WEBVTT 00:00.500 --> 00:02.936 position:10% line:85% size:80% - [Announcer] Welcome to "The Idaho Debates", 00:02.936 --> 00:06.840 position:10% line:85% size:80% a Q and A for congressional district one Democratic primary. 00:06.840 --> 00:09.943 position:10% line:85% size:80% "The Idaho Debates" is organized by these partners. 00:10.944 --> 00:14.714 position:10% line:85% size:80% Funding provided by the Friends of Idaho Public Television, 00:14.714 --> 00:17.083 position:10% line:85% size:80% The Idaho Public Television Endowment, 00:17.083 --> 00:19.285 position:10% line:85% size:80% and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. 00:20.587 --> 00:22.322 position:10% line:85% size:80% - Hello, and welcome to "The Idaho Debates" 00:22.322 --> 00:23.523 position:10% line:85% size:80% candidate Q and As 00:23.523 --> 00:27.193 position:10% line:85% size:80% for Idaho's congressional district one Democratic primary. 00:27.193 --> 00:28.895 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'm Melissa Davlin. 00:28.895 --> 00:32.031 position:10% line:85% size:80% This is the second of three "Idaho Debates" programs 00:32.031 --> 00:35.435 position:10% line:85% size:80% this primary season, and as with everything this year, 00:35.435 --> 00:38.805 position:10% line:85% size:80% we had to change our format to allow for social distancing. 00:38.805 --> 00:40.240 position:10% line:85% size:80% Here's a run-down. 00:40.240 --> 00:43.109 position:10% line:85% size:80% Because candidates can't campaign in traditional ways 00:43.109 --> 00:46.513 position:10% line:85% size:80% that would normally determine eligibility for our debates, 00:46.513 --> 00:49.416 position:10% line:85% size:80% we waived the criteria to participate. 00:49.416 --> 00:51.384 position:10% line:85% size:80% If a primary candidate is on the ballot 00:51.384 --> 00:53.820 position:10% line:85% size:80% in a contested congressional race, 00:53.820 --> 00:57.056 position:10% line:85% size:80% they received an invitation to our program. 00:57.056 --> 00:59.592 position:10% line:85% size:80% We taped the Q and As with each candidate separately 00:59.592 --> 01:02.061 position:10% line:85% size:80% via video teleconferencing. 01:02.061 --> 01:03.763 position:10% line:85% size:80% They were given the same eight questions, 01:03.763 --> 01:06.699 position:10% line:85% size:80% and each was given 90 seconds to answer. 01:06.699 --> 01:08.401 position:10% line:85% size:80% If they went a little over, I allowed them 01:08.401 --> 01:09.769 position:10% line:85% size:80% to briefly finish their thought, 01:09.769 --> 01:11.971 position:10% line:85% size:80% and we spliced their answers together 01:11.971 --> 01:14.974 position:10% line:85% size:80% to make it easier for viewers to follow. 01:14.974 --> 01:15.942 position:10% line:85% size:80% At the end of the program, 01:15.942 --> 01:19.712 position:10% line:85% size:80% each candidate will give a 60 second closing statement. 01:19.712 --> 01:20.947 position:10% line:85% size:80% While the format doesn't allow 01:20.947 --> 01:22.982 position:10% line:85% size:80% for a back and forth between candidates 01:22.982 --> 01:25.518 position:10% line:85% size:80% or follow-up questions from me, 01:25.518 --> 01:28.087 position:10% line:85% size:80% it does get basic information out to the voters, 01:28.087 --> 01:31.324 position:10% line:85% size:80% which, like everything, is a challenge this year. 01:31.324 --> 01:34.627 position:10% line:85% size:80% Rudy Soto and Staniela Nikolova are both running 01:34.627 --> 01:36.763 position:10% line:85% size:80% to be the Democratic nominee for this year's 01:36.763 --> 01:38.898 position:10% line:85% size:80% congressional district one race. 01:38.898 --> 01:41.768 position:10% line:85% size:80% That seat is currently held by Congressman Russ Fulcher, 01:41.768 --> 01:44.337 position:10% line:85% size:80% who faces his own primary challenge. 01:44.337 --> 01:46.039 position:10% line:85% size:80% The winners of each primary will move on 01:46.039 --> 01:48.341 position:10% line:85% size:80% to the November general election. 01:48.341 --> 01:52.679 position:10% line:85% size:80% Here's where Soto and Nicolova stand on the issues. 01:52.679 --> 01:53.713 position:10% line:85% size:80% Why are you running? 01:54.614 --> 01:56.449 position:10% line:85% size:80% - Thank you for the question, Melissa. 01:56.449 --> 01:58.351 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'm really excited to be in the race 01:58.351 --> 02:00.086 position:10% line:85% size:80% to be bringing a new set 02:00.086 --> 02:03.623 position:10% line:85% size:80% of perspectives and experiences to the table. 02:03.623 --> 02:05.992 position:10% line:85% size:80% I was born and raised in Nampa. 02:05.992 --> 02:08.261 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'm a Shoshone-Bannock member, 02:08.261 --> 02:10.864 position:10% line:85% size:80% and son of a Mexican immigrant. 02:10.864 --> 02:15.268 position:10% line:85% size:80% I grew up in public housing among an impoverished community, 02:16.836 --> 02:18.171 position:10% line:85% size:80% the type of circumstances 02:18.171 --> 02:21.708 position:10% line:85% size:80% that lead a lot of kids into trouble. 02:21.708 --> 02:23.243 position:10% line:85% size:80% I was one of them. 02:23.243 --> 02:25.912 position:10% line:85% size:80% I spent the better part of two years, 02:25.912 --> 02:28.181 position:10% line:85% size:80% between the ages of 12 and 14, 02:28.181 --> 02:30.884 position:10% line:85% size:80% bouncing around in the juvenile corrections system 02:30.884 --> 02:32.652 position:10% line:85% size:80% here throughout the state, 02:32.652 --> 02:33.686 position:10% line:85% size:80% and I'm fortunate, though. 02:33.686 --> 02:35.788 position:10% line:85% size:80% At 15 I was able to turn things around, 02:35.788 --> 02:38.358 position:10% line:85% size:80% go on, become the first in my family 02:38.358 --> 02:40.727 position:10% line:85% size:80% to graduate from college, 02:40.727 --> 02:43.830 position:10% line:85% size:80% and actually had even been elected 02:43.830 --> 02:45.598 position:10% line:85% size:80% to serve as student body president. 02:46.833 --> 02:48.835 position:10% line:85% size:80% I went on to then enlist, 02:48.835 --> 02:51.271 position:10% line:85% size:80% serve in the US Army National Guard, 02:51.271 --> 02:55.141 position:10% line:85% size:80% served five and a half years in a field artillery unity, 02:55.141 --> 02:57.443 position:10% line:85% size:80% four years in a military police unit, 02:57.443 --> 02:59.846 position:10% line:85% size:80% became a non-commissioned officer, 02:59.846 --> 03:03.550 position:10% line:85% size:80% then continued my career at national nonprofits 03:03.550 --> 03:06.152 position:10% line:85% size:80% in the fields of child welfare, public health, 03:06.152 --> 03:07.487 position:10% line:85% size:80% economic development. 