<FONT color=blue>PestWorld '08 Coverage</FONT>: Politicos Kasich, Beckel Square Off

Attendees of NPMA PestWorld 2008, who were treated to a “friendly” debate on Friday between politicos Bob Beckel (Democrat) and John Kasich (Republican).

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Attendees of NPMA PestWorld 2008, who were treated to a “friendly” debate on Friday between politicos Bob Beckel (Democrat, left) and John Kasich (Republican, right).

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — With the Presidential election only days away, politics is one everyone’s minds, including attendees of NPMA PestWorld 2008, who were treated to a “friendly” debate on Friday between politicos Bob Beckel (Democrat) and John Kasich (Republican). The session was sponsored by FMC Professional Products.

Kasich, a former U.S. Senator from Ohio, and Beckel, who was the campaign manager for Walter Mondale's 1984 Presidential campaign, squared off in a spirited debate.

Kasich was critical of his own party for what he called “deterioration of the soul.” During the past eight years, the GOP has engaged in high spending, been plagued by corrupt congressional members such as Ted Stevens (R-Ala.), and generally has governed ineffectively.

Beckel concurred with Kasich about recent Republican mistakes, and he added that not since the 1930s have Democrats had such an opportunity to seize such governmental prowess. But that control will not ensure success if Republicans and Democrats don’t do a better job “reaching across the aisle,” Beckel added. “This polarization that has seized control of politics has got to end. (Congress) has to seek common ground and find solutions.”

Kasich added that a Democrat-controlled House, Senate and Presidency could bring forth a “plethora of regulations,” some of which could impact PCOs. “If you really want to stop a torrent of legislation against your industry, remember that your (Congress person) works for you. When you meet with them be polite, be respectful, but be firm.”

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Additional PestWorld Coverage from PCT
PCT’s PestWorld 2008 coverage also includes:

  • NPMA Celebrates 75th Anniversary During PestWorld ’08 in Washington
  • Photos from PestWorld 2008
  • Cal Ripken Jr. Addresses PestWorld Attendees
  • Bayer ES, NPMA Recognize Winner and Finalists of 'Young Scientist of the Year' Contest at PestWorld
  • PCT, Syngenta Recognize 2008 Crown Leadership Award Winners at PestWorld