During Sunday’s night of debates, Republican Karin Housley repeatedly criticized Democratic opponent Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) for declining the opportunity to debate due to a “complicated schedule.”
KSTP’s moderators began the live interview by questioning Housley, who appeared on the stage unopposed, about her 2009 remarks comparing Michelle Obama to a “chimp.”
Housley explained that the comments were not intended to be “derogatory,” but called the incident an example of “why people don’t run for office,” saying her opponents are attempting to “twist” her words.
On the issue of health care, Housley said that she supports “competition” and would not approve of plans that hurt patients with pre-existing conditions.
“Even my opponent, who is not here tonight, is saying I do not support pre-existing conditions,” Housley responded, calling the attacks false.
During the fifteen-minute live interview, Housley said that she “absolutely” does not support turning Minnesota into a sanctuary state as her opponent does.
“If my opponent were here tonight, she would tell you that she does,” Housley stated. “We have to make sure that we do secure our borders so we know who’s here.”
Housley later expressed her support for the Trump administration’s Tax Cut’s and Jobs Act, which she called a “good policy.”
“There are more jobs than we have people to fill right now,” she continued, attacking Gov. Mark Dayton (D-MN) for vetoing legislation that would make Minnesota more compliant with the act. Housley also attacked Smith, who formerly served as Dayton’s lieutenant governor, for “not providing care for our seniors.”
Housley concluded her airtime by asking voters to allow her to be a “new voice for Minnesota,” expressing her “disappointment” in Smith for not showing up.
According to the latest poll from Change Research, Housley trails Smith by just three points at 43 percent to 46 percent.
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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
