Unlike the forum held prior to the primary election, the Candidate Forum sponsored by the Randolph County League of Women Voters Tuesday night drew a large crowd of voters and party supporters. With the Democrats gathered together on the bride’s side and the Republicans on the groom’s, questions were asked of candidates seeking the positions of state representative for the 22nd district, Randolph County Clerk, Randolph County Recorder of Deeds, Randolph County Treasurer and Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney.

First interviewed were the two candidates for state representative, Randy Asbury, Republican; and Doug Galaske, Democrat. The two men are no strangers to each other, having served on the Randolph County Commission together working together to dig the county out of enormous debt. But it soon became apparent that their views on issues were nearly polar with comments becoming heated and negative in the closing statements.

Asbury, fiscal conservative, stated the way to help the economy was to cut taxes.

“Business growth is key to raising revenues without raising taxes,” he said.

Asbury said that when taxes are lowered, fees and regulations are reduced, revenues will rise because businesses become more profitable and can offer more jobs.”

“It’s not as easy as lowering taxes,” rebutted Galaske. “In the short term, we will have to do a lot of cutting (in the state budget). “We can take care of loopholes. We have seen how tax credits affect municipalities. We should look at all the options but we will have to do some cutting and make some wise, wise decisions on what we cut.”

On the issue of what has been termed Obamacare and the lawsuit in Missouri to have it repealed, Galaske noted the people have expressed their dislike for the plan but he does not see a repeal in the future.

“I’m not sure how it’s going to end up,” he said. “We will have to look at the things the federal government hands us and deal with it. We have a horrible system and have to do something. This is a bad step but it’s a step. Instead of repealing it let’s make it fit and make it better.”

Asbury said he did not believe the healthcare plan would “pass constitutional muster” and would have a “serious adverse effect on the economy”. In response to Galaske’s comment of taking a bad step, Asbury said, “I am unsupportive of making a bad step to get to a place that’s mediocre.”

Things became a little heated during the closing statements as Asbury mentioned a lack of paperwork completion on Galaske’s part in seeking NRA endorsement, something Galaske denied. Asbury referred to himself as pro-life except in the “extremely rare” case of endangering the mother’s life. Galaske argued back that he was also pro-life.

“I lost an infant before it was born and it was a child!” exclaimed Galaske.

As far as endorsements are considered, Asbury said Galaske is supported by the Teamsters and the National Education Association, groups that believe in bigger government.

“Really, there’s not a whole lot of difference between me and Randy,” said Galaske. “But one difference is I will go to Jefferson City and fight for the 22nd district!”