From left, Third Congressional District candidates Liz Brown, Todd Nightenhelser, Jim Banks and Pam Galloway take turns answering questions. (Photo by Amanda McFarland)

WARSAW — Local residents had the chance to meet and talk Tuesday evening, March 29, with four local candidates for Indiana’s third congressional district.

The evening began with a two-minute self-introduction by each candidate, including Republicans Liz Brown,  Jim Banks and Pam Galloway and Democrat Todd Nightenhelser.

Question one was, “what motivated you to run for this position?” Nightenhelser and Banks cited family, while Brown and Galloway both expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration.

The next question was, “how does your professional experience help you represent the people?” Nightenhelser noted he has had experience helping families and kids. Banks said his recent deployment to a combat zone gives him a better understanding of this generation of veterans and service people. Galloway offered voters a listening ear while Brown said she is sympathetic with student debt and the cost of education.

When asked about local issues, Banks cited a growing national debt and said repealing the Affordable Care Act can eliminate that. Brown believes manufacturing jobs are important and added she co-authored a major pro-life bill. Nightenhelser feels a good infrastructure, tax base and local government initiatives are important and said the abortion law could keep new businesses away.

As far as gun control, Galloway believes increasing gun violence is a sign of a cultural shift while Brown feels political correctness has caused lack of identification of gun violence origins. Nightenhelser feels background checks keep guns out of the wrong hands. Banks said gun violence is caused by those who commit crimes and strict regulations could keep guns away from those who wish to protect themselves.

Candidates were asked how they plan to address a low approval rating. Brown believes not making politics a career will go a long way. Nightenhelser said congresspeople need to focus on the interests of the American people. Banks cited a consistently conservative voting record while Galloway said she plans to work effectively with fellow legislators.

 An audience member asked, “what have you done … to stand up for the taxpayer?” Nightenhelser said he has been active in his community and the private business sector. Banks said he signed a pledge not to vote for legislation that will raise taxes, while Galloway said she stood strong for budget cuts and other issues during her time in office in Wisconsin. Brown believes the key lies in more local control and a transparent government.

Someone asked if the candidates intend to support David Long in light of his LGBT stance. Banks said he agrees with Long on some issues and disagrees on others. Galloway and Brown expressed disappointment in Long while Nightenhelser said everyone should have equal rights.

Candidates were asked their stance on the Affordable Care Act. Galloway proposed replacing it with free-market solutions. Brown called it “a disaster.” Nightenhelser spoke favorably of it while Banks agreed with Galloway and Brown.

Another person asked if military spending should be cut. Brown, Banks and Galloway felt this would be a disaster while Nightenhelser said the military is strong and funding could be better distributed.

As far as reducing student debt, Nightenhelser feels government aid is necessary, while Galloway, Banks and Brown feel it drives up the cost of higher education.

Pertaining to terrorism, Galloway expressed concern that America may be in situations it doesn’t need to be in and is “hamstrung by political correctness.” Brown said borders need to be strengthened. Nightenhelser asked America to fix its rhetoric. Banks believes in advocating for national security.