In their final match before the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 24, the six candidates vying for the Republican presidential nomination sparred in a debate held in Johnston Saturday afternoon.

Texas Gov. George W. Bush, publisher Steve Forbes, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, Arizona Sen. John McCain and conservative commentators Gary Bauer and Alan Keyes answered questions posed by moderator and Des Moines Register Editor Dennis Ryerson. Topics were varied, ranging from the Clinton administration to clean air.

In one of the central themes of the debate, Des Moines Area Community College student Adam Glawe asked the candidates if the office of the presidency will regain its respect, which some have questioned since Bill Clinton was impeached last year.

“Bill Clinton isn’t the only one who needs to shape up; we all need to shape up,” Keyes said.

McCain said the next president must have enough experience and maturity to handle the office of the presidency.

“The leadership of this nation has got to rest in the hands of someone who is prepared for it,” McCain said.

All of the candidates agreed the office needs to recover its dignity in the next administration.

“The office is greater than the occupant,” Bush said. “So whoever is elected, and I hope it’s one of us, when we put our hand on the Bible we will swear to uphold the laws of the land, but we will also swear to uphold the honor and the dignity of the office.”

The most heated portion of the debate arose when the candidates were asked about the additional $1,400 tax credit that married couples and families receive each year.

“I think as you listen to all these folks, you need to get a little aggravated with the fact that they are all going to give you something,” Keyes said. “If you stand back and realize what it is, you’ll realize that it’s your own money.”

Hatch outlined his plan to knock down the national debt, which he said would save the federal government $3 billion per year and would save Social Security.

“I like all of the tax plans that have been given here,” Hatch said, “but I live with reality.”

Forbes attacked Bush’s Texas tax cuts, claiming they are not effective cuts and have not truly relieved the tax burdens of most Texans. In response, Bush said almost 69 percent of Texans in 1998 said they appreciated the tax cuts.

“I’ve got a good record,” Bush said. “I’m the only one on this stage who’s had a record endorsed by the people.”

Forbes responded, saying six out of the 10 congressional districts in Texas were not affected by the tax cuts in 1999. Bush retorted by saying that Forbes wasn’t telling the whole story.

“If you’re going to talk about a man’s record, tell the whole record,” Bush responded, quoting former Kansas Sen. Bob Dole.

At the end of the debate, each candidate was given 30 seconds for a closing statement, which many used as a final plea for votes.

“I want your vote on caucus night,” Bauer said. “I want to be your next president.”