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 Hello |
Tease Monday |
| Intro Gary Hoffman |
Goodnight |
| Tag Gary Hoffman |
Founders |
| Fran Wendelboe |
key: state politics / government |
| Tag Fran Wendelboe |
key: state politics / government |
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| Hello |
Tease Monday |
| Intro Gary Hoffman |
Goodnight |
| Tag Gary Hoffman |
Founders |
| Fran Wendelboe |
key: state politics / government |
| Tag Fran Wendelboe |
key: state politics / government |
| Hello Return to index of stories... |
Hello. I'm Allison McNair. Welcome to NH Outlook. |
| Intro Gary Hoffman Return to index of stories... |
The September 10th primary is fast approaching. Both seats of Congress are open this year. All summer long we've invited the candidates to sit down for interviews. We begin this program with Congressional District 1 Republican candidate Gary Hoffman. |
| Tag Gary Hoffman Return to index of stories... |
For more information on Gary Hoffman's campaign you can visit his website at hoffman for house-dot-com. |
| Fran Wendelboe Return to index of stories... |
Next we meet Fran Wendelboe - a republican candidate running for the first congressional district. Joining us again Lars Trodson. Lars: You're setting yourself up as the true Conservative in this race. What defines you as a Conservative and is the first Congessional district as conservative as you say you are? Fran: I think the district is still conservative, it's been diluted a little bit with a lot of people moving in from out of the state. I'm the candidate in this race that has the proven record on conservative issues, less government, lower taxes, traditional family values, and there's a number of organizations that have endorsed me because of that. I have an "A" rating with the NRA, I've been endorsed by the Gunowners of America on the second amendment issues, I've been endorsed by the Susan B Anthony listas, one of 8 top congressional candidates in the country for my fight for the sanctity of life. I've been endorsed by VP Dan Quale. One of the icons of traditional family values, and I'm running against 5 other candidates that are claiming to be some degree of conservative, but have absolutely no record. Clark, Barrows and Bradley all admit to being moderates, the others claim to be consevatives but it's a claim. I'm the candidate with the absoulute proven record. The others can say anything on the campaign trail, I have the proof. Lars: Tell us why either Sean Mahoney or John Stephens are not the conservatives they claim to be. Fran: You can say anything you want to, but how many times have the voters been told one thing when somebody's campaigning and then they do the other. Sean Mahoney has no legislative background, he's never run for elected office, very nice young man but there's no proof there. Same thing with John Stephen, who actually has more Democratic ties than republican ties, let alone conservative ties. Lars: What Democratic ties does John Stephen have? Fran: Well, he was presdident of the Young Democrats here at UNH, He actively worked for the Mondale campaign against Reagan. He worked for Dukakis against Bush's father. And the concept of him being sold, well, he was a conservative Democrat, excuse me, conservative Democrats voted for Ronald Reagan, they didn't work against him. And after 8 great years with Reagan they didn't say well I'm still gonna fight for another great Democrat Mike Dukakis against George Bush Sr. So I question that John Stephen is a Republican let alone a Conservative. Lars: What do you here on the campaign trail that the 1st congressional district is to the right of conservatism? Fran: I think most people do tend to believe in less government and lower taxes, and I have a proven record. I've never voted for a sales tax, never voted for an income tax and I voted to repeal the statewide property tax. That's a proven record. They look at things like our 2nd Amendment rights, particularly after 9/11. I believe that homeland security begins at home. Everyday in America there's countless acts of terror that are done in our homes and businesses. Don't forget people moved to NH for a reason, and one of those reasons is that we're the Live Free or Die state and that we are relatively conservative on issues like family values and the 2nd Amendment. Ally: You mentioned the 2nd Amendment the right to bare arms or carry a gun, can you speak a little bit, you said you also have the endorsement of the National Gun Owners. Fran: I do. I've been a staunch defender of our 2nd Amendment rights. It's guaranteed in the Constitution. I've been a concealed permit holder for over 20 years, perhaps that started somewhat because I have a degree in criminal justice, and I am a police academy graduate, but I think that our citizens can use firearms safely. I mean there's only so many police officers, when you really need protection, sometimes there's not a police officer standing in your bedroom when someone is breaking into your home. Ally: So would you say to me if we were socially friends, "Ally you should carry a concealed weapon for your own safety?" Fran: I think that is a great advantage