Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
Stumble
Candidates for the state’s 4th Congressional District Steven Horsford, left, and Danny Tarkanian debate at Temple Sinai of Las Vegas in Summerlin Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012. The temple’s Men’s Club sponsored the debate.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 | 4:52 p.m.
Sun coverage
Related story
What began as a civil debate between U.S. congressional candidates Danny Tarkanian and Steven Horsford devolved into less-structured verbal warfare as questions were posed about the environment, taxes and Medicare.
The candidates met about 11 a.m. Sunday for the second time in less than a week to debate in the race for the newly formed 4th Congressional District seat. The debate was at the Sinai Temple Men’s Club brunch in Summerlin.
The crowd of about 80 people represented a range of ages and was largely quiet, although Howard Beckerman, second vice president of the club and the moderator of the debate — had to quiet the audience several times.
Both candidates indicated their support of Israel, but President Barack Obama’s health care bill created disagreement among the two.
“I think there are some good provisions,” said Tarkanian, a Republican. “But when you balance the positives with the negatives, it’s not even close.”
He said the bill would decrease jobs, raise taxes on the middle class and decrease the number of U.S. doctors.
Horsford, a Democrat and the majority leader of the Nevada Senate, emphasized his record as a job creator who has been able to help the state cut the budget. One of Tarkanian’s prevailing themes was what he’d do to help protect the American taxpayer.
Neither candidate delved too deeply into social issues, although Beckerman asked them about their stances on birth control and the morning-after pill.
Horsford said he supported a woman’s right to choose; Tarkanian said he respected people who had opposite opinions on the topic.
When Beckerman asked about Medicare, both candidates said they would defend the services the program provides.
“I don’t believe that we should allow our parents and grandparents to be out on their own,” Horsford said. "A voucher says, ‘Here’s a set amount of money for you to go out and meet your health care needs. Above that, you’re on your own,’ ”
Tarkanian said he would not cut benefits to seniors but has advocated GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan’s plan.
“Paul Ryan’s plan is not just a voucher plan; it’s an option,” he said, adding that it would allow people to use the voucher program or Medicare.
“Isn’t that a great way to get started?” Tarkanian said.
A scattering of dissent echoed through the crowd, prompting Beckerman to say, “My show, my rules.”
The candidates again disagreed when education was brought up.
Tarkanian said he didn't believe higher education should be a right. He said new provisions to subsidize colleges would not be wise because of the economic problems facing the country.
As the debate closed in on 50 minutes, the candidates began to argue with each other more often outside of their allotted time. During one verbal scuffle, Beckerman told the candidates to “knock it off.”
Tarkanian said he would not support initiatives to raise taxes. He said he would prefer to increase revenue in other ways, including tax-law reform that would allow everyone the same deductions while cutting down on the number of rules in the code.
Beckerman then steered the candidates to questions about Iran and Afghanistan. Both candidates agreed that strong economic sanctions must be taken against Iran, which is enriching uranium – a key step in the development of a nuclear bomb – and neither was willing to send troops.
The opinions differed more on Afghanistan. Horsford said the United States must remain vigilant in protecting itself, while Tarkanian attacked the Obama administration for not withdrawing troops sooner.
Based on the reporting of the 4th District candidates, Steven Horsford and Danny Tarkanian, one would thing both candidates are worthless. Again, based on the reporting both from TV and in print.
However, only one candidate has actually worked to help the State of Nevada. Worked with Governor Sandoval and has a track record of helping with the education issues we are facing.
On the other hand both candidates have serious financial and ethical issues. So who do you vote for???
After much homework on both candidates, the conclusion is you go with the candidate you know. That candidate is Steven Horsford.
What is this country coming to, when we have to decide which candidate is the lesser of a crook.
@Genius,
Why would any vote for Danny Tarkanian, with him and his family being sued by the FDIC? Danny is being sued for 17 million dollars. Why would anyone vote for him?
If the decision is base on a handicapped no parking space or being sued by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Tarkanian will lose, or "should" lose!
Longtime,
The libs on the site just keep cracking me up. You guys pretend you don't know who you are voting for and then you pontificate and "declare" your vote. It doesn't get any better than that.
I know you pretend to be independent but take some time and reread your posts.
This is a battle between to bums. Tarkanian is the lesser of two evils.
@Heretic,
Again Heretic, you make my point. The lesser of two evils. I guess we don't agree on the meaning of evil.
Some choice....is this the best Nevada can do?
Longtime, We do not agree on the meaning of evil...I see it for what it is. You just color good people whose views you randomly disagree with it.
Evil is evil.....not a talking point.
@Heretic,
So your saying Danny Tarkanian is a better candidate? Why?
Disgusting choice of candidates. Hopefully none of the above is still available. Neither one of them could give two poops about you or your insolvency.