Debate held at PFW for Republican candidates seeking 3rd District congressional chair
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - Purdue Fort Wayne hosted a debate today for a few of the candidates who hope to win the Republican nomination for the 3rd Congressional District.
The four participants were Wendy Davis, Tim Smith, Andy Zay and Marlin Stutzman. All of the candidates highlighted what they would attempt to achieve if elected to Congress. We asked each candidate why they would be the best person for the job.
We’ll first take a look at Wendy Davis.
Davis emphasized that if she were a part of Congress, she would never vote to increase any taxes. She talked about how her time as a former circuit judge, has given her a unique experience that would make her stand out in Congress.
She said in the courtroom she saw firsthand issues with illegal immigrants and the fentanyl crisis.
“I am different because as a judge, I can’t kick the can down the road, I’ve got to make a decision right away. Again I’ve seen all of these American problems that we’ve talked about today, played out in my courtroom. So I’m running to bring back a strong America with Donald J Trump.”
Now taking a look at Tim Smith.
Smith led with his vision to “end wokeness and expand freedom.” He said the biggest issue to him was abortion. Smith said if any pro-life bills were to come his way on Congress, he would immediately vote yes.
Smith stood firmly on his support of farmers in Indiana, saying money that’s being given to Ukraine should instead be put towards agriculture.
“The key distinction is insider versus outsider, one who has accepted ‘D.C. swamp money’ and one who hasn’t. Indiana 3 voters need somebody who will be independent and loyal to them, and not the morass that is Washington D.C.”
Next, we move to Andy Zay.
Zay said his goal on Congress would be to “re-ignite the American Dream.”
He said the United States Military needs to be rebuilt to become stronger and more innovative, because “a strong America is a strong world.”
Zay says his previous experience serving the Republican Party and the Senate, gives him an edge against the other candidates.
“It’s that kind of conviction of having done the work, committee work and work in the State Senate that would make me a valuable candidate for Congress. Because it’s not just saying ‘no,’ it’s driving beyond ‘no,’ it’s coming up with solutions and bringing people around those ideas.”
Now, we look at Marlin Stutzman.
Stuzman mentioned how he thinks more money needs to be put towards building a wall on the southern border of the U.S.
He said conflict in Russia and Ukraine, only became an issue during Biden’s time as president - which is why he’s endorsing Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election.
Stutzman previously served the 3rd District from 2010 to 2016 and says his previous experience sets him apart from the rest.
“I was the strongest conservative member of the Indiana Delegation when I was in Congress. I ran for Senate, wasn’t successful, but in the mean time came back home and raised our two boys Peyton and Preston. We’ve been building family businesses, and having to run businesses through what has happened over the past four years under President Biden, I just couldn’t stand on the sidelines any longer.”
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