Published 10/19/2006
Highlights of the Omaha Press Club Debate.
BY OSKAR GARCIA / The Associated Press OMAHA� Democrat congressional candidate Jim Esch accused Congress of squandering opportunities, while Republican incumbent Lee Terry defended policies on Iraq, energy and education during a Thursday debate in downtown Omaha.
The 2nd District candidates have strong differences on Iraq and the war on terror � topics that began the debate and framed many of the issues.
Esch said Iraq is in a civil war that the United States can't police, and keeping troops there would only result in more death.
"Now is the time for diplomacy to take over," Esch said.
Terry said the new Iraq government would fail if allied troops left now, leaving the country open to takeover by jihadists.
"I fear that," Terry said.
The hourlong debate touched on a bevy of other topics, including North Korea, immigration and House ethics.
Both candidates said North Korea poses an urgent threat to the United States.
Terry said a solution should center on diplomacy and sanctions, but he would consider further action if necessary.
Terry said military strike should be kept on the table.
Esch said the United States should pursue direct talks with Kim Jong Il, because a war would be a fight the United States doesn't want.
"We have to allow him to save face somehow," Esch said. "Without that, leaders like him will go to extreme measures."
Esch said the size of North Korea's military would make a U.S. draft necessary if the nations went to war.
Terry said China is the only country that can directly talk to Kim.
On energy, Terry defended a bill he worked to pass during the last session. Esch complained the bill gave too much money to big oil companies and didn't do enough to further alternative energy.
"If we said we were going to be energy independent in 15 years, you'd see gas go to a buck before you blink," Esch said.
While discussing government support of farms, Esch said farmers are getting older and there should be incentives for young farmers.
Terry responded by saying Esch should support Terry's farm bill, which would do just that.
The debate was conducted by the Omaha Press Club and League of Women Voters. Questions were submitted to the candidates by a panel with members from both organizations. Neither candidate saw the questions beforehand.