Three candidates seeking the Republican nomination for Congress in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District brought their campaigns to Tuesday’s Civitan political forum in Andalusia. The event was co-sponsored by WAAO and The Star-News.

Stephanie Bell of Montgomery is a member of the state board of education who said she is “battle-tested” because she has stood up to special interest groups to fight tax increases and public corruption.

Bell said she wholeheartedly supports Arizona’s new immigration law.

“They are just enforcing American immigration laws,” she said. “I have visited Phoenix and I have seen the problems firsthand. Their schools cannot house the children who are here illegally.”

Bell said she would work to block the federal health care bill and work to “unfund” it and to “repeal every bit of it.

Montgomery City Council member Martha Roby, also a candidate for the Republican nomination for Congress, said she has worked diligently to fight taxes in Montgomery. She said she supports the sanctity of life, is for small, limited government, and supports the Second Amendment.

She said she opposes with withdrawal of troops in the Middle East.

“We need to make sure we are listening to our commanders on the ground,” she said.

Dothan’s Rick Barber, also a candidate for the nomination, identified himself as the Tea Party candidate for the nomination.

A Marine Corps veteran, Barber said he would oppose out-of-control spending in Congress. He said he would use his business experience and approach American businesses to ask, “How are we blocking your growth,” then work to remove unnecessary regulations.

All are subject to the June 1 Republican primary. The winner will face incumbent Congressman Bobby Bright in November.