for men and women to have a concealed weapon permit here in NH we have that process, you go through your local police department. I think it's also important that you safely learn how to use a firearm. It's not going to do you any good having protection if you don't know how to use it. But yes, I think the founders of our country believed in an armed society and everybody being able to protect themselves. Ally: What are the 3 most important issues if you're elected to Congress that you would like to address? Fran: I think the top one is economic security. Everybody's talking about homeland security, I don't think we're ever going to be economically secure until we realize that the initial attacks weren't against our nation as far as freedom, it was against our economic vitality, and that's why they picked the World Trade Center. It was a big hit to our economy. We need to get people back to work and we need to do things like a cut in the capital gains tax, redoing the depreciation schedules to get the economy going to get jobs created common sense things like that. The President's tax cuts were important it started the ball rolling, softened the recession. NH luckily was not hit very hard by the recession, but I think its important. Good jobs and good wages, that's what makes a strong NH and a strong America. Ally: And how do you feel about social security. Fran: Well, you know there's a lot of debate over social security and the Democrats are trying to scare seniors by saying the Republicans want to play with social security in the stock market and give the money to a private company to invest, and that's absolutely false. My dad's main means of support is his social security check. Millions of our senior citizens rely on that for their basic living costs. I'm not going to do anything to take that money away from them. That's money that they earned. I'm not going to raise the age, I'm not going to vote to raise the rate, however, just a year ago we were talking about robust surplusses and we'll get back there someday when the war is over and the recession is behind us. I think it's wise for our children and our grndchildren to perhaps be able to take a small portion of their contribution, and invest it in a private account for better return. Right now if you retired in 2020, you'd have to be 105 years old before you get your money back. It's an awful rate of return, we shouldn't strap our grandkids with that kind of a system. Lars: One of the great concerns on the seacoast is the fishing industry, which is deteriorating due to what the fisherman say is over-regulation by the government. What would be your approach there? Fran: I think it's not only over-regulation in the fishing industry, I think it's over-regulation everywhere, particularly some environmental things. I think the fishing industry is a very important industry, it's historic as well as an economic driver of our economy and I think perhaps, they're being a little too aggressive in trying to protect the outerbank. I think we need to be aggressive in re-stocking, and buyouts if that works. But we need to support the fishing industry in New England. Lars: Where do you stand on renewable fuel sources? Fran: I think it's something that we need to do. I think nuclear got a bad name, I think it can be done safely. I think drilling in the Artic National Wildlife reserve can be done safely. I'm the only candidate that has actually been to Anwar. I have complete confidence that we can drill there. We need to get away from our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. We're always going to be hostage to the Middle East if we don't start stepping away from that. Tax credit for alternate fuel sources, wind power and so on are very importqnt pieces of the puzzle. Lars: Do you believe in stricter gas consumption regulations do you think the government should get involved in that a little more? Fran: I don't think they should. I think the cafe standards have worked so far, but if we go over board we're going to end up slitting our throats just like the Kioto protocols Makes us have to comply with these things but the rest of the world doen't have to. I think the auto industry is working towards that but don't forget, we live in New England, we like our SUVs. When we're out on that icy road I think you want that 4 wheel drive and you want that metal around you and not be in some little tin box. Ally: What's your stance on prescription drugs and affordability? Fran: That's a great question. Here is another case of how some candidates can say one thing and do another, well I've already been actively doing that as a legislator. This is where experience and a proven record all ready works. I sponsored 3 bills in the last 2 years in the NH legislature to expand prescription drug help to low income seniors. Right now in NH if you make over 559 dollars a month, you're too well off to qualify for Medicaid which includes a prescription benefit. I put in a piece of legislature that would have doubled the eligibilty to 120% of poverty, and I came up with a mechanism to save money in other areas of the Medicaid program to pay for it. Things like that are common