Georgia Gubernatorial Candidates Debate the Issues

There are three gubernatorial candidates, Democrat Roy Barnes, Republican Nathan Deal, and Libertarian John Monds. These three candidates debated for the first time Saturday August 28, 2010, in the metro area of Atlanta sponsored by the American Medical Association.

Being a professional nurse for over twenty-years, and having friends with conditions such as prostate cancer, colon cancer, diabetes, breast cancer, Parkinson's disease, and autism, it was extremely important to hear the candidates' position on health care issues. Also, I have close friends who were recently diagnosed with lupus, sarcoidosis and other chronic diseases. It is for this reason; I firmly believe there should be ongoing funding for research.

Stem Cell Research: Democrat Roy Barnes and Republican Nathan Deal disagreed on the use of embryos. Mr. Deal supported the use of cord blood. Mr. Barnes, however, expressed by restricting the creation of embryos in the laboratory, would mean stopping embryonic research.

I recognize there is a shortage of primary care physicians in Georgia and across the country. I saw this first-hand as a former employee of the state. When addressing this issue, both Republican Nathan Deal and Democratic candidate Roy Barnes both recognized the need to develop programs that would create incentive programs.

At age sixteen, I was rear ended by a speeding motorist who failed to stop at a stop sign. The attorney advised my mother to accept a small settlement that barely paid for medical expenses. I continue to have back pain that I will have to live with the rest of my life. So, understanding the candidates 'view on Tort Reform was very important to me.

There was an earlier ruling in March, 2010, when a Supreme Court in Georgia struck down limits on jury awards in medical malpractice cases. Republican Nathan Deal believes the state should amend its constitution to re- create limits. However, Democrat Roy Barnes disagreed in amending the state's constitution and went on to explain judges and juries should be trusted, and should be allowed to use their judgment. Mr. Barnes supported stopping frivolous cases by imposing fines and awarding fees to parties who target suits of this nature. Libertarian John Monds shared basically views of Mr. Barnes.

I have a friend who has two autistic children who depend on Medicaid for their insurance coverage as well as other support services. She worries some of the services may be eliminated. I understand the state Medicaid Program is challenged by the growing number of first time applicants, and the state of the economy, but I needed to hear the candidates' views and how they plan to address the challenge of Medicaid program.

Nathan Deal advocated for a healthier lifestyle within the population by healthier school lunches, school exercise program. He pointed out how Medicaid cost had skyrocketed and he suggested a way to address such cost is by requiring co-pay for Medicaid recipients who visit the emergency room for non emergency services, and to create Clinics designated Medicaid Clinics for primary care physician.

John Mond suggested the way to fix Medicaid is to correct the economy and by doing so, there would be more jobs and lower Medicaid enrollment.

Roy Barnes addressed the cost of Medicaid reimbursement was low for physician who participated in the Medicaid Program.

I am concerned about other issues such as the growing number of unemployment in Atlanta area that has affected my neighbors and family who now find themselves unemployed; moreover, there are growing numbers of small churches being foreclosed, and in nearby neighborhoods, auction signs are starting to pop up on the front lawn of homes in areas that was once considered a stable community. Additionally, I am seeing increasing number of repossessed automobiles being transported as they drive by my community. I constantly think of my friends and neighbors, and will continue to do so when I cast my vote this November.

Reference:

Atlanta Journal Constitution August 29, 2010 edition