Chaffetz and Wonnacott debate at UVU

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Jason Chaffetz answered questions during the debate on Oct. 7 at UVU for the 3rd congressional district in Utah.
Jason Chaffetz answered questions during the debate on Oct. 7 at UVU for the 3rd congressional district in Utah. (Courtesy of jasonforcongress.com).

Congressional candidates Jason Chaffetz and Brian Wonnacott debated Tuesday evening in hopes to impress potential voters for Utah’s upcoming mid-term elections.

Chaffetz and Wonnacott participated in the 3rd congressional district debate at Utah Valley University addressing issues ranging from ebola virus concerns and gun control in schools to issues with the Secret Service and global warming.

Both candidates said they were gracious for the opportunity to come together before local news agencies to express their opinions on topics that were pressing for Utah residents.

Chaffetz the incumbent congressman for the third district took control of the debate early as he began to answer questions from the moderator. Chaffetz seemed poised and confident as Wonnacott searched for answers during the debate.

The first question dealt with the developing global health risk of the ebola virus. Both candidates agreed with the need for more screening at foreign airports to prevent the spread of the virus. Chaffetz talked about the Center for Disease Control and its ability to combat ebola virus and the need for education of the virus at the source of origin.

Brian Wonnacott the democrat challenger answered questions during the debate against Jason Chaffetz on Oct. 7. (Utah Democrat Party)
Brian Wonnacott, the Democrat challenger, answered questions during the debate against Jason Chaffetz on Oct. 7. (Utah Democrat Party)

Chaffetz was adamant about security in the United States with the recent break-ins at the White House when answering the question dealing with the Secret Service.

“That can never happen,” Chaffetz said strongly. “The Secret Service needs to know that nobody gets to the president.”

Chaffetz continued, saying, “Terrorism is a real threat” and that it must be taken control of at the source, ensuring that it doesn’t come to the homeland.

Wonnacott countered, saying Secret Service did a great job taking down the man who came in without using excessive force.

The two candidates agreed that the issues with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac need to be taken care of and that the United States needs to have a competitive atmosphere for businesses to stay and not be tempted to relocate overseas.

The question about global warming drew reactions from both candidates.

“It’s clear that global warming is an issue — just ask the seals and polar bears,” Wonnacott said. “It’s clear that we aren’t doing enough.”

“Global warming is a farce,” Chaffetz said.

Chaffetz said the science isn’t conclusive and that weathermen will have a “hard time predicting the weather in 100 years.” While Wonnacott stated that global warming is a “public relations campaign” for motor companies.

Gun control in schools brought the two candidates to an agreement that parents should have the right to know if teachers carry guns on public school grounds. Chaffetz highlighted the issue of making rational choices with regard to mental health when issuing guns to citizens.

Chaffetz and Wonnacott concluded by urging Utahns to go out and vote on Nov. 4.

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