WLBT - Congressional Candidates Critical In Debate

Congressional Candidates Critical In Debate

By Andrew Hasbun
andrew@wlbt.net

Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson and his challenger squared off Wednesday in what became a highly critical debate.

Tchula Mayor Yvonne Brown is the Republican candidate and the two met at Tugaloo College in Jackson.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Brown criticized Thompson's record on education even though Thompson claims to have 100 percent support from various educational organizations.

The tone began to change when the topic of energy was discussed. The mayor accused the congressman of not supporting a bio-diesel plant in her area.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

"If you can prove to me that you approached me on a bio- diesel plant in your town and got no response, but again you didn't do that," said Thompson.

After the debate, the congressman criticized his opponent saying she's a little loose with the facts.

"It looks like every two years I run, people try to say and create things that are not true. My only point is to make sure what you say you can back up," said Thompson.

"I understand, as an elected official and having been in conferences and meetings with elected officials, black and white, that he has not been accessible or offered any meaningful legislation for this district to move us forward," said Brown.

Bennie Thompson is now serving his seventh term as congressman from Mississippi's second district.

Brown is in her second term as mayor of Tchula.

The election will be held November seventh.

http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=5591111