Rowley, Kline, Lewis Debate at State Fair (Complete)

Rep. John Kline (R-MN) and Democratic challenger Coleen Rowley met at the Minnesota State Fair on Friday to hold their first debate in the race for the second Congressional district.  However, the most significant exchanges of the evening came between Rowley and moderator Jason Lewis, a conservative talk show host for KTLK-FM.In a rollicking hour-long debate, Rowley, Lewis, and Kline traded barbs and statistics.  Kline often seemed more spectator or co-host than incumbent Congressman, as Lewis and Rowley went back and forth on a number of issues.

The sharpest attacks came as Lewis challenged Rowley on her role in the Zacarias Moussaoui case, citing a Department of Justice Inspector-General’s report that had some criticism of Rowley.  Citing the report, Lewis said, “You ‘gave fellow FBI agents in Minneapolis bad or incomplete legal advice as they frantically tried to persuade’” FBI Headquarters to grant a search warrant for Moussaoui.  Rowley replied that she viewed the report as an opportunity to “unravel mistakes” made before 9/11, and that she was proud of the Inspector-General’s report for doing so.  After Lewis attacked Rowley again, she replied flatly, “It’s all there in the I-G’s report, just read it.

Immigration also proved contentious.  Lewis cited statistics indicating 61% of Los Angeles County residents do not speak English at home, and suggested that immigration was causing cultural erosion.

Rowley stated that, “in some ways it’s good that you have diversity.”  Kline countered that he has supported making English the official language of America, in order to “make sure the melting pot melts.”

The candidates and host also sparred over energy policy.  Kline came out strongly in favor of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, as did Lewis; Rowley opposed drilling, stating “It’s not a real solution.  It will take five, six, seven years for us to use that oil, and it will fuel the United States for a couple, or maybe just a few months.”

The candidates and host also clashed over wiretapping, the economy, and campaign finance reform.

The debate often had the feel of an away game for Rowley, with the host clearly working on Kline’s behalf.  Although no further debates are planned at this time, in an interview with Minnesota Monitor, Rowley stated that she had discussions with Kline about future debates, and that “hopefully, this is just the start.”