NFIB

NFIB hosted a well-attended debate among candidates in the race to replace outgoing Rep. Joe Hefley, Colo., at the Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs. Candidates vying for Hefley's seat are Jeff Crank, a former Hefley staffer; state Sen. Doug Lamborn; former El Paso County Commissioner Duncan Bremer; retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Bentley Rayburn; Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera; former El Paso County Sheriff John Anderson; and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Jay Fawcett, the lone Democrat in the race. All candidates except for Anderson participated in the debate.

Fawcett proposed raising the federal minimum wage and trying to broaden health-care coverage by following Massachusetts's example, where all residents are required to obtain health insurance under new legislation. The Massachusetts Fair Share plan includes employer assessments and provisions for the uninsured. The Republican candidates distanced themselves from Fawcett as they called for strong tax cuts and a reduction of government mandates, and opposed an increase to the minimum wage.

"It is great to see candidates come together and discuss the issues that are truly important to small business," said NFIB Central Region Political Director Mickey McGuire. "Now that our members have heard from the candidates, they will certainly be able to make an educated vote on the candidate that best reflects their position on the issues most important to them."

Throughout the campaign season, NFIB will continue to host forums and debates in congressional districts across the country, for updates check NFIB.com/politics.