Now
Fair
24°
High
32°
Low
16°
Full Forecast

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > News > Local
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

Senate candidates spar at State Fair debate

Comments 29 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

BY NANCY HICKS / Lincoln Journal Star

Saturday, Aug 23, 2008 - 06:17:05 pm CDT

On a cool August morning, three mild-mannered men who want to be Nebraska’s U.S. senator tried to point out their differences to an audience of about 400 at the annual State Fair debate.

Republican Mike Johanns touted his experience as governor, where the budget is balanced every year, and as  Lincoln’s mayor, where there was a 30 percent drop in property taxes one year.

Democrat Scott Kleeb criticized Johanns’ record, implied he was a quitter because he left the governor’s job to become secretary of agriculture, then left that post to run for the Senate. And Kleeb  painted himself as “new leadership” that will look to the next generation, not the next election or next job. 

Story Photo
Senate hopefuls (from left) Democrat Scott Kleeb, Republican Mike Johanns and the Green Party's Steve Larrickon on stage during a debate at the Nebraska State Fair on Saturday.(AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

Related Link(s):


Election 2008 Central
Where the candidates stand

Here are condensed answers of the three candidates to two questions asked at Saturday’s State Fair debate:

* What taxes would the candidate raise or what big ticket programs would he cut to reduce the federal debt?

Scott Kleeb: Congress must return to fiscal discipline, “not spending more than we have. ... We shouldn’t be talking about taxes yet.”

Kleeb said two-thirds of companies are not paying their fair share of taxes or paying at all, and he suggested starting with them first.

Mike Johanns: Though budgets are complex, there are some simple rules, he said. “If you grow the tax base (expand the economy with good quality jobs), you can reduce the tax rate. ... Grow the economy, pull back on spending and good things will happen.”

Steve Larrick: Military spending is totally out of control and isn’t sustainable, said Larrick, who suggested redirecting national energy policy toward renewable energy.

* What would be a powerful enough reason for you to support a future war?

Kleeb: The nation needs to take any action necessary to keep America secure and strong, Kleeb said. But war should not be the first response. Diplomacy, talking to countries, even Iran, should be the first option.

Johanns: The focus must be on national security, said Johanns, who made several points.

“We have to pay attention to allies around the world.”

Even though 911 was several years ago, we are still fighting a war on terror, he said.

“We should never negotiate with rogue nations without pre-conditions. You squander the power and prestige of the American presidency when you do that.”

Larrick: “We need to scale down the dialogue of anger towards the rest of the world.”

He said the invasion of Iraq was based on false premise - that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. “We have been misled into a war that is now costing us $3 billion a week.”

Green Party Candidate Steve Larrick focused on his party’s themes — ecological  wisdom,   peace, social justice and grassroots democracy.  

Kleeb and Johanns spent part of the hourlong debate offering  differing interpretations over past events and current science.

Raising the gas tax

Kleeb, according to Johanns,  supports a “53-cent increase” in gasoline through his endorsement  of the Lieberman-Warner climate security act. 

That’s  two cents a year  for 25 years, or 53 cents over the 25 years, Kleeb countered.  

“We would be lucky if the price of gas only went up two cents each year,” said Kleeb, adding that the  bill focuses on the country’s need to reduce its dependency on foreign oil.

Kleeb also pointed out that as governor in 2004,  Johanns,  supported a 2-cent increase in the state gas tax, intended to give  cities and counties more road construction money.

Corn-based ethanol

Johanns pointed to earlier remarks attributed to  Kleeb that corn will not be a part of the renewable energy solution in the future.  New research will soon bring a 40 percent increase in the yield of  dryland corn, making corn-based ethanol even more viable, Johanns said.

Kleeb said he believes corn-based ethanol will continue to be important and will be part of the future mix of solutions.  But he  believes the country also needs to  develop other "green" energy solutions, such as solar, wind and other technologies such as cellulosic ethanol production.

Amnesty for illegals

Johanns took exception to Kleeb’s contention that as a member of President Bush’s cabinet Johanns had supported amnesty for illegal immigrants. 

