The economy, gay marriage, healthcare and marijuana were topics heavily debated as Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick and Democratic challenger Kevin Strouse fought to gain supporters in the final leg of their race for the 8th Congressional District.

The two candidates squared off on Oct. 23 at the Lower Bucks Campus in a debate hosted by Social Science Professor William Pezza.
Strouse outlined three key ways to address debt, through improving education, infrastructure and tax reforms.  “If we don’t have the best trained workforce in the world, we will not have the best economy.”

“I am a believer that we can grow out of debt, but we have to make fundamental sweeping investments,” said Strouse.
Fitzpatrick  argued that Strouse wants to increase spending and taxes.  “I think Washington is taking away from the middle class. They’re taking away money, taking away healthcare and taking away their freedom.”

The candidates were also asked to express their views on state and federal laws surrounding same-sex marriage.
“On the issue of marriage, I’ve always believed and have said it back in 2006, that this is an issue for the states to decide; and states will decide it,” said Fitzpatrick.
On the other hand, Strouse said, “We need to move forward in history. If there are two people who love and are committed to each other, let them get married, and let’s focus on more important things like how we’re going to restore the middle class.”

The candidates then clarified where they each stood on the legalization of marijuana.

Fitzpatrick said he believes it is gateway drug for some individuals and he fears legalization would make things worse for our country’s current drug problem.
“The idea that we would encourage young Americans to be able to purchase marijuana and reduce the penalties for doing so is going to increase use and the need for treatment facilities,” said Fitzpatrick.

Strouse said that he supports the decriminalization of marijuana and explained that states such as Washington and Colorado give us the opportunity to see what happens when marijuana is legalized.

He went on to explain that it’s more of a criminal justice problem.

“We’re throwing way to many men in prison for non-violent crimes, and that’s where they learn to be violent criminals,” said Strouse.  “I’m not advocating for the use of marijuana. I’m just saying it’s clearly been a failed policy for years and it’s time to try something new.”

Pezza also asked the candidates, “We are now four and one half years into the Affordable Healthcare Act, where do we go from here?”

Fitzpatrick said he believed it had some great intentions, but it should be repealed and replaced.  “It did more harm than good.”

“Has it worked the way it was designed?  The answer is a resounding no.  “We deserve better,” said Fitzpatrick.

Strouse admitted that he is concerned over the complexity of the law and feels it needs to be simplified.  He said he also believes that healthcare inflation is a huge problem that should be addressed.

Despite these concerns, he added, “There have been good aspects of this law.  At least 7,400 more people in this district have gotten health insurance as a result of the Affordable Care Act.”

“We need to reorient how we provide care in the country, where the emphasis is on quality, not just quantity of care,” said Strouse.
Pezza concluded the debate urging students to get involved in the political process.

The League of Women Voters is hoping to get more people voting at this upcoming election.  “They’re striving for a 55 percent turnout,” said Pezza.  “It’s ridiculous that we have to strive for such a number.  We want a higher number, so please do your best to vote.”

Pezza said, “We are proud of our student involvement in current and past campaigns for both parties.  If you’re a student out there and would like to get involved in the political process, get some course credit while you’re working, please contact me to do so.”