SALEM — In one of their last debates before their primary just 11 days away, the four Republican 2nd Congressional District candidates discussed Iraq, the economy, and health care along with the themes of who was the best person to take on the Democrat they all hope to defeat, Paul Hodes.

While they will debate one more time next week, this debate carried major significance since it occurred in Salem, one of the most heavily Republican towns in the state.

It was a debate that saw former talk show host Jennifer Horn on the attack. Most of that attack was aimed at state Sen. Bob Clegg (R-Hudson), who is perceived as the front-runner. Horn, who is the second best funded candidate in the race, particularly went after Clegg's voting record.

Moderator Bernard Campbell joined three panelists from local newspapers who asked questions to the candidates. Each candidate was fielded a question and allowed a three minute response. The remaining opponents were allowed a one minute rebuttal. The forum was sponsored by the Salem Chamber of Commerce and broadcast on the public access television.

Along with Horn and Clegg the other candidates Grant Bosse (R-Hillsborough) and Jim Steiner (R-Concord) were asked about issues ranging from a time table for withdrawal of troops in Iraq, if the economic stimulus was helpful to New Hampshire residents, and health care plans

Asked how they could improve the current slumping economy Clegg and Steiner agreed America needs to focus on energy independence. Horn and Bosse said there should be a balanced federal budget first and government regulation should be decreased.

Clegg recommended there should be a preventative health care system in place while Bosse and Horn favored more choices be available to individuals.

Individuals should be able to buy insurance on the open market, Bosse said. “That’s when we are going to see real choices in health care when you can buy it like just like you can buy car insurance,” he said. “No one talks about the lack of options in their car insurance. “

Horn attacked Hodes’ voting record in most of her responses. She presented herself as a mother of five children who understands the economic hardships of Americans.

“Paul Hodes has failed the people of New Hampshire,” she said. “It is time to fire him and send him home.”

On Iraq the candidates were unanimous. They argued there cannot be a time table for withdrawing American troops from Iraq and Congress should heed to Gen. Petraeus’ recommendations.

 “They should return home from Iraq when the job is done,” Horn said. “They should return from Iraq when the country is stable and able to defend themselves.”

Horn attacked Hodes’ voting record saying he was against providing more armor and ammunition for troops while in battle.

 “Our men and women are the most skilled we should never leave them without what they need,” she said.

The candidates were also undivided saying the recent economic stimulus check provided by the Federal government was a mistake.

“The rebate put some limited funds in your pocket,” Steiner said. “But this rebate was no bargain. Because from the $600 you received, you as a tax payer ended up paying substantially more. As your member of congress I favor tightening the belt and not spending the money we don’t have and not using the government like a credit card.”

Steiner, a lawyer and military veteran, said he is the only candidate who will not accept Political Action Committee (PACs) or special interest money.

Clegg said he will bring a different kind of leadership to Washington that Paul Hodes has not delivered.

“I have the spine that Paul Hodes said he would bring to Washington and he forgot,” Clegg said.

Bosse, former Sen. John Sununu staffer, was brief with his opening statement. He argued he was the only candidate who proposed a $30 billion plan to cut federal budget spending.

“Stop spending,” he said. “Start drilling. Get the government out of the way.”