Manchester
State Rep. Jack Flanagan and Jim Lawrence, a former state representative, focused their remarks early and toward the end on Kuster — Flanagan labeled her as an “ineffective” legislator and Lawrence said she has been “allowed to sit on the job for too long.”
But whoever Republican voters decide to put on the ticket against Kuster is likely to face an uphill climb against a two-term Democrat with a robust campaign that boasted nearly $2 million cash on hand on Aug. 24.
But money doesn’t tell the whole story. The latest WMUR Granite State Poll released on Aug. 31 shows Kuster’s lead over either candidate has shrunk to single digits, although 22 percent of likely voters were undecided.
“The polls aren’t all bad,” Lawrence said. “The polls show they are looking for someone different than Kuster.”
The two traded jabs on foreign policy, gun rights, immigration and whether to repeal the Affordable Care Act in full or in pieces.
On Syria, Flanagan has repeatedly called for a “safe haven” for fleeing refugees within that country that would be guarded by American soldiers. He said the plan would serve as a safer alternative than allowing Syrians to seek refuge in the United States.
“Reality is that I imagine Syrians would rather stay in Syria if it is safe,” Flanagan said.
Lawrence, a graduate of the Air Force Academy, has often reminded voters of his status as a veteran, and says his experience has made veterans’ issues and military force a priority in his campaign. Responding to Flanagan’s plan for a safe zone, Lawrence said he is “sick and tired of non-vets” calling for U.S. soldiers to be sent to areas conflicted in violence.
“If you send military troops into Syria now, you’re going to be pinched between the Russians in the north and the radical Islamists in the east,” Lawrence said. “I’m not willing to sacrifice the brave men and women in the American armed forces for police actions around the world.”
Flanagan and Lawrence both have pledged their support for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. But neither views Trump’s plan to build a wall stretching the border between the United States and Mexico as plausible.
Lawrence said there could be no discussion of a pathway to citizenship or amnesty for immigrants until the border is secured, which he said could be done building fences and walls “where it is practical.” Flanagan, as well as Lawrence, called for a tougher vetting process and continued enforcement of existing laws.
The candidates were asked whether they agreed with Trump’s statement on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a better leader than President Obama. Neither made a direct indictment on their party’s nominee, but neither agreed with the statement either.
“I’m not going to give more support to Vladimir Putin at this time,” Lawrence said. “He is a threat to our national interests.”
Flanagan took a different approach to the question, saying a relationship between Trump and Putin could serve well for the U.S.
“Donald Trump knows Vladimir Putin,” Flanagan said. “By having a relationship going into a presidency, I think it’s nothing but a good thing.”
The candidates separated after the debate and took questions from a small group of reporters. Lawrence went back to health care, calling his opponent “Flipping Flanagan” for saying he would repeal the Affordable Care Act but voted to reauthorize Medicaid expansion in New Hampshire, which Lawrence saw as a contradiction. During the debate, Lawrence said he would only repeal parts of the Affordable Care Act that increase costs and limit services, though he did not go into further detail.
Flanagan again took the opportunity to tout his experience as a legislator and House majority leader. And before it was too late, as the camera shut off and his staff moved to guide him to the door, Flanagan made a final statement, one that echoed throughout the debate from both candidates.
“One more thing,” Flanagan said, as reporters turned to leave. “I can beat Ann Kuster.”