In a tuneup of sorts for a Tuesday debate in downtown Waco, the Republican candidates for the local U.S. House district took a few jabs at each other and at incumbent Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, at a Saturday afternoon forum at the Texas Scottish Rite Library & Museum.

The five Republicans were joined by two conservative-minded independent candidates at an event sponsored by Educators of Liberty, an offshoot group of Ron Paul’s Campaign for Liberty.

Though the candidates all decried the Obama administration, Congress’ spending habits and the Democratic health care proposal, the recurring theme at the forum was that a victory over Edwards could help the resurgent Republican Party take the majority in the House.

Pitching policy stances

After fielding questions — including whether they preferred democracy or the rule of law; whether they would sponsor legislation pulling the United States out of the United Nations; and whether they would endorse Republican gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina (none did) — the candidates made pitches for support at the ballot box.

Bryan’s Bill Flores, who until recently ran an oil and gas exploration business, stressed his experience putting people to work and balancing a budget. He also stressed pragmatism.

“You’ve got to find somebody that can find the funding to put on a credible campaign against Chet,” said Flores, who has given his campaign $304,000 through contributions and a large loan.

“It’s one thing to go out and raise $100,000, like we did last time, and get beat 52-44,” he said, referring to opponent Rob Curnock’s 2008 campaign against Edwards. “But we’re not going to have a chance to do that again in the future. Chet’s not going to let us sneak up on him.”

The margin in the 2008 race was 53 percent to 45.5 percent in Edwards’ favor.

Curnock, a Waco small-business owner, responded that he was the only candidate who had gone toe-to-toe with Edwards before. He said that with that experience he was poised to finish the job.

“Chet Edwards is indeed vulnerable in this district. But he’s vulnerable because of what we did,” Curnock said.

Edwards’ coffers

Edwards’ campaign said last week that he has $1.3 million in the bank for the race, $290,000 more than he had at the same time in 2008.

Dave McIntyre, a national security expert and professor from College Station, said that on the big issues of the day he wouldn’t have to learn on the job.

Republicans, he said, should not nominate any more “rookies” to go up against Edwards, “for him, as the veteran, to hand them their heads,” McIntyre said.

Flores and Edwards’ fundraising prowess didn’t appear to dissuade McIntyre.

“I think we can raise money if we have a good candidate who understands the issues and is willing to go after it,” McIntyre said.

Chuck Wilson, a residential developer and former CIA case officer, said his business and national security experience and his local roots in McLennan County make him the best candidate in the Republican field.

Noting that in past congressional elections McLennan County has had a large number of Republicans crossing over to vote for Edwards, Wilson said “winning over those votes is the only practical path to victory, and it’s going to take a hometown boy to do it.”

mshapiro@wacotrib.com

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