COMPLETE VIDEO: Murphy, Gibson meet in 'debate'

U.S. Representative Scott Murphy, (D) Glens Falls and Republican challenger Chris Gibson of Kinderhook sat down together in front of about one hundred people in the auditorium at the Hyde Art Museum Thursday evening, answering questions for about an hour.  They had accepted an invitation from the Adirondack Region Chamber of Commerce's Young Professionals Organization. Each candidate said he expects more debates. None has been scheduled.

The two differ on the health care reform passed in March. Each was asked how that reform would make health care more affordable.

Murphy said, "What I think we did with this health care bill is put in place a sytem that is going to start to get those costs under control over time."

Gibson argued, "We're gonna see our premiums rise as a consequence of this. There's about two dozen new taxes." Gibson proposes repealing the reform.

Gibson told the room he thingks a congressman might help keep property taxes down by cutting the size of the federal government and acting as an advocate for property tax caps. Murphy suggested federal tax deductions and federal aid for schools. 

Each candidate expressed a desire to preserve the Social Security system. Gibson said he does not want to see the system privatized, as Murphy has suggested was the case. Gibson said he thinks tending to Social Security can wait until the federal budget is balanced and the economy is fixed.

They also agreed the estate tax on millionaires should affect fewer millionaires. Gibson suggested the tax kick in on estates of $8 million, Murphy suggested $3.5 to $5 million per person. Other areas of agreement: Current policy in Afghanistan, the need to grow the economy and increase employment, the use of nuclear power and the desire for more "debates" during the campaign.

During the session each candidate made an opening and closing statement and was given two minutes to answer each question from the moderator. It was a cordial affair with no fireworks and no interruptions. The audience observed the rules and did not clap once during the question and answer period.

Gibson said he would like to have a debate in each county in the district. Murphy did not say how many more times the two candidates might meet in this fashion.  The sponsors were expected to post the entire discussion on the internet. It is expected to be posted at cbs6albany.com by noon Friday.