AUBURN – U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, D-Maine, and Republican challenger Brian Hamel presented their positions on the economy, the war in Iraq and other issues at a forum at Temple Shalom Sunday.

Michaud, 49, of East Millinocket seeks a second term representing Maine’s 2nd District, the largest congressional district east of the Mississippi River. He is a former Maine Senate president with 22 years of service in the Legislature. He also worked in a paper mill for nearly three decades.

Hamel, 46, of Presque Isle is making a first bid for elective office. Originally from Massachusetts, he has lived in Northern Maine since he became president and CEO of Loring Development Authority in 1994. “It’s the best personal and professional decision I have made,” Hamel said of his decision to relocate to Maine when he was offered the position by former Gov. John McKernan.

The former Loring Air Force Base, now the 87-acre Loring Commerce Center, provides employment for about 1,200 people. About 1,100 jobs were lost when the base closed a decade ago. “The Economy is much different in Northern Maine than it was 10 years ago,” Hamel said.

Michaud said Hamel didn’t create all of the new jobs at the former base. Some of the new jobs, Michaud said, were already created before Hamel arrived in Aroostook County. “That’s 730 jobs he is trying to take credit for,” Michaud said.

On the economy, Hamel said, “We have the worst business climate in the entire country.” He added that his agenda includes minimizing downsizing and plant closings in the 2nd District. “My focus always comes back to jobs.”

While Hamel said he supports the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement, Michaud does not.

“I get frustrated when I hear him (Michaud) say his paper mill in Millinocket closed because of NAFDA,” Hamel said, reiterating that the trade agreement was not the cause.

“I believe in free trade but it has to be fair trade,” Michaud said.

Michaud responded to a question about his vote against an $87 billion funding package that one man in the audience said eliminates the funds for protective equipment for troops serving in Iraq. Michaud said the money is there for body armor and to make Humvees safer but the Department of Defense has moved funds around for other purposes. “The reason I voted against it is there is no accountability. The problem is you have poor leadership in the White House and in the Department of Defense.

“We diverted our attention to fighting the war on terrorism to Iraq,” Michaud said, adding that the good will of the United States was damaged by the Bush administration. “This administration has alienated our allies.”

Michaud also said he opposes reinstituting the draft. “It’s our foreign policy that has to change.”

Hamel said he supports necessary funding for the military to remove terrorist cells and promote democracy.

He also said he would bring an independent mindset to Congress. While Hamel supports President Bush for re-election, he disagrees with the president on a few issues including the plan for implementation of No Child Left Behind in Maine, the prescription drug plan and re-importation of drugs from Canada.

Michaud also expressed concern over the No Child Left Behind act. “It’s a federal unfunded mandate passed on to the states. Maine is losing $22 million. It may work well in Texas but it doesn’t work well in Maine.”

Michaud responded to a question about Social Security offset for Maine State Retirement recipients. It was posed by a widowed teacher who said she is not eligible for her husband’s Social Security benefits because of her state pension. Michaud said two hearings have been held on the issue and he supports the elimination of the offset. “Education is an investment in our future. We have got to make sure we have the qualified teachers to do that,” he said.

Hamel said he supports medical liability reform. He said he wants to eliminate frivolous lawsuits against medical practitioners. “Too often, physicians are practicing defensive medicine. High malpractice insurance costs are making it hard to keep physicians.”