Democrat Debbie Holmes, who is challenging Blackfoot Republican Rep. Mike Simpson, criticized the five-term incumbent on a handful of issues Tuesday. She promised to push for the universal health care system proposed by presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Holmes, in Twin Falls on the way to campaign in eastern Idaho, said she supports Obama's health care program, designed to provide care to all children and make health care transferable between jobs for adults.

"I don't see the Republicans coming up with a good health care plan," she said. "(Simpson) seems to shy away from the government getting involved in health care aside from SCHIPS (State Children's Health Insurance Program, a program that provides health care to families with children.)"

In May, Holmes, a Boise real estate agent with no political background, beat David Sneddon with 70 percent of the vote.

Reached for comment, Simpson said the government is actually the "biggest health care provider" in the U.S., citing Social Security and Medicare. He said neither Obama nor Republican John McCain has offered a researched plan that will require responsibility from the individual.

"In an ideal situation for America - not for Europe or Canada - what would be the government's responsibility, what would be the employer's responsibility and most importantly, what would be the individual's responsibility?" he asked.

Holmes criticized Sim-pson for having an energy plan that's light on alternatives and dependent on drilling for oil.

"It seems to be drill now, drill here and drill everywhere," she said. She said she supports a 10 to 15 year stop-gap measure - "a little" domestic drilling but focus on alternatives and renewables, she said.

Simpson again took issue with Holmes, pointing to the recent legislation that he said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., denied a vote by adjourning Congress. He said it included off-shore domestic drilling but provided for wind, solar and other alternative energy sources.

"(Drilling) is the most controversial, that's why," it gets criticized, he said. "(The bill) involved everything. We have to do all the above."

On embryonic stem cell research, Holmes said it could lead to cures of cancer, among other things.

"We're not creating embryos to make stem cells," he said. "These embryos are already there."

Simpson said he'd be comfortable with adult stem cell research, but added the public has not decided whether it supports the embryonic angle.

"I've got to admit, it's a fluid position to me," he said. "I listen to the debate and both sides make good arguments."

Holmes continues to campaign, and said she has raised $14,000 and has about $1,000 cash on hand.

"If people look at the issues I think I can win," she said. "If people look at the Ds and Rs next to our names maybe I won't."