Three candidates for Oregon’s fourth congressional district — Democrat incumbent Peter DeFazio, Republican Art Robinson and Pacific Green candidate Michael Beilstein — met for a debate at the University of Oregon’s William H. Knight Law Center Wednesday evening.

The hour-long debate, moderated by Tripp Sommer, was co-sponsored by the City Club of Eugene and the League of Women Voters of Lane County and broadcast live by KLCC. The debate was also attended by students from South Eugene High School.

Sommer directed questions and fielded audience inquiries to the candidates on a variety of topics including the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), student debt and the National Security Agency.

On the topic of student debt, each candidate had a different solution.

“The real problem is the cost,” Robinson said when discussing how he thinks the solution lies in lowering tuition prices.

DeFazio thinks the answer for student debt is within interest rates on student loans. “What’s a better investment in out future?” DeFazio said. “Young people…or Wall Street?”

Beilstein response to student debt was, “We need to eliminate this concept of tuition.”

Candidates also got the opportunity to address questions to one another. Robinson asked DeFazio about his track record regarding public education. DeFazio in turn questioned Robinson about his pro-life stance.

The debate was heated.

Robinson answered accusations from DeFazio regarding his alleged opposition of public schooling with the statement, “You stop lying about me, and I’ll stop telling the truth about you.”

Each of their concluding statements provided insight into each candidate.

“If I go to congress I wouldn’t stay more than four years,” Robinson said. “We need to get rid of career politicians.”

“If you believe maintaining capitalism is more important than maintaining the human race, then don’t vote for me,” Beilstein said.

“You may not agree with me, but you know where I stand on these issues all the time,” DeFazio said.

Election day is Nov. 4.