By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-920772.mp3
Glens Falls, NY – The first debate in the race for New York's 20th Congressional District seat was held last night in Glens Falls. Capital District bureau Chief Dave Lucas was there and files this report.
About a hundred people attended the debate at the Hyde Art Museum. The candidates had been invited by the Adirondack Region Chamber of Commerce's Young Professionals Organization. Democratic incumbent Congressman Scott Murphy, hails from Glens Falls His Republican challenger, Chris Gibson, a Republican, lives in Kinderhook. Each candidate made opening and closing remarks; and both were given two minutes to answer questions from the debate moderator. Murphy and Gibson agreed on many of the issues, but "agreed to disagree" when questioned about Health Care Reform.
Throughout the evening, the audience politely observed a "no applause" request put forward at the onset of the exchange... Both candidates favored keeping the present Social Security system intact. Murphy and Gibson generally agreed on America's War Policy involving Iraq and Afghanistan and the use of nuclear power as way of decreasing dependence on foreign energy products. Following the on-stage exchange, the candidates went outdoors to speak with the media. Gibson was most concerned about fat government, taxes and the recession economy. Murphy concentrated on jobs, and the economy.
Murphy and Gibson both emanate folksy "man of the people" personas: Murphy was a Businessman, a political newcomer when he beat Republican Jim Tedisco for Kirsten Gillibrand's seat in Congress... Gibson, a retired Army colonel, is the "newcomer" in this race.
Each candidate was enthusiastic about holding more debates. Gibson said he would like to have one in each county in the district. So far, none are scheduled.