03:08.988 --> 03:10.356 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'm ready to hit the ground running. 03:10.356 --> 03:14.160 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'm running for working families, folks who struggle 03:14.160 --> 03:16.896 position:10% line:85% size:80% to make ends meet, everyday Idahoans, 03:16.896 --> 03:20.400 position:10% line:85% size:80% folks that just want a fair shot at the American dream. 03:20.400 --> 03:21.234 position:10% line:85% size:80% So thank you. 03:22.168 --> 03:24.637 position:10% line:85% size:80% - I am really passionate about the law, 03:24.637 --> 03:27.373 position:10% line:85% size:80% but I'm also really passionate about solving 03:27.373 --> 03:30.410 position:10% line:85% size:80% all of the problems that I see in today's society. 03:31.544 --> 03:33.246 position:10% line:85% size:80% I think that we have a lot of problems 03:33.246 --> 03:34.447 position:10% line:85% size:80% that we could easily solve 03:34.447 --> 03:37.517 position:10% line:85% size:80% through using legislative processes. 03:37.517 --> 03:40.620 position:10% line:85% size:80% And I have lived in Idaho all of my life, 03:40.620 --> 03:45.191 position:10% line:85% size:80% and I feel extremely connected to the people who live here. 03:45.191 --> 03:48.227 position:10% line:85% size:80% And I frankly think that our federal government 03:48.227 --> 03:50.296 position:10% line:85% size:80% could do better for the people of Idaho 03:50.296 --> 03:52.298 position:10% line:85% size:80% and for the people of our nation. 03:52.298 --> 03:55.768 position:10% line:85% size:80% So the reason that I'm running is really a personal one 03:55.768 --> 03:58.805 position:10% line:85% size:80% because in Congress, there was one day, 03:58.805 --> 04:00.506 position:10% line:85% size:80% I think six or seven years ago. 04:00.506 --> 04:01.908 position:10% line:85% size:80% I don't even remember when. 04:01.908 --> 04:05.745 position:10% line:85% size:80% Somebody threw a snowball in Congress 04:05.745 --> 04:09.315 position:10% line:85% size:80% and was talking about how climate change isn't real 04:09.315 --> 04:11.284 position:10% line:85% size:80% because it was snowing outside. 04:11.284 --> 04:13.186 position:10% line:85% size:80% And that kind of scientific illiteracy 04:14.087 --> 04:18.324 position:10% line:85% size:80% is not doing our population any justice. 04:18.324 --> 04:19.959 position:10% line:85% size:80% We need to have legislators 04:19.959 --> 04:21.894 position:10% line:85% size:80% who are taking their jobs seriously 04:21.894 --> 04:25.031 position:10% line:85% size:80% and who can put partisan politics behind them 04:25.031 --> 04:29.702 position:10% line:85% size:80% to actually make effective legislation for our people 04:29.702 --> 04:33.640 position:10% line:85% size:80% because that's the job of your representatives in Congress, 04:33.640 --> 04:36.409 position:10% line:85% size:80% is to represent you and your needs 04:36.409 --> 04:38.878 position:10% line:85% size:80% and to be able to balance a budget effectively 04:38.878 --> 04:41.681 position:10% line:85% size:80% while keeping up with congressional oversight. 04:41.681 --> 04:44.751 position:10% line:85% size:80% And I think that I could do a really effective job 04:44.751 --> 04:47.353 position:10% line:85% size:80% for Idaho's population and for the population 04:47.353 --> 04:50.156 position:10% line:85% size:80% of the United States in being able to do this. 04:51.090 --> 04:54.193 position:10% line:85% size:80% - How are you different than your primary opponent? 04:54.193 --> 04:58.631 position:10% line:85% size:80% - With my primary opponent, I have only had the opportunity 04:58.631 --> 05:02.602 position:10% line:85% size:80% to see his website and to chat with him once. 05:02.602 --> 05:06.239 position:10% line:85% size:80% So I think that in some of the ways that I'm different 05:06.239 --> 05:09.342 position:10% line:85% size:80% is just because I have a vast amount of work experience. 05:09.342 --> 05:12.578 position:10% line:85% size:80% I have 12 plus years working in retail industries, 05:12.578 --> 05:15.014 position:10% line:85% size:80% working in the fishing industry in Alaska, 05:15.014 --> 05:18.418 position:10% line:85% size:80% working as a radio chemistry lab technician. 05:18.418 --> 05:20.286 position:10% line:85% size:80% So a variety of experiences, 05:20.286 --> 05:22.689 position:10% line:85% size:80% but you add my Bachelor's degrees 05:22.689 --> 05:25.692 position:10% line:85% size:80% and my scientific background into that mix, 05:25.692 --> 05:28.995 position:10% line:85% size:80% and now you add my legal background into that mix. 05:28.995 --> 05:32.331 position:10% line:85% size:80% I think that I can kind of give Idahoans 05:32.331 --> 05:36.969 position:10% line:85% size:80% a little bit more of a one candidate fits all 05:36.969 --> 05:42.108 position:10% line:85% size:80% buttons of you, where my opponent might not have some 05:42.108 --> 05:44.010 position:10% line:85% size:80% of the skills that I do. 05:44.010 --> 05:47.647 position:10% line:85% size:80% I also feel like I'm really thorough in my analysis 05:47.647 --> 05:52.285 position:10% line:85% size:80% of issues, and I am the kind of candidate who, 05:52.285 --> 05:54.487 position:10% line:85% size:80% I can't speak for my opponent, 05:54.487 --> 05:55.722 position:10% line:85% size:80% but I can speak for myself. 05:55.722 --> 05:59.125 position:10% line:85% size:80% And I'm the kind of candidate that is going to push 05:59.125 --> 06:02.228 position:10% line:85% size:80% for more participation from the people that I represent 06:02.228 --> 06:05.498 position:10% line:85% size:80% and for informed voters in a democracy. 06:05.498 --> 06:07.066 position:10% line:85% size:80% And I think those are some of the programs 06:07.066 --> 06:09.135 position:10% line:85% size:80% that I really want to see happening 06:09.135 --> 06:14.140 position:10% line:85% size:80% so that the American people and Idahoans have a chance 06:14.140 --> 06:16.042 position:10% line:85% size:80% to fully participate. 06:16.042 --> 06:19.078 position:10% line:85% size:80% And so I think my passion, my fuel, my work ethic, 06:19.078 --> 06:22.014 position:10% line:85% size:80% and my experience really sets me apart 06:22.014 --> 06:23.382 position:10% line:85% size:80% from the other candidate. 06:24.217 --> 06:25.852 position:10% line:85% size:80% - Thank you for that question. 06:25.852 --> 06:28.621 position:10% line:85% size:80% I just wanna take a moment to say thank you 06:28.621 --> 06:31.858 position:10% line:85% size:80% to my opponent for running. 