Live-Blogging the 10th Congressional District Debate

First up, Joe Cimperman: "Let's not be fooled again," he says. Kucinich is "a show horse, not a work horse." Says he'll work for jobs and development. Touts community service and city council record. Very sharp, forceful.

Barbara Anne Ferris: "We deserve better." Emphasizes local roots, lifetime of service. Peace corps. Has worked in Congress, understand budget process and can "bring federal dollars to the district." More gravitas

Mayor Thomas O'Grady: Nice anecdote about priest at his mayoral inauguration asking him to be blessed with anger, tears, and foolishness - all for laudable purposes. Says he's running because he was unable to do what is needed for his city as a mayor. Touts military experience; points out that he was born in the district. "I am a suburban mayor who is of Cleveland and for Cleveland."

UPDATE: Rosemary Palmer: Leads with death of son in Iraq three years ago. Talks about other problems, like foreclosure crisis. Expands qualification to background as teacher and journalist. She is hoarse today, but is speaking more smoothly and more convincingly than early in the campaign. "I am the candidate who will restore faith in the legislative process."

Rep. Dennis Kucinich: "Our area is at a point where we need to consolidate our strengths." Talks about efforts to save steel production and automotive industry in Cleveland. Stresses opposition to NAFTA (passed before he got to Congress). Trade agreements need to protect workers' rights. Job loss connected directly to trade agreements. Manufacturing base also hurt by health care; he is author of bill to fix health care. "It has been my leadership in Congress that has put health care front and center." Now that's a hell of a claim! Says he has led opposition to the war, emphasizes economic cost. Has a plan to get out of Iraq. "People know that I cannot be bought, and I cannot be bossed." He got louder and louder as he went.

Cimperman in rebuttal: $1.6 million is what "we have paid Rep. Kucinich" (i.e., his salary). "What did we get?" One bill co-sponsored, 33% fewer federal dollars to the district. "Many members of Congress get Potomac fever, this one got Hollywood fever." We've paid Kucinich $1.6 million dollars "for one bill and a lot of rhetoric."

Ferris: Kucinich sent letter last week using the franking privilege, "which I believe is an ethical violation this close to an election." Kucinich didn't vote to extend unemployment benefits. Rep. Ryan brought home over $30 million, Rep. Sutton over $10 million, Rep. Kucinich only $7 million (?). "Last election, my opponents all endorsed Kucinich."

O'Grady: Bashes Cimperman. Campaign has been dirty tricks and stunts. Has no qualifications, doesn't live in the district. Attacks Cleveland City Council for raising water/sewer fees for suburban cities. O'Grady is positioning himself as the non-Cimperman alternative.

Palmer: Stumbles a bit here, loses her train of thought. Says that Kucinich has led the opposition to Iraq and the fight for health care, but hasn't formed the alliances to get these things accomplished. She believes in making alliances.

Kucinich: "Everything that my opponents say about each other is true." Says he hasn't passed legislation because the Republicans controlled Congress until this session.

2nd UPDATE: First question is on Iraq. Kucinich talks of cutting off funding, immediate withdrawal of troops. O'Grady invokes military background in calling the war a mistake.

There are more questions coming, but I need to break away at this point. I see that Jill is also live-blogging this debate. Bottom line for me, Cimperman managed the most effective attacks on the incumbent, Ferris did better than I expected, Palmer not as well, O'Grady reminds me of that retired admiral who was Ross Perot's running mate. Kucinich was his usual self and probably did what he needed to do just by seeming unflappable and once-more engaged with local issues.