Idaho Congressional Candidates Face Off

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's two Republican candidates for the 2nd congressional district traded jabs at times as each sought to convince voters that he was the true conservative during their first debate.

The debate between incumbent Rep. Mike Simpson and challenger Bryan Smith took place Friday in Twin Falls. Simpson repeated throughout the debate his pride in his conservative record. Smith touted that he is not a "career politician" and attacked Simpson's voting record as too liberal.

During the debate hosted by The Twin Falls Times-News, the candidates fielded questions on subjects ranging from federal land management to illegal immigration and gun control. While the debate remained civil, Simpson and Smith both showed visible irritation with each other when either was accused of being either a liar or a liberal.