The three candidates battling for Mitt Romney’s open Senate seat took to the debate stage on Thursday night, with housing affordability, public lands and abortion being among the most pressing issues addressed.
The debate started with the candidates informing Utahns why they are running for the Senate.
Independent candidate Carlton Bowen said he was running so Utahns could have a conservative, pro-Trump candidate on the ballot.
“I’m for the U.S. Constitution, and I am running on a platform of traditional values, traditional money and our tradition of freedom,” Bowen said to a crowd at Weber State University. “Traditional values are so basic, it’s silly that we even have to talk about it, but we’re at a point in our nation’s history where we do need to stand up for what we believe in and be silent no more.”
Democratic candidate Caroline Gleich argued the need for change to end the inaction in Washington.
“Utahns are frustrated by the lack of action on the most pressing issues and challenges they’re faced with today,” Gleich said. “Things like housing affordability, attacks on our public lands, the lack of real action on immigration and the air quality and these overall challenges that we’re facing”
Rep. John Curtis said that while most things can be done on the local level, the federal government plays a role in issues like inflation.
“Inflation is one the single biggest issues right now, and you have to point squarely at the federal government,” he said.
Housing
When asked by a student how the candidates plan to make housing more affordable for all Utahns, Gleich threw support to raising the minimum wage and adding tax incentives for first-time homebuyers.
“We need to ensure that future generations have the same potential to live the American dream,” she said.
Curtis touted his recently proposed HOMES Act, which allows people to put their self-directed IRA savings to buy a home for themselves or their children. Additionally, he mentioned the HOUSES Act, which would allow the state government to use federal land to build new housing.
On the topic of public land management, all three candidates agreed that the Antiquities Act should be replaced or rewritten.
Bowen accused the Obama Administration of abusing the Antiquities Act when they earmarked millions of acres of land for Bear’s Ear National Monument.
Bowen then said he was the only Trump-supporting candidate on the ballot and called out Curtis for previously being a Democrat and not supporting Trump, prompting Curtis time for a rebuttal.
“I’m actually going to fight the urge to rebut that, I don’t think it’s worth the time of those watching,” Curtis said. “When president Trump is doing things that are in line with Utah values, I’m 100% behind him.”
Immigration in Utah
On immigration, Curtis argued in favor of passing the Dignity Act, which includes a provision allowing illegal immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for five years a path to permanent residency if they pass a criminal background check, pay fines and meet other requirements.
Bowen said he would not include amnesty in any legislation because he believes it leads to more law-breaking and stressed the importance of following the law.
Gleich mentioned former President Trump’s family separation policy, stating that it was inhumane and the need to restore peace.
Abortion
The debate closed on the subject of Utah’s abortion laws and whether the candidates support regulating abortion on the state or national level.
Curtis said abortion laws should be governed at the state level and stressed the importance of the safety of both the mother’s and child’s life, adding he supports exceptions for rape and incest, while Bowen said he is “100% opposed to abortion.”
Gleich said that Utah deserves a senator who trusts families to make the best decision for themselves and the need to protect IVF, stating that it’s an essential part of creating families in today’s society.
Utahns can vote for their next senator on election day, Nov. 5.
