Chambliss, Garner Debate Issues Heading up to Runoff Election

District 30 Seat, met tonight to debate each other and address voters and Alabama News Network was the only television station there. 

 

The forum was held at the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford. This is the senate seat that’s been left empty by Bryan Taylor and both candidates say they deserve the seat.

 

Harris Garner and Clyde Chambliss are both republicans but that may be where the similarities end. The two spent Tuesday evening debating each other and trying to win voters over. 

 

”The thing that hits me is this common core business,” says voter Yvonne Myers. ”We dont need little robots running around.”

 

Both candidates say they are against Common Core. And Garner, who serves as the President of the Millbrook Chamber of Commerce says if elected, his first priority would be to sponsor a bill to repeal it. 

 

”I’ll do everything we do to go out and fight common core tooth and nail,” he says. ”We will go out and not only will we vote for it but we will sponsor the bill.”

 

Chambliss previously served on the Autauga County Commission and now

serves on the Prattville City Council. He says his experience has better prepared him for the open senate seat.

 

”I have extensive background in government, managing fiscal issues and i want to take that same experience to the state level.”

 

But what Chambliss calls experience, Garner calls status quo. He tells us he believes Chambliss is trying to buy the seat.

 

”I can tell you the tune of the money he’s got from special interest groups, I don’t know, they evidently got a reason to invest that kind of money.”

 

Though Chambliss tells us his votes will not be bought. 

 

”I have a 14 year track record that proves otherwise. I am my own man. I’ve always been my own man.”

 

And while some voters tell us they’ve made a decision as to who to vote for, others are still undecided. 

 

”Some very important questions was asked and some answered,” says David McDade. ”I still don’t know which way I’m going but it was very good.”

 

The runoff election is set for July 15. Stay with Alabama News Network for full coverage of this race.