Candidates field questions

By Mary Madewell
The Paris News

Published February 29, 2008

Illegal immigration, energy, the War in Iraq, the Texas Trans-Corrider and a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget were all discussion topics posed candidates for District 4 U.S. House of Representatives at this week’s Chamber of Commerce-sponsored political forum.

Of the eight candidates in the race, five made appearances or sent a representative to the Tuesday forum at Love Civic Center.

Democrat Glen Melancon of Sherman attended and VaLinda Hathcox, D-Sulphur Springs, was represented by Paris attorney George Preston. Hathcox sent word she had a death in the family that day. Preston presented introductory remarks for the candidate but did not respond to questions.

Republicans Gene Christensen and Kevin George, both of Celina, and Kathy Seei of Frisco joined the ranks. Missing were Joshua Kowert of Sherman, Libertarian Fred Annett of Paris and U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall of Rockwall, who was in Washington, D.C.

Early voting for Tuesday’s party primaries ends at 5 p.m. today. Polling places open at 7 a.m. Tuesday and are to remain open until the last person in line at 7 p.m. casts a ballot.

Following introductory remarks, Melancon, Christensen, George and Seei responded to questions asked by Chamber of Commerce chairman Renee Harvey.

When asked his position on illegal immigration, Melancon said laws currently on the books need to be enforced and put the blame for lack of enforcement directly on the U.S. president.

“The president is the chief law enforcement officer,â€