TYLER (KYTX) - Paul Sadler didn't have to drive too far to speak to these government students at Tyler Junior College.
The Rusk County lawyer from Henderson is running against Ted Cruz for retiring Republican Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison's seat.
Sadler is using his hometown image to court East Texas voters.
"I'm familiar with East Texas. I live here. I know our issues," said Sadler.
Sadler's platform is based on supporting Texas public schools, achieving energy independence, and creating jobs and rebuilding our economy.
"We are all concerned about job creation and we have to do something about the national debt in order to create long term jobs," said Sadler.
Another major issue for Sadler is healthcare reform.
When CBS 19 asked his opponent, Ted Cruz, about healthcare reform in May, this is what he had to say.
"The first bill I intend to introduce in the U.S. Senate is a bill to repeal every syllable of every word of Obamacare," said Cruz.
Many republicans in the audience applauded Cruz's statement. However, Sadler disagrees.
"Very few programs have ever been enacted that are perfect. But you don't throw everything out. You keep the parts that are good, that help human beings, help patients, help hospitals and you affect the change in the areas to make it better," said Cruz.
Sadler said he just wants to be a voice for the entire state.
"I've worked with democrats and republicans and we need to get our government working again. I think that's what East Texans want," said Sadler.
But it's going to be up to those very people to decide if they want him, or Ted Cruz, representing them.
