The first bone of contention in the U.S. House race for District 6 came with accusations that the incumbent broke his promise by seeking a sixth term.

Jefferson County residents Gerrick Wilkins and Kenneth McFeeters claim U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer reneged on his campaign promise to step down after five terms in the House. Both promised to seek legislation to limit what they call life-long jobs for federal politicians.

Wilkins, of Vestavia Hills, said he was offended by Palmer seeking a sixth term, and it was one of the reasons he decided to oppose him in the House race. He said term limits would foster accountability.

McFeeters, of Hoover, said he would limit himself to five terms in the House if elected, but he did not think self-imposed term limits would work if only Republicans did it.

Wilkins said he supports a constitutional amendment to limit terms of federal officials.

Palmer, meanwhile, agreed he made that promise but said he was compelled to change his mind.

“I own this,” Palmer said of his promise. “I said it, and I don’t make any excuses for it. But I believe that I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.”

He added that others encouraged him to run and he sought answers in prayer. “I really believe that God wanted me to do this.”

Republican voters will decide March 5 which of the three candidates will be their nominee. The newly drawn 6^th district takes in much of Birmingham and sweeps south and west to take part of Tuscaloosa and the Black Belt.

Here are candidates’ positions on several key issues.

Immigration

Wilkins and Palmer both favor making national borders more secure.

Wilkins proposes more physical barriers, increased surveillance technology and strengthening the border patrol in an attempt to halve illegal migration, human trafficking and the flow of drugs over the border. He proposes that the U. S. end funding to the United Nations because it allocates millions for migrants.

He said he would push for more funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol by reallocating funds designated for Internal Revenue Service expansion and Ukrainian security.

Palmer has introduced several bills aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement.

National Debt

All three candidates expressed concerns over the extent of the national debt.

McFeeters said the Cares Act and COVID-19 spending added $12 trillion to the $34 trillion national debt.

Palmer voted for a debt ceiling bill last year. He then called on President Biden to negotiate with Republicans about the debt ceiling. The government should spend within its means, he said.

Wilkins blamed inflation on the national debt.

Funding for Ukraine

Wilkins says that if elected, he would introduce legislation that moves money from wars in other countries, such as Ukraine, to fund infrastructure improvements at home.

McFeeters also proposes ending funding to Ukraine. He called America’s Ukrainian policies the biggest policy mistake the U.S. has made, saying the U.S. will need Russia’s help dealing with China. He also supports the U.S. withdrawing from the United Nations and the World Health Organization.

Palmer was given a B- score on a report card survey done last September by a Republican conservative group, Defending Democracy Together, trying to persuade Republicans to continue supporting Ukraine. The group cited his voting record on Ukraine issues.

Second Amendment

Palmer is a supporter of the constitutional right to bear arms, and in 2017 he co-sponsored a concealed carry bill that does not end at state lines. He said restrictions on gun owners are unconstitutional.

Wilkins said he supports proactive protection to strengthen the rights of gun owners.

Department of Education

Wilkins proposes abolishing the U.S. Department of Education and giving the money used to support it to state and local governments so they could run the schools.

McFeeters wants the department reshaped and says that power over education should be returned to states and parents.