Former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) take blows over electric vehicle mandates and border security during Senate debate in key battleground state Michigan. We gave each other.
Rogers said during Monday's debate that the mandates related to the purchase and production of electric vehicles (EVs) are “ruining the auto industry,” starting one of the event's most heated exchanges. “You're promoting Chinese technology in America.”
Both candidates in Michigan's key U.S. Senate race have been at loggerheads over the EV mandate throughout the campaign, highlighting the importance of the issue in a state that plays a key role in determining the presidential election and control of Congress. It highlighted that.
Rogers tried to connect President Biden and the Democratic Party's support for EVs with Slotkin during two campaign debates, but Slotkin has been seen as a key figure in Michigan's future with her support for the technology. He countered that it would ensure competitiveness in automobile manufacturing.
Michigan Senate candidates clash over national security, immigration and abortion
The Michigan Senate race between Elissa Slotkin and Mike Rogers is more competitive than initially expected. (Related news organizations)
Rogers said Democrats like Slotkin are “killing the auto business” when it comes to promoting EVs, and accused opponents of voting to “mandate” EVs “at least three times.”
There is no mandate for Americans to buy EVs, but the Biden administration could force automakers to make up to two-thirds of new cars sold by 2032 zero-emission vehicles. impose certain exhaust gas standards. The Free Press reported that Slotkin voted against the bill that would have blocked the new standards, but was open to changing them if it would hurt U.S. automakers. expressed.
“I want manufacturing here. I don't care what you drive. I want to build them,” Slotkin said during Monday's debate.
Candidates blame each other for border crisis
Both candidates also tried to shift blame for the situation at the southern border, with Slotkin accusing Rogers and Republicans of trying to kill Biden's border bill before it passes Congress.
“What's happening at the southern border is a symptom of a broken immigration system,” Slotkin said, accusing Republicans of “using the border as a political issue rather than actually doing the work and getting things done.” did.
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Mr. Rogers instead blamed Democrats on the issue, calling Biden's bill a “terrible bill” that would allow it to continue legal passage, while Mr. Slotkin said Mr. Rogers was backtracking on supporting it. He questioned how he could claim to know more about the issue than the National Border Patrol, which has been in charge since 2013. transaction.
Tense exchange over abortion
The debate also highlighted the candidates' opposing views on abortion, with Slotkin ramping up campaign ads accusing Rogers of supporting several anti-abortion bills.
“He showed us who he is. Don't trust him on this issue,” Slotkin said.
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Rogers said he supports leaving the issue of abortion to voters in each state, and vowed he would not do anything in the Senate to override the will of Michigan voters who voted to make abortion a right. he argued.
“When I return to the United States Senate, I will not do anything to undo the people's vote,” Rogers said.
Candidates have different opinions on gun control and mental health
In another tense exchange, both candidates exchanged blows over gun reform, with Slotkin acknowledging his history with firearms but vowing to “go after the biggest killers of children in our communities.” '', he called for the enactment of stricter legislation.
Former President Trump campaigns with Senate candidate Mike Rogers at the Rider Center for Health and Physical Education at Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw, Michigan, on October 3, 2024. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
“It's very, very easy to understand why politicians don't do anything in the face of murdered children. Politicians don't campaign because they receive campaign funds. Because it's scary,” Slotkin said. “They're scared because they don't want to lose the election, and that's terrible.”
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Rogers countered that the issue is primarily focused on the country's fight against mental health, and that “banning guns won't solve the problem.”
Promises to put more money back into voters' wallets
Inflation and the economy were also major issues during the debate, with Mr. Rogers imploring voters to remember whether things were better under Republican leadership four years ago.
“Is life better than it was four years ago?” Rogers asked. “My opponent voted 100% for Biden-Harris (Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris) on all the things that raised prices.”
Mr. Slotkin responded by pointing to support for moving supply chains back to the United States, which he argued would lead to lower prices. She also criticized Mr Rogers' lack of support for allowing the government to negotiate lower drug prices, which she said would help ease pressure on middle-class households. said.
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin after speaking at the Democratic National Convention on August 22, 2024 in Chicago. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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Michigan's Senate race is one of the most closely watched nationally, and one of the few close races in this election that could give the state control of the Senate.
The Michigan Senate race is tipped in favor of Democrats, according to FOX News Power Rankings. Slotkin currently holds a narrow 1.9 point lead over his Republican opponent, according to Real Clear Politics polling averages.
Still, the race has changed significantly since September 19, when Slotkin had an average 5.1 advantage over Rodgers.
Republicans have expressed optimism about the race, with Axios reporting Tuesday that the Republican Senate Leadership Fund will pump an additional $10.5 million into Rogers' campaign heading into his campaign stronghold.
Get the latest on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more with Fox News Digital's Election Hub.
