http://youtu.be/myECtJUDxH4
The only broadcast debate between the candidates in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District will air Thursday at 7pm on KRWG-TV and KRWG Radio. Incumbent Republican Steve Pearce and his Democratic challenger Rocky Lara squared off at KRWG Wednesday.
One hotly contested issue was Pearce’s vote for a Republican House budget that would have eventually replaced Medicare with premium supports to buy private insurance. Pearce did not specifically respond to questions about that vote but he did blast the Affordable Care Act.
Lara was asked to explain her support for the Affordable Care Act, which expands drug payment support for Medicare but cuts payments for private Medicare Advantage plans. She said she supported the savings built into Medicare. She added that she would never support what she called a “voucher” plan for Medicare.
Two more issues where the candidates differed were marriage for same sex couples….supported by Lara, rejected by Pearce. Pearce also rejected global warming and the need to address it. Lara said global warming is an important issue to address and southern New Mexico can take advantage of the need with solar and wind power.
Support for the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument was also an issue raised in the debate. Lara said if elected she would work to secure federal funding for the monument. Pearce, who supported a smaller monument plan, indicated he would have to see any funding requests to determine if federal funding should be spent on the monument. And Pearce added that Congress should challenge the President’s monument designation.
Thursday at 7:00 pm
KRWG-TV and KRWG-FM
New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District Debate
The debate will be repeated Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 11am on KRWG-TV.
On Thursday, October 30, at 7pm join KRWG-TV and KRWG-FM for the only televised debate featuring Democratic U.S. Senator Tom Udall and his Republican challenger Allen Weh.
Both debates are moderated by ABC journalist Sam Donaldson.
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