Perry parries attacks from Republican hopefuls

At the Tea Party Express debate in Tampa, Florida, Texas Governor Rick Perry endeavored to put more  distance between himself and his contenders. Meanwhile, his opponents tried to cut his lead by repeatedly challenging his stance on several controversial issues including immigration, social security, and a mandatory vaccination program he initiated in 2001. 

Tampa, FL (Catholic Online) - As the frontrunner, the spread of candidates took turns challenging Perry.  Michelle Bachmann, who has lost considerable ground to Perry, criticized him heavily for implementing a 2001 mandatory vaccination program for schoolgirls. Bachmann told Perry, "To have innocent little 12 year old girls to be forced to have government injections through an executive order is just flat-out wrong." 

Perry admitted he made a mistake in issuing the order and says he should have enacted the program through the state legislature. However, defended his position,  pointing out that the order made exceptions for parents who did not want the vaccine administered. Perry rebutted saying, "At the end of the day I am always going to err on the side of life. At the end of the day this was about trying to solve cancer."

Governor Mitt Romney also took his share of shots at Perry. He labeled Perry's now-famous "Ponzi scheme" comment as, "over the top" and pledged to protect the program. Perry responded by accusing Romney of trying to scare seniors. On Social Security, Romeny promised, "I'll keep it working for millions of Americans."

Perhaps Perry's most controversial moment came when he was compelled to defend his passage of a state law that pays tuition for illegal immigrants that attend college. In defending the measure, Perry was briefly, but  audibly booed by the audience. Perry defended the law by saying it prevented the same people from being on, "the government dole" and allowing them to contribute to society. 

Since Perry entered the race on the same day as the Ames, Iowa straw poll, he has accelerated to the front of the Republican party's primary race. Romeny and Bachmann have lost substantial ground to Perry. Experts predict the discussions may become increasingly acrimonious as Perry solidifies his lead into the Republican primary. 

Did you watch the debates? Who do you think did well? Share your comments below.

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