BY MIKE CETERA
Welcome to the 14th Congressional District GOP debate. We're here live from Crimi Auditorium on the campus of Aurora University.
Your candidates are Chris Lauzen and Jim Oberweis.
Stay tuned here or watch the Web cast over at CBS2.
6:55 p.m.: A nice crowd has assembled. Most of the seats in the lower level are filled, and there's a number of people standing in back. Good turnout. This should be fun. There are a number of media outlets represented here as well as a guy from the Web site www.gopillinois.com.
7 p.m.: Aurora University President Rebecca Sherrick is giving a welcome to everyone who turned out. "If this is the first time you've come to AU, please don't make it the last." Rick Nagel, editor-publisher of The Beacon News follows.
7:03 p.m.: Moderator Rob Johnson from CBS2 takes the podium. Johnson says his station's Web site will keep the full video from this debate online through the election. He welcomes Chris Lauzen and Jim Oberweis to the stage.
7:07: Opening statements -- Oberweis wins the toss. The gloves are off already. I am "frustrated by the misrepresentations by my opponent." Oberweis goes after Lauzen for this. "It's not about your character or your integrity. It's about your judgment."
Lauzen follows: Sticks to his script about being for the people. Touts his record as a conservative.
7:12: First question: What do we do on Iraq?
Lauzen: Oberweis flip-flopped on Iraq. "He aligned himself with the Harry Reid's and Nancy Pelosi's of Congress."
Oberweis: There really going at it now. He says Lauzen is taking things out of context. He thinks we did better militarily and worse in the aftermath. We've changed our approach. Things have gotten better.
7:16: Immigration question.
Oberweis: People born here of someone here legally should be citizens. "Nobody likes to see families broken up...amnesty will not work."
Wants to secure borders, no benefits for illegals, English as official language, tamper-proof ID cards. "Unfair to let people cut to the head of the line who came here illegally."
Lauzen: Illegal immigration undermines national security. Lauzen is following his script here. He's said the same thing -- exactly -- elsewhere. "Two to four year timeout" where government proves they can secure borders. Not sure that what means.
7:19 - audience question -- what is stand on national healthcare?
Lauzen: Back to the script. Move toward a portable system based on choice and flexibility.
Oberweis: "We've actually found something that my opponent and I tend to agree on." Says if they stick to issues, people will find more that the candidates agree on. Huh? Oberweis started the bickering tonight. Supports tort reform to lower insurance rates.
7:22: Should we increase government regulation in light of business scandals?
Oberweis: In general, increased regulation does not help. Sarbanes-Oxley -- some of it is OK, other aspects have made U.S. less competitive. Supports requirements for full disclosure.
Lauzen: Does not support a "net increase in regulation." Says it puts a damper on inovation.
7:26: How can we compete with countries that are paying less wages?
Lauzen: Biggest difference between oberweis and Lauzen: Trade between countries is only good when it's fair. Should insist on protection and patents.
Oberweis: Where would you put those tariffs on? Chris hasn't been able to answer the question. "Trying to stop the global economy is looking backwards." We're incredibly competitive in ag, technology.
7:29: Abortion question
Oberweis: Supports parental notificiation; ban on late-term abortion.
Lauzen: Abortion is a state issue. I'm surprised by that position. Sponsor on ban on partial-birth abortion in state. Talks about his bi-partisan efforts to get legislation passed.
7:32: Education question
Lauzen: Keep feds out of local schools. Will not support reauthorization of No Child Left Behind. "It's the wrong folks doing the job." parents are responsible for doing the job. Need choice.
Oberweis: All of us in the local community know what is better for our kids. Talks about his time as a teacher. This is directly from his script. Both guys have gone off script a bit, but this question has brought them back.
Return as much control as we can to local school boards. Provide incentives and good things can happen.
Lightening round.
7:34 top priority
Oberweis: Return Midwest values
Lauzen: Make a promise, keep a promise.
7:36 -- What committee assignments would you seek?
Lauzen: Appropriations (Ways and Means).
Oberweis: Agriculture
7:37 -- Support construction of Prairie Parkway?
Oberweis: Yes
Lauzen: No: spend money for 47-plus plan
7:39: Earmarks, yes or no?
Lauzen: "I believe earmarks are a very bad idea." "Gateway drug for the spending addiction"
Oberweis: Here comes Oberweis on the attack. He says he's against earmarks...but supported a $10,000 earmark for a stained-glass window. "If you're opposed to earmarks, you're opposed to all earmarks."
7:41: Attack ads. Gloves come off...maybe
Lauzen: Never said anything opposed to Hastert? Huh? Returned money to donors without having to be asked.