06:31.858 --> 06:34.594 position:10% line:85% size:80% One of the reasons that compelled me to get in this race 06:34.594 --> 06:38.164 position:10% line:85% size:80% was not having seen enough serious competitors 06:38.164 --> 06:43.169 position:10% line:85% size:80% that could challenge the incumbent in elections of the past, 06:44.070 --> 06:49.075 position:10% line:85% size:80% and so voters having options is of utmost importance. 06:51.611 --> 06:54.747 position:10% line:85% size:80% These are crucial and challenging times 06:54.747 --> 06:59.752 position:10% line:85% size:80% so who represents us in government is everything. 07:01.020 --> 07:01.854 position:10% line:85% size:80% And so 07:04.824 --> 07:06.826 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'm excited to be in this race. 07:06.826 --> 07:10.429 position:10% line:85% size:80% I won't say anything to knock on my opponent 07:10.429 --> 07:12.532 position:10% line:85% size:80% in any negative way, but instead I will speak 07:12.532 --> 07:14.433 position:10% line:85% size:80% to my own experience. 07:14.433 --> 07:15.835 position:10% line:85% size:80% I've worked in Washington, DC. 07:15.835 --> 07:19.038 position:10% line:85% size:80% I've spent a considerable amount of time there, 07:19.038 --> 07:23.109 position:10% line:85% size:80% working in the halls of Congress with both sides 07:23.109 --> 07:25.945 position:10% line:85% size:80% and with federal agencies. 07:25.945 --> 07:28.014 position:10% line:85% size:80% So I'm ready to hit the ground running 07:28.014 --> 07:29.949 position:10% line:85% size:80% for working families of Idaho. 07:29.949 --> 07:31.284 position:10% line:85% size:80% Thank you. 07:31.284 --> 07:33.519 position:10% line:85% size:80% - Has the US government responded appropriately 07:33.519 --> 07:35.421 position:10% line:85% size:80% to the COVID-19 outbreak? 07:36.455 --> 07:38.457 position:10% line:85% size:80% - No, absolutely not. 07:40.026 --> 07:44.697 position:10% line:85% size:80% This administration eliminated and dissolved 07:44.697 --> 07:47.633 position:10% line:85% size:80% the Pandemic Preparedness Response Team 07:47.633 --> 07:50.770 position:10% line:85% size:80% that was put into place by the previous administration 07:50.770 --> 07:55.608 position:10% line:85% size:80% to serve as an early warning system of sorts, 07:55.608 --> 07:58.544 position:10% line:85% size:80% to help mitigate problems early on 07:58.544 --> 08:00.646 position:10% line:85% size:80% to help us get out in front. 08:00.646 --> 08:03.282 position:10% line:85% size:80% Instead, it's been disastrous. 08:03.282 --> 08:04.917 position:10% line:85% size:80% There's no national strategy. 08:04.917 --> 08:06.252 position:10% line:85% size:80% There's no plan. 08:07.486 --> 08:10.857 position:10% line:85% size:80% We, as a nation, are leading the world 08:10.857 --> 08:14.894 position:10% line:85% size:80% in the rate of infections and deaths. 08:17.029 --> 08:21.667 position:10% line:85% size:80% In terms of getting relief and stabilizing our economy 08:21.667 --> 08:25.438 position:10% line:85% size:80% and stimulating the situation for individuals 08:28.507 --> 08:31.143 position:10% line:85% size:80% and working families and small businesses, 08:31.143 --> 08:33.746 position:10% line:85% size:80% it's been way too slow and not enough. 08:33.746 --> 08:37.617 position:10% line:85% size:80% Often times the money's ended up in the wrong hands 08:37.617 --> 08:39.886 position:10% line:85% size:80% for people that don't need the help 08:39.886 --> 08:42.722 position:10% line:85% size:80% or large businesses and corporations. 08:44.490 --> 08:47.193 position:10% line:85% size:80% But we have had some lessons learned, 08:47.193 --> 08:50.496 position:10% line:85% size:80% that we need to shore up our healthcare system 08:50.496 --> 08:53.666 position:10% line:85% size:80% to make sure when someone's sick they can go get treated 08:53.666 --> 08:56.836 position:10% line:85% size:80% and not be furthering community spread 08:56.836 --> 09:01.407 position:10% line:85% size:80% as well as how important many everyday, 09:01.407 --> 09:02.708 position:10% line:85% size:80% working people's jobs are. 09:02.708 --> 09:05.244 position:10% line:85% size:80% Our frontline healthcare workers, 09:05.244 --> 09:08.447 position:10% line:85% size:80% delivery drivers, farm workers. 09:08.447 --> 09:10.683 position:10% line:85% size:80% So we've got to pay people living wages. 09:11.584 --> 09:15.855 position:10% line:85% size:80% - No, the US government has not responded appropriately 09:15.855 --> 09:17.757 position:10% line:85% size:80% to the COVID-19 outbreak. 09:18.758 --> 09:20.526 position:10% line:85% size:80% There were a lot of problems 09:20.526 --> 09:22.495 position:10% line:85% size:80% that could've absolutely been avoided 09:22.495 --> 09:24.096 position:10% line:85% size:80% if we had a quicker response. 09:25.731 --> 09:28.834 position:10% line:85% size:80% We needed to make sure that the Defense Production Act 09:28.834 --> 09:31.804 position:10% line:85% size:80% is being used to manufacture testing supplies. 09:31.804 --> 09:33.873 position:10% line:85% size:80% It is absolutely ridiculous that states need 09:33.873 --> 09:37.777 position:10% line:85% size:80% to form their own mini federal governments with coalitions 09:37.777 --> 09:40.980 position:10% line:85% size:80% to be able to adequately buy supplies 09:40.980 --> 09:42.682 position:10% line:85% size:80% that are not going to bankrupt their state 09:42.682 --> 09:45.318 position:10% line:85% size:80% because of price gouging on the marketplace. 09:45.318 --> 09:47.286 position:10% line:85% size:80% There's a time for capitalism and profits, 09:47.286 --> 09:49.221 position:10% line:85% size:80% and there's a time for saving lives. 09:49.221 --> 09:52.525 position:10% line:85% size:80% And right now we need to focus on getting testing 09:52.525 --> 09:54.827 position:10% line:85% size:80% out to the American public 09:54.827 --> 09:57.263 position:10% line:85% size:80% because right now we still have a problem with testing. 09:57.263 --> 09:59.031 position:10% line:85% size:80% And the only way we're getting our economy back 09:59.031 --> 10:01.167 position:10% line:85% size:80% is either through a vaccine or through being able 10:01.167 --> 10:02.435 position:10% line:85% size:80% to test everybody. 10:02.435 --> 10:05.738 position:10% line:85% size:80% I know that it seems like it's a hard problem. 