 “I want to bring some accuracy to the debate,” said  Johanns, who said he has consistently opposed amnesty, as governor, as a cabinet member and as candidate.   

Global warming

The two also disagreed over global warming.

During the debate, Johanns said he believed there needs to be more science “about what role man plays in global warming of the climate.”

“It seems the only person who doesn’t believe the science is in (on global warming) is Mike Johanns,” Kleeb said while answering questions  from reporters after the debate.

And Kleeb quoted oil tycoon  T. Boone Pickens, saying, “Look, it’s  real,” referring to global warming. “We gotta do something about it.” And that includes reducing dependency on fossil fuels and foreign oil, Kleeb said. 

Reach Nancy Hicks at 473-7250 or nhicks@journalstar.com.


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Local > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
Johanns supporter wrote on August 23, 2008 3:33 pm:
" I have known Mike Johanns for many years. He is honest, smart, hard working and ethical. The fact that unions and farmers support him drives the dems up a wall. Professor Klebb can plan on teaching second semester classes following this election. "

 ocd wrote on August 23, 2008 4:02 pm:
" Kleeb's right - corn ethanol isn't and shouldn't be part of our long-term energy plan. It uses more oil than it saves. "

 Jan wrote on August 23, 2008 5:12 pm:
" Johanns is nothing but a career politician. But if I understand the backwards state I live in, the people here will foolishly vote him in. "

 HVAC farmer wrote on August 23, 2008 5:23 pm:
" The choice is simple: If you want more of what we've got,economically, vote for Mike. If you feel we can do a whole lot better, vote for Scott Kleeb. "

 MythBuster wrote on August 23, 2008 6:16 pm:
" Kleeb identified serious flaws in Johanns; positions. Johanns failed to address why the EU opposes food grains in the production of ethanol. Anyone who seeks solid information on why there are moral aspects and reasons why corn or soybeans should not be relied on for biofuels can do easy web searches. Johanns is promoting a myth and of course...has PAC money influencing his position. An Ag Secretary who failed to shepherd his farm bill through Congress is a quitter. Be smart, read and discover why Kleeb had more substance and data supporting his positions. Maybe it takes people from our small towns and farms to set the record straight? Increased corn prices means it costs more to feed chicken, turkeys, hogs and cattle. Wonder why the former Ag Secretary isn't bothered by inflation of foods? Higher food costs too mean poor nations will not be able to buy food to feed their starving families. Faith and morality should guide those who seek to feed the poor, the needy. "

 Definitely decided wrote on August 23, 2008 6:23 pm:
" Scott Kleeb is the man. "

 SNL Fan wrote on August 23, 2008 6:45 pm:
" Scott Kleeb, Barack Obama, and Al Franken have something in common. They're all 'Not Ready for Primetime Players.' "

 Quinten G. wrote on August 23, 2008 7:20 pm:
" Kleeb had a point on illegal immigration. The fact is Johanns gave public speeches as Ag Secretary supporting the President's plan for legalizing illegal aliens, which is by definition amnesty. Johanns also as Governor played a large role in shutting down Operation Vanguard, a very effective and humane enforcement effort by INS in Nebraska meatpacking plants. Johanns' history on the matter of siding with major agribusinesses who benefit from illegal labor against responsible law enforcement is a matter of record, not political rhetoric. "

 kleeb wrote on August 23, 2008 8:26 pm:
" Mr. Kleeb sounds like one of the "current" enviornmentalist wackos! The sky is falling, the sky is falling. The biggest answer to the oil situation is to "Drill here, drill now, play less." There are other things that can and should be done but none of them will take care of the situation except to drill. It sounds like Kleeb is in the Obama camp that wants to take our great nation back into the stone age. We must continue to lead the world, not be lead by others, and that appears to be part of the "change" idea of Kleeb and his parties presidental candidate, Mr. Obama.

