A Grovetown stump forum that had 14 state Senate and 10th Congressional District candidates represented started Thursday night with a reference to politics being "hardball."

Candidates spoke inside a gym at the Liberty Park Community Center in front of a posted "rules of the court" sign that almost seemed as fitting to politics as basketball:

1.) Limit one hour from the time you take the court.

2.) Please clean up after you leave.

3.) No profanity allowed," the sign read.

Officially, the candidates - some running for the late Charlie Norwood's vacant seat and others for state Senate District 24 - had 10 minutes each to speak.

Congressional candidates focused on issues such as cracking down on illegal immigration, strengthening healthcare and better support for the military.

"It's important we support and honor our troops," said candidate James Marlow Jr., D-Lincolnton.

On the Iraq war issue, Eric Underwood, R-Atlanta, offered what he called an exit strategy that would establish three regions in Iraq, but added, "We will not cut and run."

Nate Pulliam, R-Conyers, admitted that mistakes had been made, but said he believes President Bush "is finally getting it right."

There also was a lot of talk about conservative values, with one candidate - Mark Myers, R-Loganville - having two men hold up a picture of Ronald Reagan wearing a cowboy hat as he spoke.

State Rep. Barbara Sims, R-Augusta, attended Thursday night's meeting to represent state Sen. Jim Whitehead, R-Evans, who was unable to attend and will vacate his seat to run for the 10th District.

Mrs. Sims said Mr. Whitehead should be elected because he has a track record of conservative values and that four of Mr. Norwood's staff have already joined Mr. Whitehead's staff.

Other congressional candidates represented included Evita Paschall, D-Evans; Paul Broun Jr., R-Athens; Jim Sendelbach, L-Conyers; Denise Freeman, D-Tignall; and Bill Greene, R-Braselton.

Candidates for the state senate race that attended were Lee Benedict, Bill Jackson, Brett McGuire and Scott Nichols.

Mr. Nichols, the chairman of the Columbia County Democratic Party, addressed changing impact fee legislation to allow new school funding.

Mr. Benedict's stances included his interest in having good legislation for special needs children and cracking down on illegal immigration.

Mr. Jackson mentioned his experience as a past state legislator and spoke about the importance of education, supporting law enforcement and the military and lowering taxes for senior citizens.

Mr. McGuire, a Columbia County planning and zoning commissioner, said he would support military members and focus on the threat of illegal immigration.

Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115 or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.