SPENCER, Iowa (KTIV) -
The Hawks and Cyclones weren't the only ones locked in pulse pounding battle Saturday evening.
U.S. Representative Steve King and challenger Christie Vilsack squared off in their second debate.
Cheers and jeers rocked the Clay County Regional Event Center tonight, as about 700 turned out for the King/Vilsack debate.
Vilsack, a Democrat, reminded folks how important education reform and bipartisanship are, something she says she'll bring to Iowa's 4th Congressional District if elected.
Vilsack was keen to criticize. She once again pressed King on the farm bill, saying he was keeping it from being passed.
Vilsack also attacked King's views on immigration.
"It is not right to refer to other human beings as if they are animals, and to talk about them in terms of cattle prods, talk about them as stray cats. That's not how we act in Iowa," said Vilsack.
King, a Republican, is seeking his 6th term.
He told the crowd the farm bill needs major work before it's approved, saying too many are exploiting the Food Stamp Program, which accounts for 80% of the bill.
King also said America is burdened with too much government regulation. He cited the Department of Labor regulations that, he says, could place heavy restrictions kids working on the farm.
"They couldn't have anything to do with herding livestock in a confinement. They couldn't have anything to do with livestock that involves pain. They could get their ears pierced but couldn't have anything to do with ear tagging," said King.
KTIV will carry a debate between King and Vilsack on September 27th.
We're looking for your input, e-mail or facebook us questions you'd like asked.
That debate, sponsored by KTIV, Northwestern College and the Northwest Iowa Review, will take place in Orange City.
