U.S. Senate candidates for Colorado debate at CSU - Differ on most issues
Colorado’s U.S. Senate candidates John Hickenlooper and Mark Baisley debated fuel prices, immigration, Social Security, and the economy Sunday at Colorado State University.
Hickenlooper, the Democratic incumbent and former Colorado governor, said he wants Democrats to regain control of Congress and push back against President Donald Trump.
Republican challenger Baisley, a state senator from Woodland Park, argued lawmakers should work with the administration rather than fight Trump at every turn.
Both candidates supported temporarily suspending federal gas and diesel taxes to lower fuel costs. But they disagreed over a Trump administration deal to obtain diesel from Russia. Hickenlooper opposed the deal, saying the money could help Russia attack Ukraine, while Baisley defended it as a necessary step to increase fuel supplies.
On immigration, Hickenlooper criticized federal oversight of the Aurora immigration detention center and said he could pursue legal action if officials continued blocking state and local health inspections. Baisley said he would contact federal officials and use congressional oversight to address concerns about detainee treatment.
The candidates also clashed over Social Security. Baisley proposed using savings accounts established for children to help address retirement needs, while Hickenlooper argued the program’s projected funding shortfall requires action much sooner. He said higher-income Americans may need to contribute more.
On the economy, Baisley argued reducing government would encourage economic growth. Hickenlooper blamed withheld federal funding for some of Colorado’s economic challenges and said the state needs greater support from Washington.
The winner of the November election will serve a six-year term in the U.S. Senate.
