Congressman Paul Broun (R-Ga.) spoke to about 50 University students and Athens-Clarke County residents Wednesday night.

College Republicans organized the townhall event at the Tate Center. The 10th District congressman, who represents Athens and Augusta, spoke about current issues from illegal immigration to abortion. Broun denounced what he called “deplorable partisanship” in Congress and urged a return to civil debate and understanding in politics.

“I think there are many issues that have made the Congress’ (approval) rating so low,” he said. “The American public sees the Republicans acting like Democrats, and they’re sick of it.”

Broun, a conservative who strictly interprets the Constitution, has bucked Republican leadership several times, including supporting prescribing of marijuana for certain medicinal purposes, since defeating Republican Jim Whitehead in a July special election.

Broun said he will not vote for a bill that does not meet his criteria of being moral, constitutional, necessary and affordable.

“I pledged as a candidate that I would not vote for tax increases. I have kept that pledge, and I will continue to keep that pledge,” he said, adding Congress should cut the federal budget rather than ask for more money from American people.

The first bill Broun introduced as a congressman was the Sanctity of Human Life Act of 2007, which declares human life begins at fertilization, at the forming of the zygote. Broun said the bill codifies what he sees as scientific fact, and uses the term “fertilization” over “conception,” which he believes is more accurate.

Broun said he will make the bill the first item he introduces every term he is in office until Congress passes it.

“I know without a question that that’s when life begins,” he said. “God cannot and will not bless America as long as we’re killing 4,000 babies everyday.”

In his talk, Broun discussed the issue of illegal immigration, and called on the Bush administration to enforce immigration laws. He also harshly criticized governments in San Francisco and the state of New York that condone illegal immigration.

“When the governor of New York says he’s going to give lawbreakers, criminals legal documentation, he’s off-base,” Broun said.

Broun briefly touched on a number of other topics, including healthcare reform, the war in Iraq, nuclear power and his own re-election.

Despite considerably less money in his campaign war chest than his opponent, Georgia House Majority Whip Barry Fleming, Broun said re-election is not his major concern right now.

“People didn’t elect me to be a full-time candidate,” he said. “I’ve got to focus on doing my job.”

David Ballard, chairman of College Republicans, said the organization has regular contact with Broun through an employee of the congressman who regularly attends the group’s meetings.

“I was very encouraged with the event,” he said. “I really appreciated his candor.”