BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota Republican U.S. House candidate Shane Goettle (GET'-uhl) says the federal government shouldn't be telling people "what kind of light bulbs to buy or
cars to drive."
    
Five of the six GOP House candidates spoke Monday night at a Republican district convention in Bismarck.
    
A crowd of about 1,200 people watched the speeches. Many of them were there to hear Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul. But the House candidates tried to make an impression.
    
Congressional candidate Kim Koppelman compared the nation's debt crisis to the problems brought on by the Civil War.
    
Brian Kalk said the nation's military commitments overseas need to be re-evaluated.
    
Candidate Kevin Cramer didn't attend the Monday event. He is skipping the Republican state convention in March, and running in the June primary.