Cloud, Holguin offer contrasting visions in congressional debate

Oct. 25--The two major party candidates vying to represent District 27 in Congress proposed sharply different visions for increasing affordable housing in the Crossroads in a congressional debate Thursday.

U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud, the Republican incumbent, met with his Democratic challenger Eric Holguin in the debate, during which Hurricane Harvey loomed large as the candidates discussed national and local issues and the ongoing recovery effort from the devastating natural disaster.

Holguin and Cloud diverged in their ideas to spur more affordable housing and better wages in South Texas. Housing has become a more pressing area of concern for the region after Harvey damaged or destroyed significant portions of the housing stock.

Cloud called for deregulation to allow builders to build homes more cheaply. The congressman said a "pro-growth policy" would cause jobs and wages to increase.

Holguin instead called for an increase in the minimum wage to help renters afford homes without having to work multiple jobs. He also backed a proposal that would allow people to use their rent payments to count toward building up their credit score.

The congressman questioned his opponent's support for increasing the minimum wage.

"It's a nice notion to think that the government can give everybody a job and ... force the markets to work, but it's really wishful thinking and it's not backed by any sort of data," Cloud said.

Cloud also defended his votes and actions during his brief first term in office, which began in July. Cloud said he was proud of what he had accomplished during his first three months in office, particularly re-opening the district's congressional offices to help residents needing assistance with Harvey recovery.

The Victoria Republican was elected in a special election in June to finish the term of Republican Blake Farenthold, who resigned from Congress this year amid an ethics investigation. Cloud and Holguin also competed against one another in that election, in which Cloud captured about 55 percent of votes and Holguin about 32 percent. Now, months later, both will again be on the ballot on Election Day.

District 27 covers all or some of 13 counties in Texas, including Victoria County.

Thursday's debate, which will likely be the last one between the two candidates before Election Day, covered a variety of topics based on questions submitted by Advocate readers. The candidates discussed how to best support veterans, the Affordable Care Act and coverage for pre-existing conditions, education, and other issues. The debate was hosted by the Victoria Advocate and the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, whose president Randy Vivian moderated the discussion.

The two also contrasted in their answers to questions about the Violence Against Women Act, a law that was first passed by Congress in 1994 but is at risk of expiring in December.

Holguin said he would "vote 1,000 percent to reauthorize it."

Cloud did not say how he would vote on a reauthorization bill, calling for a "return to civility."

"I can tell you I'm against violence against anyone," Cloud said. "Women, men, and especially the children who are in the mother's womb. This issue is a culture issue in our nation, where we've stopped valuing life, where violence has become commonplace."

Holguin's supporters in the crowd booed Cloud during a response on the same topic, after Cloud said: "Our Constitution doesn't hand out rights specifically for different individuals," and added that "the thing to do is not to overcompensate."

"No one gets special rights, no one gets special privileges. All people are treated equally before God and before our court system. That's the goal," the congressman continued. "No one wants violence before women, that's ridiculous. My entire life I've done my best to live honorable and to treat people right."

The most recent version of the Violence Against Women Act was passed in 2013. The act was originally going to expire in September, but its funding was extended under a stopgap spending bill. Last month, dozens of Congressional Republicans called for the bill to be extended and urged for bipartisan reauthorization of the legislation. The act finances investigative work into violent crimes against women,and also funds shelters for victims of domestic violence, among other measures.

Texas voters can vote early through Nov. 2. The victor of the District 27 congressional race will serve a two-year term.

Ciara McCarthy covers local government for the Victoria Advocate as a Report for America corps member. You can reach her at cmccarthy@vicad.com or at 580-6597 or on Twitter at @mccarthy_ciara.

___

(c)2018 Victoria Advocate (Victoria, Texas)

Visit Victoria Advocate (Victoria, Texas) at www.victoriaadvocate.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.