Thompson Defends Record In Tense GBC Interview

Delegate Susan Thompson (N-LIA) defended herself Wednesday in a tense interview with the GBC's Glenn Awell.

Appearing on the GBC's National Forum, the Lial nationalist fought off attacks from her critics and future opponents. She also shared her long-term plan for the state of Lial.

The interview covered a wide range of issues that will likely be important in the delegate's upcoming bid for reelection in 2008. Everything from the Iraq war to healthcare and education to the environment and social issues was addressed.

To start off, Awell asked Thompson to respond to attacks on her from two conservatives vying for her position in '08: Libby Marshall, a company executive from eastern Lial, and two-term Rep. Jeff Woonby, who represents southeastern Lial in the National Assembly. Last week, Marshall said at a speaking engagement that Thompson has been "soft on national security and weak on domestic issues." And yesterday, 36-year-old Woonby said Thompson "is a do-nothing delegate."

"That's certainly not true, Glenn. I honestly don't know why Mr. Marshall would call me 'soft on national security' or 'weak on domestic issues,'" Thompson said. "In fact, it's quite the opposite. I voted for the Security Budget increase, which boosted national security funding by $220 million. I also voted for the Cargo and Import Shipment Requirement, which would have forced port officials and border patrol members to search more import cargo that is coming into our country."

"And on domestic issues, I really don't know what Mr. Marshall is talking about. I have voted to protect the environment, and I've voted to hold this administration responsible," she continued.

The more heated moments in the interview came when Mr. Awell asked Thompson to explain comments she made in a September 2007 Grassadella City Times article, in which she insinuated the president and conservative members of Congress 'love war.'

"No Glenn. You're twisting my words...you're changing my words. I didn't say that they love war. I just said that they are sometimes eager to get involved in other nations' business. I think you're really taking my words out of context here."

"I don't believe I am. They're your words. You said them," Awell said.

"I really think you are! I think you're taking what I said and you're making it appear like something it isn't."

At the time of the incident, conservative leaders criticized Thompson for her comments, and demanded an apology.

"No one loves war. No one revels in it. And for Delegate Thompson to suggest such a thing is incredibly offensive and despicable. She should recant what she said and apologize to the president and to her conservative colleagues in the House and Assembly," Bob Viacrosa, National Conservative Party Chairman said.

Following her comments, Thompson did clarify her comments; her spokeswoman saying she was "pointing out the differences in foreign policy between the two parties," but she did not issue an apology.

Responding to Mr. Awell's question, Thompson said she believes the incident was "blown out of proportion" and is being used "strictly for partisan purposes."

"I don't think partisanship is going to win this election," she said.

And so far, it appears taking out Thompson will be quite a task for the Conservative party. She is one of the most popular members of Congress, and one of the most respected delegates in the House.

A poll released Thursday showed Thompson with with a 67% approval rating. Additionally, the poll showed if the election were held today, Thompson would enjoy a 64%-36% victory over Libby Marshall, and when matched against Woonby, she leads with 61%-39%.

Thompson's campaign hailed the poll numbers as solid proof she will win reelection.

"She is more than safe. This proves that the Conservative party's attack methods do not resound with voters," said Thompson spokesman Paul Richards.

But Marshall and Woonby, who will face each other in a primary election before the general election with Thompson, are doubtful the delegate will be so secure come next election.

"November 2008 is a long way from here, and as voters become more adjusted to Libby Marshall's message of peace, prosperity, and hope for our state, they will be more of supportive of him and less supportive of Ms. Thompson," David Geare, spokesman for Marshall said.

Woonby's campaign had similar remarks.

"It's way too early for Delegate Thompson to count on assured victory," Phil Spooke said in an e-mail to GNN NEWS.