The two Republican candidates for Congress in the state's 2nd Congressional District squared off Tuesday in their only statewide broadcast debate. Bruce Poliquin and Kevin Raye pulled no punches in the hour-long debate, taped for air Wednesday on MPBN.
Both candidates have been trading barbs in recent weeks over negative ads aimed at each other. The issues are still being defined in the race as the two agree on some issues, but also appeal to different wings of the Republican electorate.
One difference between the two is their positions on the so-called "tax pledge," a vow to oppose any tax increases. Kevin Raye has rejected the tax pledge, citing his belief that it would also limit the closure of tax loopholes.
"It is Bruce who has signed a pledge which will permanently prohibit him from closing those loopholes," Raye said. "That will permanently prohibit him from addressing the idea of special tax breaks."
Poliquin once again used the issue to stake his ground as the more conservative choice, as evidenced by his support of the tax pledge.
"It's very clear: I have pledged not to raise taxes," Poliquin said. "We don't have a tax revenue problem, loophole or not in this country, we have a spending problem that has led to a debt problem that is driving up the cost of businesses."
The debate covered a wide range of issues and includes a section in which the candidates questioned each other. Raye used that format to question Poliquin about his long-time residency in the 1st District, and his relatively recent relocation to the Waterville area.
Poliquin responded this way: "I lived in the 1st District for a period of time because of my business. When I first moved back to Maine 25 years ago - and you know this Kevin - I had to be close to an airport to make sure I could connect with my company and our clients."
"There is a great airport in Bangor, Bruce," Raye interrupted.
"Well, you know it is very unfair to attack somebody who has such deep roots in the 2nd District now - I didn't live in Washington. I don't want to get back to Washington," Poliquin responded.
"No, you lived in New York City," Raye countered.
The 2nd District Democratic primary debate is scheduled to air next Wednesday evening.