Keep the pedal to the metal Mr. Johanns, keep the pressure on your opponents, continue to speak out on the issues, and bring home a big victory in November. "

 JpS wrote on August 23, 2008 8:40 pm:
" Kleeb attacking Johanns on his political career?

That is so so so funny....Kleeb has NO political or public service
career at all....the only thing Kleeb has done is visit with college
students and ride cows in Western Nebraska!!

Kleeb hasn't even been back in Nebraska long enough to know what Nebraskans want or don't want.

Mike Johanns had held several positions because the are what most
people call 'promotions' or 'steps up' in his career.......this is
something Kleeb doesn't understand because he has never had a career
or done anything of significants.

This whole campaign is so rediculous and funny....let's just save the
money to be spent on this campaign, and declare Johanns the winner, and
Kleeb can go back to his cows. "

 Farmer wrote on August 23, 2008 10:43 pm:
" The Nebraska Farm Bureau has, what, about 2,000 actual farmer members in Nebraska and is a sponsor of this important debate? I have more people in my neighborhood than this small organization. "

 Vote Change wrote on August 23, 2008 11:12 pm:
" Mike Johanns was just average as a county commissioner, mayor, governor or ag secretary. After eight long years of the Bush administration -- two wars, two recessions and the rest of the GOP-inspired mess this country has become -- ian't is expecially important that we send someone to Washington who is better than average? Vote Kleeb! "

 Benedict wrote on August 24, 2008 12:10 am:
" Regardless of either of the political stands, migration is a part of the human story. Nature doesn't conform to the laws of men. Republicans began to fight immigration when they realized it had a political advantage...that doesn't make their position moral. Ronald Reagan's California dream utilized labor from illegal immigrants. For decades sweat shops in NY and CA helped the clothing industry survive in the USA...that was blessed by Republicans. The Bush-Johanns -McCain policy of cheap labor by day workers promotes "old fashioned" slavery without rights and a nightly return to ghettos in Mexico. Someetimes "legal" labor practices can be unhumanitarian...or immoral. Johanns, astute in Catholic values, should find guidance in teachings of the Jesuits and not rely on political pandering to lead people... "

 MaryAuditor wrote on August 24, 2008 1:22 am:
" A promotion for Johanns?
Surely you read about E. Coli breakouts due to insufficient USDA inspections, not enough inspectors and lack of appropriate remedial actions across the nation.

Currently, the U.S. tests about 1% of its cattle for mad cow disease. Japan tests nearly 100% and the European Union tests all cattle over 30 months old.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1174011,00.html

An Ag Bill that was left without its shepherd in Congress?

DOHA negotiations that failed?

If these worthy of a “promotion”, does the boss have his head in the sand? "

 Cash Ostrander wrote on August 24, 2008 7:46 am:
" In this upcoming election it will be very important to be aware of the facts and the people on the ballet, are they who they say they are? Mike Johanns is a man who knows our form of government and how to get things done within it. He has proven this as mayor of Lincoln, governor of the state and as Secretary of Agriculture. Talk is cheap and can tickle the ear but without real substance behind it, it is just hot air and contributes to the yet to be proven theory of global warming. I believe that Mike Johanns is who he says he is and his past actions prove it. So Mike lets "geterdone". "

 Senioritis wrote on August 24, 2008 8:27 am:
" to kleeb - the fact is that our great nation has already been taken down several notches... due to the leadership of career politicians like Mr. Johanns. While Kleeb may very well not be ready for prime time as one writer noted, we know that the time of more experienced leaders like Johanns, his former boss Mr. Bush and the elder statesman Mr. McCain has come to pass. May the next generation be generous to them for all the failures (and debt) their increasingly out of touch leadership has left us. Please just ride off to the sunset befoe it is too late for all of us. "

 Get Real wrote on August 24, 2008 9:10 am:
" I went to the debate and Johanns said nothing to convince me. In fact I was very offended when he spoke of the money he says he saved the city of Lincoln. Because he did it off the backs of firefighters when they went 2 and a half year without a contract! And then he spoke of good jobs with good benefits. Just look back when he was governor and the companies that exported jobs from our state. As for his time as Ag secretary that speaks for it's self. My father raised me to not quit until the jobs is done and this man called Ag secretary his dream job. As for unions supporting Johanns I don't think you are speaking for the majority of unions when you make that statement. At least not the ones I am part of! "