sense solutions until the federal government acts. I completely support the House plan that passed the US Congress that's been held up in the Senate for approval, it's about a 350 billion dollar package, but it really gives help to those who sincerely need it. I don't think any tax payer wants a new tax program that gives free drugs to Steve Forbes and Bill Gates. I think it should be means tested. Lars: Just a couple of quick hit issues: Abortion rights for women. Fran: I've always been a staunch defender of the right to life. I'm the only candidate in the race with a record of both sponsoring and voting for legislation like a ban on partial birth abortion. For parents to be notified if their teenagers go to have an abortion. Because of that I've been recognized by the Susan B. Anthony lists for my pro-life efforts. Lars: Marriage rights for gay people. Fran: Marriage is between a man and a woman and I have a historic record of voting for traditional family values. Lars: An Amendment prohibiting flag burning. Fran: Well, I voted several times already on that in the NH legislature, but I'm a very proud signer of the American legion flag burning Amendment. I'm a member of the auxillary of the Legion so I was proud to do that. Ally: Why should viewers vote for you? Fran: I think because I'm the proven candidate. I have the best experience, my 6 years on the Health and Human Services Committee. 3 years on the finance committee. I have the broadest in depth knowledge in how the federal budget meshes with our state budget, what the federal government is paying for now, what they should be paying for, and when I cast a vote in Congress, I'll know exactly how it's going to impact our citizens wallets. Proven conservative, republican, experience. www.franforcongress.com Ally: Thanks. NATIONAL POLICIES 1. What do you see as the three most important national policies that you will address if you become a member of Congress? 1a.EDUCATION FUNDING The Presidents' "No Child Left Behind" act places even more pressure on New Hampshire's Education Funding system. How will you work on the State's behalf? What about Special Education Funding? 1b. HEALTH CARE Affordable health care is a huge issue in New Hampshire. There is no competition among health care providers and the uninsured have an especially difficult burden to carry with huge single payer premiums. Can the federal government help alleviate this problem? Prescription drug costs are also rising. If they were in Congress now, how would they be voting on the present bills now under consideration? 1c. HOMELAND SECURITY What are their thoughts on homeland security? Should the Federal Government provide state's with more support? 2.FRESHMAN CONGRESSMAN Can you think of an example of leadership that would lead you to believe that if you go to Washington as a freshman Congressman, you can further your platform ideas? 4.TRACTION WITH VOTERS What ideas of yours have the most traction with NH voters? ADDITIONALS SUPERFUND FUNDING CLEAN AIR ACT WELFARE MONEY IN CAMPAIGN PORTRAY YOURSELF AS THE ONLY REAL CONSERVATIVE - EXPLAIN PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR SENIORS ENDORSED BY GUN OWNERS OF AMERICA ENDORSEMENT FROM DAN QUAYLE MEDICARE SOCIAL SECURITY - FAVOR SOME PRIVATE INVESTING VETERANS |
| Tag Fran Wendelboe Return to index of stories... |
As she mentioned, for more information on Fran Wendelboe's campaign you can visit her website at fran for congress-dot-com. |
| Tease Monday Return to index of stories... |
Next time on New Hampshire Outlook - The campaign countdown is on, we bring you reports on three of the top contenders in the Republican Gubernatorial race. |
| Goodnight Return to index of stories... |
That's all for this edition of Outlook. Thanks for joining us. For all of us here at New Hampshire Public Television, I'm Allison McNair. We'll be back Monday at 10. |
| Founders Return to index of stories... |
Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook: New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Public Service of New Hampshire Alice J. Reen Charitable Trust Putnam Foundation Stratford Foundation |
| key: state politics / government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:8/30/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 12:00 In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included an interview with Congressional District 1 Republican candidate Gary Hoffman. PRODUCER/REPORTER:Allison McNAir NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Gary Hoffman \Congressional Candidate\District 1 Lars Trodson\Portsmouth Herald |
| key: state politics / government Return to index of stories... |
NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time:8/30/02 / 2200 HOST: Allison McNair Length: 12:00 In addition to a summary of the day's top New Hampshire stories, this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, included an interview with Fran Wendelboa- a republican candidate running for the first congressional district. PRODUCER/REPORTER:Allison McNair NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Fran Wendelboe \Congressional Candidate\District 1 Lars Trodson\Portsmouth Herald |