KYW Newsradio Team Coverage
by KYW’s Greg Orlandini and Ed Fischer
The candidates for US Senate from Pennsylvania sparred on a variety of issues on KYW Newsradio on Monday morning.
Broadcast live from the studios of KYW Newsradio at 5th and Market Streets and simulcast on KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh, the meeting between Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) and Democratic challenger Bob Casey, moderated by KYW special contributor Larry Kane, had the largest audience of any event so far in this campaign.
The tone of the candidates started out softly, but neither was shy about attacking the record or positions of the other.
Santorum addressed charges he has alienated some in the Commonwealth:
"I have a responsibility to be accountable, and you know when you go out to talk about the big issues of the day sometimes your going to make people mad when you hide from them, when you don't tell their positions on the issues. My opponent said I was a 'desperate candidate' -- I am desperate... I am not desperate, I'm exasperated what my opponent's positions are."
The candidates differed on how to handle the energy crisis. Santorum backs a measure to allow more off-shore drilling and defended his voting record on energy issues. Casey said, "We can't drill our way to energy independence."
Responding to a question from KYW City Hall bureau chief Mike Dunn, Casey said that while he backed giving same-sex couples the rights and privileges associated with marriage, he opposes making same-sex marriage legal. Santorum said Casey is trying to be on both sides of that issue.
Both Casey and Santorum backed President Bush's domestic surveillance program.
Santorum criticized Casey for not favoring a federal bill to increase the minimum wage. Santorum voted for the measure and said he was proud to have done so.
Casey called for a doubling of the ranks of US Special Forces within five years. Santorum wondered whether that was possible.
Answering a question from KYW Harrisburg bureau chief Tony Romeo, Santorum said that he favors stronger actions against nuclear power hopefuls North Korea and Iran. Casey said the current administration isn't using its political and economic powers effectively enough against the threat of upcoming nuclear nations.
On the issue of violence in schools, Casey worked hard to link Santorum to the Bush administration and its policies. Santorum enumerated a list of legislation he has supported aimed at making schools safer.
Personal attacks have become a part of this campaign (see related story), and Monday's meeting was no exception. Each candidate defended his record of public service and attacked his opponent on issues ranging from how hard he worked to whom he supported.
KYW's Mike Dunn drew both candidates into a local issue: how to protect Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell from a potential terrorist attack. Casey said he'd follow the advice of security experts, and added that the federal government needs to do more to help Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and other cities protect themselves from terrorism. He said that Philadelphia's subway system needs better underground communcations.
Santorum said he's concerned about the seven-foot height of a security fence being proposed for the Independence Hall-Liberty Bell area.
The candidates sparred on the issues of health care and illegal immigration. Santorum says 13 million illegal aliens in the US are driving up the cost of health care for all. Casey wondered aloud whether Santorum wanted to deport 13 million people from the United States.
Both men also sparred on the issue of contraception and the "morning after" pill: Casey supports federal funding for the emergency contraceptive known as "Plan B," Santorum opposes it.
The right-to-die issue was also debated by the candidates. Casey criticized Santorum for visiting the deathbed of Terry Schiavo, a comatose Florida woman whose final days were marked by intense political and legal activity. Santorum said he thinks that it is appropriate for a federal review whenever a human life is at stake in such circumstances.
So how did the candidates do during their Monday morning face-off?
KYW's Mike DeNardo reports that predictably, each said he did well.
The conversation had a more civil tone than last week's debate in Pittsburgh. But if Santorum and Casey agreed on anything, it's that "Breakfast with the Candidates" highlighted the differences between them.
Illegal aliens, the "Plan B" contraceptive, the Terry Schiavo case -- Senator Rick Santorum and challenger Bob Casey found plenty of issues to differ on.
Casey wouldn't claim victory, but he said listeners could see clear differences:
"I hate to be a pundit and an analyst. I'll leave that to some of you guys. But I think it was a good exchange. I think it's very clear, the choice. I think it's a profoundly different point of view that he has. He really believes that we should stay the course, I don't."
Santorum lamented the fact that this was only the third time the candidates had been together:
"I think that's unfortunate for the voters of Pennsylvania. I think it shows a lack of respect for them, that he's not willing to step forward and be more public about what he knows and how he knows it, and what he's going to do."
Democrat Bob Casey, ahead in the polls, said his campaign is not laying low:
"I think it's very clear in this campaign and very clear today the difference between us. He really believes that we should stay the course, it's more of the same -- you heard it here today. I think we've got to take a new direction."
Senator Rick Santorum says Casey criticized him during the debate for "studying" the issues:
"My opponent, again, tends not to answer the questions. And (that's) the difference between someone who's actually taken the time to study issues that I've taken positions on, because I've actually worked through these things."
Casey said he would leave it up to the political pundits to judge whether either candidate scored any points during the debate.
Santorum and Casey were scheduled to meet up again on Moday night for a debate at the National Constitution Center.
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