BUCHANAN – The front-runner in the race for Michigan's 6th district congressional seat is somewhat unclear.
Both the Republican and Democrat campaigns released polls showing their candidate leading.
Tuesday night, Republican incumbent Fred Upton and Democratic challenger Mike O'Brien faced off in a debate in Buchanan.
O'Brien is standing Upton and a 14th term in Congress.
The two squared off in a mostly calm and civil debate in front of a packed room of likely voters.
The debate was moderated by the president of the League of Women Voters, and questions came from debate sponsors and the public.
All the typical issues were discussed – the economy, healthcare, energy.
The controversial Keystone pipeline was a big sticking point in the debate.
"Those are Michigan jobs," said Upton. "That oil is gonna stay here and for us to turn our backs on Canada and allow them to send it to China is not the right answer."
"Congressman, you talked repeatedly during the primaries and you've beat the president and others over the head with this issue," O'Brien responded. "The fact of the matter is we won't see that oil and it won't change our price one penny at the pump."
So, who's leading the race? It depends who you ask.
Both campaigns released polls earlier this month.
According to the Kallamazoo Gazette, O'Brien's poll was conducted by Myers Research. Of the 400 adults polled, the challenger came out with a 5-point lead.
It's a much different picture if you ask the other side.
Hill Research Consultants polled a little more than 300 people. The numbers released by Uptons campaign showed a commanding 58% to 27% advantage.
With just 2 weeks to go, the candidates plan to keep fighting for every vote.
The 3rd candidate in the race, Libertarian Christie Gelineau was not at Tuesday night's debate.
