Trying something new... biased views from the debate...

Inside Edge is trying something new today. Congressman Harry Mitchell and challenger David Schweikert debated today at the Mesa Country Club. I contacted two regular emailers to Wally Edge, both who live in Mesa, and asked them to both attend and submit one paragraph on their thoughts about the candidate of the the opposing party and a comment about their candidate if they chose. The only rules are to keep it short and I would not publish any personal attacks such as "he is so stupid, how could they choose him."  So here is our first edition of the man on the street opinion. We may or may not do this again in the future depending on the reaction. So if you like it let me know, and if you don't also let me know. And if you want to be a contributor at a debate in the future email me and tell me.

Republican on Mitchell
Harry Mitchell has spent to much time in Washington. He has forgotten how to answer a question. My biggest take is on the difference of these candidates is David would answer the question directly while Harry would dance around in an attempt to not answer and upset anyone.  Here are a few examples of him ducking an answer. When asked about if he would support Proposition 102 he said he believed marriage was between a man and a women but never said if he would support the proposition or not. He was also asked about proposition 202 he again never answered the question and just said he supports the feds getting involved in in helping with the cost. And finally he was asked if he would give back donations he received from Charles Rangel. Harry said Rangel has not been accused of a crime or convicted of one, then he was asked what if he was and again Harry would not answer the question. If you want a candidate who will be direct and answer your question you only have one choice.

Democrat on Schweikert
I am going to assume by his performance today David Schweikert is going after the "simple man" vote. This is the first time I have seen Schweikert in action and to say there was not much there is an understatement. 

When they were asked questions about their stances and how they stood on propositions it was not uncommon for Congressman Mitchell to give a detailed explanation of why he supported or opposed the position while a standard answer from Schweikert was "yes" or "no." 

If the 5th Congressional District is looking for an intelligent representative who understand the issues I urge them to vote for Congressman Mitchell.

Wally Edge asked the Democrat for an example or two and here is his response.

1) Proposition 102, do you support it. Schweikert gave the detailed answer of yes.  Never explaining why or the pros and cons. Congressman Mitchell gave a long and detailed answer on how he has been married to one women for over 40 years and how he supported marriage as one man and one women.  He also explained how we already have laws on the books.

2) When asked about the Supreme Court ruling on guns and right to bear arms both candidates were asked what reasonable restriction would you support as the Court said reasonable restrictions were allowed. Schweikert said something to the effect of "it's simple, it's the law." Congressman Mitchell went into detail on how he supported the decision but agreed there should be restrictions for such situations as the mentally challenged.

Thank you to both participants and their timely responses.