U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler and challenger state Rep. Jim Moeller have secured debate dates.
The two candidates for the 3rd Congressional District will face off from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Camas High School and from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Oak Tree Restaurant in Woodland.
Herrera Beutler has participated in both events since she first ran for Congress in 2010.
They offer an “opportunity for a constructive back-and-forth to compare and contrast both candidates’ stance on issues like business climate, health care costs, taxes, the environment and others,” Herrera Beutler previously told The Columbian.
Moeller, who is giving up his seat in the 49th Legislative District to run for Congress, has said he’s looking forward to debating the minimum wage and affordable health care.
The liberal Democrat said he was inspired to run for the seat because he believes the 3rd Congressional District is being “shortchanged” by Herrera Beutler, R-Camas.
Moeller has criticized Herrera Beutler for her efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and for not hosting traditional town hall meetings.
Moeller served eight years on the Vancouver City Council before being elected in 2002 to a 49th Legislative District seat in the House. As speaker pro tempore, Moeller holds a powerful position, often presiding over the House.
The congresswoman is completing her third term. She believes the Affordable Care Act is hurting people more than it’s helping. Herrera Beutler’s office countered Moeller’s claim that she hasn’t held enough town halls, a common criticism of the congresswoman, saying she’s met with thousands of constituents in every possible format.
The 3rd Congressional District was redrawn in 2011, lopping off the Olympia area and making it a relatively secure district for Republicans. But Moeller has name recognition and will be one of the more viable opponents Herrera Beutler has faced.
In the August primary, Moeller took 24.43 percent of the votes in the Southwest Washington district, while Herrera Beutler captured 55.45 percent of the vote.
Herrera Beutler said she has declined to participate in a debate hosted by the League of Women Voters in Vancouver due to scheduling conflicts.
