RANCHO SANTA FE — Thirteen Republican candidates attempted to distinguish themselves despite sharing, as one candidate put it, the “same basic positions on national issues” by emphasizing their own personal backgrounds at a March 1 forum.

Held by the Rancho Santa Fe Republican Women at the Golf Club, the forum drew a baker’s dozen of people seeking the 50th district seat vacated by the resignation of former Rep. Duke Cunningham.

San Diego businessman Alan Uke quipped that each person had similar positions — each said he or she wants to get tough on illegal immigration, keep taxes low and support the military.

Uke said what matters is the background and personality of the individuals.

“It’s very easy to make ideas,” Uke said. “It’s very hard to get things accomplished.”

The Republican candidates alternately touted their political expertise and their lack thereof.

State Sen. Bill Morrow, former Rep. Brian Bilbray, former Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian and former Del Mar Mayor Richard Earnest all said their backgrounds showed their legislative effectiveness and commitment to conservative ideals.

The political outsiders, however, said their lack of political experience was a plus. In a campaign that is tinged by the bribery of Cunningham, many candidates said that not being politicians helps to ensure they are not tainted by political corruption.

Businessman Bill Boyer pledged not to accept any campaign contributions and said not having political experience will help him restore core values to the Republican party.

“We need to do more than just be a better alternative,” he said.

Former Judge Victor Ramirez made the same pledge against accepting campaign contributions.

“Money and its use in politics is why you see so many people standing up here,” Ramirez said.

Other political outsiders included businessman Bill Hauf, intelligence analyst Delecia Holt, California Highway Patrol officer Jeff Newsome, businessman Scott Orren and former pro football player Scott Turner.

To set themselves apart from the pack, a few candidates talked about their demographics.

Holt, the only Republican candidate who is also a woman, said she thought the party should run a woman to counter Francine Busby, the strongest Democratic contender.

Turner, who is black, said he was eager to show the world that the party is racially diverse. He said he was ready to “cross any kind of barriers that may exist in America today.”

The format let each candidate make a three minute statement. Afterward, a few candidates were able to answer audience questions.

Given the abbreviated amount of time each candidate had to speak, there were no in-depth policy discussions and most candidates offered only brief biographical sketches.

The special election to replace Cunningham will be held April 11.