U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman and Democratic challenger Joe Miklosi squared off Friday in a fiery debate , accusing each other of false attacks but finally agreeing on a favorite Bronco: quarterback Peyton Manning.
Miklosi ripped Coffman for ads attacking him for votes in the state legislature on bills designed to protect children from predators. The ads portray Miklosi as lax on public safety.
"Both ads are despicable and you know it," Miklosi said angrily. "The Colorado Fraternal Order of Police endorsed me for my strong public safety track record and my strong support of lifetime sentences. Who are you going to believe in this debate? His political handlers or Colorado cops?"
Coffman said it's wrong to say that he's not willing to compromise or that he is focused on social issues.
"I've been focused on jobs and the economy, small business and on defense issues,"the Aurora Republican said.
"I've broken with my party when it comes to defense spending because I believe as somebody who has served in the Army and the Marines Corps and as a combat veteran that we can responsibly cut defense spending without compromising our national security."
Miklosi argued Coffman is obsessed with social issues, and he reeled off the congressman's support for earlier measures dealing with rape and abortion.
Coffman is running for a third term but in a newly drawn 6th Congressional District that is a nearly equal mix of Republicans, Democrats and unaffiliated voters. His previous district was a sure thing for the GOP.
The candidates sparred on a variety of issues, including health care, taxes and immigration during their debate sponsored by The Denver Post and 9News. Coffman was calm and measured as he answered questions, while Miklosi spoke rapidly and aggressively.
The candidates also were asked whether they supported reinstating a federal assault-weapons ban in light of the Aurora movie theater shooting in their district on July 20.
Coffman doesn't support the reinstatement. He said he agreed with Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper, who told CNN after the shooting that, "If there were no assault weapons available and no this or no that, this guy is going find something, right?"
But Coffman said he doesn't believe criminals or the mentally unstable should have weapons, and when the facts come out in the theater case it is time to determine "where we can do a better job."
The suspected gunman, James Holmes, is accused of killing 12 people and injuring another 58 after he opened fire in the packed theater.
Miklosi supports a ban.
"I strongly believe in the 2nd Amendment for reasons like hunting and personal protection. My own mother owns a Glock," he said. "But why do we need 100-round clips? That's like allowing tanks to drive down Colfax Avenue."
The debate, along with debates for the 4th and 7th Congressional districts, will be aired at 8 p.m. Saturday on Channel 20.
Lynn Bartels: 303-954-5327, lbartels@denverpost.com or twitter.com/lynn_bartels
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