GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Whereas one could argue civility lacked just months ago, it shined during the first debate between U.S. Rep. Justin Amash and local businessman Bob Goodrich.

And that should be heralded as an accomplishment of the democratic process, seeing opposing candidates discuss debate logistics on their own terms, lauded moderator and WOOD-TV 8 political reporter Rick Albin.

It was earlier in July when the Amash camp turned down the station's invitation to a debate, citing then-primary challenger Brian Ellis' "feckless smear campaign" against the incumbent. Despite Ellis' repeated requests for a debate, none took place.

Amash, R-Cascade Township, on primary night exclaimed he ran for Congress to stop people like Ellis, and during the hour-long discussion Wednesday at Grand Valley State University's Eberhard Center, he again vowed to represent ordinary Americans who can't win a fight against special interests if re-elected in November.

This was Amash's first debate since he was first elected to represent the Third Congressional District in 2010 and Democratic challenger Goodrich's first debate as a political candidate.

"At the end of the day, I have to make a decision based on everyone in my district ... there are all sorts of constituencies that I have to represent," Amash said.

"It's my job to make sure when a person comes to Washington, D.C., and asks for help with something that the legislation is constitutional and that it really does aid all of the people back home, not just some of the people."

Amash's unwillingness to not always toe the party line at time has drawn controversy and praise during his two terms in the U.S. House. Goodrich jumped at the former, saying there's a disparity between Amash's actions and underprivileged residents who haven't been better off with his leadership.

The problem is, the number of people who suffer from income inequality are those who don't vote, Goodrich said, adding, who do typically vote Republican.

"My principal message is fairness and looking at the consequences of people's lives, ... I think there's an obstructionist mindset of Republicans and it frustrates the efforts of the Democrats," Goodrich said. "If I had an answer of how to get non-voters to vote, I'd receive some award."

Goodrich: The Affordable Care Act has been well received while "Obamacare" has been demonized, and it's the same thing.

Goodrich said he doesn't understand why something that gives millions of more Americans access to healthcare when they didn't have it before has become such a fight, a "regrettable conversation."

He later added that the discussion largely focuses on how it became implemented, not the consequences on how to ensure the health of everyone.

"Why the Republicans, I'm sure are grateful they have healthcare, are unwilling to see it brought available to everyone is really kind of the key to the contention between the congressman and myself," he said.

Amash has taken votes to repeal the act, and it's something that shouldn't be handled at the federal level.

"These are the kind of issues, healthcare that are handled to the state level," Amash said. "It shifts costs, transfers the cost from some people to others."

Amash: For those who are seeking asylum (to the U.S.), ... we should welcome them with open arms.

Goodrich began the discussion by wishing to change the perspective, recognizing the people who cross the borders are economic refugees.

They're leaving their countries, a terrible situation, for something better, Goodrich said.

Unfortunately, there are many who come and claim to be refugees but are not — it poses a security risk, Amash argued. Not only should the federal government strengthen security at its borders, but it should work to improve our legal immigration system because some overstay on their visa.

Goodrich charged the number who are not refugees is exaggerated, and it's time we figure out why we bring up weaponry when people are looking a safe haven.

Amash: The (spending) balance is in the Constitution.

Social security, military spending, Medicare and Medicaid: if you don't address spending in those areas, you're not going to get it under control, Amash said.

It's the lobbyists, though, who are worsening this nation's deficit, Goodrich said.

"Our deficit is a smokescreen for wealthy corporations through their lobbyists to continue to get favors," said Goodrich, thanking Amash for not bowing to special interests, but, "He's not changing the reality of Washington by talking about the Constitution. We've got to change the influence of lobbyists."

Amash said lobbyists usually aren't asking for tax breaks, they're asking for more spending. Legislators need to be reasonable on spending decisions, he added.

Andrew Krietz covers breaking, politics and transportation news for MLive and The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at akrietz@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.