10:05.738 --> 10:07.473 position:10% line:85% size:80% I know that it's going to require 10:07.473 --> 10:10.109 position:10% line:85% size:80% a new kind of infrastructure to be able 10:10.109 --> 10:12.578 position:10% line:85% size:80% to get the kind of PPE, the testing, 10:12.578 --> 10:15.247 position:10% line:85% size:80% and the supply of free agents and getting people trained 10:15.247 --> 10:16.983 position:10% line:85% size:80% to be able to actually perform the tests 10:16.983 --> 10:19.318 position:10% line:85% size:80% so that we can get a high throughput, 10:19.318 --> 10:21.087 position:10% line:85% size:80% but we have to do it. 10:21.087 --> 10:22.788 position:10% line:85% size:80% So it might be a hard problem, 10:22.788 --> 10:24.623 position:10% line:85% size:80% but it's a problem we need to fix 10:24.623 --> 10:27.593 position:10% line:85% size:80% because without testing, we are not getting our economy back 10:27.593 --> 10:29.862 position:10% line:85% size:80% and we are not guaranteeing the safety 10:29.862 --> 10:31.664 position:10% line:85% size:80% of the American public. 10:31.664 --> 10:35.735 position:10% line:85% size:80% So our federal government needed to respond better 10:35.735 --> 10:37.803 position:10% line:85% size:80% and quicker, and we need to start now, 10:37.803 --> 10:39.372 position:10% line:85% size:80% even if we didn't before. 10:40.840 --> 10:43.376 position:10% line:85% size:80% - What are your healthcare policy priorities? 10:44.343 --> 10:47.013 position:10% line:85% size:80% - So with healthcare, ideally, 10:47.013 --> 10:49.682 position:10% line:85% size:80% it would be nice to see healthcare for all. 10:49.682 --> 10:52.618 position:10% line:85% size:80% I think that healthcare is a human right, 10:52.618 --> 10:57.189 position:10% line:85% size:80% and I don't want to see people bankrupt 10:57.189 --> 10:58.624 position:10% line:85% size:80% because they have an illness. 10:58.624 --> 11:00.126 position:10% line:85% size:80% And I don't want to see people choose 11:00.126 --> 11:03.796 position:10% line:85% size:80% between their child's illness and their mortgage payment. 11:03.796 --> 11:05.965 position:10% line:85% size:80% And so what I would like to see 11:05.965 --> 11:07.566 position:10% line:85% size:80% is I want to see regulations 11:07.566 --> 11:10.169 position:10% line:85% size:80% when it comes to medical care pricing. 11:10.169 --> 11:12.271 position:10% line:85% size:80% So when it comes to procedure pricing 11:12.271 --> 11:15.007 position:10% line:85% size:80% and just when you go to the hospital, 11:15.007 --> 11:18.911 position:10% line:85% size:80% I want it to be across the board, consistent. 11:18.911 --> 11:19.745 position:10% line:85% size:80% And then I also think 11:19.745 --> 11:21.881 position:10% line:85% size:80% we need consistent pharmaceutical pricing, 11:21.881 --> 11:23.315 position:10% line:85% size:80% and we need to regulate it to make sure 11:23.315 --> 11:27.353 position:10% line:85% size:80% that price gouging isn't happening for life-saving drugs. 11:27.353 --> 11:30.890 position:10% line:85% size:80% And similarly, I want to see a program 11:31.924 --> 11:33.826 position:10% line:85% size:80% built from the federal government 11:33.826 --> 11:36.529 position:10% line:85% size:80% that actually covers our children's healthcare. 11:36.529 --> 11:38.497 position:10% line:85% size:80% So I want to make sure 11:38.497 --> 11:41.634 position:10% line:85% size:80% that we get rid of preventative diseases 11:41.634 --> 11:46.639 position:10% line:85% size:80% by making sure that people who are under 18 have access 11:47.173 --> 11:49.508 position:10% line:85% size:80% to healthcare and that we can protect 11:49.508 --> 11:52.445 position:10% line:85% size:80% our future generations in a way. 11:54.013 --> 11:57.283 position:10% line:85% size:80% Healthcare for all is a 15 to 20 year program. 11:57.283 --> 12:00.252 position:10% line:85% size:80% Healthcare for 18 and under is a program 12:00.252 --> 12:03.055 position:10% line:85% size:80% that we can easily start to begin to facilitate 12:03.055 --> 12:05.724 position:10% line:85% size:80% to expand our medical care coverage 12:05.724 --> 12:08.761 position:10% line:85% size:80% and make sure that there are no children out there 12:08.761 --> 12:11.564 position:10% line:85% size:80% that are going without health, dental, or vision care. 12:13.032 --> 12:17.103 position:10% line:85% size:80% - Access to affordable healthcare is a human right. 12:21.307 --> 12:23.275 position:10% line:85% size:80% This is personal for me because I grew up 12:23.275 --> 12:26.445 position:10% line:85% size:80% with two siblings that have disabilities, 12:26.445 --> 12:28.681 position:10% line:85% size:80% spina bifida and use wheel chairs. 12:28.681 --> 12:30.850 position:10% line:85% size:80% And then experience with my dad, 12:30.850 --> 12:35.121 position:10% line:85% size:80% who struggled with access to affordable healthcare 12:35.121 --> 12:37.656 position:10% line:85% size:80% that contributed to his premature passing. 12:38.591 --> 12:40.359 position:10% line:85% size:80% Those are the types of reasons 12:40.359 --> 12:42.695 position:10% line:85% size:80% that moved me to be a health policy analyst 12:42.695 --> 12:46.832 position:10% line:85% size:80% to work around the country on getting people signed up 12:46.832 --> 12:48.033 position:10% line:85% size:80% for Medicare, Medicaid, 12:48.033 --> 12:53.105 position:10% line:85% size:80% and on ACA marketplace exchange plans. 12:53.105 --> 12:57.643 position:10% line:85% size:80% So I support moving us more toward affordable, 12:57.643 --> 12:59.678 position:10% line:85% size:80% universal healthcare coverage 12:59.678 --> 13:01.680 position:10% line:85% size:80% through the creation of a public option 13:01.680 --> 13:06.051 position:10% line:85% size:80% for people that lack healthcare insurance plans. 13:06.051 --> 13:11.056 position:10% line:85% size:80% And I wanna work in a bipartisan fashion 13:11.257 --> 13:12.925 position:10% line:85% size:80% with Congressman Mike Simpson 13:12.925 --> 13:16.529 position:10% line:85% size:80% on addressing the opioid epidemic, 13:16.529 --> 13:19.298 position:10% line:85% size:80% bringing down prescription drug prices, 13:19.298 --> 13:22.101 position:10% line:85% size:80% expanding rural health, mental health, 13:22.101 --> 13:23.569 position:10% line:85% size:80% and telehealth services. 13:23.569 --> 13:24.803 position:10% line:85% size:80% There's a lot to be done, 13:24.803 --> 13:27.506 position:10% line:85% size:80% and I'm ready to hit the ground running. 13:27.506 --> 13:28.407 position:10% line:85% size:80% - Do you agree 13:28.407 --> 13:32.211 position:10% line:85% size:80% with how the federal government manages public lands? 13:32.211 --> 13:37.216 position:10% line:85% size:80% - I'm against all efforts to privatize public lands. 13:38.017 --> 13:41.153 position:10% line:85% size:80% Idaho's leaders in Congress and representatives 13:41.153 --> 13:42.922 position:10% line:85% size:80% should always be at the forefront 13:42.922 --> 13:47.426 position:10% line:85% size:80% of keeping our public lands in public hands. 