Democratic candidate Melina Fox and Republican Rep. Mike Pence answered questions on a variety of topics during a debate Wednesday evening at Muncie City Hall.
Ball State professor Steve Bell mediated the debate.
First and foremost, the candidates were asked to give their views on military action in Iraq.
"From the beginning, I have believed that we need a clear-cut military objective and congressional approval," Fox said. "We need to take every avenue for a peaceful situation."
Pence said he was in favor of giving the president authorization over the use of force and defended his vote on the issue.
"When I cast that vote, it was for the worst case scenario."
As far as the cost to Americans, Pence addressed how much of a price the nation would have to pay.
"American lives are the most important issue," Pence said. "We want to keep the cost to a minimum of U.S. Service men, women and civilians."
Questions also discussed issues like the effectiveness of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Pence said the overall record of growth in the national economy was dependent on exports. Fox disagrees with the agreement.
"Since NAFTA was enacted, family farmers had a record low in commodity prices," Fox said.
Fox linked farming options to fuel options in an answer to a question about energy options.
"East Central Indiana sits on a gold mine," she said. "We have the biggest corn supply east of the Mississippi River and ethanol will be the hottest commodity of the next decade."
Fox said use of this renewable fuel will ease the U.S. dependence on oil.
Pence said he supported exploration of Alaska for oil options.
"We should develop and export our own resources," Pence said.
Audience questions were not all centered on the economy and security. Social issues such as faith-based initiative and abortion were also addressed.
"I am pro-life and I don't apologize for that," Pence said. "I blame the U.S. Supreme Court for making 50 state legislatures to decide morality."
Fox said she is pro-choice.
"I believe the decision is one a woman should make with a god of her understanding," she said.
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