KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — The candidates vying for the 6th district’s congressional seat squared off in their only scheduled debate Thursday on WKZO-AM.
You can listen to the debate here.
Rep. Fred Upton, a Republican from St. Joseph who has served in the House since 1987, says experience makes him the best choice.
“Republicans are going to keep the majority in the House,” Upton said. “It’s very important we have somebody from this district to get things done.”
Paul Clements, a Western Michigan University professor who is challenging Upton as a Democrat, said Upton’s out of touch with the district’s economic realities.
“If we want an economy that works for all of us, we don’t need to just fiddle about here and there,” Clements said. “We need some substantial changes.”
Lorence Wenke, a Republican-turned-Libertarian who has previously served as a state representative, said the national debt should be a chief concern for the district’s congressman.
“$60,000 for every citizen of the 6th district,” Wenke said. “Congressman Upton has been in Washington for 30 years and he’s done a lot of good things, but the bill has been put on our credit card.”
The hour-long debate featured discussions on gun control, the cost of prescription drugs, infrstructure, the Affordable Care Act and campaign finance reform, among other topics.
