Catherine Ceips debates opponents

Yesterday Catherine Ceips debated her opponents on issues ranging from immigration to abortion. Check out this article from the Beaufort Gazette.

Candidates’ debate immigration, abortion
June 14, 2007

For the first time, all three candidates in next week’s special election for a state Senate seat representing Beaufort County sat down together for a public forum Wednesday, sparring on immigration and an ultrasound requirement of women seeking abortions.

For 30 minutes on live television, Republican state Rep. Catherine Ceips of Beaufort, Democrat Terry Thomas of Lady’s Island and Libertarian Greg Graziani of Hilton Head Island fielded questions from WJWJ News Director Juan Singleton and WSAV reporter Holly Bounds.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

In response to questions on illegal immigration, Ceips referred to her record of bills targeting it, but also said it’s a tough problem to address without the federal government backing up states.

Thomas also said it would be hard to stop, but suggested creating a path to legal status tied to industry jobs.

Graziani took an aggressive stance, saying those jobs should go to Americans and the state should set an example in fighting illegal immigration in the absence of federal intervention. “We can lead the country on this,” he said.

ABORTION

The candidates’ views also differed significantly on a controversial House bill encouraging women seeking abortions to view ultrasounds of the fetus.

Ceips, who would become one of only two women in the 46-seat Senate if elected, described herself as pro-life and said she supported the bill.

Thomas and Graziani both said they were politically pro-choice, but personally against abortion. Graziani said he supports the House bill, while Thomas called it “blackmail.”

STATE AND LOCAL ISSUES

The candidates had similar stances on toughening drunken driving laws, reforming the state Department of Transportation, leaving smoking bans up to local governments and supporting the Gullah culture.

EXPERIENCE

During the forum Ceips, who already beat three seasoned politicians to win the Republican Party nomination and is the only candidate with political experience, repeatedly referred to specific legislation she had worked on or supported. Her opponents’ closing statements framed her as a symbol of the status quo.

Thomas said voting for him would be a vote for cleaning up the “calamity of 14 years of Republican leadership” in the state.

Graziani said voters dissatisfied with the Republican and Democratic parties should vote for him for more dramatic change.

Ceips missed a June 7 candidate forum that Thomas and Graziani attended on Hilton Head. She was in Columbia for the last scheduled day of session.

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