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Dist. 22 candidates trade blows in debate
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| U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson, a Democrat, and Republican Pete Olson have had a tumultous race for District 22. (Photo by Dana Burke) |
By DANA BURKE
U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson and his District 22 opponent, Pete Olson, may have had some possible themes in mind Monday evening when they met for their only debate of the campaign season.
Lampson seized every chance to focus on his years of experience in Congress, pointing out that he holds seniority on several key committees and, if elected, is next in line to chair the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee.
Olson spent much of the debate attacking Lampson, attempting to characterize him as a “failed leader” who promises one thing to his constituents and votes another way when he is away in Washington.
Lampson fended off Olson’s accusations, pointing to accomplishments such as his work to ensure funding for NASA and the legislation he authored to allow drilling for oil in Alaska and the outer continental shelf.
The debate, held at the Bay Oaks Country Club, sponsored by the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and moderated by Dr. Bill Staples, president of the University of Houston - Clear Lake, drew a crowd of about 300.
Olson said his goals include establishing energy independence, reducing taxes and frivolous federal spending, forcing “politicians to tighten their belts” and increasing national security. “I will lead, and I will keep my promises,” Olson said.
Lampson said he first came to Congress “because I thought I could make a difference, particularly with science.”
He pointed out the 600-plus town hall meetings he has held in the last 22 months and said his congressional record shows that he listened and responded to the concerns of the 60,000 people who attended those meetings.
Lampson also highlighted his work on several key bills that have gained support from both Republicans and Democrats, and said he hopes to end Congress’ “partisan divide.”
“I will do everything I can to put (Congress) back together,” he said.
Unusual moments were in store for both candidates during the debate.
At one point, Lampson erroneously referred to Olson’s congressional voting record despite his opponent never having served in Congress, a simple error that Olson was quick to point out on his next turn to speak. Lampson, did not, however, rebuke Olson’s ambitious goal to “get rid of the IRS completely and start from scratch.”
Olson called Lampson “one of the biggest spenders in Washington,” and said his opponent consistently votes for bills with pork barrel spending.
"Mr. Lampson was more interested in highlighting his long-standing friendships with other professional politicians, and the favors he claims they will do for him if re-elected," Olson later said of the debate.
Lampson countered Olson's claims, saying he votes the way his constituents ask him to and accused Olson of “distorting my record.”
He later added, "Ellington field that protects our region, the Port of Houston that feeds our economy, our infrastructure that serves our neighborhoods, the Amber Alert that protects children; NASA, schools, Ike recovery funds and border security are all funded in whole or in part by Congress.
“My seniority benefits our community by ensuring our tax dollars come back home to grow our economy, improve our schools, and secure our neighborhoods. I think we'd all agree that is a good thing."
NOTES FROM BOTH SIDESOn TxDOT funding:
Olson – Texas is a donor state, meaning that for every dollar Texas taxpayers send to the federal government, they get less in return. According to a report from the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan, nonprofit fiscal monitoring group, Texas received 94 cents in federal spending for every dollar contributed in 2005. “I believe Texas dollars should stay right here in Texas.”
Lampson – The district should focus on mass transit and freight rail as a means of controlling both commuter and commercial traffic, a goal that could benefit from Lampson’s position on the House transportation committee. “I have the experience of knowing with whom to work in our district.”
On illegal immigration:
Olson – The federal government has dropped the ball on enforcing immigration laws. Olson supports the Criminal Alien Program, which helps local police departments and agencies to identify illegal immigrants who have committed crimes and deport them to their native countries.
Lampson – Congress should work on bipartisan projects to secure the nation’s borders, enforce immigration laws and crack down on businesses that hire illegal immigrants, without offering blanket amnesty.
On foreign oil dependence:
Both candidates say they support drilling in Alaska and on the continental shelf and funding research on alternative fuels, including clean coal, wind and solar energy.
On Ellington Field:
Olson – Pledged to work with military leaders to bring fighter jets back to Ellington. “I’ve fought many battles over Texas bases (while working for Sen. Phil Gramm). I know what it takes to win this battle.”
Lamspon – Recently succeeded in obtaining funding for a needed $7.5 million fire station at Ellington, along with $7.5 million in improvements to the base’s operations system. Would use contacts in Congress to continue to provide resources. “Relationships make a difference.”
On health care:
Olson – Said he is “fundamentally against universal health care.” Olson believes small businesses should be allowed to pool together to better afford health insurance for their employees and said self-employed individuals should be allowed to deduct 100 percent of their health costs.
Lampson – Would continue to fight for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which was approved by Congress and needed only 9 votes in the House to override President Bush’s second veto. Voted for the Patients’ Bill of Rights.
On Congress’ most important issue:
Olson – The biggest issue is the economic crisis. “Unfortunately, Congress, put a Band-Aid on the problem and rushed home to run for re-election.” Olson would urge for prosecution of executives who violate the law and more control of the Treasury Department.
