A believer in competition and consumer choice, Davis is skeptical of government’s ability to mandate coverage for all. A cancer specialist, Davis also said Congress needs more members with expertise in health care and spoke of the people who come into his office.

“They don’t come through the door as a Republican or Democrat,” Davis said. “They come through the door as someone who needs help.”

Walz countered: “If they don’t have health insurance, they don’t come through your door.”

Walz said health care coverage should be seen as a right, not a privilege. And he said that universal coverage makes sense economically because it promotes preventative care that would lower the overall cost of medical care in America.

Energy policy>
The candidates also differed dramatically on energy with Davis opposing government-mandated efficiency standards for cars and favoring oil drilling virtually everywhere, including without limit on the nation’s coastlines and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. While he said he supports renewable energy, he was skeptical that the nation can make dramatic strides in converting to new fuels in the next five to 10 years.