Candidates questioned in hour-long forum

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Three candidates, all vying to represent you in Washinton DC, answered questions from a panel of journalists during a forum televised on WLFI Thursday evening.

Republican Todd Rokita, Democrat David Sanders, and Libertarian John Duncan answered questions on a variety of topics, including spending, healthcare, jobs, and illegal immigration. The candidates addressed how Congress could help create jobs. Questions were asked by representatives from WLFI, WBAA radio, and the Journal and Courier.

The winner on November 2 will succeed Steve Buyer, who is not seeking reelection.

A full recording of the entire hour-long forum has been attached to this story, but you can read portions of the candidates' answers on a few key topics below.

How Congress can help create jobs:

"Government has to get out of the way so entrepreneurs and businesses can thrive," said Republican Todd Rokita.

"There are ways for a Congressman to try to help bring private industry, academia, manufacturing and a workforce together to create jobs," said Democrat David Sanders.

"Get out of the way. Congress doesn't create jobs. That's a myth," said Libertarian John Duncan.

What should be done to lower the deficit:

"Anything that is discretionary spending we have to cut. That would give us $400 billion a year to work with," said Rokita.

"I'm more than willing to look at any plan that reduces spending whether it is from Democrats or Republicans," said Duncan.

"I will vote for a net reduction in spending," said Sanders.

The trio also touched on their stance on illegal immigration. A question about the DREAM Act, which allows some illegal immigrants a path to citizenship through college or the military, brought out a difference of opinion.

"There should be a path to citizenship for them. They didn't come here willingly. They came here because they were brought here by their parents. I don't think they should be punished for that," said Sanders.

"The DREAM Act is a kin to amnesty. We need to secure the borders. We need to punish those who have broken our laws no matter how they got here," said Rokita.

"I don't support amnesty, so I don't support the DREAM Act," said Duncan.

On the health care reform bill:

"I don't think it actually addresses health care. I think it addresses insurance but that's not actually going to fix the cost of healthcare," said Duncan.

"When people get sick it's important they not be threatened with losing insurance," said Sanders.

"We don't need government getting between us and our doctors. We can do those things like cover more people through the private sector," said Rokita.