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Everything you need to know about last night's dramatic GOP candidates debate
Larry Mendte moderating, Republicans admitting they voted for Obama and support collective bargaining, a controversial mayoral candidate not showing up, Councilman Frank Rizzo leaving (very) early - last night's GOP candidates debate was a ball!
Everything you need to know about last night's dramatic GOP candidates debate
Larry Mendte moderating, Republicans admitting they voted for Obama and support collective bargaining, a controversial mayoral candidate not showing up, Councilman Frank Rizzo leaving (very) early — last night's GOP candidates debate was a ball!
Seriously, folks — I'm looking at you, gentle, but skeptical Dems — it was fascinating.
Let's break down the event's highlights, shall we?
Controversial No-Shows: The biggest news of the night were the two "no-shows": Rizzo briefly introduced himself and then left, citing other obligations. He's been in the hot seat recently for being enrolled in DROP — and his own party has failed to endorse him. But who really came under fire for skipping the debate? The controversial Karen Brown, a mayoral candidate who's caught flack from some Republicans because she was a longtime Democrat (and ran for office as a Dem this year), then switched parties, and yet won the support of the Republican City Committee.
Host Kevin Kelly was none too pleased about Brown not showing up. He said she "has no business running for mayor." Lots of people called her a "coward" throughout the night. Rizzo, meanwhile, was frequently the butt of jokes: When it came time for the candidates to ask each other questions, At-large hopeful Steve Odabashian quipped, "I had a question prepared for Councilman Rizzo!" The crowd then burst into laughter. Mendte, the fiesty moderator, said his first question to Rizzo was going to be about the meaning of the word "irrevocable." And At-large candidate Malcolm Lazin boasted about protesting outside Rizzo's office.
Republicans for Obama?: At-large candidates David Oh and Odabashian said they voted for Barack Obama. Michael Untermeyer said he wasn't comfortable saying who he voted for in the presidential election.
Republicans for collective bargaining?: A few At-large candidates said they supported collective bargaining. But for some reason, Oh seemed to get the most heat for it. Mendte, referring the campaign donations Oh has received from unions, asked him, "Which came first — the chicken or the egg?" Kelly, meanwhile, said the problem was that politicians take campaign money from unions and then sit down to negotiate with them on behalf of voters. "If you don't understand that," said Kelly, "that's a real problem!"
Republican candidate admits he's got no chance: GOP mayoral candidate John Featherman conceded that he can't win, save for "an act of God." That didn't go over well.
Dissing on Ramsey: The At-large candidates were split on whether it's a good thing that Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey is staying in the city. Only one candidate there — Denny O'Brien — said he supported Ramsey's $60,000 raise.
The Pledge of Allegiance, Arlene Ackerman and other interesting tidbits: At the start of the debate, the audience rose to pledge allegiance. ... Superintendent Arlene Ackerman was a hot topic, and there was lots of support for booting her. ... O'Brien positioned himself as an education candidate throughout the night, even voicing concern over Gov. Tom Corbett's education cuts. ... Featherman said he'd cut the ethics department to save money, noting that it is "not enforcing much of anything." He also called L&I "corrupt." ... An audience member criticized At-large candidates Elmer Money and Untermeyer for saying they'd back Bill Green for Council president. ... Odabashian, perhaps recalling the words of Christine O'Donnell, said he was running because he's "one of you."
Still hungry for more? I live-tweeted the event — @hollyotterbein.
This article is part of our new, expanded coverage of this year's exciting election season. Grab this link for more "ElectionEar" pieces and look for the new column in our print edition.
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