N.D. candidates spar in short debate

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The candidates for North Dakota's lone congressional seat argued about health care, spending and social security in the first debate of the campaign season.

The half-hour event between Democratic incumbent Earl Pomeroy and Republican challenger Rick Berg was recorded Monday at Fargo's Prairie Public Broadcasting studios. It will be aired across the state Tuesday night.

Berg opened the debate by saying he was drawn into the race by “watching Washington.” Berg said he saw taxpayer funded bailouts, a record deficit and a government takeover of health care.

Pomeroy responded by saying Berg didn't waste any time getting into “Washington talking points that aren't founded in fact.”

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