TUCSON — The first televised debate between incumbent Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani and Democratic challenger Kirsten Engel gave each a chance to plant their stake in what each believes is the number one issue this campaign, but little else.
The 30-minute time limit prevented both from going into multiple issues.
Ciscomani said the border is the number one issue facing residents in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, especially with, what he said was 10 million to 15 million people who have entered the country illegally and are untrackable.
“So what we need to do is make sure we secure our border. With that, trade gets enhances as well (and) the immigration system can work better,” Ciscomani said.
Engel focused abortion, saying she would seek to introduce federal legislation to protect access.
“This is an issue that women should be able to make with their doctor and their family. It’s a person issue; it’s a health-care issue,” Engel said.
The pair also accused the other of mischaracterizing each person’s positions on reproductive rights and the border.
The two are scheduled to debate again with Arizona Clean Elections on Monday, Oct. 7.
The last day to register for the Nov. 5 General Election is Oct. 7. Early voting will start Oct. 9 and the last day to request an early ballot is Oct. 25.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 10:15 a.m. Monday, Sept. 3, 2024, to correct the date of the second Engel-Ciscomani debate.
