First Vt. Congressional debate for US House seat
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Wednesday was the first Democratic Congressional debate for candidates running for Vermont‘s U.S. House seat.
The four candidates running are Lt. Governor Molly Gray, Vermont Senate Pro Temp Becca Balint, Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale, and Former Congressional Staffer Sianay Chase Clifford.
In the debate hosted by Vermont Digger, they were all asked questions on topics ranging from the war in Ukraine, what they disagree with about Congressman Peter Welch’s votying record, campaign contributions, and how would they respond to the GOP in Congress.
“I am a fighter and if you send me to Washington I will be working behind the scenes, in the streets, in the weeds, and wherever Vermonters need me to -- to call out that behavior, contain the issue, and ensure that we preserve and save our democracy,” said Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale, D-Chittenden County.
“I intend to challenge every single person who wants to put corporations and money before people. Challenge anybody who wants to strike legislation that will make the lives of working families better. That is my only priority,” said Sianay Chase Clifford.
“You just keep showing up and warring away until you can get together a coalition to pass whatever it is in front of you that is. Like what Ms. Chase Clifford said, delivering for people back home, delivering for constituents, because that’s what we’re going to be sent there to do” said Vermont Senate Presidnet Becca Balint, D- Windham County.
“Doing the day to day conversations that make it possible to deliver, and that’s the experience that I bring. I think in reality we need Washington to be a lot more like Vermont. and I work with the Republican governor. So, it’s no joke that I wasn’t his chosen lieutenant governor but we figured out a way to work together and the same is true inside the Legislature,” said Lt. Governor Molly Gray.
The primary vote is Tuesday, August 9, and the general election is on November 8.
Related Stories:
Rep. Peter Welch kicks off campaign for U.S. Senate seat
Chittenden County state senator announces run for Congress
Vt. Senate leader Balint to seek Welch’s seat in US Congress
Essex native joins Vt. congressional race
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