Linda and I drove to Kutztown University tonight to hear three candidates running for the Democratic nomination in the 9th Congressional District. One of the wonderful things about the new Congressional Districts is the increase in competition. Districts that formerly had only one candidate from one party are now competitive.
The debate, sponsored by the Kutztown Democratic Club and the League of Women Voters, featured Denny Wolff, Gary Wegman, and Laura Quick. Audience members wrote out questions, and the candidates had two minutes each to answer.
Questions covered what you would expect–health care, immigration, fracking, education, gun safety legislation, and environmental issues. The audience, mostly older, was respectful. While the candidates occasionally disagreed, they were also civil and respectful. It was an evening of old-fashioned politics. I don’t think President Spanky was mentioned one time.
Some people who heard we were going asked us to report on who did the best. Here is my take. Laura Quick of Lebanon County is a U.P.S. package delivery worker. She has taught French, is a single-mom, and the least experienced, although perhaps the most passionate. Denny Wolff, a dairy farmer in Columbia County, served as Gov. Rendell’s Secretary of Agriculture and knows a great deal about agricultural issues. Gary Wegman, from Berks County, is a dentist who also is a vintner. He is probably the most personable and understands the issues involved with health care.
You know those annoying people who say they are undecided before an election. That’s me. On the other hand, I already know for whom I’ll vote in November. Either Quick or Wolff or Wegman.
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