In 2008, Representative Jim McGovern ran for his Congressional seat unopposed. In 2010, there are five Republicans who want to run against him for that seat. The five potential candidates met for a debate at the North Attleboro High School last night. The Republican primary will be held on September 14th.
The Sun Chronicle (Attleboro, Massachusetts, newspaper) ran a story on the debate this morning. The candidates were Robert Chipman of Plainville, Brian Herr of Hopkinton, Marty Lamb of Holliston, Michael Stopa, and Robert Delle. The format for the debate was simple--Kevin Poirier moderated and asked the questions. Each candidate was give a minute to answer the question.
When discussing the repeal (and replace) of the Obama healthcare plan all of the candidates favored repeal and replace. Michael Stopa pointed out the the original Massachusetts healthcare plan passed under Governor Dukakis was not funded by the Massachusetts legislature and thus never implemented. That model could be very easily used to get rid of Obamacare.
When the question of English as a national language came up, Marty Lamb took a strong stand supporting the issue. He pointed out the encouraging literacy is a good thing for all immigrants.
When asked about the problem of illegal immigrants and the recently passed Arizona law, Marty Lamb pointed out that his campaign has released a seven-point program for dealing with immigration.
Various ideas on cutting spending were proposed. Marty Lamb mentioned that his campaign has released a ten-point program for dealing with the deficit. Up until last night, Marty Lamb was the only one of the candidates that had signed the "No New Taxes" pledge.
I am supporting Marty Lamb in this primary campaign. His stands on the issues have been carefully thought out, and he expresses them well. One person commented after the debate last night that she believed Marty Lamb is the candidate most able to challenge Jim McGovern in the coming election. I agree.
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