Oberweis: He's coming at him about the Hastert comment. Lauzen did attack Hastert, Oberweis says. "
And when you start attacking my cows, you've really gone too far."
7:44: Attack ads. Part II
Oberweis: Opponent has been misrepresenting things in his ad, specifically the Taliban comment from years ago.
Lauzen: Call my office, I'll play Oberweis' Taliban clip. I wonder how many people will take him up on this.
7:47: Audience question -- How do you bring financial resources back to Fox Valley?
Lauzen: Most important thing is teamwork. I sense an Oberweis rebuttal coming here. Chris is vulnerable here.
Oberweis: I was wrong. Oberweis talks about his business experience instead of going after lauzen for not being able to get along with people.
7:50: reliance on foreign oil
oberweis: We need to open up drilling. Need to find alternatives to reduce dependence on foreign energy. The market should decide, not government
lauzen: Paints it as a national security question. Conservation, ethanol, new technologies.
7:52: Experience versus change
Lauzen: "I have demonstated my independence to you for 15 years." Endorsement by Hastert comes with obligations -- he's saying Oberweis now owes Hastert.
Oberweis: Rattles off congressional endorsements. "Experience is vital. But what kind of experience?" Says Lauzen's experience is how to be political.
7:55 Closings
Oberweis: Says this isn't rich guy versus non-rich guy. It's two rich guys. OK, then. Lauzen is a millionaire, as well. "I will be an agent of change. That's why the speaker of the House has endorsed my campaign."
Lauzen: I'm not rich. Oberweis spent a lot of money "recklessly" in losing campaigns. What will he do with your money? Nice shot from Lauzen. "We understand and serve you." Trying to portray himself as the regular man, Lauzen says his shoes are 20 years old. He's said this before. I don't understand it. Where did he get these miracle shoes? And can't he afford a new pair?
8 p.m. Debate ends. Lauzen hugs his wife. Lauzen and Oberweis shake hands.
OK. What's the post mortem? Who won? How did they come off? Did they answer your questions? What can we do to improve for next week's debate among the Democrats?
7:01pm Becky welcomes us, after a number of "thumbs-up" and "thumbs-down" by someone behind the camera.
I really hope the candidates really get into the issues rather than how the typical presidential debates have been.
I thought Oberweis wanted to take the high road. Is this contrast or attack campaigning?
Opening volly - Oberweis launched attack on Lauzen's past campaign supporter under investigation - after he's given the money back. Lauzen speaks to his record and proven character.
Win -> Lauzen
I didn't come here to hear what I can read on the campaign letters they send out smearing. Hopefully Mr. Oberweis will get to the real issues...
All I've heard this campaign is Oberweis stating how Lauzen has been using negative advertising and language... seems pretty hypocritical if you ask me.
I tried the CBS2 link above, and it has been buffering for over 12 minutes. The CBS2 video reports of other news events come in fine. I guess they need to work on this live thing. Too bad, I would have watched.
Terrorism - No clear winner. Lauzen strong. Oberweis says Lauzen misquoting him.
Immigration - Oberweis - put together comprehensive immigration program. Lauzen - 14th Amendment applied to slavery, not immigrants. Illegal immigration undermines national security. Voted no to use of public funds to educate illegal immigrants. Need 2-4 year timeout that federal gov. prove they can protect the border.
Win -> Fairly even. I'd go with Lauzen again. When did Oberweis put together a "comprehensive program"?
Both candidates have good points on immigration and amnesty but only Lauzen mentioned the need to address birthright citizenship as misinterpreted in the 14th Amendment. It was meant for the children of slaves, not illegals.
Healthcare - Lauzen: Decouple healthcare from employment, as it locks people in. Support cost-containment. Oberweis: Tend to agree with Lauzen. We have best health-care system in world. Delivery system needs to change. Complicated to answer in 90 seconds - serious issue. Torte reform. Reduce illegal aliens.
Win -> Clearly Lauzen, as Oberweis stumbled somewhat.
It seems like Lauzen did his homework on the issues. And,Oberweis just did his on mud-slinging. And of course, Oberweis just jumped on Lauzen's healthcare issue again.
Oberweis appears fairly naive about some of these issues. Could be because he hasn't held any political positions. His talking points are good, but Lauzen knows how to actually work with other people. That's what politics is.
Both candidates have good points on immigration and amnesty but only Lauzen mentioned the need to address birthright citizenship as misinterpreted in the 14th Amendment. It was meant for the children of slaves, not illegals.
Current sub-prime mortgage situation - Oberweis: some regulation good, but need to be careful. Lauzen: Support full disclosure of financal information. Net increase in regulation would not be good.
