Hinson and Turek split on Iran war, Social Security in Iowa debate
Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek met Wednesday night in their first Iowa Senate debate. They clashed over how to end the Iran war, how to save Social Security and over Medicaid cuts. The open seat is one of a handful that could decide which party controls the Senate.
Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek held their first Iowa Senate debate Wednesday night. It took place at the Iowa PBS studio in Johnston, north of Des Moines. Reporters from Iowa PBS, the Des Moines Register and The Gazette asked the questions.
Turek said Iowans are "hurting uniquely" from high costs. "Now with this war in Iran, 'I'm struggling just to keep gas in my tank,'" he said, quoting voters. He noted that Hinson voted seven times against limiting the war and five times against reining in President Donald Trump's tariffs, NBC News reported.
Both said they want the war to end, but in different ways. Hinson called for "an immediate and successful end" that keeps Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. She said a House resolution could stop Trump from ending the war in an "orderly" way. Turek called it another "forever war" and said, "Let's get back to diplomacy."
On Social Security, Turek wants to lift the cap that shields wages above $184,500 from the payroll tax. Hinson said that would not fix the program alone. She wants a bipartisan commission to weigh all options, including possibly raising the retirement age for young Americans, Radio Iowa reported.
Turek said Hinson "voted for 110,000 Iowans to lose their healthcare" through Medicaid cuts in last year's big tax and spending law. Hinson said a $50 billion rural health fund helps make up the difference, and that work rules target people "gaming the system," the Washington Examiner reported.
Hinson called Turek "too liberal" for Iowa. "It's one thing to vote like an East Coast liberal; it's another to lie like them," she said. Turek said he has "no interest" in impeaching Trump. Hinson said she would work with Chuck Schumer if Democrats win the Senate.
The tone was mostly civil. Hinson offered sympathy over Turek's sister's cancer diagnosis. The seat is open because Sen. Joni Ernst kept a promise to serve only two terms. A New York Times poll this month had Hinson ahead 48% to 47%, well within the margin of error. Libertarian Thomas Laehn did not qualify for the stage.
What we know: Both candidates pledged to work with Trump or a future Democratic president.
What we don't: Whether the debate moves a race polls call a dead heat.
Where outlets agree NBC News and Radio Iowa both report Turek said he has "no interest" in impeaching Trump and wants to "look forward, not back."
Where they differ Turek says Hinson's votes will cost 110,000 Iowans their Medicaid coverage, while Hinson says a $50 billion rural health fund and work rules offset the cuts.