By CHRISTOPHER AADLAND
Staff Writer
The Republican battle to replace U.S. Rep. John Kline heated up Monday night at a political debate in Cannon Falls, with each candidate trying to prove their conservative credentials.
A former conservative talk radio host, two former state legislators, a business owner and engineer debated a range of topics, including need for a smaller federal government, immigration reform, national security and climate change.
"We know that Washington is a well-oiled machine," said candidate David Gerson, who has twice run against Kline. "We will no longer accept the collusion between special interests and government."
The 2nd Congressional District, which covers the counties of Dakota, Scott, Goodhue, Wabasha and part of Rice, became open after Kline announced he'd retire after his current term expired. Kline first took office in 2003.
The race is expected to be one of the most-watched in the country, as Republicans try to hold off Democrats who believe that the shifting political makeup of the district make the seat ripe for flipping to their side.
Several of the candidates said Washington D.C. politics, and the Republican establishment, needed to be reformed, and that they would ignite that change.