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Brizzi and Kennedy square off in final debate
10/28/2006
Star report
The Indianapolis Star
Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi and Democratic challenger Melina Kennedy differed on many fronts during their final debate tonight sponsored by WTHR (Channel 13) and The Indianapolis Star.
The two split on on their experience, diversity in the prosecutor's office, campaign commercials, and the most important issue that isn't getting the attention it deserves in the city during the live, 30-minute face-off.
Much of the campaign has centered on experience. Brizzi, elected in 2002, notes frequently that Kennedy has never prosecuted a case.
Kennedy pointed to her work as a clerk for Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan, but Brizzi said reviewing prosecutions is not the same thing as prosecuting cases.
"My opponent has never worked in a prosecutors office. Not even as an intern," said Brizzi. "Just because I read a book on carpentry doesn't mean you want me to build your house."
Kennedy, meanwhile, cited declining prosecution rates under Brizzi compared to the first term of Brizzi's predecessor Scott Newman.
"The bottom line here is what we need is a change, new leadership and new vision," she said.
"Just like any business you have to look at your performance...the prosecutor's office is just not performing," Kennedy added later.
Kennedy took Brizzi to task for not knowing how many minorities he had on his staff. Brizzi said he had 168 attorneys on his staff and focuses on qualifications, and ability, not on skin color.
On what they think is the biggest issue deserving more attention from police and policy makers, Brizzi said property crimes, maintaining street-level drug dealing and thefts damage the quality of life in Indianapolis and Marion County and can be gateways to more serious crimes.
Kennedy said domestic violence isn't getting enough attention and that prosecutions have declined under Brizzi, a point he disputes.
The two candidates also clashed over negative campaigning, with each accusing the other of starting the bruising ads that currently dominate the local television market.
Kennedy vowed that her campaign will not hire an actor who looks like Brizzi to poke fun at him. She cited one Brizzi ad that uses an actress who looks like her holding a law book upside down.
Brizzi said Kennedy has repeatedly distorted his conviction rate. And by asking him at public meetings about pending cases, she has jeopardized future prosecutions.
He called Kennedy "truly shameless."
Copyright 2006 IndyStar.com. All rights reserved
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