In Broadcast Debate, Candidates in 12th District Point Fingers at Problems

The two men challenging Incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Bost in Illinois' 12th District say Washington is not working for the district.

In a debate Tuesday night in Carbondale, Democrat Brendan Kelly - the St. Clair County State's Attorney - accused Bost of not listening to his constituents.

"I know that you don't listen to those type of folks because you don't mention them, you don't talk about them. I know that, because I asked for your help and you didn't listen to me."

Kelly says he asked for help in the East Saint Louis housing crisis, and heard nothing back. But Bost says he does listen - and gets results.

"Just this year, we brought 800 steel jobs back to Granite City, completed overhauling the VA appeals process to help our veterans, and made our schools safer from violence."

But Green Party candidate Randy Auxier says he's the solution to the problem.

"What's going on in Washington is not working for southern Illinois. It's not working for two reasons. One of them is the Republicans, the other one is the Democrats."

This was the only televised debate between all three candidates in the race, which Republicans hope to hold on to and Democrats hope to flip. Recent polls have shown the race remains very close.

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