Wellstone-Boschwitz hold first debate.
Karen Boothe, 9/16/96

Democratic Senator Paul Wellstone and former Republican Senator Rudy Boschwitz debated today for the first time in the campaign. The two squared off at the annual meeting of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce in Brooklyn Center. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe was there...and filed this report: During the course of the debate, each tried to portray the OTHER as "out of touch" with mainstream Minnesotans. Boschwitz repeatedly tried to tie Wellstone to--what he described as-- the failed liberal policies of the 1960's. Wellstone, on the other hand, pounced on Boschwitz' support for the agenda of Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who spearheaded the so-called Republican Revolution two years ago.

The first question presented to them, involved balancing the Federal Budget. Boschwitz said the difference between HIS approach and Wellstone's is like night and day:

DEBATE 1 2033 :29-SECS "THE ONLY ONE THAT WORKS"

Boschwitz says in CONTRAST, Wellstone wants to give away the store. Wellstone rebutted by saying the plan Boschwitz supports would devastate the most vulnerable:

DEBATE 2

2036 :28-SECS "I WON;T SUPPORT THAT." The two candidates also addressed questions dealing with Taxes, industry regulation, job growth and economic stability. When the AUDIENCE finally had a chance to pose questions from the floor, Reform Party Senate candidate Dean Barkley, who WASN'T invited to participate, was among the first in line:

DEBATE 3 2034 1:15 "TO THIS COUNTRY"

Boschwitz then hammered on his campaign theme of optimism and a desire for a simpler, flatter and fairer personal income tax while Wellstone talked about his support for education, working families and small businesses.

Afterwards, the candidates met with reporters. Wellstone called for more debates with Boschwitz right up until the general election...and at least one in each congressional district:

DEBATE 4 2044 :22-SECS "LET'S DEBATE THIS."

Boschwitz says he's satisfied with the debates already scheduled:

DEBATE 5 2046 :08-SECS "WITH OUR VIEW POINTS."

While Wellstone says he's happy with the way the debate went, and is confident in his performance....the Boschwtiz campaign busied itself with press releases it faxed to newsrooms around the state, announcing that IT'S own candidate DEFEATED wellstone in the match.

The two square off AGAIN, at a debate in the metro region later this month.

SOC