Block Island Wind Farm ferry tour with US energy secretary
U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Gov. Dan McKee and other state and federal officials tour the Block Island Wind Farm.
David DelPoio, The Providence Journal
Republicans may be at a disadvantage when it comes to winning one of Rhode Island’s U.S. Senate seats, but that hasn’t stopped two candidates − Raymond McKay and Patricia Morgan − from entering the race.
Before they face off in the Sept. 10 GOP primary, The Providence Journal invited each candidate to fill out a short questionnaire about topics such as offshore wind farms, in vitro fertilization, and immigration. Below you’ll find their written responses, presented in alphabetical order by last name.
Answers have been edited only to conform with AP style, and not for spelling or grammar. Additionally, each candidate was instructed to limit responses to each question to 75 words.
The winner of the September primary will face Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse in November.
Should the government end all subsidies to offshore wind farms?
McKay: Yes – if the OSW industry is a commercially viable project, then the businesses and their financial backers,whether that be stockholders, banks, etc. should be able to move these projects forward and assume the risks without the American taxpayer underwriting it.
Morgan: Yes. Offshore wind turbines produce the most expensive electricity, which is intermittent and unreliable, and requires 24/7 backup by natural gas plants. Ratepayers are feeling the pain as more and more solar and wind are added to the grid and their monthly bills soar. Massive amounts of diesel fuel are used to install the turbines and they destroy the natural marine environment. We shouldn’t be subsidizing this destructive and inefficient technology.
Sen. JD Vance has proposed hiking the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $5,000. Is that a good idea? Why or why not?
McKay: Increasing the CTC to reflect changes in the CPI, as is similarly done for Social Security, is a prudent measure for American families. A one-time bump based on CPI from the last permanent increase to reflect years of stagnation may be appropriate, remembering that the government has no money, except for that it takes fromits citizens.
Morgan: Yes, we should. As a mother of 3 boys, I know how expensive children are, but they bring incredible joy and meaning to our lives, and they secure the future of our country. They become the new workforce and caregivers as each generation ages. We want to help and encourage parents by removing some of the financial strain. It is an investment for the future that is a benefit to all of us.
Would you support legislation guaranteeing access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment?
McKay: As a health care coverage issue mandating that insurers cover this procedure, as was set forth during the House of Representatives June 13th votes, I would say no. As a national law allowing IVF, I look at this as a States Rights (10th Amendment issue) and the states should take care of this. So, I would vote no to a federal law that overrides a States Rights issue.
Morgan: Of course. Having children is the single most rewarding part of our lives. How wonderful that medical technology has made it possible for challenged couples to have children. Let them have all the joys of cuddles, tears, scraped knees and poison ivy, nights of worry and times of celebration, car insurance, homework and teacher conferences. They make the richness of life. Everyone should have access to this technology that makes it possible.
McKay: President Trump was not in office. Therefore, he did not cast a vote to stop it. He like all Americans, has an opinion. The bill failed as it had severe flaws in it that did not protect the sovereignty and security of the American nation and did not put U.S. citizens and taxpayers concerns first.
Morgan: Trump didn’t kill that bill. Public opinion did. That bill codified Biden administration practices that have allowed more than 10 to 12 million people to cross illegally into our country, including criminals, terrorists, drug dealers and human traffickers. The bill codified 5000 illegal entries daily with no realistic provisions to stop the crossings. Instead, House bill HR-2 should be passed by the Senate. Its provisions allow us to regain sovereignty over our borders.
Should the U.S. and Israel launch a pre-emptive strike on Iran?
McKay: As an 11-year Army veteran, who understands that it is the soldier who would bear the burdens of warfare, I would look to strong civilian leadership to reach a diplomatic solution to reduce/defuse tensions rather than a pre-emptive strike.
Morgan: This administration lifted the sanctions that deterred nuclear development and gave billions to Iran. It has used this newfound wealth to fund terrorist organizations and pursue nuclear weapons. We must continue using the Abraham Accords to build alliances and enhance Israel’s security. Building a regional security architecture will strengthen our response to this dangerous foe and its terrorist proxies. However, at this time, tensions are too high and alliances too weak for a preemptive strike.
Staff writers Patrick Anderson and Katherine Gregg contributed to this story.
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Publish date : 2024-09-05 13:01:00
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