Former Gov. Tommy Thompson and U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., squared off in the first debate of the U.S. Senate general election campaign Friday night, repeatedly attacking each other’s records while touting their own plans for the economy, health care and other pressing issues facing the country.
In the debate hosted by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association in Milwaukee, Thompson, the Republican nominee, defined Baldwin as part of the problem in Washington and placed her at the fringe of the political spectrum, calling her the most liberal member of Congress.
"My opponent is so far to the extreme, even her party doesn’t pass any of her legislation," Thompson said.
Baldwin, however, criticized Thompson for representing the wealthiest in society instead of standing up for the middle class.
"I have taken on powerful interests on behalf of ordinary citizens. My opponent has taken on powerful special interests as clients," Baldwin said, referring to Thompson’s time at a law and lobbying firm in Washington.
One of the major sparring points early in the debate was over health care. Thompson said he would fully repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with a plan that is more affordable and allows patients greater freedom to choose their own doctors.
However, Baldwin championed the health care law, specifically a provision she helped draft that allows individuals to stay on their parents insurance until age 26. She also frequently lambasted Thompson for a “sweetheart deal” he gave to drug companies as part of a prescription drug overhaul when he served as Health and Human Services Secretary in former President George W. Bush’s administration.
When asked for their prescriptions to jumpstart the economy and address the nation’s deficit, Thompson emphasized his experience creating jobs during his 14 years as governor. Additionally, he advocated for a balanced budget amendment and reductions in federal taxes and spending.
Baldwin said she would like to see a more “balanced approach” that raises taxes on the wealthiest Americans while increasing investments in education and research.
While the candidates clashed over almost every major issue, Thompson and Baldwin found some common ground when the debate shifted to foreign policy. Both agreed the United States must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and withdraw troops from Afghanistan immediately.
Thompson and Baldwin are battling to take over the seat held for 24 years by U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., who is retiring at the end of his term.
The next U.S. Senate debate will take place Oct. 18 in Wausau.
