DALLAS -- No holds were barred Tuesday as Democrat Paul Sadler and Republican Ted Cruz faced off for the first time in a fiery debate, both hoping to claim the state's first open U.S. Senate seat in a decade.
During a one-hour debate that touched on issues ranging from immigration to the national debt, the two argued, talked over each other and traded insults."There is a very clear divide," Cruz said during the debate at the WFAA/Channel 8 Victory Park studio in Dallas. "I commend Mr. Sadler for running as an unapologetic liberal. ... There is a sharp difference between the two of us and that's good because it gives Texans a clear choice."Sadler, who said several times that Cruz has "crazy" ideas, has maintained that his opponent is too inexperienced to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate."This is the guy who has never been elected to anything," he said. "I have a record that is a bipartisan record you can look at."The race between Cruz, a Tea Party favorite and former state solicitor general, and Sadler, a former state legislator and attorney, is ramping up, although it hasn't reached the intensity of the multimillion-dollar GOP primary battle that pitted Cruz against Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.At stake is who will replace Kay Bailey Hutchison in the U.S. Senate next year. Two third-party candidates were not included in the Belo-sponsored debate: Libertarian John Jay Myers of Dallas and Green Party candidate David Collins of Houston.Sadler pushed Cruz to commit to more debates with him, especially since he participated in nearly 40 during the primary season. "What are you afraid of?" he asked.Cruz said he's busy traveling through Texas, delivering his message to groups small and large. And he said he's participating in two debates, where Sadler may launch "all the attacks" he'd like."I understand you are working very hard to get free media coverage," Cruz told Sadler. "It's not our obligation to help you with that."Sadler said Cruz won't commit to more debates because "you know I know you don't know enough about government."Cruz referred to Sadler as a liberal; Sadler at one point referred to his opponent as a "troll" -- although he later said he should have chosen a different word."I'm sorry, Mr. Sadler, that you feel I'm a troll," Cruz said."I think you're a liar," Sadler responded.This is the first open Senate seat in Texas since 2002. Cruz and Sadler will face off again Oct. 19 during another hourlong debate at PBS affiliate KERA.Some issues that came up Tuesday:ImmigrationSadler said he supports a path to citizenship for immigrants already in Texas. "We simply cannot stick our head in the sand on this issue any longer," he said, adding that it's important to secure the border. "If we don't do anything, in 10 years, we are still going to be having this discussion."Cruz noted a "very clear divide" between his beliefs and Sadler's and said he does not support a path to citizenship for those already in Texas."I think the first thing we need to do is secure the border," he said. "The second step is putting in place a strong E-Verify system so that employers will face sanctions for hiring people illegally. If we dry up the job market for those here illegally, that's how you solve the problem."Foreign aidSadler said the United States should continue to provide aid to countries such as Egypt. "If we don't stay involved in those governments, then Russia, China and other countries in this world will be," he said.Cruz disagreed, saying the U.S. shouldn't help countries with interests different from its own. "I think we should be using that aid as extensive leverage to protect our national interests," Cruz said. "I don't think we should be writing a blank check."GovernmentassistanceThe two candidates argued over federal programs. Cruz said he believes that President Barack Obama "is trying to get as many Americans dependent on government so Democrats can stay in power."Sadler disagreed, saying, "That's crazy, Ted.""I'm impressed ... that you've three times called me crazy," Cruz said.Sadler said that Texans' need for government help may have grown in recent years but that the economic problems began before Obama was elected.Cruz said a key to helping the economy is "removing the barriers the government is putting" -- regulatory policies, the new healthcare system, even the Dodd-Frank financial regulations -- in place for small businesses. He said Texans are not "looking for a handout. We're looking to stand on our own."Debt and taxesCruz charged that Sadler wants to raise taxes for all Texans.He said "reckless fiscal policies" in Washington, D.C., will send the United States "galloping down the road to where ... much of Europe finds itself," Cruz said. "We're jeopardizing the future for our children and grandchildren."Sadler noted that the country's national debt doubled under Republican President George W. Bush."We've added to it under [President] Obama," he added, before questioning Cruz on whether he recognizes and supports Obama as the president."Of course. Barack Obama is our commander-in-chief," Cruz said. "I wish he was a stronger commander-in-chief."Sadler said elected leaders will have to look at the Bush tax cuts, "in light of our national debt ... and cut spending where we can.""We have to look at every single one of them and determine if we can use some of that money to pay down the national debt."In response, Cruz said: "Mr. Sadler has been very candid. He would consider raising taxes on every single Texan who pays income taxes."Sadler, who noted that Cruz talks about problems but not about solutions, said, "You're not going to put words in my mouth."Anna M. Tinsley, 817-390-7610Twitter: @annatinsleyHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
