Candidates: filibuster rule abused

The candidates for Senate generally agree that Senate rules such as the filibuster has been abused. 

The candidates were asked to respond to a question by Brenda Rogers of Chatham County who asked "What would you do to make Congress and specifically the Senate, more effective?"

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall used the question to take her first shot at Republican Sen. Richard Burr. She mentioned Burr's move to block a hearing in the Armed Services Committee, which was set to hear testimony from high-ranking military officials who had come to Washington.

Burr has said he wanted the hearing to occur, but had to block it because of orders from his party.

"He and his party were mad about the health care vote," Marshall said. "We are not going to change the U.S. Senate without changing the personnel." 

Marshall and Cal Cunningham said they have records of reaching out to Republicans when they were in the state legislature. 

"The U.S. Senate has been exhibit A for why Washington doesn't get the job done," Cunningham said.

Ken Lewis said changing rules or reaching across party lines won't address the problem. He said the members have to change their focus.

"It's the interests of the people that should be cared about, not the interest of political parties," Lewis said.