Great Lakes Wire

U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin and former Representative Mike Rogers engaged in a heated debate on October 8 in Grand Rapids, as they vie for a U.S. Senate seat. The debate was broadcast statewide on WOOD-TV, covering topics such as healthcare, immigration, reproductive rights, and electric vehicles.

During the debate, Rogers accused Slotkin of being unable to pass a lie detector test due to her past with the CIA. He stated, “I’m not even sure she could pass the polygraph test in the CIA anymore,” referring to her previous role in the agency. Slotkin countered by questioning Rogers' recent residency in Florida and his voting record on reproductive rights.

Slotkin highlighted that Rogers had supported every restriction related to abortion during his time in the legislature. She argued that he does not trust individuals to protect their own rights. In response, Rogers emphasized his support for IVF and insisted he would not alter Michigan's constitution concerning Proposition 3.

On immigration, Rogers criticized Slotkin's alignment with the Biden-Harris administration’s border policies. He claimed that the cost of supporting undocumented immigrants could cover salaries for Michigan teachers and state troopers for 15 years. Additionally, he mentioned fentanyl-related deaths attributed to border security issues.

Rogers also accused Slotkin of signing an NDA related to a Chinese company's factory project in Big Rapids. Slotkin denied any such agreement with a Chinese entity and expressed disappointment over Rogers’ allegations.

The candidates continued their exchanges without backing down, each aiming to solidify their positions ahead of the election.