(October 8, 2008)

INGLESIDE--The race for State Representative in District 32 has become a hotly-contested race in an area that includes parts of Nueces, Aransas, San Patricio and Calhoun Counties.

The incumbent Democrat, Juan Garcia faced off against Republican Todd Hunter today at an Ingleside Chamber of Commerce Debate.

State Republicans are eyeing this race as one they can win. As we get closer to Election Day, the attacks are picking up and that was evident at today's debate.

Challenger Todd hunter and State Representative Juan Garcia are both vying for the state rep job in District 32.

Hunter accused Garcia of ghost voting.That's when politicians leave Austin and have a colleague cast their vote.

"In the 140 day Legislative session, I missed one afternoon and that was for mandatory Navy flying," said Garcia. 

"He never answered the question so I am going to assume he violated the House rules and he ghost voted," said Hunter. "If you ghost voted, you need to be honest with the voting public."

Other issues discussed was casino gambling and both said they support it.

"In a state that tolerates lottery, that tolerate bingo, 8-liners in some circumstances, dog racing, we can no longer stand by and let this drive out of Texas every week," Garcia said.

""The public has to vote on it as a constitutional amendment and you have to provide a local option, which means if it does pass, your local area makes a determination on whether they want it or not," Hunter said.

Hunter, who served as a State Representative from 1989 to 1997, said he has more experience and believes Garcia one term hurts the area.

"There was a hurricane committee formed in the Legislature (last week)" Hunter said. "We're not represented and because he doesn't have the experience. He doesn't have the background and we right now need my experience."

Hunter added: ""So seniority is a big issue. It helps and it gets you good things to bring back to the area."

Garcia countered by saying "Folks sent me up there I am convinced because they wanted change. They wanted a new blood . They wanted a reformer."

The State Rep attacked Hunter, who served for four terms for supporting term limits in the past, but is now trying to get elected again.

"When you spent too much time as part of the system, as part of the establishment, at some point you become apart of the problem and not the answer," Garcia said. 

"No, I don't think that there is any problem," said Hunter. "I think it will actually put us on the map and we'll get things done and the Coastal Bend will have a great future."

Other issued debated at this forum were education, windstorm insurance and high utility rates. Hunter criticized Garcia for running a campaign ad about lobbyists, but he claims Garcia received most of his recent campaign money from lobbyists.

Garcia said that's the only way he can win this race and defended taking money from gun, teacher and nurses lobby groups. 

"I'm honored by their support and by their contributions," said Garcia. "I am up against a millionaire who has made $3.6 million as a lobbyist. We got to fund our campaign and get our message out there."

About 70 people attended this one hour debate moderated by KIII-TV Anchor Joe Gazin. Voters said they learned about both candidates and this debate will help them make a decision when it comes to voting on Election Day.

"Because we need to know where both of them stand that way we can know their background and what is their plan to get us through this," said Ernest Garza of Corpus Christi, who told us he was an undecided voter. 

"I thought he came across very confident and very knowledgeable," said Velma Martin, a Hunter supporter. "He knew what the issues were. He just said it like it was."

"I wouldn't give either side a knockout, but it didn't change my mind," said Kevin Schleicher, whose already decided who he's voting for, though he wouldn't tell us.

Both Hunter and Garcia have agreed to take part in a live debate here on TV 3. It will be on Wednesday, October 29th and will take the place on our 5:00 newscast that one night only.