Taxes, drugs, Iraq aired in 1st District debate

PORTLAND – Democratic Rep. Tom Allen and Republican challenger Charlie Summers traded jabs over tax cuts, prescription drugs, the war in Iraq and the best way to create jobs Tuesday in the second of five debates in their race in the 1st Congressional District.

Summers criticized the incumbent for giving up his seat on the House Armed Services Committee and for failing to take a seat at the table as majority Republicans crafted a Medicare drug benefit.

Taking a not-so-subtle swing at Democrats’ minority status in the House, Summers said Allen could have gained a “foothold” for improving the drug bill if he had chosen to work with majority Republicans.

“The fact is he voted against a measure when he could have been a player. He decided to pick up his ball and go home,” Summers said.

Allen retorted that he opposed the GOP prescription plan because it benefited drug manufacturers and didn’t allow the federal government to negotiate for lower prices on behalf of senior citizens.

“I mean, come on,” Allen said. “You criticize me for voting against a bill that’s lousy for seniors.”

The testy exchange during the debate sponsored by Maine Public Radio was in contrast to the largely polite race in which Allen has campaigned on his record while Summers has focused on defense.

Summers repeatedly criticized Allen for giving up his Armed Services Committee seat, saying the decision “put tens of thousands of jobs in the 1st District at risk.” Bath Iron Works, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Brunswick Naval Air Station are all in the district.

Congress members from other states with military installations are on the committee, and, “If you don’t think they’re going to try to steer work to their states, you’re mistaken,” Summers said.

Allen, who’s seeking a fifth term, replied that he’s doing more good through his membership on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which deals with environmental issues, health care and prescription drugs.

He said that thanks to eight years in Congress he could watch over the state’s defense interests without being on the Armed Services Committee. “If I were a freshman, I would ask to be on [the committee], but I’m not.”

On Iraq, Summers said the world is better off with Saddam Hussein out of power, but Allen said President Bush didn’t take time to build a coalition, win United Nations support and let inspectors finish their work.

“This president has alienated so many people not just in the Middle East but around the world that we need a fresh start,” Allen said.

On the economy, Summers said more needs to be done to create and lure technology jobs to the state and noted that Maine is one of six states without a federal high-tech laboratory.

Allen said he would continue to attract funds for economic development and for the Small Business Administration. He singled out marine research as a priority for more funding.

The two did agree on a few things. Both said they support a liquefied natural gas terminal in Maine, but only if the local community agrees.