Basham, Micon face off in debate
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 10/31/2006
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A Monday night debate between the candidates for local state representative disagreed on the issue of whether or not same-sex marriage should be presented to the voters.
Connie Basham, the Republican candidate for West Lafayette state representative, said the issue of gay marriage is best decided by the voters, not legislators.
"Mr. Micon voted against giving the people a choice," said Basham. "We don't have to wait to be taken to court and pay massive (legal) bills. You let the people decide once and for all how you want to define (marriage)."
But Joe Micon, D-West Lafayette, said he stands behind state law.
Micon said he will "uphold the sanctity of marriage and the sanctity of the (Indiana) constitution."
Today, Indiana law does not allow same-sex marriage. Law defines marriage as being between a man and a woman.
"I support Indiana law regarding same-sex marriage," said Micon. "It's a state law ... I will not attack the state constitution."
Although Basham did not state her personal feelings on the subject, she maintained that the decision is not up to her.
"Let the people vote," she said.
Referencing a recent change to New Jersey's policy on the topic, Basham said, "New Jersey thought they had a good law."
The televised debate also focused on Micon's voting record, including his "nay" vote for the state budget.
Basham said Micon's disapproval of the budget was a prime example of his Democratic partisanship.
"Saying a partisan �no' doesn't mean you're a team player," she said.
But Micon defended his record by emphasizing the occasions on which he voted non-partisan.
He also stated his "non-partisan" reason for voting against the state budget.
"The budget flatlined funding for Purdue," said Micon.
"Mrs. Basham supports a state budget that shifts $850 million onto the backs of local property tax payers."