Democratic D-13 hopefuls Eaton, Golden take stage

MANATEE — Democrats seeking to win the U.S. District 13 congressional race Thursday politely discussed the federal budget deficit, how to stimulate a laggard economy, and oil drilling during a televised candidate forum.

Rick Eaton, 41, a wetland restorer from Venice, and the Rev. James T. Golden, 62, of Bradenton, pastor for Ward Temple AME Church, both advocate cutting waste in the federal budget and encouraging renewable energy.

They also advocate reform of the nation’s immigration system, which Eaton called “very broken,” and Golden termed “a patchwork policy.”

Their differences were more in the details.

In answer to a question about how to tame federal spending, Eaton contended the budget should be cut to eliminate what he called “embedded waste,” which he said amounts to bribes for congressmen. To save money, he also advocated ending war spending and tax cuts for the wealthy.

Golden suggested reform of the budget process itself, asserting that as long as war funding is excluded from the formal budget process, it would be impossible to root out deficits.

He, too, said he was concerned about budgetary waste, especially earmarks, which are items that members insert into spending bills to benefit projects in their districts.

Both oppose offshore drilling.

“We need to move beyond the risk of drilling offshore,” said Golden. He wanted those proposing oil and gas drilling to post surety bonds to ensure they could pay for possible ecological damage.

Eaton said that the United States has not had a coherent national energy policy in his lifetime, adding, “We’ve got to get away from oil altogether.”

In answer to a question about how to stimulate the economy, Golden suggested encouraging alternate energy projects, better education systems, and extension of new rail lines from Tampa to Fort Myers.

Eaton said the single biggest economic issue is that the United States has sent its jobs overseas and that Americans will have to rebuild what they have sold off abroad.

Thursday’s debate was moderated by Chris Wille, Bradenton Herald editorial page editor.

Republicans in the race include Don Baldauf and incumbent Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota. The primary election is set for Aug. 24, while the general election will be Nov. 2.

The program was taped at METV studios, and can be viewed at Bradenton.com. It will also air at various times before the primary on Bright House Channel 614; Verizon Channel 31, and Comcast Channel 19.

Sara Kennedy, Herald reporter, can be reached at (941) 745-7031.