It is difficult enough for candidates to get their messages to voters, but the misinterpretations and misrepresentations are sometimes even harder to overcome.

The DailyIberian asked the six candidates in the running for the state Senate District 22 seat some of the things they think have been said about them that might not be accurate.

A synopsis of their answers are included and lengthier explanations from the candidates will be posted on the newspaper’s Web site.

State Rep. Simone Champagne, R-Jeanerette, said she has been misrepresented by some as “the establishment candidate.”

“I feel I am part of the solution,” Champagne said in an interview Thursday. “I have been part of the solution for three years. I voted the right way on many issues facing the state. I am not part of the status quo and I have the record to prove that.”

Champagne also said rumors have been spread by some about her lack of support on key drainage projects in the area — namely Bayou Portage and the Armenco Canal.

“These are totally false,” Champagne said. “I understand the flooding issues residents in the district face. Since I’ve been in the Legislature, the delegation, through capital outlay and hurricane recovery programs, has been able to send more than $4 million back home for the Armenco Canal project alone.”

New Iberia lawyer David Groner said he is pleased the campaign thus far has included very little “mudslinging” and that candidates have “stuck to the issues.”

“Of course, there are those that attempt to spread false rumors and sling mud on the Internet using fake names and aliases,” Groner said. “I refuse to dignify the Internet false rumor blogs with a response. Voters have a lot more intelligence and will make up their mind on who to vote for based on what they hear and see from the candidates, not what some unknown person writes on the Internet.”

Tea Party activist Ruben LeBlanc of New Iberia complained only about “quotes that (have) been written or spoken (that) are sometimes edited” without his knowledge. Any information LeBlanc has provided to The Daily Iberian for stories covering the race, are available for comparison on the newspaper’s Web site where stories are published and his complete submissions have been posted.

State Rep. Fred Mills, R-Parks, said voters in the district should not question “if they can trust this St. Martin Parish guy.”

“I want people to know for my entire career I’ve tried balancing politics and my business life,” Mills said. “I’m being painted as a career politician. I’m not. I’m ready for this job and people can trust me to do what’s right.”

New Iberia insurance agent, Armond Schwing said some people may think he does not have the experience to be successful in Baton Rouge.

“It’s true I don’t have experience in politics and that’s a good thing,” Schwing said. “I haven’t been tainted by the process and don’t owe anyone any political favors.” Schwing said he has plenty of experience in business and public service that will help him bring fresh ideas to Baton Rouge.

Jeanerette-based helicopter crop duster Ken Squires said people mistakenly think all he knows or cares about is aircraft. Squires’ first foray into public service has been his appointment to the Acadiana Regional Airport Authority.

“I have experience and interests far and above aircraft issues,” Squires said. “I’m multidimensional. I’m interested and willing to work on many other issues facing the residents of District 22.”

For more on the candidates responses, visit www.iberianet.com, where their submissions will be posted in the coming week.