Congressman questions opponent's religious convictions in heated campaign in Augusta

U.S. Rep. Paul Broun (R-Athens) is questioning the religious convictions of his opponent in the Republican primary for the 10^th congressional district seat as the election on Tuesday approaches.

“It’s unfortunate that he doesn’t understand redemption and salvation and a changed life in accepting Jesus as lord and savior,” Broun says of state Rep. Barry Fleming (R-Harlem) in an interview which aired Thursday on Georgia Public Broadcasting’s WACG 90.7 FM in Augusta. “It’s not about religion but about a relationship with Jesus.”

But Fleming is a Christian, and according to his website, is an active member of Harlem Baptist Church. He has served as chairman of the board of deacons there, among other duties, the website says.

“Paul is wrong on that,” Fleming says of Broun’s remarks in an interview scheduled to air on Friday. “My Christian faith is the center of my life and I’ve tried not only to witness to other people in my life but I’ve tried to live a life as an example for others, and I’ll continue to do that.”

Broun, meanwhile, repeatedly accuses Fleming of “bearing false witness,” as he put it, by distorting votes he’s made in Congress, adding that lying violates the Judeo-Christian Ten Commandments. Fleming denies he has lied and invites doubters to check the Congressional Record.

The candidates, who have similar positions on social and fiscal issues, have been distinguishing themselves by questioning each other’s integrity in a negative campaign spiral.

In a debate at the Atlanta studios of Georgia Public Broadcasting last week, Fleming hammered Broun over a bankruptcy and also a quibble Broun had over alimony with one of his three former wives. Both incidents happened nearly 30 years ago.

He suggested that those issues are a sign of bad judgment that lasts for Broun as he serves in Congress. It’s an assertion that Broun takes strong personal offense to.

Fleming has also criticized votes Broun has made against several issues, such as veterans benefits and making laws tougher on child predators and use of the internet. Broun has rebutted Fleming’s criticisms, saying he voted against the measures because they would needlessly expand government.

Broun speaks openly and frequently about his faith, in churches, candidate forums and interviews. He often says he lived a prideful life until he renewed his Christian faith as a middle-aged adult.

He also says Jesus is his number one constituent and speaks of how he once converted one of his former wives to the Lord via telephone.