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Carnahan, Martin face off in second debate

By Rachel Lippmann, St. Louis Public Radio

ARNOLD, Mo. –

A heavily Republican, standing-room only crowd ignored repeated requests not to applaud Sunday as three of the four candidates running for the 3rd Congressional District faced off in the second of two forums sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

The two major party candidates took repeated whacks at each other. Republican Ed Martin continued the GOP line of attack by frequently tying his opponent, Congressman Russ Carnahan, to Democratic leadership in Washington, DC.

"This election is about Congressman Carnahan's record," Martin said, "And what Congressman Carnahan with Nancy Pelosi have done to this country. Congressman Carnahan is not the solution. Congressman Carnahan is the problem."

Carnahan called Martin "corrupt" for his role in a controversy over the deletion of state e-mails while Martin was chief of staff to Governor Matt Blunt.

Constitution party candidate Nick Ivanovich blamed the problems facing America on both parties.

The economy and jobs were highlighted topics at the debate.

Carnahan defended his vote for the stimulus package, which Martin called a waste of money.

Carnahan also defended his support for climate control legislation, calling it a crucial part of economic growth in Missouri.

"I believe we have to invest in new clean energy that we can make right here at home," Carnahan said. " I mentioned Unico, that makes clean building products right here in Jefferson County. We have the opportunity to put hydro on the Mississippi River, we have the opportunity right here to be the world leader in biofuels."

Both Martin and Ivanovich called the cap and trade legislation an overreach of government authority that would likely raise taxes on businesses.

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