Republican congressional candidates debate issues

Aug 31, 2006 08:16 AM EDT

John Overall Reports

With Jim Kolbe's Congressional seat up for grabs, 13 candidates are trying to get their message out in Southeastern Arizona.

Six Democrats, five Republicans, an Independent, and a Libertarian are all fighting for the right to represent Arizona in Washington D.C.

Tuesday night the Democrats debated the issues. Wednesday night the Republicans got a chance to sound off at the Pima County Community College District office.

Once again News 4 asked the candidates to name one issue that could decide the race.

Former Arizona GOP Chairman, Mike Hellon didn't hesitate, saying, "The voters on our side have spoken so loudly on illegal immigration and border security that all five of us are forced to address the issue."

The early leader in the polls agreed with Hellon. Randy Graf says he'll be strong on Border Security.

Graf said, "Ninety percent of Americans want illegal immigration stopped. We can't reform our illegal immigration policy until we stop illegal immigration. Lou Dobbs says that on a regular basis. In a nutshell, that's what this is about."

Steve Huffman is the top fundraiser in this race. He says we can stop Illegal Immigration without breaking the bank.

Huffman said, "I think this is a great enough country that we can secure our borders, fight the war on terrorism and keep our economy moving forward and I think that's the difference between me and the other candidates running."

Three Candidates, three votes for border security as the number one issue.

Mike Jenkins is a Vietnam Veteran and he agrees that Border Security is important, but he believes security starts at home.

Jenkins said, "I'm the one who had a firefight in my front yard. I'm the guy who had a guy die in my neighbor's driveway. This is really what it's all about, securing our neighborhoods, making our people safe."

Securing our borders and securing our neighborhoods.

Frank Antenori lumps security into one category. National Security is at the top of his list.

Antenori is a decorated war hero who fought in Iraq. He says win that war and we'll all be more secure.

Antenori said, "I think people expect their congressman to get a handle on this national security issue and fight the war the way it should be fought instead of playing games with the U.N. and other countries who have a vested interest in bringing our country down.

Access Tucson will rebroadcast both the Democratic and Republican debates 12 times each leading up to the September 12th Primary.

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