 Confused wrote on August 24, 2008 10:37 am:
" How is it that Johanns is honest and ethical? Tell me again the story of his and his current wife's meeting and courtship? Mmm hmmm. "

 omaha girl wrote on August 24, 2008 11:03 am:
" Kleeb beat Johanns...no doubt about it...Johanns is a carrer politician who always quits on his job and all of us. I'm with Kleeb because I know he will never turn his back on us. "

 History of Failure wrote on August 24, 2008 11:18 am:
" Let's see...
Mayor? failed
Governor? failed
Ag Secretary? failed

How many more opportunities will this state give him to screw us over? "

 Sam wrote on August 24, 2008 11:24 am:
" Johanns is getting too comfortable in the "no negotiation" canned rhetoric and ignores a need to have dialogue with adversaries so talks can advance into substantive negotiations. If you don't talk to the terrorists there is little chance of settling a dispute or conflict without excessive spending of resources, lives and treasure of the nation. Even when there are hostages in a domestic situation, SWAT teams have a negotiatotr present to first try to reduce risks and casualties. "

 Kurt wrote on August 24, 2008 11:31 am:
" JpS must be a bit confused. Johanns is associated with cows and dairy farms, Kleeb is the rodeo bull rider. The difference is about the same as a milk maid and a cowboy. As for the dairy producers? They wonder about Mike and the excessive costs they face in milk productin costs when ethanol from corn causes higher demand and higer costs of corn used for feed. "

 BYOB wrote on August 24, 2008 4:57 pm:
" You i d 10 t polaticians have done enough damage to our state fair, let us have our last one or two fairs without having your political crap rammed down our throats when we just want to spend a day at the fair with our familys, not listening to your poitical agenda's. You people never quit for anything do you? You all should be ashamed of yourselves for corrupting our state fair, I suppose you take it to church on Sundays too. You all should be fined, flogged and ran out of town with tar and feathers on a rail. Yup, and you made me a grumpy old man!, deal with it. "

 whatever wrote on August 24, 2008 6:13 pm:
" The only "wackos" out there regarding the environment are the small elements primarily in the Republican Party that deny the planet is going through environmental changes. I don't necessarily buy into "global warming" but it's clear we are facing challenges that must be addressed if anything can be done at all "

 registered Democrat says... wrote on August 24, 2008 6:56 pm:
" .....no way for Johanns. No more of the same. He'll just quit, and he still just doesn't seem to grasp the perception to the avg. voter that he comes across as a career politician. You've quit too many times Mike and Stephanie to think you'll get another chance. Not gonna dupe this guy. No more of the same!!!! "

 huh wrote on August 24, 2008 11:30 pm:
" keep the pressure on johanns ? he is the underdog they guy was not even able to handle the position of mayor for the city of Lincoln by the time he left office he had nothing but a big mess on his hands then did the same for the state business left Lincoln when he was mayor and like wise they left the state when he was governor "

 re huh wrote on August 25, 2008 12:07 pm:
" Ummm huh? Did you say Johanns is the underdog? Last I heard Johanns was up 20 points in the polls. "

 Nebraska can do better wrote on August 25, 2008 4:36 pm:
" There is no rational reason to send Mike Johanns to Washington. (1) Johanns has made no stellar acheivements in any of the elected offices he's held before; (2) He fails to state why he's not yor basic anti-working person Republican clone; and (3) These are times when we need new blood, new ideas and the prospect of genuine change in Washington. Nebraskans need to ask themselves whether they are better off now than they were eight years ago. I'm not, and I'll be voting for Kleeb and Obama. "

 Family Values wrote on August 26, 2008 12:11 am:
" Just another divorced Republican with no regard for the "Sanctity of Marriage". "

Ads by Yahoo!