The candidates running in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District offered different approaches to health care and lowering gas prices during their debate in Sioux City on Wednesday evening.
Republican Chris McGowan said completing the Keystone XL pipeline would have brought more oil into the U.S, but Democrats fought it.
“They cited environmental concerns and other concerns, but the reality is, if we had access to that today, we wouldn't be paying the prices that we're paying at the fuel pump,” he said.
Then-President Joe Biden revoked the project’s permit on his first day in office in 2021, citing climate concerns.
Democrat Dave Dawson said ending the war in Iran would help stabilize fuel markets. Prices leapt this spring after the war began.
Concerning health care, Dawson supports a universal option, while McGowan called for a bipartisan overhaul of the health care system.
In a topic of agreement, Dawson and McGowan said they support year-round E-15 ethanol sales.
Both want a balanced budget and expanding work visas to meet workforce needs.
While McGowan praised President Trump’s border enforcement, Dawson accused the administration of revoking the legal status of immigrants without due process.
Dawson closed the debate, which aired on KTIV, by highlighting their approach during the race.
“I think it was important that we set a tone that is different than many other political campaigns by staying positive and focusing on the issues,” Dawson said.
McGowan is the former president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, and Dawson is a long-time county prosecutor and former Iowa lawmaker.
