A real exchange of ideas.
On Saturday, lieutenant governor candidates Republican Jeff Bartos and Democrat John Fetterman participated in their one and only debate hosted by WPXI in Pittsburgh.
In what the Post-Gazette dubbed a “cordial but lively debate,” for 30 minutes the candidates went to bat for the men at the top of the ticket and discussed the role of what the lt. Governor should include.
The biggest difference in policy was detailed when moderator Katherine Amenta asked about public education, according to the Post-Gazette.
Fetterman touted Wolf’s record by stating he restored $1 billion in cuts made to education by his Republican predecessor, Gov. Tom Corbett. Bartos shared a different vision of the current state of public education in the state and fired back by claiming Wolf is beholden to the teacher unions.
“Gov. Wolf works for the teachers,” Bartos said. “We will work for the students of Pennsylvania, the parents of Pennsylvania, and the teachers of Pennsylvania.”
Fetterman defended the role of teachers’ unions and believes Wagner would “exterminate” them.
The debate also included sharing their opinions on recreational marijuana, preventing school shootings, the death penalty, the opioid crisis, and the state’s infrastructure.
WESA reports that the most notable question posed to the candidates was the specific role of lieutenant governor.
“I don’t think we should eliminate the office of lieutenant governor, so long as we can make it such that the governor and lieutenant governor have the best possible opportunity to be a cohesive working unit,” said Bartos.
Wagner’s running mate also added that he thinks the candidates for governor and lt governor should be able to run on the same ticket in the primaries. Fetterman knocked off incumbent Lt. Gov. Mike Stack and a couple other Democrats in the Democratic Primary, while Bartos was victorious in the GOP primary.
WESA reports that Fetterman thinks this office is an important one, but needs more responsibilities.
“I think the lieutenant governor’s office is very critical in Pennsylvania. And it’s been an underutilized and undervalued office,” said Fetterman. “I would like to see its role fully expanded and appreciated, especially in regards to criminal justice reform. The people who belong in prison, will remain in prison. But we need to make sure the people shouldn’t be in there are given a second chance, and that starts with a pardon.”
The Post-Gazette stated that this debate was the “polar opposite” of the one and only gubernatorial debate between Wagner and Wolf, in which moderator Alex Trebek stole the spotlight.
For a topic by topic breakdown on recreational marijuana, the death penalty, and the opioid crisis, here is WESA’s coverage.
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8 Responses
Fetterman is the freaking man who understands people and issues. Republicans are nightmares who want to destroy the earth for future generations, take away women’s rights and want to stop social safety nets for the poor and unfortunate.
Fetterman did really poorly. He looked nervous, spoke too fast, and his whole outfit/demeanor was ridiculous.
Is there really anyone in Pennsylvania who will base the governor vote on either Fetterman or Bartos?
Fetterman seemed nervous, scared, he muffled his words, and was sweating profusely. He’s in way over his head. The Wolf folks must be so embarrassed and happy it was only one debate!! He is such a lightweight.
Yeah cause Bartos looks polished, give me a break
Fetterman is such a phony, give up the “big gay mechanic look” and buy a suit and tie.
A little insecure, aren’t we???
Fetterman has always been under valued by some in this race. He held his own here and it was good to read that he stood up for his principles. I think the future of the Democratic Party will be in it’s ability to clearly say what they mean and not mince words about their “mission statement.” Both Fetterman and Bartos did their jobs here and came out fine.