. We must remove ourselves from this conflict by allowing the Iraqi government to be responsible for their country. We went into this war with poor information, a lack of the best in basic weaponry, a many broken promises. We have turned it into a mecca for defense contractors and those who profit at the expense of our middle class. We have overworked our soldiers and brought our injured home to far less than what was promised. Our national guard has been worn out and our national pride has been injured. We need responsive action from people who can lead with common sense and urgency to a downward spiraling condition that is out of control. We should have removed the government of Iraq without destroying so much of the infrastructure and removing their police force and then, quickly deployed to Afghanistan. I believe that most of the American people feel misled and that this is an unwinnable situation. As I said earlier, we need to tie appropriations to an exit strategy and remove ourselves from this fiasco.

7. Our country is desperate for innovative approaches to energy policy. What do you have to offer?

Certainly we can do the simple things to conserve energy such as changing the filters in our homes and utilizing light bulbs and appliances that are more efficient. But, we really need to look at the future. Solar panels, wind turbines, and biofuels are the answer to our needs.

8. Young Democrats are a vital and dynamic force in our party. How will you help them to engage in the political process?

I have said it before. We need to encourage young people to be involved and be positive about their work. I believe in the farm team and grassroots. We must have an army of young dems in training to help us and then one day be ready to take our jobs.

9. If the Democratic National Committee or The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee steps up to support one of your opponents, will you step out of the race?

Unfortunately, the DNC and the DCCC have been hesitant to help us in the past. They view this as a red district and seem adamant in that regard. Part of the homework assignment for running is to find out where they stand when you begin to run, not when you’re coming down the last quarter mile. While I certainly would welcome their involvement, we would need to discuss it.

10. Georgia Aquarium or Callaway Gardens?

Well, I could use half a day at each one.

From James Marlow:

1. What are your ties to the 10th Congressional district and how do they make you a better candidate than the others running?

I was fortunate to grow up in Lincolnton in a loving family that was dedicated to improving the lives of people in this community. My father, Buddy, served as Mayor of Lincolnton. My mother, LaVina, has been a pillar of the Lincolnton community and the Lincolnton Baptist Church. Growing up in Lincolnton, I learned the dedication to family, faith, and service that drives me today. I work everyday to instill these same values in my four sons, Tyler, Zachary, Parker and Carson.

You can read more about why I am running at http://www.marlowforgeorgia.com/whyimrunning.html.

2. How long have you been politically active? What prompted your pariticipation?

I have been interested in politics as long as I can remember. When I was in college, I had the honor of serving as a Congressional Intern for U.S. Congressman Doug Barnard, who then represented Northeast Georgia. I also helped Roy Barnes in his 1990 campaign for Governor.

I am interested in politics because I wish to fulfill the words from John Wesley that my mother shared with me when I was growing up: “to do all the good you can for all the people you can.” I am following a calling to serve.

3. If a Democrat wins the 10th district seat, Democrats will be in the majority in the Georgia Congressional delegation. What efforts do you have planned to assure further Democratic gains in Georgia?

By using my business experience to bring innovative, yet common sense solutions to the people of the Tenth District, I believe that I can help other Democrats by helping reshape the party. I am running a high tech campaign by using new technology to reach as many people as possible. I believe that this approach can help Democrats get elected.

4. How will you help Georgia Democrats up and down the ballot in 2008? (Whether or not you are elected to serve in the 10th district.)

Whether as a candidate or as a loyal Democrat, I’ll continue to push for common sense, innovative solutions to the problems that face everyday Georgians. I will also encourage my colleagues to not play partisan games but to promote the interests of their constituents. By doing this, Democrats up and down the ballot will be elected.

5. What are the three issues that you will focus on should you win?

1. I will work everyday to bring our involvement in Iraq to an end as quickly as we can, while also protecting our national interests in the region and the world.

2. I will work to make sure our children have the educational foundation to succeed in the 21st century. The American Dream must be bigger and brighter for our children and grandchildren than it was for our generation – that’s the promise of our nation to our future generations.

3. I will work to have affordable health care for everyone, especially our children. It is a requirement to compete in a global economy. I also believe that the research institutions in the Tenth District, like the University of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia, can lead the way for solving many of our nation’s problems in health care.

You can read more about my stance on issues here: http://www.marlowforgeorgia.com/issues.html.

6. What are your views on the Iraq War? What possible solutions do you bring to the table?

I will vote to support efforts that strike at our enemies when necessary. The defense of our nation is my top priority.

I promise to support our troops. That means not putting them in the wrong place at the wrong time in the wrong numbers. It means taking care of them when they return home wounded. It means providing them body armor and shielding for their Humvees while they’re in the field.

I will work everyday to bring our involvement in Iraq to an honorable end as quickly as we can, while also protecting our national interests in the region and the world.

I support the recommendations of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group. We must establish clear goals for our military involvement in Iraq.

Again, you can read more about my stance on issues here: http://www.marlowforgeorgia.com/issues.html.

7. Our country is desperate for innovative approaches to energy policy. What do you have to offer?

We can’t have national security or economic security without energy independence. I believe that until our nation commits ourselves to becoming energy independent, we doom ourselves to being at the mercy of rogue leaders in unstable regions around the globe. During the coming months of the campaign, I will present a more detailed plan for how to do just that.

8. Young Democrats are a vital and dynamic force in our party. How will you help them to engage in the political process?

I am well aware of how active and involved the Young Democrats are in campaigns across our State, and I want you to know that I have already reached out to the Young Dems chapter here in Athens and spoke at their meeting the first week of April. I will continue to reach out to the YDs and have them play a role in my campaign.

9. If the Democratic National Committee or The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee steps up to support one of your opponents, will you step out of the race?

At this point the campaign is moving full steam ahead. We are excited to have the support of the Democratic County Chairs of the Tenth District, the Georgia State AFL-CIO, and the Atlanta-North Georgia Labor Council.

10. Georgia Aquarium or Callaway Gardens?

A great day would be to visit Callaway Gardens in the morning and the Georgia Aquarium in the afternoon once it gets hot. I love the outdoors and the being on, in or under the water. They are both wonderful places to visit. Georgia has so many great natural wonders and the 10th District is home to many of the best Рour lakes and mountain streams are beautiful and you just can’t beat hiking in North Georgia. I will work to promote the natural treasures of the Tenth District like Tallulah Falls, the State Botanical Gardens in Athens, and Lake Oconee.