Win -> None
Lauzen seemed very strong on the Sub Prime question - no real "dancing" around the issue, like Jim was. Chris' took a firm stand on that one.
It's easy to talk about a comprehensive program for immigration without ever having to actually set policy or demonstrate your intentions through action. Mr. Oberweis has talked about immigration for the last six years, but done nothing besides that. Senator Lauzen at least has a voting record to prove that he's willing to stand up for what he says.
Ecomomy - Lauzen: Correct unfair trade balances. Implement fair tax in long term. Eduction is needed. Keep federal gov away from local schools. Protection of IP. Oberweis: Parts agree with Lauzen. US has productive work force. Best jobs in export industries, likely to continue. Can't go back, need to move ahead. Try to understand changes. More than 1/2 of new drugs made here in US.
Win -> Fairly even, tend towards Oberweis a bit.
Why is it that those who have kids on Ritalan are able to collect Social Security Disability?
I know several friends who have lost jobs overseas to the Chinese. Fair? Heck No!! Oberweis wants us to try to compete with people who are cheating. That's just crazy! Free Trade is only free if everyone is on the same level. Ha, Ha, Ice Cream joke again Mr. Oberweis. Focus on the issues!
Abortion - Oberweis: Support life. Aurora should not be known as abortion capital of country. Lauzen - 100% pro-life. Fed gov should not play role - should happen at state level. Had tires slashed after supporting parental notification bill. Supported by the 2 main Illinois pro-life groups. Passed partial birth abortion ban.
Win -> Lauzen clearly. Has the record to back up the talk.
Lauzen's endorsed by both of the major Pro-Life groups? That definitely shows his experience and his staunch track record on the issue.
Well, the CBS video viewer is a complete bust.
Winner - Lauzen.
P.S. Glad to see Jon Zahm posting on this thread regularly.
Both were good on education, though I would also propose abolishing tenure.
Education - Lauzen: Parent's responsibility to educate children. Would not vote to reauthorize No-Child-Left-Behind. Have dollars follow the children. Oberweis: Started as a teacher. Pay best teachers more, not upon tenure.
Win -> Lauzen (I favor $ following kids)
Position desired - Lauzen: Appropriation and Ways-and-Means. Serve constituents best to help guard tax-payers money. Oberweis: Tough for me to get on Ways-and-Means, will go for finance and agrigulture.
Win -> Lauzen
Sen. Lauzen seems to feel comfortable discussing the important topics of the campaign. He really gets to the heart of things - maybe its the experience. On the other hand, Mr. Oberweis seems a little out of his element tonight. He just doesn't have the same confidence as in his commercials - probably tougher when he has to rely on his knowledge to make his points instead of his money or advisors
How can Oberweis be against the government across the board...and yet want government money for the Prairie Parkway?
Earmarks on congressional bills - Lauzen: Earmarks very bad idea, against all of them. Will be a "budget hawk". Awarded friend-of-the-taxpayers. Oberweis: Against earmarks. Says Lauzen has supported past earmark - stained glass window.
Win -> None
Earmarks -
Lauzen - opposed to all instances. Good policy, gateway to excessive spending.
Oberweis - opposed as well. Again goes on attack concerning stained glass window in Naperville. Easy to do when one has no record. Other instances?
"He has no record, so he has to distort mine." Good line by Lauzen.
Hasert Issue - Lauzen: Sent back money three times, not just once. Never asked or told to do it. Oberweis: Says Lauzen did say stuff against Hasert. Lauzen: Go to Lauzen2008.com - on home page - 5 minute clip about the facts. Oberweis: go to Daily Hearld.
Win -> Lauzen (calmly answered attacks)
Sorry Oberweis. All you have is negative comments. 4 times now.
Campaign - Oberweis: Campaign fines was not this campaign. Settled out of court - so to speak. Lauzen: Talaban quote - call Lauzen office at 630-897-9200 (check their web site) and they can email you the quote.
Win -> Lauzen again!
Without a credible record, Oberweis can only attack Lauzen. He brings nothing none of his own ideas to the constituents. Watching this debate tonight, I was really hoping that he would back up his talk about issues with some clear plans without resorting to mudslinging
It makes me feel better when someone doesn't just attack their opponent. Oberweis literally attacks everytime he gets the mike.
