Angela Alsobrooks (D) and Larry Hogan (R) faced off Thursday in the midst of an expensive race for Maryland’s open senate seat. This marks the first, and only time, that the Prince George’s County Executive and former governor will meet on the debate stage.
The debate, taped at Maryland Public Television’s (MPT) studios in Owings Mills, was moderated by NBC’s chief political analyst Chuck Todd. Joining him were MPT anchor Jeff Salkin, NBC4 reporter Tracee Wilkins and WBAL anchor Deborah Weiner.
Last year, Democrat Sen. Ben Cardin retired from office, leaving room for the two parties to clash over the traditionally blue seat. Since 1987, Democrats have had control over both senate seats.
Currently, the Senate race is especially tight by Maryland’s standards. Many attribute this to Hogan, who’s riding off his popularity as a moderate governor who left office with many supporters.
The Debate:
Opening statements
Alsobrooks began her opening statement by introducing herself to voters, citing her career in public service. She stated that as senator, she would fight for women’s reproductive rights and gun legislation.
Hogan started by saying that he likes and respects Alsobrooks, recounting their collaboration during his tenure as governor. His said his reason for running wasn’t to defeat Alsobrooks or the Democratic party. Instead, it was his concern for the direction of the country that motivated him.
“We’re not gonna solve any of the terrible problems facing the country with more partisanship, and one more party-line vote,” said Hogan.
Hogan has focused his campaign on moving past party lines. Throughout the race, he’s repeatedly brought up his criticism of former-President Donald Trump and Sen. Mitch McConnell.
Abortion
The first question of the debate focused on abortion, an issue that has proven to be divisive between the two candidates. Alsobrooks accused Hogan of vetoing abortion care legislation, and that while he may support abortion freedoms, his party does not.
“The Republican party has declared war on women’s reproductive freedoms…if the Republicans are in control of the Senate, there will be no vote on Roe,” said Alsobrooks.
Hogan rebutted Alsobrooks’ claims, saying that said legislation would’ve made abortions less safe. He also stated that he would not vote solely based on party lines, and supports the codifying of Roe vs. Wade.
“For you to lie about something as important as this issue, it really is insulting,” said Hogan.
The candidates were later asked if they would support getting rid of the filibuster to codify Roe.
Alsobrooks said she would, while Hogan stated it was a terrible idea.
“I like the idea of continuing to have to find people across the aisle – find that bipartisan compromise. I’ll work with Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski on my side to try to get that done,” said Hogan.
Senate partisanship
Hogan was then questioned if voters could trust his moderate stance if his campaign was paid for by the Republican party. He replied by saying that voters could look at his past record as governor to see that he’s more than willing to criticize his own party.
“I’m not a MAGA, Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell person as my opponent would like you to believe,” said Hogan.
When asked if she’d oppose anything in the Democratic agenda, Alsobrooks said while she supports it, she’s also not afraid to cross party lines.
“I stood up to my party. When President Biden looked like he was waffling on the FBI, I marched right in there and fought against him, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner to get the FBI headquarters located in Maryland,” said Alsobrooks.
The conversation then shifted towards Hogan’s relationship with Trump, and if a Trump victory would end up hurting Maryland. Hogan replied by saying that Washington needs politicians to put country over party. He then said he doesn’t believe there’s anyone that’s done that more than him.
“I work with people on both sides of the aisle; that’s what I’m known for,” said Hogan.
Alsobrooks admitted that they did work together. However, she stated that regardless of his personal feelings, he would “empower a caucus of people who would take our country backwards.”
“If he wanted to be an independent, he should have run as one,” said Alsobrooks.
Gun violence
In light of the recent fatal school shooting in Harford County, the candidates were asked if the government has a role in reducing gun violence, especially regarding schools. Hogan started by recounting his efforts as governor in supporting gun legislation, including “Common Sense” gun laws and bump stock bans.
Alsobrooks replied, claiming that Hogan “did not have the courage” to sign legislation banning ghost guns. She also stated he vetoed a bill that would create a waiting period for purchasing long guns.
Hogan countered by saying her statement was filled with “half-truths,” and that the waiting period bill wasn’t necessary because gun crimes weren’t being committed with hunting rifles. According to the Baltimore Sun, Hogan did not sign the bill banning the sale of ghost guns because it “wasn’t tough enough on the perpetrators.” The bill went into effect regardless because he did not veto it either.
Local infrastructure
When asked about his blocking of transportation projects, namely the Baltimore Red Line, Hogan directed attention towards his history of supporting infrastructure bills, citing his efforts in reaching bipartisan solutions.
“No governor has ever invested more in transit or in roads than I did while I was governor,” said Hogan.
Alsobrooks called Hogan’s actions shameful, claiming that his returning of $900 million in federal funding prevented job creation and stymied economic benefits.
Foreign Policy
The candidates were asked about their stances on Israel, and whether they would be a “Cardin Democrat” or a “Van Hollen Democrat.” Cardin has been a vocal supporter of Israel, while Sen. Van Hollen has recently criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Alsobrooks declined to identify with either, claiming “I’m Angela Alsobrooks.” She supported Israel’s right to defend itself, while also defending the self-determination of Palestinians, citing the need for a two-state solution.
Hogan, who claims to be a “champion” of Israel, repeated his stance while criticizing Van Hollen.
“We as a country have to stand with our allies, and Israel is our most important ally. And we’ve gotta stand up to our enemies. And I don’t think you can try to walk down the middle on this issue,” said Hogan.
The conversation then shifted towards the conflict between Taiwan and China. When asked how America should back Taiwan, Hogan said he hopes it doesn’t require military action. Alsobrooks also echoed this position.
“We do not put U.S. men and women on the ground for this conflict,” said Alsobrooks.
When asked about the war between Ukraine and Russia, both candidates agreed that supporting Ukraine defeat Putin is important. Hogan supported admitting Ukraine in to NATO, while Alsobrooks stated it was an option to explore.
The economy
When asked about where the blame lies regarding the wave of inflation, Hogan targeted both parties, claiming they “ran up the debt,” and that voters are still reeling from increased costs. Alsobrooks said she would help hold large corporations accountable, while cutting taxes on the middle-class.
