Things I learned at the debate last night - PA CD5

[livetohike]

The debate was hosted by the League of Women Voters. Attending was the incumbent G.T. Thompson (R), Michael Pipe (D) and Vernon Etsel (L).

The moderator chastised Michael Pipe for bringing up the fact that Thompson has accepted tens of thousands of campaign dollars from the oil and gas industry. She, the moderator, said it was a "personal attack" and that was not acceptable! At this point, I turned around and said since when is presenting a fact, a personal attack? The rest of the audience sat there in silence

G.T. Thompson believes Pennsylvania is "blessed" to have this natural resource (Marcellus Shale gas) and it is our "God given right" to use it. Oh, and there is not one documented case of fracking affecting the drinking water supply. I sat up front and whispered the word Liar to all of his mis-truths. The other candidates were not allowed to "attack him".

Thompson proudly voted No on the last four bills to extend unemployment benefits, yet the challengers could not point that out since it was a personal attack. His reason for voting No, was that it would add to the deficit and was unpaid for.

There's more. Following the meeting, I spoke to the League of Women Voters and told them this was not a debate and that it was unfair that the incumbent could not be challenged on his views and where his donations are coming from.

Michael Pipe is a very impressive young man. He was very knowledgable and interjected many facts in his responses. He would make a wonderful Representative. It's too bad the Republicans hold a 3:1 advantage in registration in this CD. It's too bad the stone faced audience did not have an opportunity to learn exactly how hard the party of No is working for them.