Lauzen/Oberweis "Cow" mailer:
http://bp3.blogger.com/_vxMK-YtwnwE/R4SfsIuV0II/AAAAAAAAAY0/5PoTMX121Tk/s1600-h/lauzencowmailer2.jpg
China "funds"...
http://www.oberweisfunds.com/funds/ch_overview.asp
China Opportunities Fund (OBCHX) under normal circumstances, invests at least 80% of its net assets in China securities. Currently, China securities include equity securities of companies that are organized under the laws of The People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan or Singapore. Also, equity securities of companies that have at least 50% of their assets in China or derive at least 50% of their revenues from business activities in China. Companies which this fund invests must also meet the Oberweis Octagon investment criteria.
Energy - Oberweis: Build five additional Nuclear power reactors. Lauzen: Energy independence important. Need to rely on new technologies like Ethanol.
Win -> Lauzen (I don't want a Nuclear power plant in my back yard)
Oberweis uses "career politician" line. While this may be used as appoint is he not a "career candidate"? How many races has he run? How many offices he sought? One might feel better if he seemed to come about it honestly and start at the State House or Senate level. Public service need not necessarily start at the top. This point falls very flat.
Oberweis is endorsed by Dennis Hastert, is HE not a "career politician?
Oberweis & Lauzen each have their own style with good suggestions, and yet almost the same.
Closing Statement -
Oberweis: Millionaire, but so is Lauzen. He contributed $100K to his own campaign. He should have bought new shoes. Oberweis dairy converted people from salary to commission - they tripled income. Those are the kinds of ideas I'll bring. I don't say I'll solve all our problems, I'm more realistic.
Lauzen: Only in politics - Lauzen borrowed $325K for campaign. Borrow is not same. If person spent $10 million of own money on campaigns, how is he going to spend your money? My car IS 10 years old. Shoes - good value - 20 years old. Sarah & me & 4 kids - tight budget. I understand you because I'm one of you. Lauzen - 15 years of service in Illinois. Who is more qualified? The answer is clearly Chris Lauzen.
Win -> LAUZEN
Glad to see that Senator Lauzen stuck to positive, exerience-based answers. I think we got a really nice contrast between the two candidates tonight. Although their stances on different issues are pretty similar, it is clear that Lauzen delivers on his promises, while Oberweis continues his negative campaigning. It was a big win for Senator Lauzen.
Oberweis is a smart man but comes across as bitter. He would do better sticking to the issues as he does have some good points.
Lauzen finishes strong with a good positive closing and responds to Oberweis' charges by posing a question of 10 million dollars spent on campaigns by Oberweis. If he is that careless with his own money, what will he do with yours?
Great close.
Thank you Beacon News for the great live blog.
If you watched this unbiasedly, it is very clear that Lauzen was the winner and is more prepared to go to Congress.
Although they didn't answer all my questions, I think Lauzen gets the nod.
They said in the start of the debate that the video will be on the http://cbs2chicago.com/ site until the election. Maybe someone can find and post the URL.
Thanks!
The video stream was pretty slow, but I like this type of format. Kudos to the Beacon News... With very similar beliefs across the board, i believe it comes down to experience. And for me, that means Lauzen will be able to best represent the values of the 14th Congressional District. He's a regular guy like us and has served well over the last 16 years.
I give Lauzen an 8.5 and Oberweis a 6 on the 1-10 scale. Senator Lauzen understands the issues better and has experience dealing with our concerns. Lauzen has the experience, integrity, and substance we need in Congress.
Interesting forum tonight ... I think we got a good look at more than just the issues there - we saw how each one handled tough questioning. Lauzen seemed calm and in control, while, unfortunately, Mr. Oberweis always had to rely on name calling. I did like Lauzen's ending question "How is he going to spend your money?" - it kind of got to the heart of things tonight, because Mr. Oberweis doesn't have any sort of track record outside of spending money on losing campaigns. Looking forward to following this one on Feb. 5.
sure wish the negative attacks would stop or at least be accurate. both sides are creating a very difficult situation to turn around and win on March 8th.
win - Oberweis
Oberweis leans heavily on his experience as a businessman, which I think would be helpful in office. However, I want someone with political experience taking the place of Hastert. Lauzen has past experience in business and a proven voting record. He has been held accountable in the Senate for 15 years and I know I can count on him to represent me in Congress.
the economy is not very good right now, doesn't Chris and his wife and family realize that by buying some thign once in awhile does more for the economy then driving an old car with 200,000 plus miles on it and wearing shoes that are over 20 years old does NOTHING to keep the economy moving!!! God only knows what other archaic items he must still be using and wearing!
and to send your kids to an out of state university where the tuition is higher for out of state residents,,,hmmmm yes i think that qaulifies as being on a tight budget!! i am not for nor against the man...just not quite sure where you fit into the 21st century,
Ettie, I happen to know the Lauzen boys and also do know that two of them were and are on Naval ROTC scholarships (as I myself was). It's one thing to attack a bank account, but it's another to not know the full details of kids volunteering to protect our country in return for pursuing a degree in higher education.
