Politician praises pragmatism
By Greg Menza
Columbia Daily Herald
August 25, 2008

Attendees at the annual Maury Alliance Federal Eggs and Issues Breakfast quizzed Congressman Lincoln Davis and representatives of Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker about the economy, energy issues, jobs and other topics on the minds of many Americans these days.

Davis handled most of the questions that were submitted by those in attendance. Victoria Read and Michael Shultz read statements from Corker and Alexander who were unable to attend because of other engagements.

In addressing his audience, Davis said, "I look at each issue and decide how it will affect the people in this room and the other people in the 24 counties in my district. I sometimes alienate members of my party because I cast my votes based upon what I believe is best for our citizens, not what might be best for my party."

Davis said a check of his voting record would show that 49.5 percent of his votes would be considered liberal and 50.5 percent conservative.

"The radical right and the radical left will always be radically wrong," he said.

Davis said a bipartisan effort is needed to deal with the national debt that is now in the trillions.

"It must be taken care of," he said. "If we do not put aside party interests and deal with the debt in the country's best interest our economy could one day collapse."

Davis said he supported drilling for oil in Alaska and off the Gulf Coast as well as investment in hybrids and alternative fuels to prepare for future oil shortages and reciprocal trade agreements to minimize the number of jobs leaving the country.

"How do we compete with Chinese workers willing to work for $20 a month. Yes, $20 a month," he said. "Reciprocal trade agreements can be good for our country. The free trade agreements we now have are not."

The Eggs and Issues series provides opportunities for citizens to meet and question their local, state and national representatives.

"The Federal Eggs and Issues Breakfast brings the Washington powers to the local business and civic community to share insight into what's going on in Washington and gives local citizens an opportunity to voice their opinions about what they think Washington should be doing about the issues," Frank Tamberrino, Alliance president said.

After suffering widespread criticism last year for waiting to begin cutting interest rates in the face of what was becoming an acute problem in the subprime mortgage market, the Fed has been aggressive this year in lowering rates and taking creative steps to bolster the credit markets.

The Maury Alliance is the state-designated chamber of commerce for this area.