Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Oct 22: Republican Senator Roger Marshall and Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton traded sharp criticism over the Iran war, immigration enforcement, healthcare and tariff policies during their second and final debate on Wednesday, as the Kansas Senate race draws national attention ahead of Election Day.
With polls indicating a closely contested race in traditionally Republican Kansas, the candidates also faced questions about controversies surrounding their campaigns.
Hamilton, a megachurch pastor and first-time candidate, described himself as an independent-minded Democrat, saying he would work for Republicans, independents and Democrats alike.
“I’m somebody who stands in the middle. I’m going to try to work for all Kansans, Republicans, independents and Democrats,” Hamilton said.
Marshall repeatedly sought to link Hamilton with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, accusing his opponent of trying to secure a Democratic Senate majority. Hamilton, however, has pledged not to support Schumer for party leader if elected.
The debate began with questions about controversies affecting both candidates. Marshall rejected reports that he had sued hundreds of patients over unpaid medical bills while working as a doctor, describing the allegations as “blatant lies.”
Hamilton faced questions about how his church handled reports of child sexual abuse. He said the church had informed police about the incident and that the subsequent investigation was inconclusive, with authorities declining to press charges. Hamilton denied approving the alleged suspect’s return to a church camp but acknowledged that he should have checked whether the person was allowed to return.
On economic policy, Marshall defended President Donald Trump’s tariffs on US allies, arguing that they were helping revive American manufacturing and bring jobs back to the country.
Hamilton countered that the tariffs were alienating trading partners and allies, creating what he described as instability, chaos and corruption.
The candidates also disagreed over the Iran conflict. Hamilton criticised Marshall for repeatedly supporting the war, while Marshall said he wanted the conflict to end as soon as possible.
Discussing high fuel prices, Marshall blamed the Ukraine war for reduced diesel production and criticised what he described as Green New Deal policies contributing to US dependence on diesel imports.
Asked to identify an issue on which he disagreed with Trump, Marshall cited immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at meatpacking plants in southwest Kansas. He said he had contacted Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to express concern that the operation was not handled appropriately and had publicly urged ICE to improve coordination with local law enforcement.
Marshall also described his relationship with Trump as one that allowed him to express disagreements directly, saying the president was not always right.
Republicans have stepped up efforts to retain the Kansas Senate seat, with Trump addressing a rally near Wichita on Monday in support of Marshall. A Republican super PAC has also launched a $14 million advertising campaign targeting Hamilton.
Trump described Kansas as becoming increasingly competitive and urged voters to re-elect Marshall.
Wednesday’s debate was the candidates’ second and final encounter ahead of the election. Their first debate, held at the Kansas State Fair last month, was marked by boos and chants directed at Marshall.