Kuster, Negron highlight differences in 2nd CD debate

New Hampshire Union Leader

Oct. 17--Kuster, Negron highlight differences in 2nd CD debate

By DAVID SOLOMON

New Hampshire Union Leader

October 16. 2018 10:51PM

CONCORD -- Incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster and her Republican challenger, state Rep. Steve Negron of Nashua, squared off in their second debate on Tuesday, highlighting their differences on immigration, climate change and abortion.

In the debate hosted by New Hampshire Public Radio and broadcast on The Exchange, both took different positions on how the U.S. should respond to allegations that Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi was tortured and killed by Saudi operatives at the Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey.

Negron put the situation in the same context as the hearings on the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh before the Senate Judiciary Committee, claiming there is no proof of Saudi involvement.

"We are a country that has due process and we need to follow that whether it's within the borders of our country or abroad. What I wouldn't do is what we did during the Kavanaugh hearings and rush to judgment," he said. "We know the Saudis are our allies, but in due course if we find there is cause for sanctions we should act, but we shouldn't have this pack mentality that we are going to rush to judgment and convict somebody."

Kuster called for immediate sanctions.

"The First Amendment and protections for journalists around the globe is one of the most important values we hold," she said, alluding to President Trump's reference to the possibility that "rogue killers" were responsible.

"He is talking about rogue groups while we are hearing that the Saudis are about to come forward and acknowledge to the world that (Khashoggi) was murdered and dismembered at the Saudi embassy in Turkey," she said.

Heated exchange

The most heated exchange in the otherwise cordial debate was about abortion rights, when Kuster pointed out that Negron opposes abortion with no exceptions for the life of the mother or in cases of rape or incest. She asked him "what mechanism will you use" to make women give birth under such circumstances.

"Every woman I know who has gone through that procedure has regretted it," said Negron. "If you look at today's advancements in medical technology, it's a rare instance where someone has to make that choice (between the life of the baby or the life of the mother)."

While Negron was answering, Kuster pressed him on "what mechanism would you use," and earned a mild rebuke from moderator Laura Knoy for interrupting.

"I'm just trying to get him to answer the question," Kuster said.

Negron then told of how in 1965 his pregnant aunt contracted German measles and was advised to abort the pregnancy but declined.

"My cousin was born deaf and dumb with a hole in her heart and blind in one eye," said Negron, "but the decision my aunt made brought that life into this world. She lived for 35 years and we had a wonderful relationship. I was a pallbearer at her funeral and if my aunt had decided something different, I wouldn't have had that relationship with my cousin."

Immigration perspectives

On immigration, the two candidates mostly stuck to their respective party platforms, although Negron was sympathetic to the need for more temporary visas for foreign workers.

When asked if he would support an increase in the so-called HB2 visas issued to those workers, he said, "absolutely."

Kuster said efforts to do that have run into Republican opposition in Congress.

"I'm surprised by Mr. Negron's answer," she said. "Comprehensive immigration reform passed the Senate five years ago, but the House has not held a single hearing on the bill and is cutting back on visas."

Both agreed that New Hampshire has a desperate need for seasonal workers, particularly in the hospitality industry and in agriculture.

Negron, whose grandfather emigrated from Mexico, said he is "100 percent for immigration, but there's a right way to come in here."

"There is a majority of Hispanics out there who say they don't like other Hispanics coming in here illegally either. I take umbrage when people try to paint me or Republicans as anti-immigration," he said.

Kuster described climate change as "the most important issue we face," while Negron said the science on global warming is inconclusive.

"I'm not sure it is as dire as people say," Negron said, "but let's figure out what it is. If you believe past presidential candidates, the polar ice caps should have melted by now."

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