2024 U.S. Senate Debate
U.S. Senate Debate Topic Backgrounds
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Bipartisanship
We hear from voters who say they are tired of gridlock in Washington and want their representatives to be willing to work across the aisle. So, in the spirit of bipartisanship, we’re going to ask both of you to name a contemporary elected official – from the other party – you consider to be a…
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Fentanyl
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports last year fentanyl was identified in 91 percent of opioid overdose deaths. The synthetic drug is making its way through legal ports at the southern border. A senior official with the U.S. Custom and Border agency states two-thirds of those arrested for smuggling the drug are Americans. What…
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Right to Vote
There’s a patchwork of election laws across the country, leaving concern about potential unequal access to the ballot box. What role should the federal government play in increasing voter confidence while also ensuring that the election process is safe and accessible?
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U.S. Supreme Court
The Marquette Law School poll out this week finds that 90 percent of those polled support a code of ethics for Supreme Court justices. While the Court did adopt a code late last year, it’s been criticized because it lacks accountability by allowing justices to police themselves. Among the proposed responses — the adoption of…
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PFAS Contamination
Several areas in Wisconsin are struggling with PFAS contamination, chemicals linked to cancer, changes in metabolism, and lower birth rates. So much so that communities like French Island in La Crosse County have been relying on bottled water for more than three years because of dangerous levels in their well water. What do you believe…
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Farm Bill
Congress has failed to approve a new Farm Bill, which expired at the end of last month. This puts funding at risk for agricultural subsidies paid to Wisconsin farmers and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as Food Stamps. What will it take for each of you to vote for a new Farm Bill?
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Foreign Policy: Ukraine
Since Ukraine was invaded by Russia, the U.S. administration and other NATO allies have been strong supporters of Ukraine. Should whomever the new president is stay the course?
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Foreign Policy: Gaza
Just this week, the leader of Hamas was killed by Israeli forces. Some hope this could bring the war between Israel and Hamas closer to a ceasefire. Polls show Americans want to see U.S. support for Israel but are also worried about civilian casualties. The Biden Administration told Israel to let more humanitarian aid into…
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Misleading Ads
Viewers and listeners tell us they are frustrated with negative, misleading ads. Let’s talk about two of them.Sen. Baldwin, your ad claims Mr. Hovde called farmers lazy. Mr. Hovde, your ad claims Sen. Baldwin funded a clinic offering transgender therapy for minors without parental consent. Both of those ads have been found false by non-partisan…
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Immigration
A sweeping bipartisan border bill failed to pass the U.S. Senate earlier this year. The bill would have added tougher standards to qualify for asylum, allow for partial shutdowns at the border, and open new avenues for legal immigration. In the interest of border security, would you like to see that bill revived? Why or…
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Reproductive Rights
A Marquette Law School poll released Wednesday found that 61 percent of those polled across the country oppose the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe versus Wade, spurring some lawmakers to want to codify, or put into law, the provisions of Roe. Roe establishes the right to an abortion but also sets some limits and…
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Long-Term Care
Wisconsin is facing a serious shortage of qualified caretakers to work in nursing homes and other long-term care settings such as in-home health care and assisted living. One study says Wisconsin will need an additional 10,000 health workers over the next decade for senior care alone. Do you feel the federal government should be addressing…
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Social Security
Americans want to know Social Security will be there for them when they retire; however, according to the Social Security Administration, if Congress doesn’t act before 2035, benefits will be reduced by nearly 20 percent. There are things Congress can do. What’s your plan?
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Child Care
A typical family in Wisconsin with an infant and a 4-year-old spends around one-third of their income on childcare — and some even have a hard time finding care because of a lack of workers. Wisconsin’s median wage for child care workers is $13.78 an hour. How would you support childcare providers and reduce childcare…
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Prescription Drugs
The cost of insulin has been reduced and capped at $35 for many Americans, and beginning in 2026 a number of other widely prescribed drugs will have their co-payments decreased under Medicare. Yet many believe more needs to be done. What would you do as a U.S. senator to reduce the cost of prescription drugs…
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Health Care
More than a quarter of a million Wisconsinites rely on the Affordable Care Act for their health insurance. The most recent polling shows that 62 percent of the country supports the law. Mr. Hovde, you’ve said we need to move beyond the ACA. Meanwhile, Sen. Baldwin, you’ve talked about preserving it. If anything, what would…
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Details about debate questions
Details about the debate questions will be posted here shortly after the questions are asked during the live debate on Oct. 18.
