The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Issue date: 10/10/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Katie Stevens Democrat Betsy Markey (left) and Republican Marilyn Musgrave listen while a question is read during the first few minutes of the debate in the UCA on Thursday. Republicans have held the 4th Congressional District, which contains 18 counties, since the 1970s.

Incumbent congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, R-Colorado, and Democratic opponent Betsy Markey met in debate Thursday night at the University Center for the Arts, discussing renewable energy programs, bipartisan work, health insurance and job market stability for students in the face of economic turmoil.

The two are battling for the Fourth Congressional District seat of Colorado, which, after 30 years of Republican control, has become an intensely competitive seat in the House of Representatives due to the catastrophic economic conditions and a resulting negative national Republican Party image.

And with the economy in such a state, both candidates highlighted the necessity of creating jobs for the rising generation of students who will inherit it.

"I voted no on the $700 billion bailout plan, and worked in a bipartisan way to do so; it was a hasty decision and not a solution to the problem. We have to go back in January and bring down the cost of energy," Musgrave said.

The two jointly expressed disapproval of the recently passed multi-billion dollar bailout plan, which they said puts an unfair burden on taxpayers.

"I'm outraged we let the problem even get to this point," Markey said. "We've mopped the floor but haven't fixed the leaky roof."

The front lawn of the UCA was littered with political signs as voters rallied and shouted chants in support of their desired candidate as hundreds of people filtered in to see the deliberation.

Adam Schrager, a channel 9News political reporter, moderated the hour-long debate, which addressed what young people should consider when entering the job market.

"Education in this state is critical," Markey said. "We have to make sure that our universities are the strongest they can be. These kids are the generation of our future."

Continued...

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