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Debate Info

8
11

Raul Martinez (D)


Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R)

Debate Score:19
Arguments:19
Total Votes:19
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Raul Martinez (D)
(8)
 
 
Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R)
(11)

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Who should I vote for in the 2008 Florida 21st District House of Representatives Race?


Raul Martinez (D)

Side Score: 8
VS.


Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R)

Side Score: 11
1 point

Martinez: Clear on the Health Care Issue; Unclear on the Solution

The former mayor of Hialeah, Florida joins his 2008 Democratic cohort in his push for universal access to health care. However, he also joins them in their lack of specificity. Martinez gives no road map to the road to universal health care. Few details on funding, mandates, and feasibility are on his campaign website.

The site, however, is not without any details. Like his Republican challenger, Martinez supports the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which assists working families gain access to health care. Martinez wants to push the program even further.

The candidate also illustrates the issue with numbers. Within the precinct 500,000 citizens lack health insurance - 20% of which are children. Even if Martinez is unclear about a solution, he is certain that there is a problem.

Supporting Evidence: On the Issues (www.raul2008.com)
Side: Health care
1 point

Martinez: A Sympathetic Immigrant

Martinez’s personal journey to the United States has had palpable influences on his immigration policy. Unlike his Republican opponent, Martinez supports a path toward citizenship for immigrants already here. He also takes a harder line against companies that hire undocumented workers. Alluding to his immigrant sympathies, the Democratic candidate wants to prevent the exploitation of these workers. He is aware of the complexities of immigration and through the Dream Act and support the education of children of illegal immigrants.

Supporting Evidence: On the Issues (www.raul2008.com)
Side: Immigration
1 point

Martinez Courts the Jewish Vote

The Democratic candidate offers clear support of current US policy towards Israel. On his website, he states, “Israel has the right to choose its capital and for that capital to be recognized worldwide. Raul Supports moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.” His stance against the Palestinian movement is equally clear when he submits, “it is of extreme importance that the Palestinians cease their reign of terror against Israel before any progress can be made.” Martinez characterizes Israel as strategically necessary for peace in the Middle East.

Such adamant support should raise a few questions, however. Should all Palestinians be characterized as terrorists? How would Israel create peace in the region since - for better or worse - it has been the cause of much fervor?

Supporting Evidence: On the Issues (www.raul2008.com)
Side: Israel
1 point

The Diaz-Balart brothers' seats could both be in trouble once voters become uncomfortable enough with their ties to Fidel Castro's family and show that they want illegal immigration dealt with swiftly. Neither Lincoln nor Raul was born in the United States, so I would recommend finding independent candidates for this district who were. Martinez at least says he favors ending the war in Iraq.

Side:
Raul Martinez (D)
1 point

To be honest since I have started working at Create Debate and have done analysis and research on many candidates, the Democratic Congressional Candidate for Florida’s 21st District Raul Martinez is the first man or woman running for a Congressional seat that openly discusses his or her stance for Israel.

Earlier in the summer, according to Dr. Paul, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had removed a bill from a vote because an Israeli Official asked her to. Not only is this wrong but also treasonous. So when I see only, so far, one candidate openly supporting Israel it worries me and it should worry other voters.

“Israel has the right to choose its capital and for that capital to be recognized worldwide. Raul Supports moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel is the only state in the world in which the U.S. has an embassy outside of the true capitol.”

Mr. Martinez believes that Israel must always be allowed to defend herself, and “that the U.S. must work towards peace in the Middle East without compromising Israel’s security.”

Side: Raul Martinez
1 point

The Democratic Vice-Presidential Candidate Joe Biden of Delaware believes that hopes of a stable Iraq is to separate into three different states and most public officials, pundits, analysts and United States taxpayers oppose this idea however, it seemed, very subtly, that The Democratic Congressional Candidate Raul Martinez supports this idea:

“The deep religious conflicts in Iraq have led many to believe that the most promising strategy for the Iraqis is to partition their country into separate religious and tribal enclaves. Should the Iraqis embrace this strategy of separating the religious groups, the U.S. could play a supportive role - much as the American lead NATO effort did successfully in Bosnia, or the "no-fly zone" that protected the Kurds for the decade between Gulf Wars. Under all circumstances, American ground forces must begin the process of coming home as soon as possible.”

In an analysis point of view, anyone who loves and abides the United States Constitution should be filled with joy when a candidate mentions at least once the Constitution, “America must also never again start an unprovoked war of choice without the full debate and formal declaration of war that was intended by our Constitution.”

