Senatorial candidates
debate at Ingram Hall

by Skip Anderson
Candidates for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the retiring Fred Thompson traded rhetorical barbs last night in an hour-long debate in Ingram Hall.

The fourth in a series of five debates between Republican nominee Lamar Alexander and Democrat nominee Bob Clement was broadcast live on WTVF NewsChannel 5. NewsChannel 5 anchor Chris Clark and Bonna de la Cruz, political reporter for The Tennessean, moderated the event.

Each candidate incorporated jabs at their opponent into their responses on topics such as the economy, education and the use of military action against Iraq.

Clark began the debate by asking Clement why information regarding Alexander’s personal finances is relevant to voters. Clement has publicly asked the former two-term governor of Tennessee to make more information public than has already been released.

“I’m saying he has used [his] political contacts and political position to make money,” said Clement, when Clark pushed the third-term U.S. congressman to state if Alexander has participated in unethical business or political practices.

“I spent 19 of the last 22 years starting companies, growing companies and making money,” rebutted Alexander. “Mr. Clement has become a millionaire in three years in the private sector.”

On the possibility of war with Iraq, Alexander said, “I believe we should go as far as we have to to disarm Saddam Hussein. We shouldn’t start something that we’re not prepared to finish.”

Clement, who served in the U.S. Army , acknowledged that a ground invasion may be necessary, and should be approached cautiously.

“Saddam Hussein is a ruthless dictator, [and] we’d rather have him out of power than in power,” he said. “Let’s make war a last resort.”

Clement, who recently has been sharply critical of President Bush’s position on the economy, said he would advise Bush to place a premium on the middle class.

“[Our country has a] strong middle class,” said Clement. “That’s what separates this country from other countries.”

Alexander also was asked what advice he would give the president regarding the economy.

“Mr. President, it would help to make your tax cut permanent,” he said. “I’d also put more federal dollars into local schools.”

In his closing remarks, Alexander continued to stress the importance of education. “I’ll focus on how to improve our schools; that has always been my top priority,” he said.

Clement’s closing remarks focused on the “American Dream” and the bank accounts of Americans. “I’m going to fight for those checkbooks, and to make a difference,” he said.

Supporters for each candidate made campaign literature available outside Ingram Hall prior to the event.

Vanderbilt co-sponsored the debate with The Tennessean and NewsChannel 5. Vanderbilt also hosted a political rally on July 24 that attracted more than 50 candidates for city, state and federal elections, and more than 1,000 potential voters. A reporter from WKRN Channel 2 News described that event as the largest gathering of candidates in Middle Tennessee's history.

The early voting period for the election begins Wednesday, Oct. 16, and the general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

For more information, visit www.nashville.gov/vote/

Posted 10/14/02 at 10 a.m