Congressional battle in Minnesota's 6th District heats up

It was only in the end of the debate today for the 6th district congressional seat that one of the candidates made a statement both could agree on.

"There are tremendous differences between the two of us in this election," Rep. Michele Bachmann said about she and her opponent Elwyn Tinklenberg.

Let's begin to lay out those differences between Congresswoman Bachmann and former state transportation commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg with their views on drilling for oil.

"You bet I believe it's a great place to drill in ANWAR, you can't find a more perfect place to drill," Bachmann said.

"I don't support ANWAR and I have seen nothing to suggest that is a good idea but I do support additional exploration," Tinklenberg rebutted.

Tinklenberg also took a moment to link Bachmann to the policies of President George W. Bush.

"Eighty seven percent of people say this country is going in the wrong direction and she passionately embraces the President and his policies and his failed strategies of the past," Tinklenberg said.

While Bachmann hit back saying she has sided against her President more often than not.

"I've been willing to be a strong reformer in D.C. and take on my own party."

But the divide was drawn most dramatically when the debate took on the issue of immigration.

"Without having a barrier at the border we are going to continue having the kind of problems we had with Olga Franco with those deaths of 4 children in Cottonwood," Bachmann claimed.

"I've got to say I think it's untoward to exploit such a tragic situation to advance a narrow ideological agenda in regard to immigration in going after Franco and every other immigrant. That just doesn't seem right to me," Tinklenberg responded.

By Jana Shortal, KARE 11 News   Read Jana's Blog

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