In debate, GOP 2nd CD candidates agree on immigration, part over Social Security, Obamacare

Sept. 01--CONCORD -- The two Republican candidates for Congress in New Hampshire's Second District spoke in unison on immigration and gun violence, but parted company on health care reform, Social Security and ways to balance the federal budget during a televised debate Wednesday night.

Both State Rep. Jack Flanagan, R-Brookline and former Rep. Jim Lawrence, R-Hudson, support the thrust of GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump's push to build a wall along the border with Mexico and to deport illegal immigrants.

Flanagan said the wall may not be feasible along the entire, 3,000-mile border but can be reinforced with electronic fencing.

"Physically I don't know if you could put a wall up everywhere based on terrain and so forth," Flanagan said during a debate on NH1-TV in Concord. "If there is a physical wall that might be done, by all means let's do it."

Lawrence said securing the American border was the cornerstone of his first campaign for Congress two years ago.

"I still agree that securing our border is the quickest way for us to stop the flow of illegal narcotics across our border," Flanagan said.

"I do believe we can do this."

These rivals face on Sept. 13 for the right to face two-term Democrat Annie Kuster, D-NH.

Both said the Black Lives Movement that's criticized law enforcement targeting of minorities has not made America safer.

Lawrence is the son of a police officer and seeks to become the first, African-American elected to major office in New Hampshire.

"I have felt the leadership in Washington has continued to lead us down the wrong path and fan the flames of racial hatred instead of bringing us together," Lawrence said.

"I believe the work of Black Lives is frankly of that same ilk unfortunately. It continues to drive a wedge between the police officers and the community."

But on health care reform, Flanagan pounced on Lawrence who has said he wants to "amend Obamacare."

Flanagan, a former House majority leader, said if elected he'd only vote to repeal and replace the 2010 health care mandate.

"I am surprised because I hear Jim's answer as being the same as Annie Kuster," Flanagan said.

Lawrence said he's no fan of Obamacare.

"I would never vote for Obamacare nor have I ever supported Obamacare," Lawrence said.

On Social Security, Lawrence said all options should be on the table to make it solvent in the future. These include eliminating benefits for the super-wealthy, lifting a cap on the Social Security tax or raising the retirement age.

"The one thing we do know is that if we do nothing it will fall off a cliff," Lawrence said.

"I believe that you need to leave all options on the table and make the tough decisions needed to keep Social Security solvent."

Flanagan said he would first work to balance the federal budget and end the practice of raiding Social Security to support federal budget spending.

"Jim is looking for quick fixes and then funding. I am looking at funding and then potentially some quick fixes if they are needed," Flanagan said.

But the two swapped sides when it came to listing specific federal agencies they would cut.

Flanagan said the Department of Education could be pared down, he would merge the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency and whittle down federal "accountability" agencies from at least seven down to one.

Lawrence said that would be the wrong approach.

Our government is continuing to overtax and over-regulate our businesses.

"We can't do that effectively by picking out one, two or three federal agencies. I firmly believe you need to look across the board," Lawrence said.

These two candidates meet again next Thursday night at 7 on WMUR-TV, part of a series co-sponsored with the New Hampshire Union Leader. The series includes two debates for candidates for governor along with Republicans running for the US Senate and Congress in the First District.

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