13:47.426 --> 13:52.031 position:10% line:85% size:80% Hunting, fishing, hiking, these are all important parts 13:52.031 --> 13:56.268 position:10% line:85% size:80% of our heritage and culture here as Idahoans. 13:56.268 --> 14:01.273 position:10% line:85% size:80% We have to keep public lands public. 14:03.242 --> 14:08.214 position:10% line:85% size:80% We need to further land conservation, preserve ecosystems, 14:08.514 --> 14:13.519 position:10% line:85% size:80% animal species and wildlife, keep our air and water clean, 14:14.086 --> 14:17.256 position:10% line:85% size:80% address climate change, 14:17.256 --> 14:22.428 position:10% line:85% size:80% and I will work in a bipartisan fashion to address these. 14:22.428 --> 14:25.564 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'm excited about the prospect of working 14:25.564 --> 14:28.968 position:10% line:85% size:80% with Congressman Simpson, who's been leading the charge 14:28.968 --> 14:31.704 position:10% line:85% size:80% in a very balanced way on many of these issues. 14:31.704 --> 14:36.175 position:10% line:85% size:80% I support furthering stewardship contracts 14:37.176 --> 14:40.713 position:10% line:85% size:80% that allow for local interests 14:40.713 --> 14:43.315 position:10% line:85% size:80% to work with key stakeholders 14:43.315 --> 14:45.084 position:10% line:85% size:80% through a collaborative process 14:45.084 --> 14:50.089 position:10% line:85% size:80% to make sure that when necessary we're addressing things 14:50.856 --> 14:52.658 position:10% line:85% size:80% in a different way. 14:52.658 --> 14:54.059 position:10% line:85% size:80% And at the same time, 14:54.059 --> 14:55.928 position:10% line:85% size:80% there's a federal role to play 14:55.928 --> 14:57.630 position:10% line:85% size:80% because not everything that's gonna work 14:57.630 --> 15:00.666 position:10% line:85% size:80% in another state or place is the right fit for here. 15:00.666 --> 15:02.001 position:10% line:85% size:80% So there's a balance. 15:03.035 --> 15:05.738 position:10% line:85% size:80% - I do agree with how the federal government 15:05.738 --> 15:07.906 position:10% line:85% size:80% manages public lands. 15:07.906 --> 15:11.710 position:10% line:85% size:80% I know that we have a lot of people who talk 15:11.710 --> 15:14.847 position:10% line:85% size:80% about how we want to develop natural resources more, 15:14.847 --> 15:17.516 position:10% line:85% size:80% but I also think that in Idaho especially, 15:17.516 --> 15:19.351 position:10% line:85% size:80% we love our public lands. 15:19.351 --> 15:22.721 position:10% line:85% size:80% Our public lands are a great source of recreation. 15:22.721 --> 15:27.726 position:10% line:85% size:80% We love the wildlife that we get to hunt in Idaho, 15:28.694 --> 15:31.897 position:10% line:85% size:80% and I think that there needs to be a balance 15:31.897 --> 15:35.067 position:10% line:85% size:80% between federal sovereignty and state sovereignty. 15:35.067 --> 15:38.304 position:10% line:85% size:80% So I think that the way that the federal lands 15:38.304 --> 15:43.309 position:10% line:85% size:80% are currently managed might be able to be improved upon, 15:43.542 --> 15:47.079 position:10% line:85% size:80% but I haven't been in those congressional hearings 15:47.079 --> 15:49.315 position:10% line:85% size:80% or been able to participate in them 15:49.315 --> 15:52.051 position:10% line:85% size:80% to be able to give you a more thorough answer. 15:52.051 --> 15:54.186 position:10% line:85% size:80% I think right now what we're doing is good. 15:54.186 --> 15:56.989 position:10% line:85% size:80% I think we could probably have a higher emphasis 15:56.989 --> 15:59.591 position:10% line:85% size:80% on protecting those natural resources 15:59.591 --> 16:01.994 position:10% line:85% size:80% and making sure that they're not exploited. 16:01.994 --> 16:06.565 position:10% line:85% size:80% And that's all I have to say on that topic. (laughs) 16:06.565 --> 16:09.501 position:10% line:85% size:80% - What policies would you support to lower US debt? 16:10.436 --> 16:13.472 position:10% line:85% size:80% - I think when it comes to US debt, 16:13.472 --> 16:17.609 position:10% line:85% size:80% it's definitely important to talk about strategic spending. 16:17.609 --> 16:20.145 position:10% line:85% size:80% So I think that we have a lot of places 16:20.145 --> 16:24.483 position:10% line:85% size:80% where we could easily get, 16:27.319 --> 16:28.387 position:10% line:85% size:80% sorry (laughs). 16:28.387 --> 16:30.956 position:10% line:85% size:80% I think we have a lot of places 16:30.956 --> 16:33.659 position:10% line:85% size:80% where we could easily lower our spending 16:33.659 --> 16:35.427 position:10% line:85% size:80% and be able to make sure 16:35.427 --> 16:37.763 position:10% line:85% size:80% that we're prioritizing the right things. 16:37.763 --> 16:39.398 position:10% line:85% size:80% So, for example, a lot of people will say, 16:39.398 --> 16:42.501 position:10% line:85% size:80% "Well healthcare spending or spending on Medicare 16:42.501 --> 16:44.136 position:10% line:85% size:80% "or spending on food stamps 16:47.506 --> 16:48.841 position:10% line:85% size:80% "is not going to be the right priority," 16:48.841 --> 16:50.342 position:10% line:85% size:80% but those cuts that we're making 16:50.342 --> 16:53.645 position:10% line:85% size:80% are actually not going to help our deficit 16:53.645 --> 16:56.782 position:10% line:85% size:80% because the money that we're actually cutting is so small. 16:56.782 --> 17:01.487 position:10% line:85% size:80% So I support reshaping our tax system 17:01.487 --> 17:04.390 position:10% line:85% size:80% so that companies who are making billions of dollars 17:04.390 --> 17:06.725 position:10% line:85% size:80% don't pay an effective tax rate of zero 17:06.725 --> 17:08.794 position:10% line:85% size:80% at the end of the tax process. 17:08.794 --> 17:10.796 position:10% line:85% size:80% That way we can tax effectively 17:10.796 --> 17:14.566 position:10% line:85% size:80% and then use that money to be able to support the values 17:14.566 --> 17:18.704 position:10% line:85% size:80% and the public policies that we value as Americans. 17:18.704 --> 17:22.040 position:10% line:85% size:80% And those programs help to fund education 17:22.040 --> 17:25.911 position:10% line:85% size:80% and help to fund things that we find valuable as a society. 17:26.812 --> 17:31.817 position:10% line:85% size:80% = the US debt and deficit is serious and staggering. 17:32.384 --> 17:35.554 position:10% line:85% size:80% It was being brought down dramatically 17:35.554 --> 17:38.123 position:10% line:85% size:80% under the previous administration 17:38.123 --> 17:41.360 position:10% line:85% size:80% due to bipartisan efforts in Congress 17:42.361 --> 17:44.630 position:10% line:85% size:80% as well as sequestration. 