Democrats emphasize experience and leadership | Billings Gazette

[Ediacara]

Demos emphasize experience and leadership




By BECKY SHAY
Of The Gazette Staff

Although journalists asked Democratic candidates Brian Schweitzer and John Vincent about everything from gambling to public lands, the hardest-hitting questions were posed by the candidates to each other. One answer created the debate's closest thing to an outburst - and that was from the audience.

Schweitzer, who said he and running mate John Bohlinger have extensive experience "signing the front side of the paycheck," asked Vincent how he could represent the majority of Montanans who own or work for small businesses.

"Because I'm smart enough once I'm elected governor to get in touch with you and John," Vincent said.

The audience burst into applause and laughter.

Throughout the debate Tuesday night, the two candidates emphasized leadership, experience and investing in Montana.

There were few disparaging remarks exchanged and only a few comments lobbed at the Republican candidates who had already taken down their signs and left.

The following are highlights from the debate, sponsored by The Billings Gazette and hosted by Montana State University-Billings, which donated a lecture hall for the Republican and Democrat candidates to face off.

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[Feanorcurufinwe]

1. This part was interesting

On health insurance for Montanans

Schweitzer proposed pooling small businesses so they could competitively purchase insurance. Although about 20 percent of Montanans are not insured, everyone receives health care, he said, because providers shift costs to the insured. A pool would attract insurance provider competition to Montana and reduce costs to the insured and providers.

Vincent said first Montana must fund the Children's Health Insurance Program. Insurance pools do not work, he said, because they require mixing high- and low-risk groups.

http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?ts=1&display=rednews/2004/05/05/build/state/20-democrats.inc

There's a clear difference of opinion but I don't know who's right. But I will say, I'm a small business owner without insurance, but I don't see a pool as being able to help... I guess I'm a radical in that I just believe health insurance is a total scam and I refuse to buy into it. I don't want access to health insurance, I want access to quality and affordable health care.