Wexton/Andrews debate classic match up
By Andrea Gaines
Jennifer Wexton (D-VA 10) and newcomer Aliscia Andrews debated in an in-person meeting at The National Conference Center’s West Belmont Place on Oct. 15. Wexton serves in the US Congress. Andrews is a former Marine who now serves as a cyberspace security consultant.
The debate was part of the Loudoun Chamber Policymaker Series. It was moderated by Loudoun Chamber President and CEO Tony Howard, with about a dozen questions put to the candidates by a panel of three local business leaders: Tracy Baynard with McGuireWoods Consulting, Joe Zmitrovich with Bank of Clarke County, and Stacey Metcalfe with Inova Loudoun Hospital.
From the Loudoun Chamber’s website: “More than any year in recent history, 2020 has shown us the importance of having representatives in Congress that prioritize the needs of the business community and keeping Americans employed …”
Focus on business
As a Loudoun Chamber event, and, as Howard made clear, the group was – indeed – there to talk business.
Rather than restricting the nature of the discussions, however, the event touched on issues far and wide. President Trump and hot-button issues such as the right to life, the Supreme Court, urban violence, and police/community relations, etc. got no air. But, in the end, the Wexton/Andrews debate gave you at least a sense of each candidate’s take on just about every other topic swirling around in the political winds these days, including: taxes, the COVID-19 virus, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the economy, traffic, transportation, the stimulus, the fate of a new Potomac River Bridge, and workers’ rights, to name a few.
A candidate-directed affair
The broad array of subjects covered, coupled with the varied resumes and public service credentials of each candidate – Wexton as a sitting member of Congress and former prosecutor, and Andrews as a former Marine and cyberspace expert – made for a very lively discussion.
Both are originally from the area. Wexton lives in Leesburg, and Andrews in Aldie.
Each campaign might have anticipated – even welcomed – having a dynamic back-and-forth on issues such as the wisdom of putting forth a second round of Federal stimulus, local vs. Federal control of land use decisions, Federal infrastructure bills, the so-called “digital divide,” and the question of when public schools should re-open, etc.
But, while the debate got to just about every issue imaginable, each candidate’s personality, as it were, came through. Each seemed quite in control and eager to show their real selves.
The CORONA virus (including how it relates to the re-opening of public schools, and each candidate’s own family) came up, as did theeconomy – often in the context of workers’ rights and collective bargaining – as well as the need (or not) for a second round of Federal stimulus.
Both creatures of Washington?
The 10th District is different.
In many ways, both Wexton and Andrews are creatures of Washington. As noted, they are both from the area.
And, that fits.
The 10th Congressional District is a place where issues such as a new bridge into Washington, D.C., how to fund Metro, safety at Dulles Airport, the area’s “electric power grid,” how to partner on the spending of local, state, and Federal tax dollars, cyberspace security, and other issues with a regional flavor were frequented discussion.
In closing remarks, when everything you thought might have come up already had, there were some sparks. Andrews took direct aim at Wexton’s experience as a prosecutor, saying she had worked to “protect the guilty,” and was “soft on crime.”
Wexton, for her part, pointed out her ability to “work across the aisle” in Washington, D.C. … something quite rare, by anyone’s measure, in today’s American capitol.
Andrews – stay safe and focus on the people
Both candidates were asked to “grade” the Federal response to the CORONA virus.
Here, Andrews emphasized the negative aspects of the restrictive economic and public school policies some areas and states had put in place, noting that children were being “left behind.”
She also said that both parties were to blame for the unsuccessful efforts to effect a second Federal stimulus.
On the issue of cybersecurity, which Andrews clearly relished addressing, the candidate urged vigilance, calling threats to our national security in the area “known and unseen.”
In this way, Andrews seemed to take a more folksy approach to answering questions. Not surprising as, while she holds clear positions on the specific legislative initiatives of her opponent, this is her first time running for public office.
Andrews made clear that if she was sent to Washington by the voters she would work on traditional Republican issues, such as keeping regulations in check.
Andrews, like Wexton, expressed her desire to “work across the aisle” on legislative issues. She was animated and presented with a very heartfelt effect, adding to her common man/common woman persona.
With respect to how the ACA might be improved, without being specific, Andrews said there were some parts that needed to be improved.
Andrews also made one of the most interesting comments of the debate when asked how to combat the rising cost of housing in the country. Andrews equated that to a “local issue for the BOS” (Board of Supervisors).
Collective bargaining and workers’ rights came up, with Andrews focused on protecting workers by supporting the business community and the role of a “competitive workforce” plays in the equation.
The need to work across the aisle was highlighted by Andrews when it came to the role a good education plays in one’s employability, that and “public/private partnerships.”
And, on another steamy subject – our national infrastructure – Andrews focused on “the digital divide,” giving the example of how ridiculous it was for parents to have to travel to a fast food restaurant or other wired place to get their kids’ schoolwork done.
Andrews seemed to pick up on Wexton’s “Get out of the way” comment about the Federal government’s role in some things by urging a focus on people’s’ ability to pay their mortgage in the era of COVID … rather than the health of the airlines.
Andrews didn’t seem to like Wexton’s promotion of solar power for the 10th District, suggesting it might interfere with Loudoun’s wineries ambiance. “Let business tell government what to do” on the topic of the electric grid, she said.
Wexton – I get things done
As noted, right out of the block, both candidates were asked to “grade” the Federal response to the CORONA virus.
Wexton said that “COVID didn’t need to be this bad,” and bemoaned the slowness with which Federal funds were reaching local schools and communities.
Wexton provided lots of details on what she saw as her specific legislative accomplishments, and her role as a member of several key Congressional committees.
She expressed repeated concern about the CORONA virus and how it was affecting families.
She, like Andrews, clearly wanted people to see her human side, and echoed Andrews’ repeated reference about working across the aisle, while also offering a vigorous defense of the ACA. Referring in part to the many lawsuits being brought against the ACA, she said: “Protect and expand the ACA … not tear it down.”
Wexton also offered support for a second – and quick – round of Federal stimulus.
When asked about the cost of housing, Wexton pivoted to her work on the U. S. House Committee on Financial Services. Here, she pressed for Congress to take a holistic approach to the issue. Here, she suggested, government had a Federal, state, and local stake in the issue. But, that once funding was secured, the Feds should “get out of the way.’’
When the topic of collective bargaining and workers’ rights came up, Wexton said she was looking for policies “that support the middle class.”
With respect to the role of a good education and one’s employability, Wexton, again, sighted specific legislative accomplishments, here, in the areas of STEM education, college affordability, and migratory workers.
And, here again was another steamy subject … our national infrastructure. Wexton, again, went into detail on sub-issues such as roads and bridges, the electric grid, repairs to the local American Legion Bridge, rural broadband, and the 5G implications of increased telecommuting.
When asked about the health of the airline industry, Wexton, also referred to the COVID-related needs of workers as more important, as well as the specific needs of workers in Northern Virginia, including the difficult commutes to Washington, D.C.
On the issue of the reliability of local electric power, Wexton favored an “All of the above” approach, promoting data centers, which now take up a lot of Loudoun County land, as places where solar power might be generated.
The 10th District
The 10th District has a population of slightly under 1 million. It is a high-income area, is mostly urban – but, with a strong rural representation.
It, today, includes Clarke, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, as well as the independent cities of Manassas, Manassas Park, and Winchester.
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