House Debate Topics

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Issues for state government. Posted on November 1, 2006 It is possible that South Dakota will reject the abortion ban but elect many candidates who support the abortion ban? If elected, how would you change the focus of the next legislative session? Ten Commandments Posted on October 29, 2006 The Republican platform says that Republicans believe the 10 commandments should be posted in schools. I would like Elli, Brian and Alan to respond to this i.e. how do they feel about posting the 10 commandments in schools? Exceptions for Rape and Incest Posted on October 25, 2006 Some Abortion Ban proponents point out that most rape is acquaintance rape and most incest is repeated abuse. They claim that perpetrators (boyfriends, family members, family friends, etc.) obtain abortions for these young victims to cover their crimes of abuse. They argue that Planned Parenthood inadvertently protects abusers by eliminating the evidence of their crimes. Planned Parenthood says they are required by law to report incest and abuse. A law in SD even that requires PP to ask abortion patients who are under the age of 16, the age of their sex partner, if they know it. If the partner was more than 3 years older, PP is required, by statute, to report immediately to law enforcement. Have your opponents raised this issue in forums or debates? Do you think abortions "eliminate the evidence" of abuse? What would you do in the Legislature to ensure more protection for victims of abuse? Two-Party System Posted on October 24, 2006 Do you believe in a two party system of government for South Dakota? If the answer is "yes" please site examples of where and how the Democrats and Republicans should/could work together for the best interest of this state? Dorothy Brewick Criminal Justice Issues Posted on October 23, 2006 I am concerned about the growth in our jail and prison populations. Is seems to me that we still operate under the assumption that if we establish blame, and send the offender off to jail, we teach them a lesson, they become more responsible citizens and don't reoffend. IT'S NOT WORKING! I would like each of the candidates to address this issue. What can we do that reduces the numbers of people that we send off and that still keeps our communities safe? (Submitted by Phyllis Boernke) $820 per student educational funding Posted on October 14, 2006 I'd like you all to comment on the $820/student increase proposed by the SD Alliance for Education (Assoc. School Boards and SDEA-teachers). That increase was needed merely to bring our schools to adequate funding. Donna Fisher Please Introduce Yourself Posted on October 11, 2006 Tell us about your background and qualifications, and why you are running? Why should a District 32 voter support you? Posted on October 11, 2006 Do you support or oppose HB 1215 and why? Posted on October 11, 2006