House candidates debate spending

North Dakota's candidates for the U.S. House are arguing about federal spending and a $700 billion bill to bail out the nation's financial system.

Democratic Rep. Earl Pomeroy and Republican challenger Duane Sand spoke Monday in a debate broadcast on KFYR-TV of Bismarck.

Pomeroy voted twice for the financial rescue measure, and he said doing nothing was not an option. Sand argued the bill was rushed through without adequate protections for taxpayers.

Sand implied Pomeroy's support was influenced by campaign contributions from banking interests and financial services companies. Pomeroy denied that, and said he consulted North Dakota business people before voting in favor of the measure.

Both candidates ducked questions about how they would cut federal spending that benefits North Dakota.

Pomeroy said he would continue to seek federal aid for economic development, agriculture and North Dakota's Air Force bases.

- Associated Press