Bozeman Daily Chronicle - Congressional Candidates Come Out Swinging in First Debate

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By: Daniel Person

Democratic candidate for Congress Dennis McDonald came out swinging in his first debate against Rep. Denny Rehberg Saturday, accusing the Republican of having a bad work ethic and taking "the easy way" with votes in Washington, D.C.

Rehberg in turn said repeatedly that McDonald would be an ally to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and President Barack Obama if elected.

The lively debate, held at the Holiday Inn, was hosted by the Montana Newspaper Association just 10 days after Rehberg and McDonald won their primaries. Rehberg is seeking his sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. McDonald, a former chairman of the Montana Democratic Party, ranches near Melville. Also running is Libertarian Mike Fellows, of Missoula.

Over the course of the debate, McDonald accused Rehberg of voting to deregulate oil drilling and banking, making the congressman party to the gulf oil spill and the financial meltdown.

"In these critical times, we need leadership to get something done, not a yes man for his party," McDonald said.

He said Rehberg "offers no ideas, no solutions and no hope" and "spends money like a drunken sailor."

Rehberg shot back that Democratic policies are not working for America, taking special aim at the recently passed health care reform and economic recovery package.

"Let me ask you this," Rehberg said to McDonald, "after your $1 trillion stimulus, where are the jobs?"

Rehberg said the financial meltdown was created by loose lending practices of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, both sponsored by the government. During the debate, he the Democratic Congress was giving those companies a free pass while ratcheting down regulations on private banks.

Several times, Rehberg said Democrats in Congress have been unwilling to consider Republican initiatives.

Rehberg called for an "all of the above" energy plan that increased domestic production of fossil fuels while also promoting conservation and alternative energy.

"We can't get a comprehensive energy bill through Congress," he said. "We can't even get a hearing."

McDonald said more commercial vehicles should be run off natural gas as a way to reduced dependence on foreign oil.

Fellows said both Republicans and Democrats have driven the country away from the constitution and brought it into crisis.

"How's life been with these two parties?" he said. "We have to bring this country back to constitutionality. The Libertarian Party can do that."

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