Democratic Senate candidates debate

Eds: EDITS to move up references to Iran.

AP Photos

By ANNA JO BRATTON

Associated Press Writer

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Scott Kleeb and Tony Raimondo blamed failure of leadership in Washington for a lack of coherent policy on energy, illegal immigration and foreign affairs Saturday at a Democratic Senate debate in Lincoln.

Both candidates said diplomacy was the solution to heightened tensions in Iran. This week in Washington, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the United States has reserve capabilities in the Navy and the Air Force for any needed military action in Iran, amid evidence that Iranian weapons are flowing into Iraq at an increasing rate.

Raimondo said the United States has "moved in a unilateral manner much too frequently in the last decade."

"I would look at Iran as a potential threat to our national security," Raimondo said. "Saying that, I would be much more in favor of substantial dialogue, working with our allies, and not being premature."

Kleeb said the United States has failed to use its influence to improve the situation, and should work with regional allies. He said young people in Iraq are open to engagement.

Raimondo and Kleeb line up on many issues as they vie for the party's nomination to replace Republican Chuck Hagel, who's not seeking another term. Democrats Larry Marvin of Fremont and James Bryan Wilson of Lincoln are also running.

Seeking the Republican nomination are Mike Johanns, former Nebraska governor and U.S. agriculture secretary, and Pat Flynn, a Schuyler investment adviser. The primary is May 13.

Kleeb, a Hastings history professor who lost a 2006 bid for the 3rd District House seat, said he has the judgment and life experiences, including international travel, to lead in Washington. He said Nebraskans need to ask more of elected officials and of themselves.

"We know that we work best when we work together," Kleeb said. "We know that personal responsibility is not just something we talk about."

Raimondo took opportunities to tout his 40 years in business, currently as chairman of Columbus-based Behlen Manufacturing, which makes metal buildings, grain systems and livestock equipment.

"We need people with my kind of experience," Raimondo said.

Kleeb said a lack of leadership in Washington has hurt the nation's energy policy, and said alternative energy such as cellulosic ethanol and methane are important.

But he said that shouldn't mean an end to government subsidies for corn-based ethanol.

"Corn-based ethanol is helping us develop the infrastructure that's going to be necessary ... to take us from an oil-dependent economy to one that has a diverse supply of its energy production capabilities," Kleeb said.

Raimondo said the farm bill is being held up in Washington by "political focus," instead of moving forward with what's good for Americans. He said the inflation of commodities is hurting farmers.

Kleeb said farming is a way of life.

"The farm bill is much more than words on a piece of paper. It actually has real-life consequences for people."

Responding to a question of why he's a Democrat, Raimondo said Democrats represent change and fiscal discipline, and said he's always been a moderate.

Raimondo switched parties in December after initially saying he might run as a Republican.

"On issues like economic development and education, there should be no brand, no political brand-names," Raimondo said.

Both candidates said they are anti-abortion, but neither voiced support for overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that established a woman's right to have an abortion.

"Abortion is a tragedy, but right now, Roe v. Wade is the law of the land," Kleeb said. "More important is, how can we reduce the number of abortions?"

Raimondo said overturning Roe v. Wade would lead to government intrusion.

"We do not need the government inside our family bedrooms," Raimondo said.

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On the Net:

Raimondo campaign: http://www.raimondo2008.com

Scott Kleeb: http://www.scottkleeb.com