Lodi News-Sentinel

Ross Farrow

Republican and independent voters may have a tough time determining which of six candidates seeking Jerry McNerney's congressional seat to support in the June primary election.

But the chairman of the South San Joaquin Republicans promises that if you drive down to Manteca for a debate, you will have an excellent idea of where they stand on issues and their knowledge of what's facing Congress.

Dissatisfaction with McNerney's voting record, his reported close ties with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Barack Obama's policies has prompted six Republicans to put their hat in the ring, and they'll all be in Manteca on Monday, according to Frank Aquila, president of the South San Joaquin Republicans, who will moderate the debate.

The six candidates for the 11th District seat are Tony Amador and Robert Beadles of Lodi, Elizabeth Emken of Danville, Brad Goehring of Clements, Larry Pegram of San Jose (who said he's moving into Pleasanton, which is in the district) and Jeff Takada of Manteca.

McNerney is expected to square off against the Republican primary winner in the November election.

Two other Republicans had expressed interest in the seat. Jon Del Arroz of Danville dropped out of the race after his son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. And David Bernal of San Ramon says he is willing to be drafted as a candidate if he generates enough support.

Aquila said the candidates will be asked several specific questions about the issues facing Congress, more than "How do you feel about the health care plan?" There will be multiple questions, for example, on the health care plan that are designed to show each candidate's knowledge on the subject as well as their position.

Aquila said he has developed several questions for the first round of the debate that will be answered by each candidate. The second round consists of the one question submitted by each candidate for the other five candidates to answer. The third segment, called the "lightning round," will consist of questions already submitted from the community. Each of those questions will be answered by only one candidate at random.