Republican candidates duke it out
By Laura Podgornik, Staff Writer
Sean Duffy and Dan Mielke hope to nab Dave Obey's 7th Congressional District seat this November.
Yellowjacket Union Room 203 was filled with laughs, wise-cracks and a bit of tension Wednesday as former Ashland County District Attorney Sean Duffy and Portage County farmer Dan Mielke faced off in the only local Republican primary debate.
Duffy and Mielke are both vying for the seat in the 7th congressional district. The position is up for grabs this year after long-time incumbent Dave Obey announced he will not seek re-election on May 5.
Obey’s name came up a few times throughout the debate but never in a good light. Duffy called Obey a ‘career politician’ saying he had been in his seat too long. Mielke agreed with Duffy on that fact as they both criticized Obey’s involvement in the stimulus bill.
“Borrowing doesn’t fix things,” said Duffy. He went on to add that he began his campaign believing that he would be pitted against Obey, who has held his seat for the past 41 years.
Mielke began by saying he’s running because concerned about his grandchildren and their future. “Freedoms are being lost. Both parties in Congress right now are fighting and not working for the Unites States of America.”
Duffy was quick to criticize his opponent when Mielke proposed cutting the state budget in half.
“You say you don’t want to take from necessary programs like Social Security and Medicare but when you say you’re going to cut the budget in half, how are you not going to take away from those programs?”
Mielke defended himself by saying he couldn’t go over his plan in detail with the limited amount of time allotted.
Mielke and Duffy had differing feelings about the United States occupation of Afghanistan.
“We need to bring our troops home. We should not be spending our money to create democracy for other countries. War should not be a tool to generate government support,” said Mielke.
“I believe we need to ensure the safety of our country and make sure there are no terrorist camps in Afghanistan. I would not cut the defense budget until I knew we were safe,” countered Duffy.
The candidates were asked how they felt about the $268 million education stimulus package that passed over the summer. Duffy responded by saying he thought the amount was very high.
“Our most important resource is children and it is important that we educate them. But I would take a keen look at how to make resources as effective as possible.”
Mielke thinks federal stimulus money should not be given to schools. He believes that high schools should offer some form of degree upon graduation. When asked if he felt colleges and universities should be closed down, Mielke responded by saying there is a place for the institutions but he would like to see students come out of high school with more knowledge.
“Students could get a basic degree without having to borrow money for it,” he added.
The debate lasted just over an hour and was moderated by Albert Katz.
The candidates received questions from a panel of local reporters. The panel included Mike Simonson of Wisconsin Public Radio, Danielle Kaeding of the Gitchegumeegamut.com, Claire Duquette of the Ashland Daily Press, and Shelley Nelson of the Superior Telegram.
To listen to the entire debate, visit 91.3 KUWS online.
Duffy and Mielke are both vying for the seat in the 7th congressional district. The position is up for grabs this year after long-time incumbent Dave Obey announced he will not seek re-election on May 5.
Obey’s name came up a few times throughout the debate but never in a good light. Duffy called Obey a ‘career politician’ saying he had been in his seat too long. Mielke agreed with Duffy on that fact as they both criticized Obey’s involvement in the stimulus bill.
“Borrowing doesn’t fix things,” said Duffy. He went on to add that he began his campaign believing that he would be pitted against Obey, who has held his seat for the past 41 years.
Mielke began by saying he’s running because concerned about his grandchildren and their future. “Freedoms are being lost. Both parties in Congress right now are fighting and not working for the Unites States of America.”
Duffy was quick to criticize his opponent when Mielke proposed cutting the state budget in half.
“You say you don’t want to take from necessary programs like Social Security and Medicare but when you say you’re going to cut the budget in half, how are you not going to take away from those programs?”
Mielke defended himself by saying he couldn’t go over his plan in detail with the limited amount of time allotted.
Mielke and Duffy had differing feelings about the United States occupation of Afghanistan.
“We need to bring our troops home. We should not be spending our money to create democracy for other countries. War should not be a tool to generate government support,” said Mielke.
“I believe we need to ensure the safety of our country and make sure there are no terrorist camps in Afghanistan. I would not cut the defense budget until I knew we were safe,” countered Duffy.
The candidates were asked how they felt about the $268 million education stimulus package that passed over the summer. Duffy responded by saying he thought the amount was very high.
“Our most important resource is children and it is important that we educate them. But I would take a keen look at how to make resources as effective as possible.”
Mielke thinks federal stimulus money should not be given to schools. He believes that high schools should offer some form of degree upon graduation. When asked if he felt colleges and universities should be closed down, Mielke responded by saying there is a place for the institutions but he would like to see students come out of high school with more knowledge.
“Students could get a basic degree without having to borrow money for it,” he added.
The debate lasted just over an hour and was moderated by Albert Katz.
The candidates received questions from a panel of local reporters. The panel included Mike Simonson of Wisconsin Public Radio, Danielle Kaeding of the Gitchegumeegamut.com, Claire Duquette of the Ashland Daily Press, and Shelley Nelson of the Superior Telegram.
To listen to the entire debate, visit 91.3 KUWS online.
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