17:44.630 --> 17:47.232 position:10% line:85% size:80% That was all turned up on its head 17:47.232 --> 17:50.469 position:10% line:85% size:80% under the current president's administration 17:50.469 --> 17:54.273 position:10% line:85% size:80% with the passage of $2 trillion tax cuts 17:54.273 --> 17:57.376 position:10% line:85% size:80% for the rich and the wealthiest and corporations 17:57.376 --> 18:01.213 position:10% line:85% size:80% at the expense of millions of middle class families. 18:01.213 --> 18:04.283 position:10% line:85% size:80% And it put the debt on our children 18:04.283 --> 18:06.418 position:10% line:85% size:80% and our children's children. 18:06.418 --> 18:11.156 position:10% line:85% size:80% And that's just unfathomable. 18:12.090 --> 18:16.695 position:10% line:85% size:80% It also was deepened by billions and billions of dollars 18:16.695 --> 18:19.665 position:10% line:85% size:80% that have been paid out by the US Treasury Department 18:19.665 --> 18:23.035 position:10% line:85% size:80% for farmers and the losses that they've suffered 18:23.035 --> 18:27.172 position:10% line:85% size:80% due to the president's trade wars by Twitter. 18:28.140 --> 18:30.409 position:10% line:85% size:80% That is unacceptable. 18:30.409 --> 18:33.512 position:10% line:85% size:80% We need to get our economy back on track. 18:33.512 --> 18:37.749 position:10% line:85% size:80% We're gonna need to invest more in the economy 18:37.749 --> 18:40.853 position:10% line:85% size:80% to stabilize it and stimulate it, to keep individuals, 18:40.853 --> 18:43.856 position:10% line:85% size:80% working families, and small businesses whole. 18:43.856 --> 18:45.090 position:10% line:85% size:80% But when things bounce back, 18:45.090 --> 18:47.759 position:10% line:85% size:80% we're gonna need to roll back those Trump tax cuts 18:47.759 --> 18:48.627 position:10% line:85% size:80% for the wealthy. 18:49.495 --> 18:51.530 position:10% line:85% size:80% - What role should the federal government play 18:51.530 --> 18:53.265 position:10% line:85% size:80% in addressing climate change? 18:54.132 --> 18:57.903 position:10% line:85% size:80% - As a native person, environmental stewardship 18:57.903 --> 19:01.673 position:10% line:85% size:80% is a centerpiece of our culture. 19:01.673 --> 19:05.143 position:10% line:85% size:80% Indigenous communities have long led the way 19:05.143 --> 19:07.946 position:10% line:85% size:80% in sounding the alarm about the urgent 19:07.946 --> 19:09.915 position:10% line:85% size:80% and impending climate crisis. 19:10.749 --> 19:15.454 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'm glad that the scientific community and consensus 19:15.454 --> 19:17.656 position:10% line:85% size:80% has caught up with that. 19:17.656 --> 19:19.324 position:10% line:85% size:80% Climate change is real. 19:19.324 --> 19:24.329 position:10% line:85% size:80% It's an urgent crisis that requires immediate action now 19:24.796 --> 19:27.666 position:10% line:85% size:80% to preserve our planet for current generations 19:27.666 --> 19:29.568 position:10% line:85% size:80% and not just future. 19:29.568 --> 19:33.005 position:10% line:85% size:80% It's caused by global population growth 19:33.005 --> 19:34.940 position:10% line:85% size:80% as well as industrialization. 19:36.241 --> 19:41.380 position:10% line:85% size:80% We need to have our federal government pass laws 19:41.380 --> 19:46.385 position:10% line:85% size:80% that implement sustainable policy-minded approaches 19:47.185 --> 19:49.888 position:10% line:85% size:80% for governments at all levels 19:49.888 --> 19:52.324 position:10% line:85% size:80% to help us put forth plans 19:52.324 --> 19:57.296 position:10% line:85% size:80% to transition to a clean, renewable energy economy 19:59.197 --> 20:02.968 position:10% line:85% size:80% to pave the way for 21st century jobs 20:04.102 --> 20:07.839 position:10% line:85% size:80% so that we can keep our air and water clean. 20:07.839 --> 20:10.576 position:10% line:85% size:80% And Idaho's representatives in Congress 20:10.576 --> 20:14.313 position:10% line:85% size:80% should always be leading the charge on that front. 20:15.414 --> 20:18.750 position:10% line:85% size:80% - The federal government has the ultimate role to play 20:18.750 --> 20:20.786 position:10% line:85% size:80% in addressing climate change. 20:20.786 --> 20:23.455 position:10% line:85% size:80% We need to get serious about the fact 20:23.455 --> 20:28.460 position:10% line:85% size:80% that we are creating this problem for the global community. 20:30.696 --> 20:32.364 position:10% line:85% size:80% And it is a global issue. 20:33.432 --> 20:35.567 position:10% line:85% size:80% The reason that the federal government needs 20:35.567 --> 20:37.235 position:10% line:85% size:80% to take the ultimate responsibility 20:37.235 --> 20:40.105 position:10% line:85% size:80% is because we have to work as a global coalition 20:40.105 --> 20:43.008 position:10% line:85% size:80% to be able to combat this very serious problem. 20:46.445 --> 20:47.946 position:10% line:85% size:80% So I don't think that climate change 20:47.946 --> 20:52.951 position:10% line:85% size:80% is a climate and preservation problem solely. 20:53.685 --> 20:57.055 position:10% line:85% size:80% I think that part of it is also an economic problem 20:57.055 --> 21:00.258 position:10% line:85% size:80% because we've already seen our fishing industry impacted 21:00.258 --> 21:02.694 position:10% line:85% size:80% where they have had to figure out new ways 21:02.694 --> 21:05.664 position:10% line:85% size:80% instead of siphoning water out from the ocean 21:05.664 --> 21:07.232 position:10% line:85% size:80% to figure out a way to filter it 21:07.232 --> 21:08.467 position:10% line:85% size:80% so it's not so acidic 21:08.467 --> 21:10.769 position:10% line:85% size:80% that it's killing off fish populations. 21:10.769 --> 21:13.805 position:10% line:85% size:80% We're seeing a lot of residual problems rising, 21:13.805 --> 21:15.574 position:10% line:85% size:80% and it's a national security issue too. 21:15.574 --> 21:17.175 position:10% line:85% size:80% And if we don't listen to scientists 21:17.175 --> 21:19.077 position:10% line:85% size:80% and don't try to stop pollution 21:19.077 --> 21:21.847 position:10% line:85% size:80% and try to mitigate this problem, 21:21.847 --> 21:26.218 position:10% line:85% size:80% we're going to see a lot of fallout in terms of wildfires, 21:26.218 --> 21:28.053 position:10% line:85% size:80% in terms of increased drought, 21:28.053 --> 21:30.689 position:10% line:85% size:80% and in terms of food production being halted. 