U.S. Senate Candidates Debate in Duluth

DULUTH - Elections are a month away.So the two candidates in the U.S. Senate race for Minnesota met for the first time in debate Wednesday."We have a lot of work to do to make sure that our state and country work for all Minnesotans, said U.S. Senator Al Franken (D).From discussing mining to talking ISIS the forum covered many topics."My plan is called the three e's. Energy and mining, I will get these mines open I promise you. Education and effective government," said candidate Mike McFadden (R).McFadden believes the number one way to make our steel industry more competitive is to lower the cost of energy...."I will drive down energy costs. I will make our industries more competitive, I will get us back on the road of growth and prosperity," said McFadden.Senator Franken stresses he does not think copper nickel mining can be done safely."Rangers want sustainable mining," said McFadden.A longer process but something Franken supports because he says chances for water contamination are less..."Minnesotans want to make sure this is done right," said Franken.How to calm worries about massive student debt was also a top subject."Let people refinance their student debt. You can refinance your car loan and you can refinance your home loan and a business loan," said Franken.McFadden told the crowd his passion lies in the inner city school system."I want to radically change the school system in inner city so all children, regardless of zip code have the right to a first class education," said McFadden.The growing ISIS threats were a big talking point too, more specifically, ISIS recruitment within Minnesota."We become the number one recruiting are for terrorists in Minnesota and I'm really concerned about that," said McFadden."I have worked with the community, I have worked with law enforcement. I pressed the Secretary of Homeland Security, I pressed the director of the FBI in the judicial hearings of this recruitment," said Franken.Overall Senator Franken says he has one main goal for state residents."That's what I want. I want Minnesotans to better themselves, said Franken.And McFadden plans to maintain a high profile as he moves forward."I won't be invisible, I will not keep my head down. I will keep my head high and I will lead and I have a plan," said McFadden.The next debate is scheduled for October 7, at 8 am at the Duluth Play House.U.S. Congressman Rick Nolan will face off with challengers Stewart Mills and Ray Sandman.