Figurative knives were out in the third and final debate between Democratic incumbent Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and Republican Paul Junge in the race for the Eighth Congressional District Mondy night.
The debate took place at Cleary University just hours after news broke that President Donald Trump ordered his negotiators to stop working on a coronavirus relief package until after the election.
Junge, a former television anchor, Trump appointee, and attorney, criticized Slotkin’s voting record and the Democratic leadership in the U.S. House.
“To some degree I see what the Trump administration—what President Trump did—that you have an intransigent Democrat leadership that just will not move," said Junge. "I mean from what I understand there have been countless negotiations between Secretary Mnuchin and the Speaker.”
Slotkin implored both sides to get back to the table.
“I urge the president to reverse himself, get back in the negotiating room. Just like I urged my own leadership in the House. It is the responsibility of all elected leaders to meet the moment, put politics aside, even with the election this close, and negotiate another package.”
The topic of healthcare also continued to dominate the race after an exchange between the candidates at the second debate went viral. Slotkin pressed Junge to take a position on the lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act.
“I will protect people with preexisting conditions," said Junge.
Slotkin countered, "So then have some guts and come out against the administration like John James just did ... do it, have some guts."
"This is another partisan false choice offered by the Congresswoman,” Junge replied.
Junge has said he will support parts of the Affordable Care Act if it’s the best option to protect people with preexisting conditions, but he says the Affordable Care Act as the best option is a false choice.
Both candidates are vying for the seat that represents parts of Ingham, Oakland and Livingston Counties.
