Taft, Hagan face off in Columbus

by Natalie Long
Staff Writer

COLUMBUS—The two candidates for governor took the stage last night for the second of three gubernatorial debates.

Republican incumbent Gov. Bob Taft and Democratic challenger Tim Hagan met at Ohio State University campus to discuss issues important to Ohio. The debate led to attacks against each other’s campaign issues.

Hagan said several times throughout the debate that Taft was responsible for a $4 billion budget deficit. House speaker Larry Householder, R — Glendale, confirmed next year’s estimated budget deficit will be $4 billion.

“I have to address the mess you left the state in,” Hagan said. “We have enough money if we act fiscally responsible.”

Taft replied that apparently Hagan does not know how to balance a budget. “We have a balanced budget,” Taft said. “We had to make a few cuts, but we did it.”

Because Ohio University was one of five state universities to sponsor the event, an OU student and professor got to sit in on the panel and ask a question each.

Junior political science major Evan Heusinkveld was selected because he was one of 91 who work on projects for the Voinovich Center for Leadership and Public Affairs.

Heusinkveld asked the candidates what the most important programs and policies were to each of them that affect the 18-year-old to 30-year-old vote.

Hagan responded indirectly by saying Ohio is one of the leading states that have 25-year-olds leaving the state looking for jobs. Taft said Ohio has high-paying jobs for people when they graduate from college.

“It’s a terrific place for kids to locate coming out of college,” Taft said.

Heusinkveld said he thought the candidates seemed to be dodging quite a few questions.

“They did an adequate job,” he said. “I wasn’t necessarily satisfied with one response over the other.”

Professor of political science, Dr. DeLysa Burnier asked the candidates what they would do to help the economy in Appalachia.

Taft said his administration is already focusing very hard on Appalachian Ohio. He wants to connect Appalachia to the rest of the state through electronics.

Hagan said because of a structural deficit — meaning the state spends more than it has — Appalachia is the biggest problem Ohio has. Hagan also wants to set up a broadband and connect Appalachia to the rest of the state and world.

Burnier said the candidates could have been more specific in answering her questions.

“They did a good job in recognition of the region,” Burnier said.

Burnier said Hagan did a better job identifying himself, but Taft was good at defending his record.

“There was no clear winner,” Burnier said.

Taft attacked Hagan saying he wanted to take the state of Ohio down.

“I’m not down on Ohio, I’m down on you,” Hagan responded.

Jennette Bradley, who is running for Lt. Governor with Taft said she thought the debate was awesome. Bradley is currently in her 11^th year on Columbus city council.

“I thought Gov. Taft was forthright with his vision of Ohio,” Bradley said. “He has the substance, knowledge, and leadership it takes to make Ohio great.”

Heusinkveld and Burnier both agreed there was no clear winner in the debate.

“They both made good points and had their moments,” Heusinkveld said.

Burnier said she thought Hagan had a slight edge on Taft. Overall, she said there was no clear winner.