http://www.fox21.com/Global/story.asp?S ... 6&nav=2KPp

Spratt and Norman debate on federal spending, immigration

COLUMBIA, S.C. Democratic congressional incumbent John Spratt and his G-O-P challenger Ralph Norman faced off tonight on federal spending and immigration during a debate televised statewide on South Carolina Educational Television.

The two are vying to represent the 5th District, which stretches along 14 counties along the state's northern border and rural Pee Dee areas.

Norman is a Rock Hill developer and says he is a "true fiscal conservative." He called Spratt a liberal who votes to raise taxes.

Spratt is seeking his 13th term in the U-S House. He offered his work in helping write the balanced budget agreement of 1997 as an example of his conservative values. Spratt says Congress needs to return to passing balanced budgets. He noted President Bush took office with a surplus.

Norman said that while he's "not happy" about federal spending during the Bush administration, Congress has had to pay for unanticipated expenses such as Hurricane Katrina and Iraq.