Gilchrest, six challengers debate, gently


January 21, 2008


By Kristen Wyatt - WYE MILLS, Md. (AP) — Economic worries, Iraq and illegal aliens were the major issues in a crowded but congenial debate yesterday for Maryland's 1st Congressional District.

Seven candidates — four Democrats and three Republicans — shared the stage at Chesapeake College and talked with about 100 voters for about 90 minutes. The candidates did not question each other and avoided attacks. They instead spent most of the forum outlining their plans to improve the economy, boost access to health care and address immigration.

The candidates included Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest, a nine-term incumbent being challenged by two Republican state senators. Mr. Gilchrest is one of two Republicans to vote last year for a timeline for withdrawal from Iraq, and he used the debate to reassure voters he supports U.S. troops.

Mr. Gilchrest said the troop surge in Iraq "has been successful" and credited "the stunning competence of the American military."

He and several of his rivals also said illegal aliens in the country are a national issue and vowed to work in Congress to resolve the problem.

"We've let the borders go haywire," said Robert Joseph Banks, Baltimore County Republican and a former orphans' court judge. Mr. Banks called for "phased-in deportation" of illegals and concluded, "No amnesty for anyone. It's that simple."

All of the candidates at the debate called for better federal enforcement of immigration laws.

"We need to make sure whatever we do recognizes we are a nation of immigrants ... but we need to enforce our laws, said Frank M. Kratovil Jr., Democrat front-runner and Queen Anne's County state's attorney.

Democrat Joseph Werner took a stronger tack.

"It's destroying our way of life," he said of illegal aliens. "It's not helping us, and it's not helping illegals."

Several voters asked the candidates what they planned to do to help the economy.

Sen. Andrew P. Harris, Baltimore County Republican, said taxes should be cut. Mr. Gilchrest called for more "American ingenuity" to compete globally, along with Social Security and Medicare improvements to help senior citizens struggling to pay the bills.

The only tense moments of the debate came when a voter in the audience told Mr. Harris he shouldn't be affiliated with the Club for Growth, a national player in Republican politics that advocates free-market, limited-government policies.

Mr. Harris replied that he was proud to be endorsed by the group, and a moderator successfully quieted the voter, who interrupted Mr. Harris several times.

The candidates spoke to one another in a friendly and reserved manner. Mr. Kratovil called Mr. Gilchrest "a good man," and the candidates spent the crowded debate time talking up their plans, not mentioning their opponents.

"It's all talk," Mr. Kratovil concluded at the end of the debate. "The question is, who can get it done?"

Sen. E.J. Pipkin, Caroline County Republican, planned to attend the debate but did not show up because of a scheduling conflict. Pipkin campaign manager Chris Brown said the candidate's daughter was in a skating competition.


www.washingtontimes.com