Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite came to Cedar Key August 24 to raise money for her 2008 reelection campaign. The media was barred from the event according to Brown-Waite's public relations staff. However, prior to the event, Cedar Key News was able to have a far-ranging exclusive interview with Rep. Brown-Waite. She responded to questions at some length. Her responses are summarized, rather than reported verbatim. CKN: What can be done at the federal level to help Cedar Key aquaculture? Rep. B-W: After the 2004 hurricanes, federal funds were used to give relief to clam farmers who suffered storm damage. In 2005 and again in 2006, $300,000 was given for research on maintaining good clam stocks. Furthermore, $300,000 of USDA money was used for a parking lot for clam farmer vehicles (at Anchor Hole in Cedar Key). CKN: Do you favor building a nuclear power plant in Levy County? Rep B-W: The Levy County Board of Commissioners is in favor of the project. "I have lived near the Crystal River nuclear plant and never have been afraid." If there is not a nuclear plant there a coal-fired plant may be built. CKN: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has a spotty record. What can Congress do to make nuclear power safer? Rep. B-W: There is Congressional oversight (of the NRC). Also, the Department of Homeland Security is taking steps to make the nuclear plants safer from terrorists. CKN: The House and Senate have a lower approval rating that President Bush, 18% versus 29%, according to a recent poll. What can be done to get everyone working together? Rep. B-W: "You can imagine how that makes me feel!" Different agendas are the problem. The Democrats will be raising taxes. The Republicans want to grow the economy and lower taxes. Also, the hatred directed at President Bush, who I do not always agree with, is greater than I have ever seen. CKN: An estimated 47 million Americans have no health insurance. What can be done? Rep. B-W: Fifteen million of those people are illegals not entitled for health services. Also, there are many programs for people without insurance. County Health Departments and Federal Quality Health Centers are examples of places uninsured people can get help. CKN: Four years ago, off the record, you were asked how long would we be in Iraq? On the record, how long do you think we will be in Iraq? Rep. B-W: "We will have to have troops in the Middle East for a long time." CKN: The Florida Republican Primary Election is in January 2008. Who is your choice?
Rep. B-W: Mitt Romney (rather than Rudy Giuliani.) If Fred Thompson comes into the race he will split the conservatives and Giuliani will get the nomination. Editor's Note: Although the media was supposedly barred from the Brown-Waite fund-raiser, we can report that, beyond Rep. Brown-Waite's staff, about 32 contributors attended the event. | 