Chris Lauzen was the clear winner tonight. He has the experience and a proven voting record in Washington. Personally, I like his pro-life voting record and his thoughts on education- especially allowing the parent's to decide their children's educational needs and where the $$ should go!
Thank you for offering this live debate!
I don't understand where Roger (aka Jon Zahm) thought Sen. Lauzen was the clear winner. Mr. Oberweis really turned the tide Sen. Lauzen's on some good issues. I mean, look at how Sen. Lauzen said he is unabashadly pro-life, but doesnt' want to do anything about it in Congress. He flat out said it wasn't a federal issue. Ooops.
But that wasn't the real question I had. Despite the opportunities to stop Mr. Oberweis from bringing up IPA again, Sen. Lauzen tried to deflect the question by saying he's a positive campaigner, then immediately attacks Mr. Oberweis. Hmmm... Why is that? Why does Sen. Lauzen not answer this question? And why was Sen. Lauzen getting so much money from this guy? Does it have anything to do with his dad's former accounting business and Mr. Burgess' Accountancy Associates and International Tax Advisors companies(operating at the same place as IPA)?
I attended the debates tonight and I tend to agree with the opinion that Oberweis appeared bitter. It was probably not the best campaign decision to start out attacking Lauzen so harshly with the opening shot. It made him appear like Lauzen's the favorite with all the money and high ranking endorsements.
Win for Lauzen. Proven record.
Aurora is his home turf. Remember Oberweis lives in Prestbury and built his business in North Aurora leaving an ugly vacant property on Route 31. He abandoned Aurora.
video didn't turn out well and it's somewhat funny the Beacon is trying to be like OpenlineBlog, but I thought Lauzen won the debate.
Lauzen won by staying more focused on issues than attacks.
Oberweis is beating a dead horse on the Burgess issue. Lauzen gave back the money before Oberweis asked him to. That is self-policing.
Will Oberweis pull out his company's multi-millions in investments in China, a country with forced abortions of girls, one child policies, and child labor to make tall cash for investors at the cost of American jobs?
Oh Jon, there you go again trying to decieve the public. You and I both know that Oberweis doesn't have a majority stake in that company anymore. And you and I both know that the Lauzen's have money invested in China, so don't go spreading that he's investing in companies that force child labor just to make a profit. I mean, do we have to get into yet another economic debate where I show you that your theories of "fair" trade is nothing short of discriminatory taxes on everyone, especially since tariffs increase the cost of goods, and I'm not talking just cars. We're talking about clothing, food, paper, and many other things Americans consume at a low cost. Sen. Lauzen's idea of fair trade does nothing more than increase the cost of those goods.
Dear Mr. Lauzen,
We must take a stand on life. The unborn child has no one to speak for him or her. The demise of a society is marked by killing the 'least of these'. Abortion is everyone's issue. You may not wash your hands of it and turf it to a state issue. Whenever you can you must vote against it.
Thank you for coming to my church, Harvest Baptist in Oswego. I invite all others as well. Meet our pastor, Scott Poling, ask him about life!
Following Jesus,
Cath
The Chicago Tribune reported today that Lauzen was aware of the scandal surrounding John Burgess and IPA before he returned the money, saying he had heard "whiffs" in the past.
Where there are whiffs, Mr. Lauzen, there is "stench"
I must say that the issue of the $10,000. earmark for a stained glass window in a parking garage in Naperville is very entertaining to me. You have got to be kidding me, Mr. O, that this is the worst thing in the world. You can't really think that people care about $10,000. which in the gov't world is the equivalent to 1 penny in the average joe's! So what if that money was spent? When people come to visit me from afar, I show them all the wonderful things in Aurora and Naperville!!! There's a reason Naperville and Aurora have ranked so high in quality for raising children, library systems, etc, etc!! A beautiful stained glass window for $10,000. was probably a steal compared to the sculptures downtown Aurora, which I am FOR, by the way!! I was actually very happy to learn that Lauzen was for something so beautiful that will be around for such a long time! Thanks for illuminating this gift and illustrating how smart Lauzen is!! Toodles!
Jill;
The stained glass window, by itself, is not the problem. The issue is that Lauzen rails at ALL earmarks as being bad. Once his hypocrisy is brought to light (as it was with this instance), he cries "foul." If he really felt that Ryan's Illinois First earmarks were wrong, he should have declined to take the money in the first place. Unfortunately, that is not what he did.