Haire and Boswell meet for civil KY-2 debate

LEXINGTON -- State Senator David Boswell (D-Sorgho) and Daviess County Judge/Executive Reid Haire (D-Owensboro) met tonight for a televised debate on KET, just two weeks away from the May 20 primary for the open 2nd Congressional District seat. The two men revealed only subtle differences during the 30-minute affair that remained entirely civil.

The most enunciated theme of the evening was Boswell's continual references to his experience. He wasted no time or opportunity to reference his service in state government. Boswell pointed to his time as state Senator, state Commissioner of Agriculture, and state Representative as the hallmark of his qualifications for the race.

"The thirty-one years of collected experience I have gathered through the years, I think, is a key component in this election - the experience, and having the ability to hit the ground running as an effective legislator," said Boswell in his opening statement.

For his part, Haire did not surrender the question of experience, and referenced his own time as the chief executive of Daviess County and near decade of service there.

"I believe I have the right combination of experience, understanding, and vision to represent the citizens of the 2nd district - and I have the passion to work hard and fight hard for changes we need to make," said Haire.

During the campaign, it has been Haire who has out-run Boswell from some angles, significantly out-raising the state Senator in the first financial quarter and jumping on the airwaves in advance of his more-experienced opponent. Boswell, however, has run an active campaign of his own, collecting a slew of major endorsements from many principal labor groups as well as the NRA.

The two candidates did not reference each other, nor were their campaign styles or tactics mentioned by moderators. Tonight, it was only subtle distinctions on a few issues and Boswell's emphasis on experience that presented a viable contrast.

On the Iraq war, the two Owensboro-area candidates each said they supported a troop withdrawl, but under different circumstance. Boswell tied troop presence to energy independence, while Haire called for an outright timetable coordinated by American generals.

"As long as we have demand on foreign oil and we do not address our own energy independence, there has to be some type of military involvement in that region of the world," said Boswell. "My emphasis is on diplomatic resolve...and my emphasis is on developing a green energy supplemental policy in this country."

"It is time to bring the troops home," said Haire. "It is time to ask our generals to devise a strategy to bring the American troops home within 24 months, and to insist that the Iraqi government fends from itself."

Questioned on rising gas prices, Haire rejected the potential of a "gas tax moratorium" and instead proposed a federal tax rebate paid for by a tax on so-called "windfall" profits at oil companies. On the subject, Boswell again spoke of the need for a supplemental energy policy and investment in technology that would less domestic demand on foreign oil.

The debaters also spent some time touching on local issues, including the fate of development at the district's major military installation, Fort Knox. Both men touched on their hope to get committee assignments related to the facility and its growth if elected. Haire said he would seek membership on the House Armed Services Committee, while Boswell noted he would target seats on the Appropriations and Education Committees.

"I will apply same work ethic that I have applied for last 31 years as a member in gen assembly," said Boswell. "I fully understand the importance of the committee process and committee assignments."

Both candidates also expressed concern with budget earmarks, and each linked their prevalence with increasing budget deficits.

"When the cupboard is bare - and the cupboard with the Federal Government is bare - we must tighten our belts and get our own house in order. Then and only then can we try and do those initiatives that help those communities," said Haire.

"When it is all about what you can bring back home to district, obviously everyone wants to do that. But we must be fiscally responsible. We've got to get our federal deficit - our federal debt - under control," said Boswell. "I think Congressional earmarks should be set aside, and we should take care of America's needs first."

The winner of the KY-2 Democratic primary on May 20 will face presumptive Republican nominee and state Senator Brett Guthrie (R-Bowling Green).