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Kerry, Beatty spar in radio debate

Email|Link|Comments (12) October 27, 2008 03:16 PM

By John C. Drake, Globe Staff

US Senator John F. Kerry and his Republican challenger, Jeff Beatty, sparred today over gun control, immigration, and national security in an hourlong radio debate on WTKK.

Beatty accused Kerry of "coddling" illegal immigrants, who he said have cost American jobs.

"You can't as a senator tell people what laws are OK to follow and what laws aren't," Beatty said.

Kerry countered that enforcement of immigration laws should start at the border, adding that employers who hire illegal immigrants should be held accountable.

However, both candidates said a high-profile 2007 raid of a New Bedford plant, in which immigration officials were accused of separating young children from their parents, was conducted poorly.

Kerry, who frequently complained about interruptions from Beatty, went after his challenger over statements he made previously in support of allowing college students to carry concealed weapons.

"You support guns being carried by kids in Massachusetts," Kerry said. "I don't know any parent who thinks that's a good idea."

Beatty countered by pointing to antiviolence training he conducted for schools as a private security consultant. Both candidates expressed disbelief that an 8-year-old child was handling an Uzi when he died after accidentally shooting himself in the head at the Westfield Sportsman's Club on Sunday.

"There's no way an 8-year-old should be allowed to do that," Beatty said.

Kerry added: "It defies common sense."

They also differed on term limits, with the four-term incumbent Kerry calling them "a terrible idea." Beatty said senators should be limited to "two or three terms."

The two men also offered their positions on the three questions on the Massachusetts ballots.

Beatty supports Question 1, which would end the state income tax, while Kerry opposes it. But they both oppose Question 2, which would eliminate criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana, and they both support Question 3, which would ban dog racing in the state.

It was the final debate for the candidates before next week's election.

Beatty, an Army veteran and antiterrorism consultant who lives in Harwich, has trailed by 30 percentage points or more in polls of the race. He unsuccessfully challenged US Representative William Delahunt in 2006.

12 comments so far...

Beatty is virtually unknown here on the cape. Most of my friends believe he's a Republican plant.

Posted by Cape guy October 27, 08 05:39 PM

I am glad that Kerry brought up the issue of allowing guns on campuses.
As a mother with three children in college, it is troubling to me that Beatty signed a petition to allow people legally able to carry guns to carry them on college campuses. That he did this on the anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings that were done with legally purchased guns is bewildering. He did seem to move away from this position - but he is now telling us in his ads that his expertise kept kids safe in schools. This was not a new issue that he hadn't thought out clearly - but a pander to the far right.

Posted by karcor October 27, 08 05:41 PM

Neither one will get my vote.

Posted by GI Joe October 27, 08 05:53 PM

Beatty would be a much better Senator than Kerry, but will the Dems of Massachusetts give him a chance? If you truly do want change in Massachusetts then give a Republican a chance.

Posted by David October 27, 08 08:39 PM

David - Are you really telling us to "give Republicans a chance"? Are you referring to Bill Weld, Paul Cellucci, Jane Swift, or Mitt Romney?

Posted by Lincoln Burrows October 27, 08 10:26 PM

I listened to Beatty for the first time this evening. What a jerk. Rude, disruptive and one that is just looking for fight. Do we have enough jerks like this one in Washington. He will not get my vote.

Posted by DBMilford October 27, 08 10:32 PM

Time for a change. Vote insiders out and outsiders in. Beatty would be a solid Senator for Massachusetts.

Posted by GOPGuy October 27, 08 11:16 PM

Ed O'Reilly was the best choice. Sadly he is no longer in the race

Posted by Michael October 28, 08 01:13 AM

So both candidates want all dog track workers to lose their jobs? So I guess that I will be leaving the slot for US SENATOR blank when I vote.

Posted by Billy Bell October 28, 08 05:02 AM

I support Beatty because he does see the value of the 2nd ammendment in Massachuseetts we screen those who have license to carry firearms. the evidence is overwhelming that campuses that allow carry privledges by those with carry permits that have been background checked have saved lives when the bad guy with a gun ran wild . I have a college age daughter and would encourage her to apply for a permit when she turns 21. Beatty is right on immagration and his position to end the state income tax putting local communities in control not Boston

Posted by Whitey October 28, 08 07:17 AM

Both oppose Question 2. That is troubling.

Posted by Carlos October 28, 08 11:43 AM

Beatty is just the latest LOSER token opponent the Republicans have put up.'
Anyone who supports eliminating the State Income Tax is a moron.
He has about as much chance of winning as would the Washington Generals if they were blindfolded and playing the Harlem Globetrotters.

Posted by Savage November 3, 08 01:02 PM