SPRINGFIELD - Monday's televised debate gave the three candidates vying to succeed U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood ample chance to distinguish themselves from one another. | Interactive Video: Create your own 11th Congressional District debate

It was at the end of the debate that the three 18th Congressional District candidates used their varying experiences to draw stark contrasts from one another.

Republican Aaron Schock of Peoria tried to stress his experience in government so far, despite his age of 27.

"I'm the only candidate that's held elected office," said Schock, now serving as a state lawmaker from Peoria.

But Democrat Colleen Callahan of Kickapoo and Green Party candidate Sheldon Schafer of Peoria argued voters wanted someone without a political background.

Callahan appeared to take direct aim at Schock.

"This is not a time to build a resume," she said.

The debate televised on WEEK-TV in Peoria visited issues that have come up in the campaign's past months, including Callahan's call for the U.S. to reinstitute a draft in some form.

She has proposed that every young person of a certain age be required to serve to the country - in the military or otherwise.

"It is the fairest way to rebuild our military," Callahan said.

Schock shot back that a military staffed with unwilling soliders could have "catastrophic" results. He also wondered what would happen if a large segment of the population was volunteering and not working.

"What would be the impact on the economy?" he said.

Schafer, who served in the Peace Corps, said he valued the idea of service, but wondered if it was practical to draft every person of a certain age into action.

"It's certainly problematic," he said.

Monday's debate was televised locally in Peoria, generally considered the center of the 18th Congressional District. But the district includes Logan County, parts of Decatur and Macon County, and parts of Woodford and Tazewell counties.

Much of the last month of the campaign could likely focus on economic issues, as many voters see that as the nation's top concern. Monday, Callahan and Schock both reiterated that they would have supported Congress' $700 billion bailout plan that was approved last week.