CD4 Debate, Pt 2: Entitlement, Healthcare, Energy

Editor's note: The eNewsAZ Network sites will be presenting each question individually from the College Republicans' CD4 debate, complete with full answers and rebuttals. It's a chance for people to study the candidates and their answers. The questions will be spread out over the next several days.

The April 20, 2012 Congressional District 4 debate was sponsored by the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University College Republicans. Yavapai County Supervisor Tom Thurman was the moderator for participants Congressman Paul Gosar, Senator Ron Gould and Sheriff Paul Babeu. The first half of the evening, Thurman asked questions that were already prepared. In the second half, questions came from the audience.

Q3: Entitlements

The third question asked, "How can we get entitlement reform?" Gosar noted that while we have to keep our commitments, we also have to look for reforms going forward. Gould referred to some hard choices he was part of making in the Arizona legislature. And Babeu took the opportunity to pointedly question Gosar's vote on raising the debt ceiling. This question would become a theme for Babeu throughout the evening. That's ok, Gosar came back with a dig at Babeu's handling of the Sheriff's Office budget, which Babeu had to answer in his rebuttal. Hmmm... from entitlements to the Sheriff's budget in one question?

Order of speaking: Gosar, Gould, Babeu; Rebuttal: Gosar, Gould, Babeu.

Q4: Healthcare

"How do we get healthcare reform in America?" was the question asked this time around. Gould took a little different approach to this question than the other candidates.

Order of speaking: Babeu, Gould, Gosar

Q5: Energy and Gas

This question discussed jobs and energy, but veered way, way off into other areas. Babeu took more jabs Gosar's vote on the debt ceiling. What are they going to do about energy? Who knows? They mostly forgot to talk about that.

Order of speaking: Babeu, Gould, Gosar; Rebuttal: Gould, Gosar.

The Context

On July 29, 2011, Congressman Gosar issued a weekly column discussing the budget, the debt limit and other related issues. You can read that here: Gosar: Enough is Enough He also issued the following statement:

Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-01) voted tonight to support the Boehner plan, the Budget Control Act. The Congressman had the following statement regarding his vote:

"I've said all along, default is not an option for our country. The plan that offered the best solution was Cut, Cap and Balance, however, the Senate refused to even vote on that. We are forced to provide a compromise, which Speaker Boehner has forged that overall cuts more in spending than gives in debt ceiling increases. This conservative plan still moves the nation on a path to fiscal responsibility."

"A year ago Congress only talked about tax increases and more failed stimulus plans. Now we are talking about, and voting on, measures that restore fiscal sanity. We are moving our country forward."

On August 1, 2011, he issued this statement, in explanation of his vote:

"Our nation's debt and spending crisis is like a super tanker. In order to bring a supertanker to a stop, its engines are typically cut off about 15 miles from port. In order to change direction even slightly, the captain has to start the maneuver miles ahead of time. The current bill is a change in direction. But we cannot stop this "supertanker of debt" tonight, in one vote. Our Supertanker of Debt was created over the last 10 years or more. We cannot undo a decade of wasteful spending in one night. I plan on voting for the Budget Control Act tonight even though it is far from perfect. We cannot expect perfection when the Senate and the White House is fighting us on even acknowledging the severity of the problem. The Senate has not even passed a budget in 824 days.

I preferred the Cut, Cap and Balance Act. I heard the people loud and clear. This bill is far from perfect, but it is actually a milestone of progress. The people spoke in November and sent me to DC. We have heard you. We will continue to listen."

Next: Iran, Education, Concealed Carry

What did you think about the candidates' responses to these questions? Do you agree, disagree? Did you like one response better than another? Let us hear from you in the comment section below.