| Franken says that Forrester has his business incorporated in NJ in order to avoid paying taxes here, yet complains about the state's fiscal policies.
[7:38] Corzine opening statement. 40% rebates for middle class families. Franken: woooo!!
[7:39] 1st question to Forrester on pending legislation to ban smoking? Forrester punts. Says individual restaurants should decide. Non-answer.
[7:40] Corzine: supports ban.
[7:41] Full public smoking ban? Forrester: municipalities should decide - nonanswer again. Answer the stupid question. Corzine: smoking ban good for big and small businesses.
(Posting times is getting annoying. I'm going to stop doing that now)
Corzine: Eminent domain to go after private property is not acceptable. End it.
Forrester whines about Corzine's position. Corzine smacks him down saying eminent domain on brownfield sites is different. Crowd is happy.
How to fund transportation trust fund? Forrester: put trust back into trust fund. Franken: Forrester's going to put the funds back in the trust fund.
Forrester said he's opposed to gas tax even though he has said recently in the past that he is open to the idea of a gas tax hike.
Corzine: state's credit rating up for first time in a decade under Codey. Credit rating went down under whitman.
Average price of gallon of gas? Both guessed close to avg: $2.74
Corzine: funding education through property taxes is bad idea. Supports constitutional convention to change tax system.
Corzine: Forrester's tax plan is out of touch with reality. Middle class families deserve help.
Moderator is upset that they're both talking about rebates.
Forrester calls the tax rebate program lame.
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Franken asking people in the crowd to call and ask Forrester about his company being registered in DC to avoid paying NJ taxes.
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Forrester says we need fiscal control. Translation: starve social programs.
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Email question: both wealthy individuals. Why take low-paying job? Will you take only $1 in salary?
Corzine: I haven't taken pay in Senate except for health benefits. Will accept a salary of $1 annually. Want job to make sure there is equal pay for equal work. All children insured.
Forrester: will donate salary to charity. Moderator: taxpayers won't save $180,000 salary.
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Medical marijuana question from caller: support Compassionate use of Medical Marijuana Act?
Forrester: I feel bad for your friend. Open to medical marijuana.
Corzine: If a doctor prescribes it, need to do what is in best interest of patient.
Both said they would sign bill legalizing medical marijuana if it came to their desk/
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What to do about political appointees? Get to keep jobs and appoint more?
Corzine will ask for resignation of every political appointee.
Forrester says political appointees hurt unionized workers.
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Caller asks about hockey arena in Newark. Franken: let's get back to medical marijuana!
Both Forrester and Corzine oppose using port authority funds to pay for stadium.
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Moderator asks if we still need state-funded public broadcasting like NJN considering the vast media infrastructure (over a dozen newspapers) in the state?
Corzine says we need to keep funding public broadcast.
Forrester sucks up to 101.5 saying the station should expand to Bergen county. Doesn't answer question. Says we need a state-wide station like 101.5. Doesn't answer question. Blah blah blah.
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Franken takes poll to ask who's winning. Corzine wins :-)
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Will you stand up to unions and say we can no longer afford pension funds? Forrester: yes. Corzine: state must pay fair share of pensions.
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Auto insurance: specific plans to bring rates down even lower?
Forrester: tort reform. Crowd: LOUD boos.
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How much do you pay for car insurance?
Corzine: $1200
Forrester: I have a bunch of different children.
Franken: DIFFERENT children? What is that?
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What is your greatest weakness?
Forrester: There are times that I don't convey the passion that I have for New Jersey. The crowd is gagging.
Corzine: Sometimes I try to do too much and get distracted from absolutely most essential things.
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Candidates ask each other direct questions:
Forrester asks Corzine: Will you be bossed by the party?
Corzine says the only person to have done business with Norcross is Mr Forrester. I had major conflict with Bergen county party - supported Weinberg.
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Corzine asks why Forrester won't support embryonic stem cells. Forrester claims to support "stem cell research" but doesn't actually support embryonic stem cell research.
Forrester thinks that you can answer scientific answers without performing scientific research
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Forrester would like to associate Senator Corzine with people he stands by at Political Ralies, without supporting the same scrutiny of himself.
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Mr. Forrester, the man who has made millions setting the prices for New Jersey recipients of Prescription Drugs, thinks the prices are too high.
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Both candidates have said property tax relief and ethics reform are most important issue. If after 2 years, these two goals aren't met, would you be willing to say you will not run for reelection.
Forrester: punts. Asked again. Says he won't run for second term without a record of success.
Corzine: will issue an executive order within first month on ethics reform.
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Say something nice about opponent:
Corzine: he's worked hard in public service before going into private sector.
Forrester: I've enjoyed the private conversations we've had. He's been generous in charitable ventures.
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Forrester: I think it's time for NJ to take its place between NY and Pennsylvania.
Closing statements: (can't hear - Franken is making everyone laugh)
That's all folks. |
