North Carolina Senate Debate: Burr, Marshall Both Run Against Washington

In her first TV ad, N.C. Democratic candidate Elaine Marshall continues her anti-incumbent theme, saying, "It's time to throw 'em out." This is a problem for the secretary of state, who seeks a come-from-behind November win against Republican Sen. Richard Burr. According to polls, most voters identify her party -- in control of the presidency and Congress -- with the Washington establishment.

In the candidates' debate on Monday night, though she clearly disagreed with Burr, particularly on proposed solutions to the country's economic troubles, Marshall also distanced herself from some of the policies of the Obama administration.

Burr and Marshall were both quick to name jobs and the economy as the critical issues facing the country and the ones they hear about most when traveling the state. But they disagreed on the source of the problems and the best remedy. During the one-hour televised debate they also clashed on the effectiveness of health care reform and off-shore drilling.

"This country wasn't built by government," said Burr. Making "tax rates and regulations predictable" would make an impact; the government needs to be "downsized," he said.

Marshall said the solution was "cutting down on the red tape it takes to start a business." She said she favors offering tax credits for companies that create jobs and eliminating them when jobs are shipped overseas. Marshall said the federal stimulus "put a floor" on an economic "freefall," but was not as focused as it should have been.

On health care, Marshall said that while "the bill was ugly" and the "process was ugly," reform was needed, and she praised improvements for those with pre-existing conditions. She said many of the "loopholes" have been worked out.

"The ugly is not out of this bill," countered Burr, who vowed that he would work to repeal it, defund it and replace it.

Off-shore drilling is a major issue in North Carolina, with its coast a draw for tourists. Marshall reminded voters that she spoke out against drilling as a threat to the state's lifestyle and economy before the Gulf Coast oil spill. Burr said it's an issue "best left up to the people who live in the states."

A question on the lack of a cost-of-living increase in Social Security pointed out differences in the candidates' positions. Marshall, who opposes privatization, said, "Social Security is a promise that's been made and needs to be a promise kept" and that "we need to make sure that Wall Street doesn't get its hands on this money." Burr, who said the program is "unsustainable in its current form," pointed to an amendment he had offered to provide a $250 stipend to seniors from unpaid stimulus money. Both said they are waiting for the recommendations of a debt commission being co-chaired by Erskine Bowles, president of the University of North Carolina system.

Though the tone of the debate was generally cordial, a question on gridlock produced a few tense moments. Burr said he knows what it's like to reach across the aisle. "The Senate is designed to achieve bipartisanship through the rules and the process." Marshall called her opponent the "national poster child for obstructionism," and referenced a New Yorker article on Senate gridlock that prominently featured him.

The debate, moderated by NPR broadcaster and North Carolina native Carl Kasell, did not include Libertarian candidate Michael Beitler; polls show him with less than 10 percent with the vote. Beitler, who labeled himself the alternative candidate -- "conservative on fiscal issues" and "liberal on social issues" -- in a separate interview on Monday night, will be included in a debate scheduled for Oct. 13.