Harry Mitchell at the LD8 Forum

He lead off the forum with his opening statement. He went over his distinguished career as a public servant, covering his 28 years spent teaching in Tempe, years on the Tempe City Council or as Mayor and terms in the State Senate.

After recounting his ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and political positions, and some of the benefits of that ability - a revitalized Tempe and balanced state budgets, he called out the need for a change in direction in Washington.

He went on to support a "strong, safe, secure border" including a guest worker program.

When he was asked the question about "working across the aisle," he reminded the audience of his history of doing just that, and observed that while sometimes it isn't easy to find, with strong effort, an area of common good can be found, and worked with.

Regarding the question about which environmental issues are most important to him, Harry said that air quality is the top issue with him. He noted that it makes a "horrible impression" on visitors when you can see the air. [Personal note: residents don't think much of it, either.] Citing the national security benefits as well as the environmental one, he will also be a strong advocate for energy independence, saying that "Arizona should be the Saudi Arabia of solar energy."

On education, Harry is a staunch supporter of public education [OK, that's not a surprise from someone who taught in one for nearly 3 decades. :) ] He called for the federal government to actually pay for some of their mandates. He called 'No Child Left Behind' a good idea, but because it isn't funded, it's causing havoc with Arizona's schools.

His best quote on this, the one that best summarizes his position here, is that it's "easy to be 'for education' at the federal level when you don't pay for it" and that the proof of a Congressman's real support (for education) is in his vote to fund it.

On to the audience questions...

When asked about handling the personal attacks that seem to be an integral part of campaigning these days, Harry noted that he probably has the meanest opponent, which earned a round of knowing laughter followed by applause from the audience. He continued, saying that the best course of action would be for him (and Democrats in general) to not "sit back and take it any more." This statement brought a loud round of cheers from everyone in attendance.

On same-sex marriage - the current debate is a "smokescreen" and it should be left to the states.

On helping Governor Napolitano - Harry urged everyone to support Democratic candidates to uphold the Governor's veto power. In response to Republicans' criticism of the number of vetos by the Governor, he thought it was a sign of the balance in the AZ state house, comparing it against the lack of balance at the federal level, He cited the news of the day (stem cell bill and veto), drawing forth a round of boos for the President's sole veto.

On the question about what he would say to Speaker Hastert at the border (my question!! Yes!!): He would say we don't need more politicians coming to visit the border. We need actual action. (Crowd cheers here, loudly.) He went on to note that JD Hayworth, like many in Washington these days, is "all rhetoric and no results."

On healthcare - He supports a universal health plan. He stated that one of the biggest obstacles to reform is the tendency of Washington insiders protecting their friends, citing the example of Medicare Part D being barred from negotiating the best drug prices that it can. A ban that greatly aids the profit margins of big campaign contributors Big Pharma.

Time was running short, so Harry closed with another call for a change in direction in Washington, congratulated the other candidates on a job well done, and thanked everyone for attending.

Personal observations: While all of the candidates were well-received, the audience saved its biggest pops for Harry Mitchell, which wasn't really a surprise.

I'm looking forward to the LD17 Candidate Forums next week. I won't be able to make it to the one on Monday in the Tempe City Council Chambers, sponsored by the East Valley Tribune, but should be at the Clean Elections forum at ASU on Wednesday. That one will include both candidates from both the Democratic and Republican slates.

On edit: As far as I can tell, both forums next week will feature the candidates of both parties; the way I originally wrote it, I seem to say that only the one on Wednesday will. Mea culpa.

End edit.

Later!!