US Sen. Bob Bennett of Utah debates GOP challengers

OREM, Utah — U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett defended his use of earmarks Friday while debating seven challengers from within his own Republican party in front of more than 100 delegates at Utah Valley University.

Bennett is seeking a fourth term, but is facing a wave of opposition from his right.

Most of the opposition is centered around his support of a bailout of the nation's financial industry, although he has come under some criticism for his unwavering support of earmarks.

Bennett told hundreds of Republicans in a packed room at UVU's library that eliminating earmarks wouldn't reduce the deficit by one cent. Instead, he said eliminating earmarks would only give Democratic President Barack Obama more power to decide which projects get funded.

One of his opponents, former U.S. Rep. Merrill Cook, agreed. Others, including Attorney Mike Lee, called for a one-year moratorium on earmarks to reform the system.

Lee is considered one of Bennett's greatest threats, and Bennett wasted no time taking a subtle dig at him. In introductory remarks, Bennett touted his "real world" business experience and said there are too many lawyers in Washington.

Lee took a subtle dig of his own later, saying that the recently passed health care pill is blatantly unconstitutional because it includes a mandate for Americans to buy health insurance.

Bennett introduced a bill during the health care debate that also would've required people to buy insurance.

However, on most issues it was difficult to distinguish Bennett from most of his opponents. Bennett, like the other Republicans at the debate, said he supports repealing the health care bill, but he was the only one to acknowledge that it is highly unlikely to happen as long as Democrats are in control of Congress.

While the venue for Friday's debate was small, it's audience was significant.

In Utah, about 3,500 delegates to the state convention choose the party's nominee. Only candidates who fail to get 60 percent of delegate votes are forced into a primary. Debate organizers said about 130 delegates were on hand.

Bennett's opponents hope to defeat him at the state convention, but Bennett believes he will qualify for the June primary.