LIVE CHAT: Chris Nelson, Secretary of State and candidate for U.S. House seat.
For the complete conversation, visit Mount Blogmore at http://blogs.rapidcityjournal.com/politicalblog/?p=4821
Q: In a recent survey of 702 South Dakota voters, 46 percent said they would vote for Rep. Herseth Sandlin in the House race, while 39 percent chose you. What did that say about your standing as a candidate, and about the incumbent?
CN: The results of the recent poll reveal numbers that we expected to see in this race but perhaps not until some time in 2010. The numbers reflect two things. First, there is a real discontent in South Dakota with how Congress is managing the issues of the country and South Dakotans are seeing that our incumbent representative is too often part of the problem, not part of the solution. The second thing is that South Dakotans have had a chance to get to know who I am through my work as Secretary of State and show approval for my work in public service.
Q: Was the federal stimulus package a net gain or loss for South Dakota?
CN: The $800 billion spending bill was a net loss for South Dakota and the country. Were there valuable infrastructure components funded by the bill, yes. That said, the fact remains that every penny of the $800 billion was borrowed money, much of it from other countries. This borrowing will remain as a mortgage handed down to our children. When our children are taxed to repay the $800 billion plus interest, they will certainly say it was a net loss. The intent of the spending bill was to create jobs. There is a real debate about whether that actually occurred. We do know that unemployment is higher today than when the stimulus bill was passed.
Q: Since you oppose the Democratic health-insurance reform plans, what alternative solutions do you have for problems in the nation's health-care system?
CN: The chief concern with health care today is cost. We need to find targeted solutions to bringing down cost. By reducing cost we increase access.
Obviously competition is one mechanism for bringing down cost. We need to look at those things in the regulatory environment that inhibit competition for health insurance and competition for health services.
There is concern about health insurance coverage restrictions due to preexisting conditions, lifetime maximums, and unilaterally dropping coverage. Those concerns need to be addressed but what is missing in the whole discussion today is what is the cost of the fix. The current plans in Congress intend to remedy these problems but the costs for the fix will increase premiums for everyone.
The answers don't lie in increasing taxes on individuals, employers, and health care providers as we find in the current bills. The answer isn't found in the federal government's running the health insurance or health care system. The answer is found in a careful analysis of the problems and finding smart, targeted solutions for those problems.
Q: Rep. Herseth Sandlin will be on with us in two weeks. What question should I ask her on your behalf?
CN: How many debates and public forums will she attend with her Republican opponent between the primary and general election?
