In debate, Lamb, Kenyatta take jabs at no-show Fetterman
Candidates also discussed relevant issues
In their debate Sunday at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, U.S. Senate Democratic candidates Conor Lamb and Malcolm Kenyatta outlined how their positions differ in several key areas.
But there was one thing they agreed on: Opponent John Fetterman’s absence from the debate stage was subject to criticism.
Fetterman, Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor who is leading in the polls among candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, declined to attend and gave no reason. His campaign indicated that he has accepted invitations to other, future debates. But Sunday was the first formal debate where the top three candidates in the race could discuss issues.
Lamb, early in the debate, said Fetterman didn’t attend to avoid explaining why in 2013, as mayor of Braddock, he carried a shotgun when confronting a Black man on the street after hearing gunfire in the borough. Fetterman told the Associated Press earlier that he was unaware the man was Black and he was concerned about the safety of residents. Fetterman also told the AP that’s not why he hasn’t appeared at candidate forums.
In the race for the Senate position, Democratic and Republican candidates have crowded the field as they attempt to fill the seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, who decided to not seek reelection. Whichever party claims the seat in November could shift the balance of power in the Senate, which is now split 50-50.
Kenyatta, a two-term state representative from Philadelphia, and Lamb, a three-term congressman from Allegheny County, frequently got in other jabs about the absent debater.
“You deserve a senator who will show up and not act like a loose cannon,” Kenyatta said, motioning to an empty lectern at one end of the Muhlenberg stage.
When discussing fracking in the state, Lamb said Fetterman has given answers for and against the process to extract gas from the state’s Marcellus shale region, depending on which side of the state he is speaking.
“That’s another thing Fetterman will have to answer for,” Lamb said, characterizing Fetterman as a “flip-flopper.” Fetterman has often said he supports continued fracking, which environmentalists question as a source of water and air pollution.
Lamb said he supports fracking because it helps the state’s economy by creating jobs. If done properly, fracking can help ease climate change problems because it would lessen the need for coal-fired power plants. Fracking is essential for western Pennsylvania’s economy, he said.
Kenyatta opposes fracking, saying it leads to climate problems, which adversely affect people in poor neighborhoods. Switching to wind and solar power, for example, can create union jobs without the negative effects on the environment. “Fracking doesn’t have a PR problem, it has an actual problem,” he said.
Over 75 minutes, the two candidates answered questions posed by three moderators: Christopher Borick, professor of political science and director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion; Jenny DeHuff, editor-in-chief of City & State PA; and Ari Mittleman, founder and host of the Pennsylvania Kitchen Table Politics podcast. The three groups, as well as student organizations Muhlenberg College Democrats and The Muhlenberg Weekly, sponsored the debate.
Kenyatta, who said he has tens of thousands of dollars of student debt, said student debt must be canceled, with college being made more affordable and community colleges becoming free for students.
Lamb said Republicans complain about inflation in America but do nothing about the burden of student debt, which must be addressed.
Both candidates said they are willing to work with Republicans.
Kenyatta said too many Republicans live on “Fantasy Island,” but he is ready “to welcome anyone to the dock of reality” so the two parties can work together.
Lamb said that in his first term he worked with a Republican congressman to sponsor a bill, which became law, to improve job opportunities for veterans.
Kenyatta supports the Build Back Better Act, which West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat, blocked.
Both men agreed that Congress must assert itself when it comes to declaring war.
“We shall be the deciders. It is up to us if there is going to be a long-term commitment,” Lamb said.
“The legislative branch has given away its responsibility,” Kenyatta said.
Both also agreed that the return of earmarks - now called community project funding, programs that members of Congress could use in their own districts - is worthwhile.
Both support additional funding to find treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and ending the role of Congress to raise the debt limit.
Coming Wednesday: A look at the 7th Congressional District debate between Republicans Kevin Dellicker and Lisa Scheller.