A congressional debate in New York’s 19th district took place in Ulster County Monday night amid a standing-room only audience.
Much of the packed middle-school auditorium in Lake Katrine had a clear favorite in the race between Republican Congressman Chris Gibson and Democrat Sean Eldridge, as evidenced by the shouts and jeers amid candidate responses to questions posed during the debate. Here’s Gibson.
“At the outset, I talked about roots, experience, and results,” says Gibson. “And I think it was clear as this debate went on that that’s exactly what I’m offering. I grew up here. I understand our needs.”
Eldridge says it’s the differences between him and Gibson that are clear.
“My theme is new leadership, new energy, new ideas,” says Eldridge. “Right now Congress has a 7 percent approval rating for a reason, because we have the least productive Congress in the history of our country. And I think if we keep the same leadership for the next two years, for the next four years, we’re going to get the same results.”
During the debate, there was little holding back.
