LEWISBURG - Republican hopefuls for 10th Congress sounded their party's themes of reduced taxes, smaller government and other conservative values near and dear to the hearts of the GOP during a candidates forum at Bucknell University Monday night.
Candidates taking turns expressing their views before about 50 people were Thomas A. Marino, Malcolm Derk and David Madeira.
Steve Soliero, another Republican candidate, did not attend the forum sponsored by the Susquehanna Valley Conservatives.
Candidates fielded various questions given to them by moderator Leslie Velz before answering ones from the audience.
In his opening statement, Derk, a Snyder County commissioner, said he has experience balancing budgets and holding the line on taxes.
"I'm a fiscal conservative," he said. "I will represent your values."
Madeira referred to his experience as a chiropractor and small businessman.
He said he loved his career but became disillusioned with the government's hand in health care.
"That's what's wrong with government. I will make sure government consents to what you want."
Marino talked about his rise from blue collar roots working in a factory until he was 30 years old, working his way through college and eventually serving as Lycoming County District Attorney and later a U.S. Attorney.
He said he's a leader who will work for the people.
Derk said he is running to control the massive spending by Democrats.
He said health care reform pushed by Democrats will hurt senior citizens by cutting Medicare and small businesses by increasing their taxes.
Such policies will hurt generations to come, he added.
Madeira said the spending has to stop.
A father of five, he noted his children are already facing debt.
Marino, noting he has two adopted children including a daughter with cystic fibrosis, said he doesn't want government bureaucrats making his family's health care decisions.
He agreed government spending is out of hand.
Each candidate was asked how to control the national debt.
Marino said it really comes down to the simply philosophy of not spending more than is on hand.
"We cannot raise the (debt) ceiling," he said.
He called for a level field for fair trade and said earmarks should be cut.
"We all have to tighten our belts," he said.
Derk said government has to find places to cut, but not the military.
"I would agreed we need to cut the earmarks," he added.
Madeira said the government could save an incredible amount of money by cutting spending to 2007 levels. He also called for slashing taxes.
Candidates had varied answers on what government programs should remain or be dropped.
Derk said Social Security should be preserved since everyone pays into it. He also spoke out in favor of veterans programs.
"We need more accountability on welfare," he said.
Madeira said people should be able to decide how to invest their money that is otherwise directed into the government's Social Security fund.
"Welfare must be seriously re-evaluated," he said.
Marino called for retaining Medicare, veterans programs and military spending.
Each candidate said he would support the Constitution and tort reform measures to reduce health insurance costs.
All the candidates also said they are pro life and agreed the death tax needs to be eliminated.
