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GOP hopefuls agree on plenty Debating in Medford, the three gubernatorial candidates rip into Kitzhaber at every turn By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune It's been more than 20 years since Oregon elected a Republican governor, but Kevin Mannix, Jack Roberts and Ron Saxton agree that one among them can remedy that in November. Changing the state's political climate wasn't the only issue the three gubernatorial candidates agreed upon Tuesday night during a debate at the Red Lion Hotel in Medford. "We don't have a great philosophical difference between the three of us," admitted state Labor Commissioner Jack Roberts. Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber's second term in office expires in January 2003, and he cannot run again because of term limits. Since Mannix, Roberts and Saxton basically agreed upon every issue, the three candidates chose to offer their personal views when asked a question by moderator Lars Larson, a radio commentator. More than 280 people attended the event, which was hosted by the Jackson County Republican Central Committee and Jackson County Republican Women. On the Democratic side of the gubernatorial race, hopefuls include former state Treasurer Jim Hill, former state Supreme Court Justice Ted Kulongoski and former Multnomah County Chairwoman Bev Stein. "One of the things you need to know is that all six candidates are attorneys," joked Saxton, a former Portland School Board member. "You're not going to get a doctor this time." Candidates answered a variety of questions taken from the audience and chatted with visitors afterward. Inquiries ranged from opinions on gun control and the endangered species act to their suggestions for balancing the state's budget. During the debate, all three candidates took every opportunity to blast Kitzhaber. Mannix attacked Kitzhaber's Oregon Health Plan, claiming it required major reconfiguration. Mannix proposed creating a voucher system with a stair-step payment plan based on income and tax incentives for private businesses who provided health insurance to employees. "Right now it's a train wreck waiting to happen," he added. "It's the fastest growing item in the Oregon budget. It's breaking the bank," added Roberts. The three men agreed the Elk Creek Dam should not be notched. They also concurred that tax kickers should be sent back to the people. The candidates spoke about the need to streamline state government, and affirmed that voter-passed initiatives should be upheld. Saxton said he personally doesn't support doctor-assisted suicide but added that his feelings should be set aside in lieu of an election. "Like it or not, I'm going to stand up for the voters of the state," Saxton said. The debate helped Wimer resident Sharon Martin make her decision on which man to vote for, although she didn't reveal her choice. "I thought it was very nice. It was very informative," Martin said. Grants Pass resident Dan Vest was impressed with Mannix's answers and opinions. "He got more applause than anybody in the building," Vest said. "When you want a response, you want a detailed response. That's what he gave." Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.