"Economy" and "Health Care" the Buzz Words

It appears as though employment and increased prices in gas and healthcare are among some of the major concerns in the Midwest. In particular, Joe Donnely (the 2nd district House democratic candidate) is concerned that oil and gas industries are receiving too many subsidies due to a special interest controlled Congress. He is a campaigner for "energy independence," and seeks solutions to provide incentives for using alternate fuels. Regarding healthcare, Donnely believes it should be better quality, affordable and more accessible.

Donnely's opponent, incumbent Chris Chocola [R], can be found singing a similar tune, citing specific actions taken during his term like the Health Care Freedom of Choice Act, allowing citizens to deduct all of their medical expenses, and bills that have now become law allowing retired police officers and firefighters to purchase healthcare and long-term insurance. He too is a supporter of alternate energy sources and eliminating America's dependence on foreign petroleum. Additionally, Chocola is also working on ways to decrease wasteful spending by supporting an act that will make Federal budget simplification easier.

In the 8th District (home to R.I.T.'s competing engineering school, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology-- where John Hostettler {see below} actually graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering), incumbent John Hostettler [R] and Brad Ellsworth [D] battle it out along similar notes. Interestingly enough, there is no apparent "Issues" section on Rep. Hostettler's website, though Ellsworth's "Issues" section is feeling a little slim.

All in all, on these issues, it seems like these candidates are all generalists. They are all pursuing the same interests, which suggests the election may boil down to not what the candidates want to do, but how they plan to do it. It is no surprise that incumbents have a 95% re-election rate, when you really look at the arguments being made. More to follow later!

Additional Reading : http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-08-31-key-issues-trends_x.htm?POE=click-refer

Democrats:
http://www.donnellyforuscongress.com/
http://www.ellsworthforcongress.com/

Republicans:
http://www.chocolaforcongress.com/
http://www.johnhostettler.com/

~Danny