21:30.689 --> 21:31.823 position:10% line:85% size:80% And we need to make sure 21:31.823 --> 21:33.225 position:10% line:85% size:80% that we're anticipating those problems 21:33.225 --> 21:34.993 position:10% line:85% size:80% before they actually happen, 21:34.993 --> 21:38.030 position:10% line:85% size:80% and that is a federal government response. 21:39.197 --> 21:40.132 position:10% line:85% size:80% - What are your priorities 21:40.132 --> 21:42.167 position:10% line:85% size:80% when it comes to immigration policy? 21:43.168 --> 21:45.404 position:10% line:85% size:80% - I think with our immigration policy, 21:45.404 --> 21:47.172 position:10% line:85% size:80% we need to remember that we need 21:47.172 --> 21:48.907 position:10% line:85% size:80% to be compassionate as humans. 21:50.275 --> 21:52.644 position:10% line:85% size:80% Immigrants, especially now with everything 21:52.644 --> 21:56.548 position:10% line:85% size:80% that's happening with essential works and crop production, 21:56.548 --> 21:58.316 position:10% line:85% size:80% we are seeing that immigrants actually play 21:58.316 --> 22:01.687 position:10% line:85% size:80% a really vital role in not only feeding the American people 22:01.687 --> 22:04.923 position:10% line:85% size:80% but also assimilating into communities. 22:04.923 --> 22:07.325 position:10% line:85% size:80% I know I read somewhere somebody said 22:07.325 --> 22:10.929 position:10% line:85% size:80% that only skilled workers should be allowed 22:10.929 --> 22:12.230 position:10% line:85% size:80% in the United States. 22:12.230 --> 22:15.133 position:10% line:85% size:80% And I keep thinking about my experience as an immigrant, 22:15.133 --> 22:19.371 position:10% line:85% size:80% because I am the kind of person that was a refugee 22:19.371 --> 22:22.340 position:10% line:85% size:80% and came into this country under refugee status. 22:22.340 --> 22:24.743 position:10% line:85% size:80% And I have been here for almost all of my life. 22:24.743 --> 22:27.646 position:10% line:85% size:80% I have Idaho running through my blood, 22:27.646 --> 22:30.182 position:10% line:85% size:80% but it's a misconception that I haven't done anything 22:30.182 --> 22:32.084 position:10% line:85% size:80% for my community, that I haven't contributed, 22:32.084 --> 22:33.485 position:10% line:85% size:80% that I haven't worked hard. 22:33.485 --> 22:35.120 position:10% line:85% size:80% I mean, I went to undergrad. 22:35.120 --> 22:36.154 position:10% line:85% size:80% I went to law school. 22:36.154 --> 22:37.155 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'm running for office. 22:37.155 --> 22:39.257 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'm participating fully in trying to solve 22:39.257 --> 22:40.926 position:10% line:85% size:80% some of the problems we face. 22:40.926 --> 22:43.862 position:10% line:85% size:80% And my story is not unique. 22:43.862 --> 22:46.298 position:10% line:85% size:80% We have a lot of other stories of immigrants 22:46.298 --> 22:48.934 position:10% line:85% size:80% who are maybe not extremely wealthy 22:48.934 --> 22:50.368 position:10% line:85% size:80% when they come into this country, 22:50.368 --> 22:53.805 position:10% line:85% size:80% but they work hard everyday to add to our communities. 22:53.805 --> 22:55.173 position:10% line:85% size:80% So I think we need to make sure 22:55.173 --> 22:58.443 position:10% line:85% size:80% that we are letting people in 22:58.443 --> 23:01.680 position:10% line:85% size:80% who are going to create that diversity 23:01.680 --> 23:03.615 position:10% line:85% size:80% that we value as Americans 23:03.615 --> 23:08.353 position:10% line:85% size:80% and that we are also making sure to, 23:08.353 --> 23:10.355 position:10% line:85% size:80% I understand border security. 23:10.355 --> 23:13.225 position:10% line:85% size:80% And I understand the fact that we are a nation, 23:13.225 --> 23:15.594 position:10% line:85% size:80% and we can't let everybody in. 23:15.594 --> 23:20.265 position:10% line:85% size:80% But I think that a lot of the immigration problems 23:20.265 --> 23:22.634 position:10% line:85% size:80% that we see have been slightly hyped up 23:22.634 --> 23:24.035 position:10% line:85% size:80% by partisan politics. 23:24.035 --> 23:28.707 position:10% line:85% size:80% - There are a lot of opinions on this issue. 23:28.707 --> 23:31.009 position:10% line:85% size:80% I've lived it from all sides. 23:32.410 --> 23:36.381 position:10% line:85% size:80% My dad is an immigrant from Mexico. 23:36.381 --> 23:39.317 position:10% line:85% size:80% He came here during the 1960s 23:39.317 --> 23:41.820 position:10% line:85% size:80% to work in the farms and fields. 23:41.820 --> 23:43.622 position:10% line:85% size:80% He gained legal status 23:43.622 --> 23:46.925 position:10% line:85% size:80% under President Ronald Reagan's administration. 23:46.925 --> 23:51.930 position:10% line:85% size:80% I, myself, while in the Army National Guard, 23:52.564 --> 23:57.135 position:10% line:85% size:80% was deployed to the US-Mexico border 23:57.135 --> 23:58.770 position:10% line:85% size:80% to help protect it. 23:58.770 --> 24:00.505 position:10% line:85% size:80% So I know it up close. 24:02.674 --> 24:05.043 position:10% line:85% size:80% All of these experiences combined 24:05.043 --> 24:08.613 position:10% line:85% size:80% are part of what drive me to wanna be a part 24:08.613 --> 24:13.251 position:10% line:85% size:80% of working with Congressman Simpson 24:13.251 --> 24:18.256 position:10% line:85% size:80% to revamp our H-2A visa system, 24:18.723 --> 24:22.394 position:10% line:85% size:80% to bring about comprehensive immigration reform, 24:22.394 --> 24:27.399 position:10% line:85% size:80% to provide pathways to legal status and citizenship 24:29.901 --> 24:33.839 position:10% line:85% size:80% for undocumented persons, to protect DREAMers 24:33.839 --> 24:38.844 position:10% line:85% size:80% and TPS holders as well as stop the shameful separation 24:40.445 --> 24:42.180 position:10% line:85% size:80% of children and families. 24:44.382 --> 24:46.718 position:10% line:85% size:80% That's not in line with our values 24:46.718 --> 24:48.053 position:10% line:85% size:80% and who are as a country. 24:48.053 --> 24:52.524 position:10% line:85% size:80% We've gotta stay true to our history and heritage. 24:52.524 --> 24:54.192 position:10% line:85% size:80% Unless you're Native American, 24:54.192 --> 24:55.794 position:10% line:85% size:80% your ancestors were newcomers. 24:55.794 --> 24:58.196 position:10% line:85% size:80% We're a nation of immigrants, and we gotta stay that way. 24:58.196 --> 24:59.831 position:10% line:85% size:80% It's what makes us special, 24:59.831 --> 25:03.501 position:10% line:85% size:80% and we will always be amazing because of that. 25:04.603 --> 25:07.839 position:10% line:85% size:80% - You now have 60 seconds to give your closing remarks. 