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Monday, September 08, 2008 11:59 AM

Candidates debate in battle for Roberts’ seat

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

HUTCHINSON — Intelligence used to justify the invasion of Iraq was one of several contentious topics Saturday during the first debate between incumbent Republican Sen. Pat Roberts and his Democratic challenger, Jim Slattery.

Slattery criticized Roberts for getting the intelligence wrong while he was chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. He said voters should hold politicians accountable when they make such mistakes.

Roberts countered that the world, not just the U.S., got the intelligence wrong — and once that was realized it was his committee that made the information public. Several audience members laughed at Roberts’ statement.

Unfazed, Roberts continued: ‘‘Jim, you wouldn’t even know about this information except for the fact I released it.’’

Slattery represented the 2nd District of eastern Kansas in 1983-94 before becoming a Washington lobbyist. Roberts was a congressional aide, then represented the 1st District of western Kansas in 1981-96, before winning his first term in the Senate. He is seeking a third term.

Each candidate criticized the voting record of the other on such controversial issues as the energy crisis, immigration reform, a faltering economy and the widening gap between the rich and the middle class.

Roberts drew cheers from the audience when he demanded a vote on offshore drilling when Congress reconvenes.

‘‘Everything must be on the table — we have reached an energy crossroads,’’ he said.

Slattery called for a comprehensive energy policy, including renewable resources. He also criticized Roberts for historically voting against dramatically improved fuel efficiency standards and called for tax credits for people investing in wind energy.

The Republican senator also pointed out that Slattery voted when he was in Congress for amnesty for illegal immigrants, which he said has caused some of the problems now facing the country. He said the American people want border security first.

But Slattery countered that the amnesty bill was a bipartisan plan: ‘‘Had that law been enforced, we wouldn’t have the problems we have with immigration.’’

Each candidate also tried to portray the other as fiscally irresponsible.

Roberts noted Slattery voted for tax increases in Social Security and gas taxes. Slattery noted Congressional spending ballooned in recent years with Roberts support of ‘‘ridiculous spending’’ under the Bush Administration while giving tax cuts to the rich.

The incumbent Republican said his challenger is out of step and out of touch with Kansas.

‘‘I will always be faithful to you and I will always be faithful to Kansas,’’ Roberts told the crowd.

Slattery said he is running because he is concerned about the burden being handed to the next generation of Americans.

‘‘When I decided to run for U.S. Senate, I did so because I care about the future of this country,’’ he said.

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Candidates debate in battle for Roberts’ seat

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.