The candidates in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District sparred over a number of issues in a debate held at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Tuesday.
U.S. Rep. Ron Kind is a La Crosse native and has been in office for 18 years. This year, he’s being challenged by Republican Tony Kurtz, a political newcomer who farms in Prairie du Chien.
During the debate, the candidates disagreed on how to handle the nation’s growing debt, Voter ID, and ending partisan gridlock. They also differ on how to best tackle immigration reform.
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Kind said security needs to be improved, especially on the southern border. But he said a pathway to citizenship also needs to be established for both low- and high-skilled workers.
“One that doesn’t leapfrog anyone else who’s been waiting in the queue or waiting in line. One that asks a lot of those who came here illegally,” he said. “They’ve got to admit their crime. They got to pay the penalty. They got to get to the back of the line. They got to go through those types of steps and procedures before they’re even considered to get there.”
Kurtz said Congress has been debating the issue for too long and officials need to take immediate actions to secure the border.
“With the threat of ISIS, with the threat of Ebola, with all the other communicable diseases, now is the right time and the will to secure the border. That needs to be the very first step before we talk about any more immigration,” said Kurtz.
The candidates also disagree on the Affordable Care Act. Kind, who voted for it, said that it’s not perfect but is giving health care providers and patients tools to improve the system. Kurtz said he wants to see it repealed and replaced with a more competitive plan.
The candidates will meet for a final forum in Stevens Point on Thursday evening.
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