Tracy Potter in 2010 ND Senate Debates

On Budget & Economy: $700B stimulus spending ok; something needed to be done

The candidates disagreed about the merits of the federal government's $700 billion stimulus package. Hoeven said he didn't support it "in the form in which it was passed,'' and said it should have focused on tax credits for small businesses and more investment in roads. "The federal government just keeps spending money,'' Hoeven said. "Those jobs that were created will be gone when the federal government money runs out.''

Potter said not all the stimulus money was wisely spent, but something needed to be done. He said Hoeven also believes there were positive impacts because the governor has "cut ribbons'' for stimulus projects all across North Dakota.

"I go to state events when there's state investment,'' Hoeven responded.

Source: Crookston Daily Times coverage of 2010 N.D. Senate Debate Sep 24, 2010

On Energy & Oil: People can't afford housing in ND's oil patch

After a question about weaning the country off foreign oil, Potter criticized Hoeven for poorly managing the rapid growth in North Dakota's oil country. Potter said many people can't afford housing because oil companies have raised the cost of rent. "I've been to the oil patch. The story I'm hearing all over is that we've gone too fast,'' Potter said. "We've more than doubled the oil production. This is good. It's great for the economy. But it's tough on those towns.' Source: Crookston Daily Times coverage of 2010 N.D. Senate Debate Sep 24, 2010

On Health Care: ObamaCare isn't perfect, but a step in the right direction

Asked whether the health care bill should be repealed, Potter said it should stay in place because it enhances the ability of people to see a doctor when they need one. It's not a perfect plan, he said, but a "step in the right direction.''

Hoeven didn't say if he would repeal the federal health care plan, but said it needed to be fixed with tort reform and the ability for people to pick their own doctor and insurance. He also said the issue showed a clear difference between the two men and criticized Potter for supporting--while deputy insurance commissioner in the late 1970s--a "Canadian-style, single-payer'' plan. "He truly believes the federal government should run your health care. I don't,'' said Hoeven.

Source: Crookston Daily Times coverage of 2010 N.D. Senate Debate Sep 24, 2010

On Health Care: Reform brings $650 million to the state health care industry

Tracy Potter and John Hoeven answered questions on issues facing the country. One being Healthcare.

Democrat Potter doesn't support repealing the law. He says there are wonderful provisions and it will bring $650 million to the state health care industry.

Republican Hoeven calls the legislation a $500 billion tax increase and cut in Medicare. He wants reform to crack down on problem, but says people should pick their own providers and companies and more competition is needed across state lines

Source: KXNet.com coverage of 2010 N.D. Senate Debate Sep 23, 2010

The above quotations are from 2010 North Dakota Senate Debates. Click here for other excerpts from 2010 North Dakota Senate Debates. Click here for other excerpts by Tracy Potter. Click here for a profile of Tracy Potter.
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Page last updated: Dec 03, 2018