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U.S. Senate Canditates
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We asked the every candidate two questions based on issues that matter to the Boise State community.
1. Fifty percent of American college students will graduate with $20,000 or more in loan debt, and the cost of college increases at twice the rate of normal economic inflation, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. How do you plan to combat the skyrocketing cost of secondary education, and what would you do for college graduates entering the tenuous job market?
2. Boise State has a diverse population with 20,000 students of varying race, gender, age, economic status and political orientation. Why do you feel you are the best candidate to represent the interests of this unique demographic to the U.S. Senate?
Larry LaRocco (D)
1. As a former Member of Congress and as a representative of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, I have worked to improve federal financial aid for college students. A recent panel of education experts has made a number of proposals that should be considered, including ending the current complicated federal financial aid application; linking Pell Grants to family size, income and the consumer price index; linking the Stafford Loan program to the federal poverty level and inflation; and instituting a graduated loan repayment plan that rises with a borrowers’ income. As a Senator, I will work to enact such reforms.
2. As a member of the Majority Party in the U.S. Senate, I will take my Congressional seniority and experience to work for all the students at Boise State. The Chairman of the House Education Committee, Rep. George Miller, is a former colleague and close friend. My wife, Chris, is a nationally recognized teacher. I serve on the Board of Directors of the Frank Church Institute at BSU. I understand that many BSU students are the first in their families to attend college, and that most of them must work to finance their educations. As Senator, I will work to expand opportunities for all college students to gain an education, and to enter the job market when they graduate.
Kent. A Marmon (L)
1. The choice you have made is an investment in your future. Any government program to help finance a secondary income would ultimately cost everyone, including you, more money. The federal income tax rate on $25,000 a year is 13.44 percent, and the rate on $50,000 a year is 17.85 percent. The state rates are 6.54 percent and 7.17 percent respectively. More money for education would only increase those rates further. Education is the responsibility of state government, not federal government. Thus, the Legislature, not Congress, needs to deal with the skyrocketing costs of their programs. However, government has no control over privately owned colleges or universities or what they charge.
2. In my eyes, each and every student, like each and every Idahoan, regardless of race, gender, age, economic status or political orientation deserve equal representation, effort, and protection under the Constitution. Unlike my competition for the U.S. Senate seat, I believe in each and every one of you and your ability to make the decisions for your lives without government intervention or control. I strongly believe that government should only do what the people cannot do for themselves as is prescribed by our Constitution. I will always favor self-determination and personal responsibility over government solutions.
Jim Risch (R)
1. Tuitions are rising, but I believe the role of education belongs to the States; they should have the control over our public universities. The job market is a different matter. As Idaho’s 31st Governor, I worked to bring good jobs to Idaho. I also recognized a lack of space for nursing students in Idaho schools at a time when hospitals needed more nurses. Today, two new nursing schools are being built to meet that demand. The work I did as Governor is the same effort I will make if elected to the United States Senate. I will make certain that when BSU students graduate, good jobs are out there for them to compete for.
2. Throughout my career in public service, I’ve worked with every demographic in Idaho. As Ada County Prosecutor, I tried cases for Idaho families who were suffering and seeking justice. As a state senator, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor, I have worked side-by-side with Republicans and Democrats, resulting in many policies supported by both parties. Idaho is a better place when our efforts are collaborative and broad-based. As Governor, I made constituent service a priority, opening regional offices in both North and Southeast Idaho to enhance communication and responsiveness to Idahoans across the State. Public service is just that – a commitment to make Idaho a better place by helping others.
Other Candidates:
Pro-Life (I)
Rex Rammell (I)
