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Democratic congressional candidates differ on campaign funding

By Jill Terreri, Staff writer
September 3, 2008

Rochester — Two candidates for Congress agreed they have a lot in common during a debate at Geneseo State University on Tuesday night but tried to stake out areas that separated them.

Jon Powers emphasized his experience in the Army in Iraq and Alice Kryzan said her independence in raising money only from individuals, except for $1,000 from the New York League of Conservation Voters, would provide different leadership in the 26th District.

Jack Davis, the third Democrat in the Democratic primary on Sept. 9, refused to attend the debate, which was attended by about 250 people.

Also running in the 26th District is Republican Chris Lee, who also was invited but did not attend.

Kryzan is putting energy and the creation of green-collar jobs at the top of her agenda, while Powers emphasized a call to service and getting troops home from Iraq quickly and safely.

The debate was civil but the candidates pointed out what they believed was each other's weaknesses.

Kryzan noted the donations Powers has raised from special interest groups and politicians.
"I have actually run a people-centered campaign," she said.

Powers defended the donations, saying that his position as the endorsed Democrat and endorsements from labor unions come with financial support and he's proud of those endorsements.

Powers has raised over $1 million and Kryzan has raised less than $300,000.

Responding to a question about earmarks, which both candidates said they would pursue, Kryzan said Powers would not be motivated to make the earmark process more transparent because he accepted money from the Washington establishment, including Rep. Charles Rangel of Harlem, who is responsible for the current system.

The debate was moderated by Evan Dawson of WHAM-TV (Channel 13).

Powers noted that his experience in Iraq is needed in Congress, where just one other member is an Iraq War veteran.

Kryzan said other veterans have been on the wrong side of the Iraq issue and that she has experience as an environmental lawyer that would help her in Washington.

Kryzan said her agenda of creating alternative-energy jobs would help keep college graduates in the district, while Powers said a call to service in nursing and teaching is needed, as well as synergies among universities.

"We also need help from Albany, and locally," Powers said.

The candidates agreed on lowering the drinking age to 18, that health care is a right and that homosexuality is an inherent trait. Kryzan said she would oppose an amendment defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman and would vote to extend federal benefits given to heterosexual couples to same-sex couples.

Powers said he would consider merit-based pay for teachers if it was part of a larger education package of legislation. Kryzan said the teachers she knows aren't opposed to merit-based pay but she doesn't think the federal government should be so involved in primary and high school education.

On Social Security, Powers said Congress should "lock away" funds raised through the program, while Kryzan said she supports that but programs which are funded with Social Security funds now need to be examined and either funded a different way or cut.