LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS - "Congressional Races"
Republican candidate Jim Bradshaw, running in the newly created 26th Congressional District in Texas, says Democrats think defeating him would be a mandate against the policies of U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Title sequence. Senior Correspondent Paul Duke discusses Republican enthusiasm for re-taking Southern seats in the House of Representatives for the first time since 1954. The cause of the enthusiasm lays in 1980 census results mandating redistricting the House of Representatives in areas thought to lean Republican. Dems have performed better than expected due to favorable state-level gerrymandering and court decisions. NPR Correspondent Cokie Roberts says 26th district of Texas is newly created and designed by Democrats to concentrate GOP votes in one district. Roberts introduces report by NPR Correspondent Linda Wertheimer.
LAWMAKERS - "26th District"
NPR Correspondent Linda Wertheimer reports on the 26th Congressional district in Texas. Banner from second floor porch of brick house reads "Democratic." Wertheimer (VO) gives history of the area of the 26th district; conservative but solidly Democratic voters in a recently developed suburban area. Small suburban street of houses with wrap-around porches; cars parked on street. Three elderly adult Caucasian men talking by bench and tree in McKinney, TX. Small town main street in McKinney; Republican Headquarters sign. Former Mayor Al Ruschhaupt discusses change to GOP as town developed. Idle farm equipment sitting in field. New suburban subdivisions. Ruschhaupt (VO) talks about the difference in driving between Fort Worth and McKinney when he was mayor and present day. Cars traveling on state highway. Series of strip malls along state highway. Interstate highway. Wertheimer (VO) states the population of Texas jumped 27% in last ten years, with immigrants mainly coming from cold weather climates, and more conservative even than old-school Texans, therefore likely Republicans. Marker indicating direction and distance to Denton, Texas.
LAWMAKERS - "Recession in Texas"
Linda Wertheimer states the increase in Texas' population will yield three additional House seats and rearrange districts. Site of new Texas Commerce Tower. Elderly Caucasian man wearing cowboy hat, walking up to door; two adult Caucasian males and one adult Caucasian female walking behind him. Wertheimer says the district voted for President Ronald Reagan, and will again, though Texas won't escape recession. U.S. and Texas flag flying on flagpole; Burger King restaurant and parking lot. Adult Caucasian man talks about how Texas in a recession, is still better than Pennsylvania, where he's from. Wertheimer, off camera, asks adult Caucasian woman if she is satisfied with the Texan economy; she replies no, but says the rest of the country is no better. Wertheimer lists major industry names in Texas that have had layoffs. Water tower over Bell Helicopter plant. Small helicopter taking off. "Texas Instruments" sign. Braniff International Airlines jets idle at Dallas-Fort Worth airport. Meeting of laid-off middle-aged adult Caucasian male and female airline employees in conference room; both men and women express positive and negative views of Reaganomics and President Ronald Reagan.
LAWMAKERS - "26th District Candidates"
Middle-aged adult Caucasian man introducing Jim Bradshaw, Republican candidate for newly created 26th Congressional district of Texas; applause. Linda Wertheimer (VO) says Bradshaw is counting on district conservatism, wants to make the campaign a show of loyalty toward U.S. President Ronald Reagan and his policies. Bradshaw: "There's a lot of interest in this race. One reason that there's so much interest in this race is because the Democrats feeling like defeating me in the Congressional district would be a large mandate against President Reagan. This is the second most Republican district, of the 27 we now have in the state. And I think for that reason, it's very important that we do exactly what the campaign theme that I've developed says. That we give President Reagan more than a chance, we give him a hand, and we give him Jim Bradshaw." Linda Wertheimer, standing in front of Arlington Stadium, says the man Democrats believe gives them the best chance to win is Tom Vandergriff, former Mayor of Arlington, who presided over record city growth and brought a Major League Baseball franchise into Arlington. Vandergriff, seated in empty stadium, discusses getting the Washington Senators to come to Texas, believing the region had deserved to have a major league baseball team for a long time.
LAWMAKERS - "26th District Candidates"
Democratic candidate Tom Vandergriff, seated in empty stadium, explains why it was important to have the Texas Rangers play baseball in Arlington. Linda Wertheimer (VO) explains Vandergriff's appeal to the Arlington community, how Arlington's success as a city propel his own successes. Car dealerships owned by Vandergriff. Adult Caucasian man on ladder painting beneath Vandergriff sign. Republican candidate for the 26th Congressional district Jim Bradshaw talks about Vandergriff's power as a candidate, noting he would likely coast to a victory if anyone other than Vandergriff was running. Wertheimer (VO) says that instead of vacationing, Bradshaw is reaching out to new Republicans in affluent suburban Dallas. Bradshaw campaigning, speaking to adult Caucasian man and woman. Bradshaw delivering speech, blaming past liberal policies as responsible for current bad economy, urges seeing Reaganomics through. Adult Caucasian woman opens door as Vandergriff greets her, hands her a brochure; woman states he has her vote. Wertheimer (VO) says Vandergriff is a conservative but still a Democrat. Vandergriff continues door-to-door campaign, walking up to another house; door opens slightly, he hands brochure, speaks to unseen person. Vandergriff, seated in empty stadium, says GOP wanted him to run on their ticket, promised that the President or Vice President would come speak on his behalf but speak against him if he ran as Democrat. Wertheimer (VO) says Republicans were true to their word, explains how GOP did not want to lose a seat in a Republican stronghold with someone strongly tying themselves to the President. U.S. Vice President George Bush shaking hands with Bradshaw at event. Adult Caucasian men and women wearing formal attire at Republican campaign fundraising dinner. Vice President Bush endorsing Bradshaw.
