HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo.—Republican Rep. Mike Coffman pleaded for his job Tuesday in a final debate matchup with Democratic challenger Joe Miklosi in what has been called the nation’s most competitive congressional race.
The debate centered on jobs and the economy, with Coffman and Miklosi agreeing that the nation should pursue both renewable energy and traditional energy sources such as gas and oil. But Miklosi argued that Republicans in Congress say they want all energy sources but in practice favor traditional energy sources.
“Pragmatism is being trumped by ideology,” Miklosi said. “We need to make sure ‘all of the above’ isn’t just oil and gas.”
Coffman countered that politically connected Democrats have improperly been given “inappropriate” publicly backed loans. His retort won applause from a friendly crowd made up mostly of businessmen and businesswomen in a Republican-heavy part of the district.
Coffman cruised to victories in 2008 and 2010, but the new 6th Congressional District south and east of Denver has been redrawn to include more Democrats.
The race has attracted more outside interest than any other in Colorado this year. Outside spending approached $5.6 million by Tuesday, according to the nonpartisan campaign finance tracker Sunlight Foundation.
At Tuesday’s debate, Miklosi attacked Coffman as part of a do-nothing Congress that bickers instead of getting work done. Coffman insisted he’s not always lockstep with his party.
In a nod to the more moderate nature of the redrawn district, Coffman name-checked Democrats he’s worked with in Congress and several times reminded the crowd that he bucked many Republicans for considering defense spending cuts.
“Defense can be on the table. We can make cuts without compromising national security,” he said.
Miklosi, a state lawmaker who moved to the district after deciding to challenge Coffman, was less combative than in previous debates. But he said it’s time for Coffman to leave, and that some House Republicans have stood in the way of progress.
“The tea party acts almost like high school football coaches who say, ‘it’s my way or the highway,'” Miklosi said.
Miklosi also vowed to promote legislation to give government preferences for domestic goods.
“There’s hunger from the American people to buy goods and services that were made in America,” he said.
Coffman said high taxes, not loopholes, are to blame when jobs go overseas.
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