Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker faced off Friday in a highly-anticipated Senate debate in Savannah that centered on abortion, crime and the economy.
The debate, held three days before early voting starts in Georgia, will be the last time both candidates share a stage in one of the most fiercely competitive races this midterm cycle.
Republicans view the Peach State as key in their attempt to retake control of the Senate from Democrats. Control of the Senate is evenly split with Democrats in charge by virtue of Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie-breaking vote.
Republicans need just a net gain of one seat in the Senate to win back control, and the Peach State could be the difference.
The debate got heated at times with Walker defending himself from allegations reported by The Daily Beast that the former University of Georgia football player personally paid an ex-girlfriend to get an abortion over a decade ago. (Walker is vehemently anti-abortion.)
Report:Georgia GOP Senate candidate Herschel Walker pressed woman to have second abortion
Walker called the report, which USA TODAY has not verified, “a flat-out lie.” But just days later, The New York Times reported that Walker urged the woman to terminate a second pregnancy two years later.
Warnock was on the defensive at times too as Walker painted him as not doing enough to tame high inflation and painting him as a lackey for President Joe Biden, whose approval ratings in the state are low.
Savannah Morning News:Live updates: US Senate candidates Herschel Walker, Raphael Warnock face off in Savannah debate
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Warnock calls to strengthen NATO
Warnock applauded the Biden administration’s response to Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“I’m glad that we’re standing up to Putin’s aggression and we have to continue to stand up,” said Warnock. He pointed to a combat readiness training center he worked to keep open in Savannah Georgia.
“We have to make sure that our service members know that we have their back. We have to strengthen our allies and the NATO alliance as we’ve done and make sure we can stand up to Russian aggression,” Warnock added. “Nothing could be more important.”
– Ken Tran
Warnock references Martin Luther King on health care
Warnock said, “people are literally dying” for a lack of health during the debate, before referencing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who called a lack of health care an “injustice” and “inhumane.”
Warnock said he agrees with King’s beliefs.
– Mabinty Quarshie
Walker on health care access
Walker said he would work with others to address ways Congress can help ensure access to hospitals and doctors,
He contrasted his stance with Warnock who he said was not cooperative with plans by Georgia’s GOP governor, Brian Kemp.
Walker said he would be willing to meet with people, instead of writing a letter as he said Warnock did in the past.
“They don’t need a pen pal, they need solutions,” Walker said.
– Savannah Kuchar
Warnock advocates for Medicaid expansion
“Health care is a human right,” said Warnock, advocating for Medicaid expansion.
“It costs us more not to expand,” responded Warnock to concerns over increased government spending and the national debt. “Georgia needs a senator who believes like I do that healthcare is a human right.”
– Ken Tran
Walker slams Warnock over health care
Walker said he wants Georgians to be independent of the government when asked about health care.
Walker said Warnock wants Georgians to depend on the government.
“What I want you to do is get off the government health care and get on the health care he’s got, to get you a better health care,” Walker said, referring to the coverage members of Congress receive.
– Mabinty Quarshie
Walker sees himself as ‘champion for mental health’
Walker confirmed that he is no longer receiving treatment for his…
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