Congressional candidates squared off, traded jabs in lively debate
They discussed topics like U.S. immigration policies and climate change.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Democrat Ed Case and Republican Cam Cavasso squared off with the general election just around the corner.
It was a lively showdown between two candidates hoping to earn a seat on Capitol Hill.
The 1st Congressional District hopefuls traded jabs in an hour-long debate hosted by Hawaii News Now Sunday evening.
Former Congressman Case held the U.S. House seat from 2002 to 2007, said he’s ready to return to Capitol Hill.
Cam Cavasso, who served three terms in the State House, says Hawaii needs a Republican in Washington D.C.
The two tackled topics ranging from immigration and the legalization of marijuana to the controversy surrounding Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination.
They also highlighted their differences on issues such as President Trump and his policies.
“He cares about people,” Cavasso said of Trump. “He may not have the most gracious of speaking, but he knows the issues and he brings to America strength.”
Case said this of President Trump, “I think he conducts himself in a way that disrespects the office of the president and I think that in doing so he loses credibility for the positions that he wants to take so he’s really not taken seriously.”
The two also discussed topics including abortion and immigration. Another issue they disagree on is climate change.
“I’m concerned about the politicization on both sides,” Cavasso said. “Do you believe those scientists? I’m not sure that I do believe them. I am open to hearing their views.”
In response, Case said, “The clear weight of scientific evidence that there is alteration of the climate in part due to increased carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels."
Colin Moore, a political analyst for Hawaii News Now, said voters have two very clear choices ahead of them.
“Cam Cavasso is a conservative Republican. He has never pretended to be anything other than that,” he said. “And Ed Case is more of a moderate democrat.”
Cavasso went on to say that, “Overall, they pretty much are representing their party’s positions.”
Voters will be able to cast their ballot soon as Election Day is coming up quickly on Nov. 6. If you haven’t registered yet, you can register at any early walk in voting location in your county or at your assigned polling place on Election Day.
If you missed the debate, you can watch it here.
Copyright 2018 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
