Kansas Senate candidates debate as race tightens

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 22 Oct, 04:57 · Archive

Republican incumbent Roger Marshall and Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton debated Wednesday in a competitive Kansas Senate race.

Republican incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall and Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton debated Wednesday night in a race that could help determine control of the Senate. Both candidates attempted to distance themselves from unpopular elements of their respective national parties, with Marshall warning that electing Hamilton would hand Senate control to Democrats and leader Chuck Schumer, while Hamilton sought to portray himself as an independent-minded Democrat willing to break with his party.

The debate opened on personal controversies that had fuelled attack advertisements in the campaign's closing weeks. Marshall was questioned about a New York Times review finding his former medical practice sued more than 700 patients over unpaid bills. He defended the practice while emphasising the millions of dollars in charity care it provided. 'Every year we gave away $3 to $4 million of charity, but we also had a business. We had 300 employees, we had a mortgage payment, we had electric,' Marshall said.

Hamilton was questioned about his handling of allegations involving a volunteer at his church's summer camp who was alleged to have been a sexual predator. Hamilton acknowledged he should have ensured the individual did not return to the camp after an initial investigation. 'I should have checked to make sure that he wasn't going back. That was a mistake on my part,' Hamilton said. The candidates sparred over Trump, immigration and the war in Iran during the remainder of the debate.

How it is being reported

• Candidates clash over Trump policies, Senate control in debateGOP Sen. Roger Marshall and Pastor Adam Hamilton debated tariffs, war and high fuel prices, and also addressed the most controversial issues in each of their campaigns.CBS News · 22 Oct, 05:05
• Kansas Senate rivals distance themselves from party leaders in fiery debateThe Kansas Senate debate saw Roger Marshall and Adam Hamilton try to define each other by their parties as Senate control hangs in the balance.Fox News · 22 Oct, 04:22
• Voters sound off before Kansas Senate debate between Roger Marshall and Adam HamiltonThe Kansas Senate race is becoming increasingly competitive between incumbent Republican Sen. Roger Marshall and Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton. They will go head-to-head on the debate stage Wednesday. CBS News reporter Katrina Kaufman spoke with voters about the race.CBS News · 21 Oct, 21:51

In this story: Roger Marshall · Adam Hamilton · Kansas · Chuck Schumer · Donald Trump

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