(Debate in Santa Maria, 9 August 1996)

Wheeler;          Well, I’m gonna have to be honest with you.  Last time I remember my heart beating this fast was when I was trying to get a date in high school.

Audience;         ((chuckles))

Wheeler;          uh- ... I’d like to start by thanking the area agency on aging out here for-putting this uh- very important event and for inviting me to it, ...  I’d like to ((gestures with hand holding mike)) acknowledge my mother for her strength, courage, perseverance, and strong work ethic I inherited.  She may at this point be my only supporter out there but I’m going to try my best over these next couple of months to try to change that.  ... I’d also like to welcome Walter Capps back to the campaign trail ... and you’re welcome to give him a round of applause on my time if you’d like.

Aud;                 ((chuckles))

                        ((Wheeler starts applauding and others follow him))

Wheeler;          ((looks down at notes on table))

Wheeler;          ((waits for end of applause)) Since most of you don’t know me I’m gonna start by ... telling you about my personal and ((looks down at notes)) professional background.  I’m a native Californian and I’ve lived in this district for seventeen years.  I’m a certified public accountant.  I owned and operated my own practice in Santa Barbara for the ((looks down)) past fourteen years. ... ((looks up)) I’ve served on the board to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, ... the Santa Barbara Jaycees, the Santa Barbara County food bank, and the Environmental Defense Center. ((looks down) ... ((looks up)) I’m married, my wife’s name is Laura, and I have three children, Stephanie, Jared and Brian. ((looks down)) ... ((looks up)) I’ve also been surfing since I was eleven.  I’ve uh- been up and down the central coast lately and uh- fortunately the waves have been flat so I’ve uh- been able to spend more time ((looks down)) campaigning. 

Aud;                 ((chuckles))

                        ((interrupted))