Post-Debate Thoughts

For those of you who missed it last night, I was lucky enough to participate on the panel for a debate between Rich Iott and Jack Smith, the two Republican challengers to Rep. Marcy Kaptur for Ohio's 9th Congressional District. This debate was held under the sponsorship of a Tea Party group, The Children of Liberty and the Toledo Free Press; and was moderated by Fred Lefebvre of WSPD. 


Let me say first that I appreciated the opportunity to sit on this panel and share some thinking with fellow panelists Kristen Rapin of the TFP and Scott Allegrini of The Children of Liberty. The time that we spent going over potential questions was both enjoyable and educational for me, and I believe that the questions that we finally came up with together served the debate pretty well. Next let me say that I was extremely impressed with how well organized this event was. While having no prior experience participating in such events, this one seemed to come off pretty well. Not only did it get going on time, but it ended on time as well; and I believe that Scott and the Children of Liberty deserve a tremendous amount of credit for doing the required prep work so that this could happen. 


Once things got going, the credit should go to Fred, who kept things on track and on pace. His experience and ability in dealing with both politicians and regular people were readily apparent, and he managed to keep the mood in the room light while retaining the serious nature of the proceedings. 


I would also like to say that I was impressed with both of the candidates. Mr. Iott and Mr. Smith did a great job of keeping their answers to the questions posed both on topic and within the time limits proposed. Since I am a registered Independent and have no vote to cast in the upcoming primary, it is not my place to choose. I believe however, that either would serve the Republican Party well in the general election. Each brings different talents to the position that would be an asset, and both seem firmly grounded in more traditional conservative values. 


While both are inexperienced in the political arena, unlike many of the more experienced members holding office they seem to understand the Constitutional limits of Congressional representation. Mr. Iott's business experience could serve him well and might also give him an understanding of what is required to jump start the economy. It seems likely that such business connections could also help in the area of fund-raising. Mr. Smith's law enforcement and military experience should likewise be an asset should he make it all the way through. While not having direct experience in politics, like our current Mayor in Toledo he has certainly been exposed to and dealt with politicians over the years, which cannot help but be an asset. 


On a final note, isn't amazing that with a Republican Primary coming up on May 4th, that having a debate between the two candidates fell to the Children of Liberty? Where were either of the groups claiming leadership of the Lucas County Republican Party? Absent such leadership, where were any of the other local county Republican Party leaders, any of the local Republican Groups, or failing all of that, the state Republican Party. With the rhetoric out there about taking back leadership in the House and Senate, what chance are either of these candidates to have if their party cannot get them in front of potential voters? 
(I may try and do more with the notes that I attempted to scribble while participating in this, but no promises. Asking questions, listening to answers and writing notes at the same time left me with some rather unusual chicken scratchings on a legal pad.)