During Gulfport's candidate forum, Jessica Ehrlich, the Democratic opponent for U.S. House District 13, walked off stage at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom September 20.

Rep. C.W. Bill Young was absent from the Meet the Candidates Forum, but did have a representative, his son, Billy Young.

After this happened, we asked for your opinions and you've expressed how you felt in our comments.

Patch user Trusgold commented: "Apparently the Congressman is far to good to debate an opponent. Don't you think the people of that district have right to see their Congressman in a debate with his opponent. He doesn't own that district."

Patch user Chely Hernández-Miller commented: "Why not take the reason of the Congressman´s absence at face value? Not every politician lies......Congressional schedules can be checked and confirmed. I really like Billy Young´s comment: ¨I feel like Clint Eastwood¨!"

Patch user Gary May commented: Don't worry He is to popular. Been around a long time and will cotinue to be around a long time. Good guy and has done well for this area.

Torrey Craig asked in a comment: When was the last time Congressman Young stood before his constituents and publicly presented his positions on various topics least of all debated an opponent?

What were your thoughts on the event and what people thought of it? Let us know in the comments!