During Tuesday night's debate, incumbent state Sen. Ken Bennett (R-Prescott) defended himself against accusations from his Republican opponents that he's not conservative enough.

Former state legislators Mark Finchem and Steve Zipperman, Bennett's opponents for the Republican nomination in Yavapai County's heavily Republican 1st Congressional District, accused him of undermining the GOP cause. Bennett is known for rebelling against his own party and casting decisive votes against Republican-backed bills in the narrowly divided Arizona Legislature.

Bennett maintained his independence.

“I have never blocked anything unless it is unconstitutional or deeply flawed. I don't vote Democrat, but I don't blindly vote Republican. I vote on the merits of every bill,” Bennet said.

Fichem and Zipperman also criticized Bennett's handling of the state budget when he was Senate president and accused him of inadequate response to the 2008 financial crisis.

Bennett pointed out that he wasn't president at the time (he served as president from 2003 to 2007) and denied opponents' claims that he failed to deliver a balanced state budget during his leadership roles.

Finchim was asked about his ties to the district.

Two years ago, he represented a different district in Pima County. At the beginning of this election cycle, Finchim also requested a candidate information packet to run for office in Maricopa County.

Finchim argued Tuesday that he obtained those documents not for himself, but for a friend whose campaign he wanted to control.

And he said he's a longtime resident of Yavapai County and is able to represent the community.

“At the end of the day, living in a community for a year has to be worth something,” Finchim said.

Finchem was praised Former President Donald Trump's support for the election.

Meanwhile, Zipperman stressed that his status as a political novice gives him an advantage with Yavapai County voters.

“I think we need to listen to the people more and, frankly, I consider myself one of the people. I don't consider myself special,” Zipperman said.

Zipperman argued with Finchem and Bennett about the border security plan. Zipperman said that as a congressman, he wanted to sue the federal government for not fulfilling its border security duties. Zipperman claimed he had found an attorney willing to take on the case at no cost to taxpayers.

Zipperman also proposed building another border wall.

On the question of trust in Arizona's elections, the candidates' answers varied widely.

Bennett has pledged to accept the results of the primary.

Zipperman said that in theory it's fine, but he wouldn't say for sure.

Finchem suggested Yavapai County was likely to have a secure election, but he had less confidence in other counties, arguing that voting by mail is less secure and urging voters not to do so.