Stephen Simpson, the Republican who’s challenging U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, brought out the big guns during a Walton County forum earlier this week. From the Walton Tribune:
“I am not a saint, but my opponent is refusing to answer questions about why he lost his job in Watkinsville and why he can’t get hospital privileges anywhere in Georgia,†said challenger Stephen Simpson.
The statement caused outbursts from the crowd and did not sit easily with the race’s incumbent, Rep. Paul Broun, R-Athens, a licensed doctor.
“I have to answer this,†he said. “My opponent has made these outrageous statements and has given to a campaign of desperation and lies. It has got to stop.â€
The moderator prevented Broun from directly providing a response, reminding the candidate the format was a forum, not a debate. …
Broun did not address his opponent’s remarks in his closing statements but reiterated his remarks after the event.
“They are just outright lies and attempts of a desperate man,†the congressman said. “I want to focus on the issue where we are divided. He simply wants bigger government and I do not.â€
Team Broun hasn’t responded to a request for comment. It’s true, though, that he doesn’t have admitting privileges at any Georgia hospital, according to a form he filed with the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners.
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