RALEIGH, N.C. — Two candidates vying for the Republican nomination for an open U.S. Senate went head-to-head Thursday night.
Former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory and former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker faced off against each other in the Senate Primary debate. Rep. Ted Budd did not respond to participate in the debate.
McCrory and Walker talked about their conservative approaches to the issues.
The night started with the economy and what each would do to combat inflation.
Walker said it starts with lowering government spending.
"Until we get our spending under control, we're not going to get a handle on inflation and it's time that the people of North Carolina send someone who will push back against exorbitant spending bills," Walker said.
McCrory said we need to use more natural gas to create energy independence. He also wants to reduce unemployment money.
"(Natural gas is) the greatest strength we've had for the last 25 years to fight inflation and second we need to quit giving away free money. As your Governor, I reduced unemployment compensation to get people back to work," McCrory said.
Both said the U.S. should be sending a tougher signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin on his invasion of Ukraine.
Throughout the debate, both candidates took several opportunities to point out Budd's absence.
"He doesn't have the courage to come and debate," McCrory said.
"He can't name a single thing, a single achievement, a single accomplishment or a single thing he's led," Walker said.
Jonathan Felts, senior adviser to Budd, issued a statement on why Budd didn't participate in the debate:
“Ted Budd is focused on finishing his 100-county tour of NC before the primary so he can speak directly to voters in all 100 counties and ask for their vote," the statement read. "Some candidates like to look voters in the eye and ask for their vote, while other candidates prefer the comfort and convenience of green rooms and TV studios. McWalker seems to greatly enjoy each other’s company and we hope they have a lovely evening chatting with one another while Ted is out on the campaign trail speaking with actual voters.”
Budd is the only candidate in the field to receive former President Donald Trump's endorsement.
All three candidates are on the May 17 Primary Election ballot.
- Creating Jobs
- Cutting Taxes
- Spending Smarter
- Investing in Our Military
- Protecting Our Veterans
- Defending Our Constitutional Rights
- Preventing Sanctuary Cities
- Supporting Our Police
- Increasing Election Security
- Promoting the Sanctity of Life
- Protecting Religious Freedom
- Supporting Conservative Judges
- Government Reform and Saving Taxpayers Money
- Combatting Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking
- Tax Reform and Cuts for Middle-Income Families and Workers
- Balanced Budget Amendment
- Policies of Hope and Opportunity
- School Choice and Empowering Parents and Students
- Standing Up to China
- Protecting Life at Every Stage
- Supporting Law Enforcement and the Second Amendment
- Securing Our Border and Stopping Amnesty
- Lowering the Cost of Health Care and Medications
- Second Chances and Criminal Justice Reform
- Support for HBCUs and Their Students
- Targeted Disaster Relief for North Carolina
- Support for Farmers and Protections from Eminent Domain
- Child Tax Credit and Adoption Tax Credit
- Improving Care and Service to Veterans
- Eliminating Big Tech Corruption
- Protecting Sanctity of Life
- Defending the Second Amendment
- Safeguarding Elections
- Creating Jobs and Stopping Socialism
- Empowering Parents in Education
- Securing the Border
- Standing with Law Enforcement
- Cutting Taxes, Waste, and Red Tape
