SANDPOINT — Strict adherence to Republican party positions and voting  became the central issue at state legislative candidates forum Thursday night.

Four challengers for the Republican District 1 legislative positions squared off against District 1 incumbents Sen. Shawn Keough, Rep. Eric Anderson and Rep. George Eskridge. When primary elections arrive on May 15, Anderson will face challengers Donna Capurso and Louis Kins, Keough will run against Danielle Ahrens and Eskridge will compete with Pam Stout.

A community forum held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Thursday evening didn’t attract significant attendance. However, it did give candidates a chance to detail why they would be a good choice for the community.

Kins said he was a strongly conservative candidate with a history of fiscal responsibility. He developed an inclination for restrained spending habits throughout a variety of careers, including hands-on work as a carpenter. His goals for Idaho include using low taxes and Idaho’s resources to bring prosperity to the state.

“We have all these natural resources, and what are we going to do with them? Let them sit?” he said.

Stout focused on taxes in her portions of the forum, pledging to never support a tax raise. That promise stems from her involvement in the Tea Party, a role that earned her national attention in 2010. She said her experiences as a small business owner and a conservative community activist have helped prepare her for the job.

“I don’t see the community thriving right now, and that’s where my focus will be,” she said.

Ahrens got her start in California working as a law enforcement officer and now focuses on ranching with her family. She said she is committed to responsible spending, pro-life support and Second Amendment protection.

“My position is simple,” she said. “Don’t spend what you don’t have, don’t ask for federal grants and don’t buy what you can’t afford.”

Capurso emphasized her role as a mother, business owner and volunteer in support for her candidacy. She described her positions as being firmly pro-life, pro-faith and pro-Second Amendment. Her worries for her children ultimately persuaded her to enter the race, Capurso said.

“I’m very concerned they will not enjoy the same liberties and freedoms I did,” she added.

As for the incumbents, Anderson has served as a representative since 2004 and is a member of the Environment, Energy and Technology and State Affairs committees. He said he particularly advocates personal property rights, economic development and fiscal responsibility. He also advocates a lawsuit against the federal government against the Affordable Care Act rather than using the controversial concept of nullification.

“We’re quick to become judicial geniuses when it comes to something we don’t like,” he said. “However, we need to go through due process when it comes to fighting (this legislation).”

Eskridge, a representative since 2000, serves on four committees: the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, Resources and Conservation Committee and Appropriations Committee. In addition to his legislative experience, he cited his past as a Vietnam veteran, private business owner and public servant among his credentials. At the forum, he emphasized the need for limited government, quality education and use of Idaho’s natural resources.

“I’m committed to fighting against wasteful spending and using our resources in a manner best for Idaho,” he said.

A senator since 1996, Keough serves on the Finance, Transportation and Joint Finance and Appropriations committees. She cited both her seniority within the Senate and her private sector experience as two valuable tools in advocating for her constituent’s interests. As far as key issues go, natural resource management, fiscal responsibility, economic development and advocacy for North Idaho top her list.

“When I first ran for office, voters told me they wanted a fair share of highway dollars, funding for schools and more jobs in the area,” she said. “That’s what I’ve been working for ever since.”

Although the forum covered topics ranging from the reclamation of Idaho lands from federal control to support of upcoming education reform policies, perhaps the most distinguishing moment arrived when very conservative audience members complained of the incumbents’ voting records. They disliked the number of times the legislators voted against a Republican majority.

The incumbents defended their record by saying they were not elected to represent just Republicans but residents of all political affiliation. They added that when they opposed their party, they did so on measures that would disadvantage their constituents or district.

“As General Patton said, ‘When everybody thinks alike, someone’s not thinking,’” Anderson said.

By comparison, the challengers said they largely supported the established Republican platform.