25:07.839 --> 25:11.176 position:10% line:85% size:80% - Thank you, Melissa, Idaho Public Television, 25:12.210 --> 25:14.479 position:10% line:85% size:80% Idaho Press Club, and all the partners 25:14.479 --> 25:17.182 position:10% line:85% size:80% who helped put this together during these trying times, 25:17.182 --> 25:20.685 position:10% line:85% size:80% who are making sure that we can keep people informed. 25:20.685 --> 25:22.854 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'm running for people like my dad, 25:22.854 --> 25:26.291 position:10% line:85% size:80% who lost his health insurance after being laid off, 25:27.425 --> 25:31.596 position:10% line:85% size:80% and we're better than that as a country. 25:32.964 --> 25:36.701 position:10% line:85% size:80% I am determined to make sure that 25:36.701 --> 25:39.704 position:10% line:85% size:80% that isn't a common occurrence for too many families 25:39.704 --> 25:41.840 position:10% line:85% size:80% who struggle to make ends meet. 25:41.840 --> 25:44.242 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'm fighting for working families. 25:44.242 --> 25:47.145 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'm ready to hit the ground running in Washington. 25:47.145 --> 25:52.117 position:10% line:85% size:80% I hope to be able to earn your vote here in May, 25:52.817 --> 25:55.053 position:10% line:85% size:80% as well as in November. 25:55.053 --> 25:57.923 position:10% line:85% size:80% I'll never forget where I came from, 25:57.923 --> 26:02.494 position:10% line:85% size:80% and I've raised my right hand to serve this country before, 26:02.494 --> 26:03.929 position:10% line:85% size:80% and I'm ready to do it again. 26:05.397 --> 26:07.766 position:10% line:85% size:80% - At this point, we lost our connection with Nikolova, 26:07.766 --> 26:10.035 position:10% line:85% size:80% but she was able to give her closing remarks 26:10.035 --> 26:11.636 position:10% line:85% size:80% after we reconnected. 26:12.470 --> 26:15.440 position:10% line:85% size:80% - I'm not a politician, but I'm running for office 26:15.440 --> 26:17.676 position:10% line:85% size:80% because I see a lot of problems in Congress, 26:17.676 --> 26:19.244 position:10% line:85% size:80% and I couldn't live with myself 26:19.244 --> 26:21.379 position:10% line:85% size:80% if I didn't do anything about it. 26:21.379 --> 26:23.615 position:10% line:85% size:80% We need to put partisan politics aside 26:23.615 --> 26:25.684 position:10% line:85% size:80% and start working with each other because, 26:25.684 --> 26:29.888 position:10% line:85% size:80% at the end of the day, regardless of political affiliation, 26:29.888 --> 26:31.289 position:10% line:85% size:80% we are all Americans, 26:31.289 --> 26:33.625 position:10% line:85% size:80% and we just need to start acting like it. 26:33.625 --> 26:36.695 position:10% line:85% size:80% Our country was built on a dream, 26:36.695 --> 26:39.898 position:10% line:85% size:80% "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." 26:39.898 --> 26:43.902 position:10% line:85% size:80% And it's my dream to see us working together as Americans 26:43.902 --> 26:47.072 position:10% line:85% size:80% to combat the real problems that face us today 26:47.072 --> 26:50.075 position:10% line:85% size:80% with climate change, inaccessible healthcare, 26:50.075 --> 26:52.544 position:10% line:85% size:80% a national infrastructure that needs investment, 26:52.544 --> 26:55.046 position:10% line:85% size:80% ensuring clean air and clean water, 26:55.046 --> 26:59.150 position:10% line:85% size:80% cybersecurity and national security in a technological age. 26:59.150 --> 27:01.553 position:10% line:85% size:80% I want to see Americans spend more time 27:01.553 --> 27:04.389 position:10% line:85% size:80% building each other up than we do breaking each other down, 27:04.389 --> 27:06.358 position:10% line:85% size:80% and it starts at the top. 27:06.358 --> 27:08.860 position:10% line:85% size:80% Elect me, and let's start moving forward 27:08.860 --> 27:10.996 position:10% line:85% size:80% with building an informed, accessible, 27:10.996 --> 27:12.530 position:10% line:85% size:80% and productive democracy. 27:13.932 --> 27:14.899 position:10% line:85% size:80% - Thank you for watching. 27:14.899 --> 27:17.869 position:10% line:85% size:80% Remember, the primary election is May 19th 27:17.869 --> 27:21.139 position:10% line:85% size:80% and will be conducted entirely via mail this year. 27:21.139 --> 27:23.775 position:10% line:85% size:80% You have until 8 p.m. local time on the 19th 27:23.775 --> 27:25.944 position:10% line:85% size:80% to register to vote and to request your ballot, 27:25.944 --> 27:28.346 position:10% line:85% size:80% which you can do at idahovotes.gov. 27:28.346 --> 27:29.848 position:10% line:85% size:80% And if you don't have internet access, 27:29.848 --> 27:33.251 position:10% line:85% size:80% you can contact your county clerk directly. 27:33.251 --> 27:34.686 position:10% line:85% size:80% In order for your vote to count, 27:34.686 --> 27:37.088 position:10% line:85% size:80% your county clerk must receive your completed ballot 27:37.088 --> 27:40.125 position:10% line:85% size:80% by 8 p.m. local time on June 2nd. 27:40.992 --> 27:43.261 position:10% line:85% size:80% We have one more candidate Q and A coming up, 27:43.261 --> 27:45.597 position:10% line:85% size:80% Republican candidates for congressional districts 27:45.597 --> 27:49.034 position:10% line:85% size:80% one and two, Nicholas Jones and Kevin Rhoades. 27:49.034 --> 27:53.538 position:10% line:85% size:80% We'll have their Q and As at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, May 8th. 27:53.538 --> 27:54.906 position:10% line:85% size:80% We reached out to the campaigns 27:54.906 --> 27:58.443 position:10% line:85% size:80% for both representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, 27:58.443 --> 28:00.712 position:10% line:85% size:80% and they didn't get back to us. 28:00.712 --> 28:02.680 position:10% line:85% size:80% For more information on our candidate Q and As, 28:02.680 --> 28:07.218 position:10% line:85% size:80% and to watch any you might've missed, go to idahoptv.org. 28:07.218 --> 28:09.821 position:10% line:85% size:80% (upbeat music) 28:16.928 --> 28:18.763 position:10% line:85% size:80% - [Announcer] "The Idaho Debates" is organized 28:18.763 --> 28:19.998 position:10% line:85% size:80% by these partners. 28:23.268 --> 28:26.938 position:10% line:85% size:80% Funding provided by the Friends of Idaho Public Television, 28:26.938 --> 28:29.340 position:10% line:85% size:80% the Idaho Public Television Endowment, 28:29.340 --> 28:32.243 position:10% line:85% size:80% and the Corporation of Public Broadcasting. 28:32.243 --> 28:34.979 position:10% line:85% size:80% (dramatic music)