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October 27, 2012

Economy, debt dominate forum

The Associated Press Associated Press

EDMOND — Democrat Tom Guild accused Republican Rep. James Lankford of helping increase the national debt on Friday during a forum in which they and two other candidates vying to represent Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District outlined their views on the debt, the economy and health care.

Guild said the national debt has risen more than $2 trillion since Lankford was elected two years ago and now totals $16 trillion.

Lankford said he is part of a GOP majority in the House that has struggled to cut the growth in government spending and help reduce the nation’s debt. He said government spending leveled off during his first term but that more needs to be done.

Lankford was a political newcomer when he emerged from a crowded Republican primary field in 2010 and won the GOP nomination in a runoff. Guild unsuccessfully sought the 5th District Democratic nomination for the seat in 2010.

They will face each other and independents Robert Murphy and Pat Martin in the Nov. 6 general election. The 5th District includes almost all of Oklahoma County, along with Pottawatomie and Seminole counties.

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