Brown, Inglis disagree on trade, health care reform

Brandon Brown, left, and Bob Inglis share a laugh before their debate for the 4th Congressional seat held at Allen Temple in Greenville, Tuesday, October 5, 2004. (Patrick Collard) e-mail this story Related Photo gallery • Images from the 4th Congressional District debate

Inglis said protectionist policies won't save American job s and will thwart investment in America by major international manufacturing firms. To have an impact on preserving existing textile jobs, "we have to lean all over the Chinese" to end Beijing's currency manipulation that enhances their cheap labor advantage, he said.

Brown said he would "go after the trade agreements this (Bush) administration has made that sent so many jobs overseas."

But, like Inglis, Brown said he would "hold these countries accountable" for illegal practices.

Inglis, 44, an attorney, is seeking to return to the 4th Congressional District seat he left after a failed 1998 U.S. Senate run. Brown, 29, is a funeral home executive.

Approximately 60 people attended the debate at the Allen Temple Community Development Center. Rev. Caesar Richburg, pastor at Allen Temple AME Zion Church, was Brown's campaign manager early in the campaign.

Their first debate was Saturday on WYFF-TV.

Where Inglis promoted individual health savings accounts, one of his pet notions from his congressional days, as a key to cost reduction, Brown said they wouldn't work for the poor and working poor.

Instead, Brown called for more government regulation of insurance companies and legislation to make health care more affordable.

"The first question at the hospital should not be, 'Do you have insurance?' but 'How can we assist you?" he said.

Inglis said the savings accounts would allow consumers to pay cash for minor medical charges, leaving major care to insurance coverage.

Asked what they would advise the president in the event of a nuclear attack on the United States or an ally by Iran or North Korea, both said it would involve a tough response, although Inglis said America must be "very cautious about using our nuclear arsenal."

Brown said he would "be at the front door of the White House making sure the president protected this great nation."

Inglis said he supported using "every available resource" to protect the nation's borders from illegal immigration and would not favor another round of amnesty for illegal immigrants.

Brown said Washington "shouldn't award people citizenship who haven't gone through the (legal) process."

Dan Hoover covers politics and can be reached at 298-4883.