Debate hatches defensive postures

The debate was moderated by veteran journalist Mark Simon and broadcaster Bob Marks for a new TV news show called "The Game" which debuts Sunday.

Both agree workers' compensation is crippling the state but each take different stances on what makes it structurally inept.

The workers' compensation system is ambiguous and leads to

litigation, Poizner said, while Ruskin blames the greed and profit taking of insurance companies for high premiums.

"The California economy is tied to the Bush administration and it has had a negative impact on our economy," Ruskin said.

Democrat Ruskin also called out Poizner for saying he wouldn't start another business in California.

"Four years after selling his business for $1 billion he said he wouldn't do it again," Ruskin said.

"Hogwash," said Poizner, who maintained he was merely making a point as to why many businesses are relocating to states such as Nevada or foreign countries.

"The rules and regulations in this state are sending businesses elsewhere. We are in an intense competition with other states," Poizner said.

The two are battling for the 21st District Assembly seat Joe Simitian currently occupies. Democrat Simitian is backing Ruskin, a Redwood City councilman. Poizner, a Silicon Valley tycoon, has the backing of Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. He labels himself a "maverick" Republican but still gave President George W. Bush $2,000. However, Poizner said he is still undecided about who he will vote for in the Nov. 2 presidential election.

"I want voters to make an informed choice for president. Just as I am asking Democrats in the district to consider my candidacy," Poizner said. "I also contributed to see John Kerry speak. Ruskin would like to turn this into a race against Bush ... but I'm a different kind of bird."

Poizner attacked Ruskin's taking of special interest money. Ruskin, Poizner said, is a part of the mainstream political machine that dominates policymaking in Sacramento. That machine, he said, sent the state's economy into a tailspin.

But Ruskin said he is proud of the teachers, nurses and cops who contributed to his campaign.

"These groups agree with my values," Ruskin said.

When asked what his first bill would be as an Assemblyman, Ruskin said he would introduce legislation preventing corporations from creating tax shelters in the Caribbean.

"The corporations need to pay their fair share," Ruskin said.

Education reform and giving power back to local school districts would be Poizner's first legislation.

The race for Simitian's 21st district seat is the most hotly contested race in the Bay Area. The district is comprised of about 55 percent Democrats and Poizner contributed nearly $2 million of his own money to his campaign.

Bill Silverfarb can be reached by e-mail at silverfarb@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.