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Road to Congress: 10th District GOP candidates differ on taxes, Social Security, agree on illegal immigration

March 27, 2008

Hackett, Meuser meet in calm debate

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
Bill O'Boyle on Facebook   |   @TLBillOboyle on Twitter

TUNKHANNOCK – Both candidates said it was the shortest hour they have ever spent and the most important.

Before a crowd of 100 Wednesday night, Republican candidates for the 10th Congressional District seat – Dan Meuser and Chris Hackett – calmly stated their case and took questions from the audience during a debate at Tunkhannock Area Middle School.

They are seeking their party’s nomination to run against U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, D-Dimock Township, who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.

The Republican hopefuls differed on such as issues as Social Security and taxes, but agreed on other issues, such as immigration and keeping Interstate 80 toll-free.

Hackett said he favors allowing a portion of Social Security contributions to be put into private investments, giving it a long-term solution. Meuser disagreed, saying he doesn’t believe in privatization of accounts. He said he believes senior citizens should continue to receive the Social Security that they’ve earned and deserve.

On taxes, Meuser said the country’s tax system needs to be overhauled, calling it inefficient.

“Obviously, there is a need for tremendous reforms,” Meuser said. “But I’m a realist and I can see that we need to begin by taking steps in that direction. We need more tax breaks for the middle class.”

Hackett said that as a small businessman and former certified public accountant, he sees the need to move to a flat tax.

“We need to do a lot with the Internal Revenue Service codes,” Hackett said. “A flat tax would keep more money in people’s pockets.”

Both candidates said illegal immigration needs to be addressed. They said securing our borders is the key. Meuser mentioned that his company, Pride Mobility, was victimized by illegal immigrants who misrepresented themselves before they were hired. Meuser’s company was fined, but the candidate said the firm has not had any other occurrences in more than 10 years.

Hackett questioned why illegal immigrants are able to receive income tax refunds despite using fake Social Security numbers.

Hackett and Meuser agreed Interstate 80 should not become a toll road. They also agreed state roads need to be upgraded to ensure Pennsylvania continues its economic upswing.

“Government should sometimes lead, follow, or get out of the way,” Meuser said. “If there’s one thing taxpayers’ dollars should be spent on, it’s transportation. It’s important for the Keystone State to have good highways, but it’s a terrible idea to toll I-80.”

Meuser and Hackett both support soldiers fighting against terrorism and want to ensure they are taken care of when they return home.

“The idea that there are so many veterans living on the streets is a national shame,” Meuser said.

Hackett said he is committed to the effort in Iraq and said the country should provide the troops with all they need to accomplish their mission.

Hackett said the area should market its vast supply of natural gas to attract new businesses. He said dairy farmers also hold a key to the region’s economic development.

Meuser said he would favor eliminating federal earmarks if every other elected official did the same. Hackett emphatically opposes earmarks.

Both candidates talked about their families and their values. Each said they possess the core values necessary to represent the people of the district. Both told of their travels over the last several months through the massive district, meeting people and learning what each area needs and wants from their congressman.

Meuser wants less government, not more. He wants lower taxes, not higher.

Hackett said Washington, D.C., needs a complete overhaul.

Meuser said he has learned that far too many families are having a too difficult time making ends meet. He said too many small businesses are facing unnecessary challenges.

“People can’t pay their bills,” Meuser said.

In his closing statement, Meuser said his campaign has been about conversation and meeting people.

“I pledged to run a positive campaign,” Meuser said. “I believe you want that and it’s the right thing to do. Come April 22, we want ourselves on a credible stage ready to challenge Chris Carney – reveal his record for what it is and take back this seat.”

Hackett closed with a family story of how he and his wife decided to adopt a young Chinese girl. He said he wanted to offer her the same opportunities people here in the district have enjoyed. He said by being in Congress, he would work to assure those opportunities only get better.

“I can assure you that the conservative principles that you subscribe to will be consistently represented in Washington with me as your congressman,” Hackett said.

Both men said they did well at the debate.

“I think this was a great opportunity to show the voters why I should represent them,” Meuser said afterward. “I only live 18 miles from here, but this felt like home to me tonight.”

But Hackett believed it was he who had the edge. “I think the people can see that I am the true conservative in this race,” he said.

The debate was sponsored by the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce and the Press Examiner newspaper. Moderator for the debate was Alex Fried, public relations manager for Procter & Gamble and chairman of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce.

ON THE WEB

For video of the debate, go to www.timesleader.com

WHAT’S NEXT?

•Republican congressional candidates Chris Hackett and Dan Meuser will debate April 15 at WVIA-TV in Jenkins Township.

10TH DISTRICT

•Encompasses parts of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming and Tioga counties and all of Bradford, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Union, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

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