The Behrend beacon. (Erie, Pa.) 1998-current, October 24, 2008, Image 3

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    Friday, October 24, 2008
Republican incumbent Phil English
LOCAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
from front page
was important because even though
they're just running for Congress, it all
relates to the big picture."
Many similarities were evident and
reminiscent of the presidential candi
dates, in both substance and demeanor.
Dahlkemper's views paralleled Obama's
in many cases, but she did not speak with
the eloquence or calm of her Democratic
counterpart. Likewise, English has con
tinued to cite himself as an "independent
voice" in Congress, a phrase tangentially
related to McCain's maverick message,
speaking with a more easing pace and
rhythm similar to Obama's tone.
The questions asked in the hour long
debate ran a diverse gamut of subjects,
ranging from the recent federal financial
bailout to terroristic threats, home and
abroad.
On the subject of the national debt and
spending in Congress, the two butted
heads over who had helped bolster the
r Et , lAI • a tl WQLN .tud c. d ht. Er
Dahlke
WQLN Debate
nation's debt and who would further add
to it. Dahlkemper said that it was the
policies of both English and President
Bush that pushed the national debt from
$5 trillion eight years ago to past $lO
trillion in 2008. English replied by
accusing Dahlkemper of proposing the
highest tax increase in history.
Both candidates also accused their
rival of copying the other's energy plans.
When Young asked a viewer's question
on the subject of alternative energy
plans. Dahlkemper reacted to English's
response by calling it unusually similar
to the plans she proposed when she first
launched her campaign. English retorted
with his own accusation, saying, "I think
it is flattering that my opponent says I
have been echoing her plan when she's
been echoing mine. She needs to get her
facts straight."
English and Dahlkemper were both
challenged by questions regarding why
they each felt they were qualified.
Dahlkemper said she was "not a group
ITH / The Behrend Beacon
politician... I'm a concerned citizen,"
citing her business and family life as
qualifications to represent the people of
Erie.
English fell back on his record. "You
need experience to get things done in
Congress." he said. "I think it's very
important that we have someone in
Congress who is an independent voice.-
The Behrend Beacon asked both can
didates what question they wished they
would have been asked but was not.
Dahlkemper expressed that she wished
for more economical questions while
English stated that he wanted more envi
ronmental subjects. such as ones dis
cussing global warming or nuclear
power.
Behrend students were able to talk
directly to the candidates after they left
their podiums and the program went off
the air, marking one of the last chances
for students to make up their minds
before the Nov. 4 election.
Free • Confidential
STD TESTING- WALK IN CLINIC
Erie County Department of Health
606 West Second Street
(Corner of West 2nd & (*herr) Sates%)
Monday 9:00 3M - 1 1 :00 am
Wednesday 1:00 pm :4:00 pm Thursday :00 pm - 5:0N) pm
Questions? Call 451-67(X)
The Behrend Beacon I 3
DANIEL SNIITH i lhr
Democrat Kathy Dahlkempet