Blakeman/Malpass/DioGuardi Debate: LIVE BLOG PART 1

Liz A. again…  Back for another night of debate between Republicans running for the US Senate.

Keep refreshing for updates throughout this evening’s showdown.

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7:23pm:  Lightning round time!!!!

7:20pm: Kaitlyn asks DioGuardi:

New York has just received more than $600 million in Race to the Top funding.  Do you agree with incentivizing education and the requirements New York State had to meet to get that money?

DG says it is about time that money flowed here.  ”Do you know how much money we send to the federal government?  We get less than 70 percent of that back.”  He says that he supports the incentives for education.  Bemoans the fact that we’re educating people who are then leaving the state.

BM says he’s glad NYS got the money if it was going to go anywhere.  Asks about what will happen when the money runs about.  ”At some point we have to take a look at how we’re spending money and we have to rearrange our priorities.”  Says there are lot of kids coming out of college who can’t find a job.  He’d rather use the money to create jobs.

MP says he doesn’t agree with the idea of incentives.  The federal government is taking money from the state and then forcing the state to use its own money in ways the feds see fit.  Says we can’t afford the programs.

7:17pm:  Erin asks Malpass:

Senator Gillibrand has been a champion of trying to repeal the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy. Do you think the policy should be repealed – and is the military ready for the appeal… and why?

MP says that military commanders need to have huge say in the matter.  He does not agree with Gillibrand’s stance, especially given that she doesn’t have experience in the military.  He wants people making the decision to listen to the commanders in the field.  References Patraeus, saying he would listen to his thoughts rather than injecting himself in the debate.

BM says that commanders have asked for a year to review the policy and the Gillibrand jumped the gun in calling for the repeal of DADT before the study was completed.

DG:  ”I agree whole-heartedly with Bruce.”  He says who are we to second guess their judgement.  Says he would not change the policy as of today.  He would wait and see what the report says and what its impact would be on national security.

7:12pm:  Liz asks Blakeman:

As you know, the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act would provide medical monitoring and treatment for first responders and clean-up workers who responded to the twin towers attacks.  Would you vote “yes” on this bill even if it provided services to illegal immigrants?  And will you lobby fellow Republicans to back off an amendment to ban letting those without legal status access to care?

BM says that’s exactly what’s wrong with Washington – “they’re always mixing apples with oranges.”  Says there are separate bills to deal with 9/11 responders that should not include amendments.

Liz asks if a first responder was not a legal resident, would he support health care for them.

BM says he doesn’t care if the person was a “martian.”  If they helped after 9/11, they deserve medical care.

DG jumped in to offer his rebuttal saying that he would also support health care for illegal aliens who were first responders.

MP says we owe a deft for first responders and volunteers.  Says that we need correct oversight of the benefits being provided and says that illegal immigrants probably do not qualify.  He went on to say that he would listen to other’s thoughts on the issue.  In response to follow-up question from Liz, MP mentions huge sum of money involved and stresses the importance of oversight.

7:11pm:  The candidate are actually engaging with one another tonight.  That didn’t happen last night.  MP referenced BM’s stance on filibustering and BM took exception with his characterization of his stance.

7:07pm: Roma asks follow up about whether candidates would support changes to filibuster law.

BM says yes.  Says bills need to stop being passed in the dead of night and they need to be shortened so more lawmakers actually read the legislation.

DG takes the opportunity to criticize Obama for not included tort reform in health care reform bill.  Says it is an instance of bad judgement that fosters bad relationships across the aisle.

MP says he does not want to lower hurdle for filibuster.  Advocates massive reforms of how Senate operates.

7:04pm:  Roma gets things started by asking DioGuardi a question about how he would help foster unity in the Senate and whether there is any legislation that has passed in the last two years that you would have supported?

DG says he has a reputation for working across party lines from his days in Congress.  Emphasizes importance of representing the needs to the people who elected him.  Says he will continue to work across party lines as Senator.  Slams recent legislation before Senate for stifling job growth and increasing national debt.  Says he would not have voted for any major legislation before the Senate over the lat two years.

BM in his rebuttal begins by railing against “Obama Care.”  Says the only thing he would have voted for is adjournment because Americans were not safe when the Senate was in session.

MP also rails against spending practices of Congress, “piling debt on debt.”  Says that unspent stimulus money should be sent back to cover the national debt.

7:03pm:  MP says he’s running for Senate because he is angry about the policies being forced on New Yorkers.  Refers to Gillibrand as the “unelected Senator.”  Describes himself as a fiscal expert who will defend and protect the Constitution.  ”I will go to Washington with the backbone to go up against Washington’s out of control spending.”

7:02pn:  BM discusses travels that put 20,000 miles on his car.  Recounts encounters with specific New Yorkers he’s encountered and the problems they are facing.  Also lists his experience in blue collar jobs, as well as the “fancy titles” he’s had.

7:01: DG beings with opening statement.  Says he’s traveled across the state and keeps hearing that the biggest issue is jobs.  Blames Gillibrand for increasing spending and stifling job creation.  Rails against red tape in Washington and Albany.  Touts status as a CPA.  Ends with third person reference, “Send Joe DioGuardi to the Senate.”

7pm: And we’re live.  The candidate have just entered the stage.  DioGuardi, Blakeman and Malpass received no applause.  DG said hello and BM waved.

6:59pm:  Roma Torre just finished warming up the crowd… we’re live in 30 seconds.  Away we go!

6:22pm:  This evening’s debate is set to get underway at 7pm and will once again be telecast live on YNN and NY1.

This time, there are three candidates on the stage, all of whom are hoping to unseat Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.  But for the time being, they are concentrating on defeating each other in the September 14th primary.

You may recall, Blakeman (BM) won the officially Republican designation at the state convention in June.  Malpass (MP) also earned enough support from party brass to also earn a slot on the primary ballot.  DioGuardi (DG) had to work a little harder, but he also made it on the ballot by way of petitions.

Roma Torre will once again be moderating.  The panelists are also the same – blogger and newswoman extraordinaire Liz Benjamin will join Capital Tonight’s beloved reporter Kaitlyn Ross and NY1′s Albany expert Erin Billups.  Look out candidates!

Here’s a refresher on the rules and format:

• The debate will begin with 1-minute opening statements from each candidate.  Names were drawn from a hat this morning determining the speaking order as DioGuardi, Blakeman, Malpass.
• The panelists will then ask a series of questions directed at a specific candidate.  The candidate will get 1-minute to give their response.  Timing will be indicated by green, yellow and red lights – the yellow light will provide a 15-second warning.
• The other candidates will be allowed 45-seconds for a rebuttal.
• Panelists will then determine whether an additional 30-seconds will be offered for re-rebuttals.
• There will then be a lightning round during which only “yes” or “no” answers are allowed.
• After that, the candidates will be allowed to ask one another one question.  (We have not pre-screened the questions.)
• The panelists will then ask the candidates more questions before they deliver their closing arguments.
• The debate will be followed by a half hour post-show.