Hodes, Horn Debate in Henniker

By Josh Rogers on Monday, September 22, 2008.

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The candidates clashed sharply over the economy, social security and taxes.

The candidates agreed on little during the hour long debate, and the scope and scale of their differences was apparent from the outset. Asked about the 700 million dollar federal bailout of financial firms, and its root causes, Paul Hodes had his explanation..

“We got here because Bush administration regulators didn’t do their job. Had they stopped the predatory lending in the sub-prime market, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today. “

And Jennifer Horn had hers.

“At the core of this problem, what we have is a broad based economic problem that starts with the fact that the government does not have its financial house in order. The government spends too much money. It does not leave enough money in our own pockets.”

And on issues like health care and embryonic stem cell research the arguments were also stark. Hodes favors expanding the s-chip insurance program to cover more people, and federal investment in embryonic stem cell research. Horn opposes both. When asked how best to shore up social security, Jennifer Horn said she would push to allow people to invest privately.

“I think there have to be choices. I’m not suggesting that we replace social security with private accounts. I think people should have the option to invest in that direction was well.”

The proposal drew a quick rebuke from the incumbent.

“I ask anyone here to imagine if social security funds were invested in the roller coaster of stock market over the past few weeks. Were would we be?”

A few minutes later, Hodes launched a similar attack on Horn’s tax proposal, although with substantially less precision.

“Imaginig that those on fixed income are going to pay 17 percent on everything that you buy. I don’t get the idea. I just don’t’ get it.”

“Let me help him get it, and there is a line you draw those below which they pay nothing. That will make it easier for you to get it.”

After the debate, both candidates seemed confident they had carried the day. Paul Hodes told reporters that Jennifer Horn’s positions on the largest issues are too simplistic.

“It really does require a broader grasp of the way things work, both at home and the culture of Washington that needs to be changed to make things happen.”

Horn, for her part, countered that Hodes’s record as a candidate of change is marked by what she says is a remarkable fealty to Democratic party bosses.

“ He ran on the mantle of change and has voted 98 percent of the time with his party. I don’t know on what issue he’s willing to stand up and fight for, because he hasn’t stood up and fought for anything yet.”

Jennifer Horn and Paul Hodes next debate is slated for Manchester on October 17th.