Lampson – There are a variety of issues that the next Congress will face, including drafting legislation that can be supported by both parties. “The big question is, who is more qualified to be effective on a variety of issues?”
Lampson seized every chance to focus on his years of experience in Congress, pointing out that he holds seniority on several key committees and, if elected, is next in line to chair the House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee.
Olson spent much of the debate attacking Lampson, attempting to characterize him as a “failed leader” who promises one thing to his constituents and votes another way when he is away in Washington.
Lampson fended off Olson’s accusations, pointing to accomplishments such as his work to ensure funding for NASA and the legislation he authored to allow drilling for oil in Alaska and the outer continental shelf.
The debate, held at the Bay Oaks Country Club, sponsored by the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and moderated by Dr. Bill Staples, president of the University of Houston - Clear Lake, drew a crowd of about 300.
Olson said his goals include establishing energy independence, reducing taxes and frivolous federal spending, forcing “politicians to tighten their belts” and increasing national security. “I will lead, and I will keep my promises,” Olson said.
Lampson said he first came to Congress “because I thought I could make a difference, particularly with science.”
He pointed out the 600-plus town hall meetings he has held in the last 22 months and said his congressional record shows that he listened and responded to the concerns of the 60,000 people who attended those meetings.
Lampson also highlighted his work on several key bills that have gained support from both Republicans and Democrats, and said he hopes to end Congress’ “partisan divide.”
“I will do everything I can to put (Congress) back together,” he said.
Unusual moments were in store for both candidates during the debate.
At one point, Lampson erroneously referred to Olson’s congressional voting record despite his opponent never having served in Congress, a simple error that Olson was quick to point out on his next turn to speak. Lampson, did not, however, rebuke Olson’s ambitious goal to “get rid of the IRS completely and start from scratch.”
Olson called Lampson “one of the biggest spenders in Washington,” and said his opponent consistently votes for bills with pork barrel spending.
"Mr. Lampson was more interested in highlighting his long-standing friendships with other professional politicians, and the favors he claims they will do for him if re-elected," Olson later said of the debate.
Lampson countered Olson's claims, saying he votes the way his constituents ask him to and accused Olson of “distorting my record.”
He later added, "Ellington field that protects our region, the Port of Houston that feeds our economy, our infrastructure that serves our neighborhoods, the Amber Alert that protects children; NASA, schools, Ike recovery funds and border security are all funded in whole or in part by Congress.
“My seniority benefits our community by ensuring our tax dollars come back home to grow our economy, improve our schools, and secure our neighborhoods. I think we'd all agree that is a good thing."
NOTES FROM BOTH SIDESOn TxDOT funding:
Olson – Texas is a donor state, meaning that for every dollar Texas taxpayers send to the federal government, they get less in return. According to a report from the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan, nonprofit fiscal monitoring group, Texas received 94 cents in federal spending for every dollar contributed in 2005. “I believe Texas dollars should stay right here in Texas.”
Lampson – The district should focus on mass transit and freight rail as a means of controlling both commuter and commercial traffic, a goal that could benefit from Lampson’s position on the House transportation committee. “I have the experience of knowing with whom to work in our district.”
On illegal immigration:
Olson – The federal government has dropped the ball on enforcing immigration laws. Olson supports the Criminal Alien Program, which helps local police departments and agencies to identify illegal immigrants who have committed crimes and deport them to their native countries.
Lampson – Congress should work on bipartisan projects to secure the nation’s borders, enforce immigration laws and crack down on businesses that hire illegal immigrants, without offering blanket amnesty.
On foreign oil dependence:
Both candidates say they support drilling in Alaska and on the continental shelf and funding research on alternative fuels, including clean coal, wind and solar energy.
On Ellington Field:
Olson – Pledged to work with military leaders to bring fighter jets back to Ellington. “I’ve fought many battles over Texas bases (while working for Sen. Phil Gramm). I know what it takes to win this battle.”
Lamspon – Recently succeeded in obtaining funding for a needed $7.5 million fire station at Ellington, along with $7.5 million in improvements to the base’s operations system. Would use contacts in Congress to continue to provide resources. “Relationships make a difference.”
On health care:
Olson – Said he is “fundamentally against universal health care.” Olson believes small businesses should be allowed to pool together to better afford health insurance for their employees and said self-employed individuals should be allowed to deduct 100 percent of their health costs.
Lampson – Would continue to fight for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which was approved by Congress and needed only 9 votes in the House to override President Bush’s second veto. Voted for the Patients’ Bill of Rights.
On Congress’ most important issue:
Olson – The biggest issue is the economic crisis. “Unfortunately, Congress, put a Band-Aid on the problem and rushed home to run for re-election.” Olson would urge for prosecution of executives who violate the law and more control of the Treasury Department.
Lampson – There are a variety of issues that the next Congress will face, including drafting legislation that can be supported by both parties. “The big question is, who is more qualified to be effective on a variety of issues?”
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