CAIRO, GA (WALB) -
The man who has served 20 years as Georgia's Second District Congressman and the man who wants to unseat him are answering questions from voters at the Zebulon Theater in Cairo today.
Residents of Grady County and the surrounding area have the chance to ask both Bishop and House any policy related question they like. The event is being broadcast live on 790AM-WGRA.
Donalsonville resident Maria Ricketson did not hold back how she feels about this election. "I believe, and as you can see from my white hair I'm am not a spring chicken, but this may be the most significant election in my lifetime. My husband and I have worked very hard calling everybody in our county encouraging them to vote and to encourage them to view each candidate by the views that they themselves hold."
Ricketson and many other south Georgia voters gathered at the Zebulon theater in Cairo this afternoon for a town hall style debate. "Well it's important because you have the opportunity to question the candidates on the issues of concern to you and also listen to the candidates response to other voters questions."
Representative Sanford Bishop is trying to extend his 20 years of congressional service, but his challenger John House says he's not ready to let that happen.
"By training and experience, a demonstrated record by utilizing the political process to bring the resources back to the 2nd Congressional District to empower our people," said Bishop.
"I'm not happy with what I see going on in Washington, D.C.," said House. "I don't think Mr. Bishop is going to make any change. I mean he's been there for 20 years. I think he owns the process."
The candidates were questioned on issues including education, abortion, and military spending.
"It's incumbent upon us to have dialogue with them, to interact with them, and to constantly communicate with them so that we are informed of their hopes, their dreams, their needs,"Bishop said.
"If you're better off now then you were 20 years ago with Mr. Bishop as your congressman then you better support him," said House. "If you want something different to happen, if you think things could be better, if you have a family member who is out of work and they want a chance then you better vote for a change."
Bishop and House say while today was their last chance to address the public together, the campaign does not end until the final results are in.
"Elected officials are like a turtle on a fencepost. We didn't get there by ourselves. Somebody had to put us there," said Bishop.
"To hear both of us. To know what our goals and objectives are, what our beliefs are. So what my goal is is to meet the people of this area so they know John House better."
Bishop, a Columbus native, has served in the congress since 1992, having turned back every challenger.
House is also from Columbus, and retired from the Army as a Colonel in 2001 after spending 26 years in uniform.
This is the last time the two will be in a function together before the election.
Copyright 2012 WALB. All rights reserved.
This is the last time Bishop and House will be in a joint function before the election
Donalsonville resident Maria Ricketson
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