U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (left) and his Republican challenger, Maine Rep. Austin Theriault. (Campaign photos)
U.S. Rep. Jared Golden said when it comes down to making a decision this November, he wants Mainers to consider his record when casting a vote for who to represent Maine’s 2nd Congressional District.
His challenger, Republican state Rep. Austin Theriault, adhered to his oft-repeated claim that the Democratic congressman’s positions have changed during his time in office.
Hosted by Bangor Daily News and WGME Thursday night, the first of three televised debates between the candidates had Golden and Theriault go toe to toe on key issues including the economy, immigration, the Second Amendment and reproductive rights. Of particular interest to a large swath of the 2nd District, the candidates also spoke at length about Maine’s fishing industry.
Golden, who underscored his position as one of the most bipartisan members of the U.S. House of Representatives, defended his vote in support of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which invested $370 billion in climate programs and lowered drug prices, among other measures. Theriault attacked the legislation for increasing costs for Americans while lining the pockets of the clean energy industry.
If elected, Theriault said he would look to reform energy policy on day one by bringing more American energy online that is clean, but doesn’t increase costs for ratepayers. He did not specify what energy form that would be.
Golden, who is running for his fourth term, said that part of a congressman’s job is to weigh the benefits and costs of an omnibus bill like the Inflation Reduction Act. In that case, he said he stands by his vote for its ability to lower prescription drug costs for seniors and increase oil and gas production to bring down gas prices.
Theriault said he is proud to come from an area of the St. John Valley that tends to be more Democratic than other parts of the conservative region.
“I’m running as a Republican, but I’m running to represent all people,” said Theriault, who has also touted his endorsement by former President Donald Trump.
Lobster fishing
Theriault also said the Inflation Reduction Act hurts Maine’s lobster industry because it will boost offshore wind, which is seen as an impediment to some marine activities.
However, Golden said he has put forward multiple proposals to support lobstermen, including successful efforts to protect a key lobster fishing area known as Lobster Management Area 1 from offshore wind development.
Theriault said if elected he would ask for a meeting with the next administration to fix a disputed maritime border in an area ripe for lobster fishing. He also said he’d support more funding for the U.S. Coast Guard to address the issue — which Golden said he has consistently voted for.
“The Coast Guard’s going to do the very best job they can with the resources I give them,” Golden said.
Reproductive rights
When asked about the overturning of Roe v. Wade and whether the question is best decided on the state level, Golden pointed to his record of consistently supporting reproductive freedom and an individual’s ability to choose to have an abortion.
Theriault said he is not in favor of a federal abortion ban but wants the voters in each state to decide. However, when Golden asked whether he would support a federal floor of protection, he deflected.
“The fact that this is being used politically I think is unfortunate,” Theriault said. “There’s certainly more that we agree on than we disagree on with this issue and let’s get back to the issues that matter.”
Top of the ticket
When asked about the presidential election, Golden again refused to say who he will support in November, arguing that the last thing people need is another politician telling them how to vote.
“All I want people to understand is whether you’re voting for Donald Trump, whether you’re voting for Kamala Harris or someone else, I want your vote to be your representative in Washington based upon the merits of the job I’ve done the last six years,” Golden said.
Theriault, who was endorsed by Trump before the June primary, said he believes the Republican candidate will do a better job for folks in the 2nd District than Democratic nominee Harris. However, Theriault also said he disagrees with Trump’s rhetoric, personality and social media activity.
Second Amendment rights
With the anniversary of the Lewiston mass shooting less than a month away, the candidates were also asked Thursday evening about their support for gun rights.
Golden, who changed his position to support a ban on assault weapons after the shooting, stood by his change of heart. But he also pointed to his record of voting to protect Second Amendment rights, which he said he did while balancing the need to protect public safety.
Theriault said the state’s deadliest mass shooting should not impact one’s support for the Second Amendment. Rather, he argued that Republicans should get serious about strengthening mental health care.
But Golden said the legislator’s own voting record belies that idea.
“Austin says the response to the shooting in my hometown should be about mental health and about public safety and law enforcement,” Golden said. But “in Augusta, just back in April, he voted against the budget that provided mental health funding for Lewiston-Auburn.”
Immigration
During the Republican primary, Theriault emphasized border security and immigration as a top issue for him. During the debate, he said that while the immigration system needs comprehensive reform, foremost the border needs to be secured.
Golden outlined votes he’s taken to provide more funding for the construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall as well as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“I have a strong record on the border and immigration and Austin is always trying to twist it,” he added.
The following two debates between the 2nd District candidates will be held next week. NEWS CENTER Maine and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce will co-host one on Oct. 7 and WABI-TV and WAGM-TV will host the final face-off on Oct. 9.
Early voting in Maine begins on Oct. 7.
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