Supporting Evidence: War in Iraq & Israel (www.raul2008.com)
Side: Raul Martinez
1 point

Just like Republican Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart never speaking English here is Mr. Martinez speaking in Spanish.

Never Speaking English
Side: Raul Martinez
1 point

Recently, Diaz-Balart aired an ad featuring Martinez during his 1990 indictment for bribery and real estate development extortion that essentially made Martinez appear to be political convict. The 30-second spot focuses on Martinez's past conviction, but does not portray the trial in an entirely truthful light.

Martinez was indeed tried and convicted, but later filed an appeal, won, and his 1996 acquittal from previous charges. Diaz-Balart is saying the purpose behind the ad is to stir up public opinion regarding where Martinez comes up with the funds to furnish his back pay and legal fees, implying that Martinez illegally used city funds granted to him as Mayor by the city council. So what is Diaz-Balart really trying to do? Is he digging through Martinez's already reconciled past because he's out of attack points?

Diaz-Balart: negative attacks on non-issues
Side: Raul Martinez
1 point

Diaz-Balart Will Approach Health Care through Tax Credits

The current 21st District US Representative Diaz-Balart supports a health care policy aligned with Republican Presidential candidate John McCain. True to his party’s roots, the incumbent wants to keep the health care system privatized and reduce taxes. Diaz-Balart has a record in the 110th Congress of providing such credits to those who have lost their jobs.

Although the plan may seem ideal, there remain questions. If taxes are taken out of the fiscal flow, then how will the government fund other health care programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid? Will the revised tax scheme take in account varied levels of income? If not, then poorer patients may not be guaranteed equal access or service. This could be a stratified, unequal approach to health.

Supporting Evidence: On the Issues (lincolndiazbalart.org)
Side: Health care
1 point

Notable Health Care Victories for Diaz-Balart

As an incumbent, Diaz-Balart has a distinct advantage over his Democratic opponent: a voting record. In supporting the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003, Diaz-Balart can claim contributing to expanding Medicare. On his campaign website, he states that 88% of seniors have enrolled in the changes. Seniors have spent 1/3 less on prescription drugs.

Like, Martinez, Diaz-Balart supported the State Children’s Health Insurance Program for families just beyond the reach of Medicaid. He also recently passed an extension of the program.

Despite these accomplishments, his actions to address middle-class health care are relatively muted.

Supporting Evidence: On the Issues (lincolndiazbalart.org)
Side: Health care
1 point

Political Environment Tempers Diaz- Balart’s Stance on Immigration

Demography and geography have clear influences on Representative Diaz-Balart’s position on immigration. In order to quell criticism, he opens his internet message on immigration by stating, “Immigrants have played an important role in the history of our nation, especially in South Florida, the gateway to South America, Central America and the Caribbean. “ But soon after, he returns to his party in his appeals to sovereignty and protecting borders. The incumbent is willing to allow the creation of a temporary worker program. This program would allow foreigners to work in the United States, but it would not allow them to stay after the job is done. In short, he does not allow a pathway towards citizenship or true immigration.

Supporting Evidence: On the Issues (lincolndiazbalart.org)
Side: Immigration
1 point

Florida's 21st Congressional District's Democratic candidate Raul Martinez has come under fire for his explosive temper. During a protest in 1999, more than 400 people blocked an expressway in Hialeah and the police chief Rolando Bolano was hit on the head with a rock while trying to move the protesters. Martinez came to the scene and during the disarray punched a protester named Ernesto Mirabal. Mirabal was charged with battery, resisting arrest and inciting a riot but they were later dropped.

Martinez has been known as a firebrand in Florida and situations like this give cannon fodder to his opponents.

Supporting Evidence: Hialeah Mayor, Protester Mix It Up At Traffic Blockade (raulmartinez08.com)
Side: Martinez Punches Protester
1 point

Democratic candidate for Florida's 21st Congressional District, Raul Martinez, still faces scrutiny for a 1990 indictment for extortion. While Mayor of Hialeah, Martinez and a fellow city councilman were indicted on 2 counts of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, along with seven extortion-related counts. A Grand Jury claimed Hialeah had extorted $900,000 from developers in exchange for zoning privileges.

The controversy stems from his eventual acquittal by U.S. Attorney Kendall Coffey, an appointee by the Clinton Administration.

