New Hampshire’s two gubernatorial candidates, Republican Governor Chris Sununu and Democrat State Sen. Tom Sherman, took the stage in the Putnam Center at New England College for a debate ahead of the November 8th election.
The “Live Free or Die Debate” attracted students, faculty, and members of the public. Additionally, it was nationally televised on C-SPAN.
The debate touched on the most pressing topics New Hampshire is currently facing, such as utility costs, abortion, the housing crisis, and how to keep more college graduates in the state.
Sherman brought up the commuter rail system, saying he would work on expanding it through southern New England, an idea that has been floating around for years now. This could expand the number of workers in the state, while giving a bigger incentive for younger granite staters to live in the area. Sununu stated that the state is already a thriving environment for companies.
“Businesses want to be here and grow here,” Sununu said.
When asked about abortion, Sherman said he never would have signed the current law that bans abortions after 24 weeks of gestation. Sununu followed by saying he would like to work on adjusting the law, removing any criminal action against doctors who may perform late-term abortions.
Members of The NewEnglander were included in the debate and posed questions to the candidates, including one on divisiveness in politics and working with members of the other party.
“When you listen, when you develop relationships and trust, you can then work across the aisle,” Sherman said.
Sherman said he worked across party lines on to expand Medicaid for young people who previously were not eligible for health insurance.
Sununu said as Governor, he consistently compromised with a democratic legislature in 2019 and 2020.
“We sent over 150 pieces of legislation,” he said.
Even the Russia-Ukraine war was brought up during a heated argument on energy costs, questioning whether President Biden or Vladimir Putin is responsible for rising energy costs.
Click here to watch the recording of the debate on C-SPAN.