LAWMAKERS - "26th District Candidates"
NPR Correspondent Linda Wertheimer (VO) says that while Vice President George H.W. Bush was campaigning for Republican candidate for the 26th Congressional district Jim Bradshaw, Democrats held a $1.50 BBQ event for small contributors. U.S. Vice President George H.W. Bush speaking for Bradshaw at podium. Crowd applause. Adult Caucasian man singing with jazz band. Democratic candidate for the 26th Congressional district Tom Vandergriff receiving hug. Wertheimer (VO) says what may put Vandergriff over the top is his willingness to speak the uncomfortable truth that the recession is reaching the Sunbelt. "Vandergriff for Congress" balloon. Young adult Caucasian woman drinking soda. Elderly adult Caucasian man and woman smiling, eating. Adult Caucasian woman holding female Caucasian infant. Vandergriff speaking to audience, says he wants to help President Reagan but the best way to do so is to focus on his district and help put people back to work. Bradshaw says election is a referendum on whether to continue the pattern of liberal laws that got the economy to this point. Young adult Caucasian woman on the street says Reagan is doing his job, believes in what he's doing. Adult Caucasian man says he still believes in Reaganomics but it's working slower than hoped. Linda Wertheimer, at Dallas-Fort Worth airport, says Texans are still with President Reagan for the most part, but concerns about layoffs and a strong Democratic candidate make this district anything but a sure thing for the Republican Party.
LAWMAKERS - "4th District Candidates"
Senior Correspondent Paul Duke introduces report on election race in the Northeast where old districts outside of Boston have been combined, pitting incumbent U.S. Representative Barney Frank (D-MA) against incumbent Margaret Heckler (R-MA). Janet Wu (VO) gives background information on the race between Heckler and Frank as the verbal sparring between campaigns becomes fierce. Heckler speaking to group of adult Caucasian male and female reporters on street while Frank does the same with another group of reporters adjacent to Heckler. Debate room with the candidates, moderators; middle-aged and elderly adult Caucasian men and women watch. Heckler says her record is more representative of the district than Frank's; Frank responds with a quip; Heckler, having served five Presidents, defends her independent streak and provides anecdote from her battle with U.S. President Richard Nixon to secure veteran's education funding. Wu (VO) says Frank and the Democrats want the election to be a referendum on Reaganomic policies unpopular in the 4th district. Frank taking podium; adult Caucasian female aide standing behind him. 4th Congressional District boundaries in Massachusetts. Wu (VO) describes suburban liberals and blue collar workers in old mill towns of southern Massachusetts forming anti-Reagan coalition, also mentions major voting bloc in the district is the elderly. Frank chairing public hearing for House Select committee on aging; elderly Caucasian women in the audience. Wu (VO) says Heckler was not expected at the hearing but at the last minute managed to get re-assigned to the committee in an effort to prevent Frank wooing voters alone. Frank joking, introduces Heckler as the newest member of the committee; audience laughing. Wu (VO) mentions Heckler having trouble with women's groups, but as the ranking female member of Congress she intends to remind voters of importance of her presence in D.C. Heckler speaking and shaking hands with middle-aged adult Caucasian men at campaign luncheon.
LAWMAKERS - "4th District Candidates"
U.S. Representative Margaret Heckler (R-MA): "When women splinter and dissipate what we have, the strength that we have, we are losing power. We only have 22 women, we have 4% of Congress, out of a population which women comprise 51.3%. Diminishing the 4% is not advancing women's causes. Diminishing the loss of a woman who has been there for 8 terms does not advance the representation of women. There's no way that Barney Frank can do things that I've done for women for all these years and be as effective on these issues as I have been." Janet Wu (VO) adds that Congresswoman Heckler resents the National Organization for Women (NOW) for defecting to Barney Frank. Heckler, sitting next to Presidential aide Elizabeth Dole, says, "It's particularly hard to understand because we are now in need of supporter and a Republican to get up and speak in Republican councils. Well, there are very few who would take the positions I would take, but I was always the one to do it. When they needed a Republican to lead the march, I was the one to do it. When they needed a Republican to call the governor's of other states, and legislators of other states, I called them. I was always there. Not because of NOW. Because of the issue. Because I care about women's rights. I care deeply, and I will never stop fighting for them." Wu (VO) says Congressman Frank believes none of those reasons qualify her for the women's vote. U.S. Representative Barney Frank (D-MA) speaking in debate setting, arguing that when U.S. President Ronald Reagan fired the executive director of the advisory committee on women's equality and replaced her with an aide to Phyllis Schlafly, Frank and allies took to House floor to protest, but Heckler did not. Wu (VO) adds that Congressman Frank has also called on other Congresswomen to testify on his behalf.
