JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) - Republican U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford says the only way to control the nation's debt is by a balanced budget amendment in the Constitution, but his Democratic rival for an east Arkansas congressional seat says lawmakers need more self-control when it comes to spending.

The two rivals for Arkansas' 1st congressional district split on the amendment as they debated at Arkansas State University Thursday night. The debate also featured Green Party nominee Jacob Holloway and Libertarian Jessica Paxton.

Crawford earlier this year proposed raising taxes on millionaires in exchange for a balanced budget amendment. He also says the amendment is the only way he'll support another increase in the debt limit or a budget resolution. Ellington noted that the federal budget was balanced during Bill Clinton's presidency without an amendment.

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