Congressional candidates Langworthy, Gies talk costs, Iran
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Congressional candidates Aaron Gies and Nick Langworthy debated recently at an Elmira television station.
Republican incumbent Langworthy and Democrat challenger Gies seek to represent New York's 23rd Congressional District.
The candidates did not have questions provided in advance. The opener queried them about the most important issue in the race.
Langworthy said it was "affordability," noting "We have had very stubborn inflation these last five years." Stating that "We have to grow our way out of this," Langworthy talked up tax cuts in tips, overtime and seniors' Social Security. "Having that money available to them is incredibly important," he said.
"Affordability of what?" said Gies, a St. Bonaventure University professor. He said people on the campaign trail are worried about utility bills, groceries and gasoline, but the biggest concern is health care.
Gies said gasoline prices are high because of the war in Iran. He also said a recent bill passed by Congress, which President Donald Trump heavily promoted, will add $4.5 billion to U.S. debt.
The candidates were directly questioned about the Iran war. It was Gies' turn to answer first.
"The administration continues to change the answer when they're asked what their strategic objectives are," he said. "But the American people can't wait. This war is making our lives unlivable. When the price of diesel goes above $6 a gallon, everything that we buy -- everything that comes on a truck -- costs more. Getting to work costs more. And so wages mean less."
Gies continued, "Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and there is no plan, except apparently to keep on bombing." Gies declared that the next Congress should pass a war powers resolution compelling Trump to wind up the war within 40 days.
Langworthy replied, "I would like the war in Iran to end at the earliest possible date. But you don’t tie the commander-in-chief's hands. We have one commander-in-chief at a time. I didn't make the decision to go to war, but we find ourselves in that position now."
The congressman acknowledged the war has driven up the price of gasoline. However, Langworthy said, the objective of preventing the regime in Iran from getting a nuclear weapon is "extraordinarily important, because they would use it." He supports a diplomatic solution, but stated that the Iranian "regime has lied" during peace talks.
Gies offered a rebuttal: "It would not be the Congress tying the hands of the president. It would be the Constitution tying the hands of the president." He stated it is time Congress reclaim its right to have a say on wars, on behalf of the American people.
Langworthy hit back: "It is naive to suggest 435 members of Congress are going to negotiate with the Iranian regime in an end to the war." He predicted that a 40-day deadline would result in a botched withdrawal similar to the U.S. retreat from Afghanistan.
Another question asked the candidates what policies they support to help ease the high prices of goods needed for daily life.
Gies said the Iran war is driving up prices, and he supports a reversal of Trump's tariffs. "In this district, the tariffs particularly hurt our relationship with Canada, which is a really important economic and personal relationship that we have in western New York and here in the Southern Tier," he said.
Langworthy mentioned tax cuts passed by Congress again. He added, "The tariff is the most pro-worker tool that can be in the arsenal. We have sold out our jobs across Western New York and the Southern Tier through free trade agreements over the last 30 years."
Langworthy said that if the nation had more refining capability, it would drive down gas prices.
Gies said the congressional tax cuts overwhelmingly help wealthier Americans and corporations. "They weaken workers, they weaken small businesses. And they use the government to subsidize the richest people in the history of the planet," he said.
A question touched on the possibility that Social Security could be insolvent by 2032. Langworthy floated a bipartisan Social Security commission as a solution.
Gies hit back that it is difficult to figure out Langworthy's solution beyond starting a commission, but he knows one thing that won't work: Privatization. Gies proposed eliminating a cap on Social Security earnings tax, stating it would compel rich people to pay their fair share.
The candidates also differed on energy policy. Langworthy offered support for fracking, nuclear power, and the oil industry. Gies backs diversification of the grid with alternative sources -- not just wind and solar, but also tidal energy and enhanced geothermal energy.
Langworthy promoted his Energy Choice Act, which would essentially ban state and local governments from making energy service decisions based on the specific source.
"I had to find a federal solution around a really bad piece of state policy, drawn by New York City residents who don't understand our lifestyle," he said.
Gies does not support the act. He feels it represents an overreach of federal authority.
The candidates were asked about immigration issues. Gies said ICE "is in some cases terrorizing our communities" and the government should step back from its current policies. He said the Republican-led federal government under Trump hasn't even tried to propose comprehensive reform.
Langworthy said ICE's tactics are "under review" and alleged that President Joe Biden’s administration let 10 million illegal immigrants into the country.
Gies said the nation should always have strong borders, but that doesn't mean ICE should terrorize people. "They have deported folks in this district who have raised families here for 20 years, were members of the local Baptist church," and came to the U.S. after fleeing China because they protested its lack of democracy, he said.
Langworthy and Gies' other questions included ones about the safety and fairness of elections; whether the U.S. minimum wage should rise; federal tax dollars coming to New York; and concern about the national debt.
The hour-long debate can be viewed on the YouTube channel of WETM-18, the Elmira station that hosted the event.