Carolinian

Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: Campus News

Media Credit: COURTESY OF JOSUE A. ROMAN Jim Neal speaks with Carolinian News Editor Stephanie Patton after the debate.

Spartan TV made news Tuesday evening when it hosted the first televised Democratic senatorial debate. Among the debaters were State Senator Kay Hagan, businessman Mr. Jim Neal, podiatrist Dr. Howard Staley, and attorney Marcus Williams, all fighting for Senator Elizabeth Dole's seat.

The debate touched on a number of top issues in North Carolina, including the economy, gas prices, the war in Iraq, and healthcare. However, the discussion did not stop there, as there was also talk of gays in the military and experiences on the campaign trail.

The candidates were mostly in agreement on issues with the economy, believing it important to ensure jobs pay a living salary and to build a framework that makes education affordable.

In regards to high gas prices, all the candidates seemed to agree that the country's current situation is unacceptable. When asked if they supported President Bush's plan to tap into Alaskan reserves, Hagan was unsure.

"How much oil is there and how long will it last?" Hagan asked. "I'm going to read up on the material and look over the costs and benefits."

However, all the other candidates said they would not support the plan.

"I do not support drilling [in Alaska]. Our situation has more to do with monetary policy," explained Staley. "Borrowing has raised the price of fuel and oil … we have oil available. We're just paying a lot for it."

Williams did not feel the plan's resources would be enough.

"It would be 10 years until oil would flow, and the price [of gas] would only lower one cent," said Williams. "We need to go where the oil is and try to leverage a result that would reduce this permanently."

Neal disagreed with Williams, believing it important for America not to depend on foreign oil.

"We need a long term plan to wean us off foreign oil. We have a bigger agenda … the war in Iraq," claimed Neal. "Oil markets react to signals and the signals we're sending are not about aggressive action."

In addition, candidates disagreed on funding the war in Iraq and on exactly how to get the troops home.

"I will never cut off funding in order to end this war," said Hagan. "We have got to take care of the troops … We have got to tell the Iraqi government and people they need to take care of their own country."

Continued...

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