Forum showcases candidates

Monday evening in Memorial Union, in the Black and Gold Room, several 1st District Congressional candidates solicited votes from potential voters in attendance.

The Collegiate Farm Bureau, Hays Chamber of Commerce, Fort Hays State University College Republicans and FHSU Young Democrats hosted the televised forum. Seven of the candidates were Republicans, while Alan Jilka stood as the lone Democrat.

Director of University Relations Kent Steward moderated the evening, giving the candidates scripted questions. The issues of health care, cap and trade, immigration, small business and the national debt were presented to the candidates, who answered the questions in turn.

Rob Wasinger proposed his “New Homestead Act” to encourage population growth through adjustments to taxing and small business growth.

Tracy Mann insisted his business experience influences how he wants to nourish small business growth.

Jim Barnett told the audience Kansas’s jobs, economy and budget were his main concerns, and budget growth was his goal.

Alan Jilka had a moderate perspective on health care, which he voted for, though he condemned the public option. He also suggested that his experience working for both a Republican and a Democrat gives him an edge.

Sue Boldra, a professor in the FHSU Department of Education, felt an amendment on term limits was necessary. Ardently pro-life, a proponent of the right to bear arms, she said she is strongly against the current health care bill.

“Making one plus one equal to three: what I like to call uncommon sense,” Marck Cobb said, feeling that in order to make jobs and the economy work, people will have to try new ideas.

Monty Shadwick was concerned with the government’s borrowing and spending, the future of education and the corruptive culture in Washington.

“Higher education is critical to Kansas’ future,” Shadwick said. “We need to make college affordable and accessible.”

Tim Huelskamp said he had a solid conservative background and a good National Rifle Association rating, and that he would fight to limit government for his constituents.

For the most part, interactions between candidates were friendly.

Every candidate used current 1st District Congressman Jerry Moran’s name heavily. Only a few issues were strongly disagreed upon by two or more candidates.

Most candidates were aware the 1st District is strongly conservative. The only Democrat, Jilka, emphasized his moderate roots.

“Jilka is more moderate, while the Republicans race to the right,” freshman Irving Reca said. Reca is working on the Jilka campaign while attending FHSU.

While sides have not yet become ultimately clear between candidates, their campaigns have begun to take shape.