Where they stand Where they stand (October 27, 2004)
If you've followed the rough-and-tumble campaign for the Assembly seat in the 21st District in the local media, you've probably heard little about the issues.

There's a reason for that -- the two candidates are similar, especially on typical wedge issues like stem-cell research (both in favor) and abortion (both pro-choice).

There are some differences though, especially surrounding California's business climate. Republican Steve Poizner generally opts for creating a healthier business climate while Democrat Ira Ruskin tends to favor government oversight and workers' rights.

Other issues they agree upon include reducing the threshold for voter approval for school districts' parcel tax measures to 55 percent (from two-thirds), holding open primaries (Proposition 62 on the ballot) and more local control for school and city finances.

Here are some of the major issues that divide the candidates:

ISSUE: Raising the minimum wage, which was recently vetoed by the governor
POIZNER: Opposes, for now, saying it would drive business out of state.
RUSKIN: Supports, saying the current rate doesn't allow workers to make ends meet.

ISSUE: Proposition 64, which amends the state business code to require plaintiffs in private lawsuits to have been damaged
POIZNER: Supports, saying it's needed to curb frivolous lawsuits. Also said that if it weakened environmental protection he would write remedying legislation.
RUSKIN: Opposes since it weakens environmental and consumer protection. Admitted there were likely abuses, but had no solution.

ISSUE: Proposition 72, which would require midsize and larger businesses to provide health care
POIZNER: Opposes for now, saying it would hurt business.
RUSKIN: Supports, calling universal health care a basic right

ISSUE: Drivers license for illegal immigrants
POIZNER: Opposes, calling it a safety risk.
RUSKIN: Supports, to encourage insurance.

ISSUE: Extending BART to San Jose?
POIZNER: Supports, calling it vital for the Silicon Valley economy.
RUSKIN: Generally supports, but is concerned about the cost.

ISSUE: Extending term limits for members of the Assembly
POIZNER: Opposes until other political reform occurs.
RUSKIN: Supports to eight to 10 years.

ISSUE: Same-sex marriage
POIZNER: Wants government to get out of the marriage business so marriage is defined by individual religious institutions, but is in favor of sex unions with full benefits for same-sex couples and is opposed to the U. S. Constitutional Amendment banning gay marriage.
RUSKIN: Supports.

ISSUE: Vote for U.S. President?
POINZER: Refused to say.
RUSKIN: Sen. John Kerry.

ISSUE: Last book read?
POIZNER: Would not say, but noted that "Tuesdays with Morrie" was favorite book.
RUSKIN: "The Education of Henry Adams"

-- Bill D'Agostino

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Where they stand Where they stand (October 27, 2004)If you've followed the rough-and-tumble campaign for the Assembly seat in the 21st District in the local media, you've probably heard little about the issues.

Where they stand Where they stand (October 27, 2004)
If you've followed the rough-and-tumble campaign for the Assembly seat in the 21st District in the local media, you've probably heard little about the issues.