(KIWA Staff Photo)Johnston, Iowa (RI) — The major-party candidates running for the U.S. Senate debated for the first time Wednesday night, addressing issues ranging from Social Security’s finances to the war in Iran.
Republican Ashley Hinson has been calling for an immediate and successful end to the war.
Democrat Josh Turek argued the United States is trapped in another “forever war” without an exit strategy.
Turek criticized Hinson for opposing House resolutions that called for an end to the conflict.
Hinson responded by saying such resolutions could prevent efforts to bring the conflict to a successful conclusion.
The candidates were also asked about the long-term benefits of Social Security. Turek said one solution would be raising the income cap subject to Social Security payroll taxes.
With Social Security projected to fulfill only 78% of benefits in 2032, the candidates offered solutions. Turek said one solution would be raising the income cap on Social Security payroll taxes.
Hinson said a bipartisan commission should evaluate options for strengthening the program, including the possibility of raising the retirement age for younger Americans.
Both candidates said they would work with members of the opposing party and with President Trump if elected.
Turek said his focus would be policy issues rather than efforts to impeach the president.
The debate was broadcast by Iowa PBS. Libertarian candidate Thomas Laehn is also running for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat, but he did not meet the network’s criteria for participation.
(Audio Courtesy of Iowa PBS)
