The two candidates for Washington’s Fifth Congressional District debated for the first time on Thursday. Their virtual debate was sponsored by Spokane’s Rotary 21 club.
Eight-term Republican incumbent Cathy McMorris Rodgers and her Democratic challenger, Dave Wilson, answered questions about everything from Covid to the federal tax code.
McMorris Rodgers painted an optimistic picture about America as a land of opportunity, where hard work brings good results.
“I’m proud of my record of leadership and results. I’ve led in Congress to improve the VA, to grow our Teaching Health Center, to expand and protect Fairchild Air Force Base and the mission here. Improve rural broadband, increase hydropower and more," McMorris Rodgers said.
Wilson said he’s challenging McMorris Rodgers because of what she has not done.
“The president is a danger to our democracy and is enabled by GOP lawmakers who have lost their moral compass. This includes McMorris Rodgers," Wilson said. "Donald Trump’s behavior, false statements and threats not to accept the results of the election, nor to a peaceful transition of power, have led to a significant loss of trust and faith in our government.”
Wilson and McMorris Rodgers are scheduled to have two more debates this month.