Congressional candidates clash in Cornelia debate

CORNELIA – The three candidates vying to represent Georgia’s 10th district in Washington sparred in Cornelia on Tuesday over issues ranging from health care to oil to immigration.

A packed house assembled at the United Methodist Church to hear incumbent Paul Broun, Republican challenger state Rep. Barry Fleming and Iraq War veteran — and lone Democrat — Bobby Saxon spell out their visions for the future at the AARP-sponsored event.

The tone of the evening was diplomatic as the candidates took only light jabs at one another throughout the otherwise civil discourse.

“We had good conversation about issues that actually matter to people,” AARP Associate State Director Will Phillips said.

About the issues, the candidates had plenty to say in the two-hour debate.

Health care took the spotlight early in the night. Broun used his experience as a physician for a jumping off point in the discussion. “As a medical doctor, I’ve been an advocate for my patients. Now, I’m an advocate for the people I represent in this district,” he said.

Broun would like to see less bureaucracy in the health care system, thereby reducing cost and empowering doctors and patients to make more treatment decisions.

Fleming wants to see the country utilize technological advancements to improve treatment and enhance accountability.

“Affordable, basic health care is a priority for me,” he said.

Like Broun, Fleming opposes socialized medicine.

“When you use words like ‘socialized medicine,’ I’m not sure I’m in favor of it either,” Saxon said.

The Jackson County businessman explained, “On the AARP Web site, they talk about 45 to 50 million people in this country who do not have access to affordable health care, and we have to change that system.”

Saxon also spoke favorably of the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The economy also garnered much attention during the debate. Both Fleming and Broun are proponents of the FairTax, whereas Saxon called the plan — as it currently exists — “irresponsible,” citing the bill’s lack of consensus support even among Republicans.

Fleming suggested the country could be bettered by reducing the regulatory burden on manufacturers and other businesspeople, a sentiment Broun echoed.

“We have got to get the tax burden and the regulatory burden off of small businesses,” Broun said.

Saxon said he, too, is a supporter of local industry. “We need to find ways to help people start and grow small businesses,” he said.

When oil became a topic of discussion, Broun proclaimed, “Start the drill.” Fleming argued that passing legislation that permitted drilling in the United States would reduce the price of oil overnight because it would dissuade speculators from driving up the price. Saxon said while any oil source cannot be ignored, he’s also in favor of seeking alternative energy sources such as nuclear, wind and biofuel.

When it comes to illegal immigration, Saxon’s plan requires illegal immigrants to have their paycheck garnished $100 per month for five years in order to stay in the country. Fleming advocated making English the official language and argued in favor of more border control. Broun also believes the nation needs to do more to secure its border. He also urged the country to enforce the laws on the books and give employers the tools they need to verify the immigration status of prospective employees.

Overall, event organizer Michael Carroll was pleased with the debate. “I think it went very well. I’m glad the candidates all showed up and answered the questions that were put to them,” he said.

Broun and Fleming will go head-to-head in the Republican primary on July 15. Saxon will face the winner in November.