Supporting Evidence: Mayor and a Councilman Are Indicted in Hialeah (query.nytimes.com)
Side: Martinez Indictment Still Resonates
1 point

The Republican Congressman of Florida’s 21st District Lincoln Diaz-Balart is a proponent of the Bush Tax Cuts and the issue of tax cuts in general. Rep. Diaz-Balart explains how the Bush Tax Cuts and the Jobs and Growth Reconciliation Act “provided a 96% reduction in taxes for a family of four earning $40,000/year.”

However, Mr. Diaz-Balart believes the United States economy is strong and will continue to be strong without any understanding of the real monetary and economic issues at hand. There is no doubt that little to no taxes benefit everyone but there is more to sound money and a free-market economy than small percentages of taxes.

To show how tax relief helps, look at this statistic, which is published on Rep. Diaz-Balart’s Congressional Government website:

“The Department of the Treasury’s Financial Report of the U.S. Government for 2006 reports that the strong economy and the increase in tax revenues have pushed the deficit down to $248 billion, reaching the goal of cutting the deficit in half by 2009 well ahead of schedule. The report also shows that since the tax cuts of 2003, revenue has increased by over thirty-five percent to a total revenue collection of over $2.4 trillion in 2006. The United States has added almost 7.5 million jobs since the tax cuts of August 2003 – more new jobs than all the other major industrialized countries combined.”

Supporting Evidence: Stance on Taxes (diaz-balart.house.gov)
Side: Lincoln Diaz-Balart
1 point

Representative is a business-oriented Congressman who helps his constituents with lower taxes and less regulation, which is the supposed role of a public official in Government.

The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 benefitted his small business constituents because their tax bills were reduced and according to Rep. Diaz-Balart, “…access to more capital, small business owners have the means to increase the size of their enterprises, creating more jobs in their communities.”

The economy is staggering and a free-market economic Congressman is what’s needed in certain districts to prove to other Congressmen and Senators in Washington that free-markets work and being business-oriented is not a bad thing.

Supporting Evidence: Small Business Owners & Taxes (diaz-balart.house.gov)
Side: Lincoln Diaz-Balart
1 point

Health care is one of the top priorities facing the United States right now. According to a USA Today/Gallup poll earlier this year, Health Care was the third most important issue facing the United States, just behind the War in Iraq, the Economy

Many citizens blame the free-market and insurance companies for the deprecating system and the astronomical amounts of money the system. But people misunderstand however, this issue is for another article another day.

In the mean time, the Republican Congressman addresses the issue and at the same time has the Government keeps its bounds by not getting involved in the health care crisis. According to Mr. Diaz-Balart’s Congressional Website:

“To address the serious problem of hard working Americans unable to have access to affordable health care, the House of Representatives passed the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005, which seeks to establish Association Health Plans (AHP). AHPs allow small businesses to band together within established trade organizations and associations to obtain increased bargaining power when purchasing health insurance. The House passed bill would have established federal guidelines and ensured that AHPs offer the same or increased coverage to more employees. AHPs are required to follow health accessibility laws so no one with an illness will be left out of the bargaining. The bill is now before the Senate for consideration. I will continue to do all I can so that this important legislation is passed by the 109th Congress and signed into law.”

Supporting Evidence: Healthcare (diaz-balart.house.gov)
Side: Lincoln Diaz-Balart
1 point

When will Republican Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart speak English? It is quite amusing to search for videos of this Representative and see nothing but his speeches or interviews in Spanish.

Another Speech...in Spanish
Side: Lincoln Diaz-Balart
1 point

Polling in this district gives the slightest 2 point lead, well within the margin of error to incumbent Diaz Balart. The youth vote which is notoriously hard to count on, but particularly in 2008 is hard to predict, comes out strong for Martinez.

Supporting Evidence: poll (www.surveyusa.com)
Side: Lincoln Diaz-Balart
1 point

Diaz-Balart Votes Against Bailout

Diaz-Balart objected to not ensuring that taxpayers get their money back and that the bill did not do enough to protect homeowners. He clearly stated why he opposed the bailout,

"The principles that guided my decision were:

• Wall Street, Not Taxpayers should fund Wall Street’s recovery.

• Private Capital, Not Unlimited Tax Dollars should be injected into financial markets.

• Immediate Transparency, Oversight and Market Reform are needed."

Aside from these factors, he appeared to agree with the overall structure of the bill. He proposes modifiying section 102 of the bill. Diaz-Balart want to make insurance on troubled assets mandatory as opposed to voluntary as in the original bill.

Supporting Evidence: No Bailout (diaz-balart.house.gov)
Side: Bailout