Scalise, Harlan Joust In Taped 1st District Debate
by Mary Sparacello - Times-Picayune (excerpt)

U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, and Democratic challenger Jim Harlan of Lacombe engaged in a spirited face-off for broadcast this morning, taking a contentious tone as the 1st Congressional District campaign comes into focus.

Scalise said Harlan is a "very liberal Democrat" and a delegate for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. He said the New Orleans trip was a campaign photo opportunity for embattled U.S. Rep. William Jefferson, D-New Orleans, and that no Republican congressmen were invited.

WGNO news anchor Michael Hill asked whether Harlan contributed to Obama's campaign and whether he is trying to distance himself now that he is a candidate for Congress in a district likely to vote for John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee.

Harlan said he has given money to Obama -- $2,450 in 2007, according to the Federal Election Commission -- and that he is open-minded.