PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The two candidates running for Oregon’s 1st District seat tried to promote themselves as independent of their parties’ platforms while offering divergent views on job creation, immigration and trade with Asia.
The men spoke Friday to a room of about 200 people on the Portland State University campus in their first debate of the general election.
Rep. David Wu says the Democrats have been unsuccessful in selling the major legislation they’ve passed in Congress, and says the path toward job creating begins with education and research.
Wu’s challenger, Tualatin businessman Rob Cornilles, says Wu represents a “neglected district,” and says the nation can’t afford to spend the money Congress has used for its health care and stimulus spending.
Democrats maintain a significant voter-registration advantage in Wu’s district.
