Signing off…for now

The debate became progressively heated toward the end, mainly between Kay Hagan and Jim Neal. They began taking the most hits against one another, prompting the moderator to interject several times and reminding the candidates that they have limited time, particularly concerning rebuttals.

The issues discussed through the night ranged from the Iraq war to the economy, gay rights and health care. Each candidate was also asked to share which Democratic presidential candidate he or she plans to vote for. Hagan was the only one to not directly answer the question.

At the end, each also shared a defining moment while on the campaign trail. Again, Hagan did not completely answer the question, but offered a re-cap of her stance on different issues. When she began to tell her defining moment, she was out of time.

When the debate was over, we were able to meet the candidates and grab some quick photos.

Signing off for now…check back for more updates and a full article in The Pendulum in the May 7 edition.

~Ashley and Alexa

Candidates on: The Economy

The first issue up for debate this evening is the economy.

Staley began by saying that the federal government needs to rely even more on income tax. “We need to look at making sure that the jobs we have, do pay a living salary.” He also said that he would “make sure the quality of jobs in America warrant a reasonable paycheck.”

Hagan said there is a need to cut back on the incentives that big oil and gas corporations have. Our focus should be on looking at jobs and education, she insisted.

“We’ve got to provide better education so people can get good jobs,” she said. “We need to have an energy policy to get gas prices under control.”

Neal said the problem we are facing in Washington right now is that “the administration passed a deal that was a major failing at our part.”

Williams said he’s the only candidate who has “saved family farms and family homes.” He said his background is most beneficial to understanding the economy.

“The federal regulation of a bank comes with assurance that they will not engage in the activity that the commercial and investment industry has,” Williams said.

Kay Hagan focused directly on the issue of sub-prime mortgages.

“When we’re talking now about the sub-prime mortgage crisis,” she said, it’s affecting, “not just a few people,” but also neighborhoods and communities.

There is legislation being “looked at right now that will help people stay in their homes.”

The Introductions

Chris Brown, UNCG student host and moderator, began the debate by introducing the four candidates present: Kay Hagan, Jim Neal, Howard Staley and Marcus Williams.

The debate is unique in that it is run and facilitated by students at UNCG.

Brown said that the panel and candidates will delve into a wide range of issues relevant both here and abroad. There are no time limits, and the panel and moderators will, “do our best to allow time for answers and a limited time for rebuttal,” he said.

Howard Staley delivered his opening statement first by saying, “There are many concerns that drove me to become a candidate in the first place.”

He said that North Carolina deserves a senator who lives with the people and one who is concerned with all the people, regardless of class, status, etc. North Carolinians also deserve a government that is humanitarian based, one that will aid businesses and the people, and one that is “able and willing to provide a safety net for all its residents.”

Jim Neal began: “Tonight you will hear from each of the candidates about the differences and contrasts between the candidates…

“The choice you make is an important one, and I urge every one of you to think long and hard about the contrasts that delineate every one of us.”

Kay Hagan emphasized, “I’ve been traveling across this state running an aggressive grassroots campaign…I’ve met so many people and they all feel that America is broken.”

Hagan assured voters that she “has the experience and the ability to fix what is broken,” and that she “can be an effective voice” and “can debate Elizabeth Dole.” She promises to debate in a respectful manner this evening.

Marcus Williams, a former student vice president of UNC-Chapel Hill, thanked the campus of UNCG for “its journalistic integrity.”

“I am best prepared [candidate],” Williams said, and he encourages voters to check out his Web site at mww08.com.

Blogging from the U.S. Senatorial Debate in UNCG

I’m presently in the press room at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. Alexa Milan and I are anxiously waiting for the debates to begin. From inside the black stone-walled room, we can see a live feed from a large screen in front of us with the American flag and the words “North Carolina Democratic Senatorial Debate” circling around the Spartan TV News symbol.

We can feel the cool breeze at our backs coming from the open door to our left, leading down to the street where students are holding signs and presently chanting, “Washington is broken! Kay can fix it!”

There aren’t many news organizations in the room at present, but we imagine things will begin to pick up once the debate begins at 7 p.m.

The debate is set to include Kay Hagan, Jim Neal, Marcus Williams and Howard Staley. Duskin Lassiter, a fifth candidate, has not committed.

Until then!