LAWMAKERS - "4th District Candidates"
U.S. Representative Geraldine Ferraro (D-NY) in office, says Margaret Heckler's voting record doesn't match her speeches. Janet Wu (VO) references Ronald Reagan's 1981 budget which Heckler voted for and was seen as anti-women; Congresswoman Heckler agreed with that label, but felt she had to vote for the budget anyway. Ferraro sitting and speaking with U.S. Representative Barney Frank (D-MA) in her office. U.S. Representative Margaret Heckler (R-MA) says inflation and interest rates were more pressing issues, but those concessions were made in exchange for more funding for low income weatherization and student loans; programs cut were due to administrative costs being higher than benefits going to beneficiaries. Congressman Frank, speaking in campaign debate, calls Heckler's position on reducing budget deficits misleading since her budget vote was one for increasing military spending including the MX missile, and tax breaks for the rich, all of which added up to record-breaking deficits.
LAWMAKERS - "4th District Candidates"
Reporter Janet Wu standing outside the Massachusetts Statehouse, says U.S. Representative Barney Frank has erased the lead of U.S. Representative Margaret Heckler in the polls by winning the elderly and women's vote, tying their issues with Reaganomic policies. To fight back, Congresswoman Heckler will attack Congressman Frank's record in the state legislature.
LAWMAKERS - "4th District Candidates"
Janet Wu (VO) says that Congressman Barney Frank believed the taxes he voted for were in order to lower other taxes. U.S. Representative Barney Frank (D-MA) speaking to audience of middle-aged and elderly adult Caucasian men and women, jokes that Congresswoman Margaret Heckler is unable to find anything in his Congressional voting record to run against, so she is going for his voting record in the state legislature. Wu (VO) points out that Heckler's ultimate weapon brings out the loudest reaction. U.S. Representative Margaret Heckler (R-MA) in debate, attacks Frank's stand on morality, states that he is for pornography and red light districts; audience boos, cheers, and hisses while Frank makes an exaggerated sad face. Wu (VO) describes the "combat zone" as a two block area in downtown Boston where the city's adult book stores and theaters are concentrated. Frank believes the zone is essential to keep residential areas in Boston clean. Street with adult theaters and book stores inc Fantasy Book Shop, Pilgrim Theater, and Club 66. Residential suburban neighborhood.
LAWMAKERS - "4th District Candidates"
Janet Wu (VO) presses the importance of campaign fundraising to raise money for campaign ads to propel the candidates' image. Congressman Barney Frank has wielded big names and collected nearly one million dollars while Congresswoman Margaret Heckler has attended discreet dinners sponsored by the White House. Neither candidate thinks they can possibly lose, but both believe the race is a toss up. U.S. Representatives Margaret Heckler (R-MA) and Barney Frank (D-MA) at fundraisers; making introductions, shaking hands, speaking with adult Caucasian men and women. Frank walking up theater stairs to applause. Heckler walking down hallway with unidentified adult Caucasian man.
LAWMAKERS - "Redistricting Analysis"
Senior correspondent Paul Duke and NPR correspondent Cokie Roberts discuss whether Democrats and women voters will stick with Congresswoman Margaret Heckler or Congressman Barney Frank. Roberts notes Democrats have had more success getting the female vote, states that women are more likely to be hurt by unemployment and layoffs, and suffer more from budget cuts. Duke notes that many of the redistricting actions taken at the state level were later overruled by the courts, and many of those decisions hurt Republicans. Roberts believes there are actually mixed results throughout the country with regard to elections taking place in redistricted areas, and that the best laid plans are often laid to waste. Duke segues into Otis Pike commentary on the packaging of candidates.
LAWMAKERS - "Political Commentary"
Commentary by Otis Pike on the "packaging" or "branding" of candidates. Polls are really market surveys and once candidates know what voters are interested in, they package themselves to cater to the voters. Brand names still work, and voters prefer the Democratic brand to the Republican brand, but voters are starting to look inside the packaging for more jobs, lower interest rates, and a better economy. Candidates are selling all of that, along with lower taxes, more services, and a balanced budget. Pike warns that is false advertising. Pike references Congressman David Obey and his attempts to pass legislation (Put Up or Shut Up Balanced Budget Amendment and Hypocrisy Reduction Amendment) that would, in fact, force a balanced budget. He failed to do so, Pike noting legislators who did not vote for it failed to advertise whether they were against a balanced budget or simply for hypocrisy.
LAWMAKERS - "Show Close"
Senior correspondent Paul Duke lets viewers know the show will be back next week for one final election report, signs off.