clinton, i see somebody who is not proven herself trustworthy and i think that will be the status quo, top-down government approach that is not trustworthy. representative mcmorris rodgers, you will answer this one first. thatstart your response to first question, how are you both prepared to work under a president if your candidate does not win? and what could be done to end much of the partisan gridlock that that first keeps things are getting done on both sides of the aisle? rep. mcmorris-rodgers: that is a great question. i lead by example. you look at my record and i is m somebody who has worked across the aisle. i have worked on issues important to eastern washington, in a bipartisan way. whether it is the catastrophic wildfires we've been facing. and working with senator maria cantwell right now on legislation that will

fund the fighting of those fires. i also worked on a bipartisan able act. i have also worked for fairchild air force base. when it comes to the next president, i believe one of the most important, fundamental issues for us is representative government and ensuring the congress is functioning as an equal branch of government. and is functioning in a way that will hold the administration accountable, no matter who it is . exercise the power of the purse and really, on behalf of the people, make sure that the accountability is in our government. ?vonne: mr. pakootas mr. pakootas: i do have concerns with how congress is acting today and how the administration is being pushed aside at times. i highly respect the office of the president. i'm willing to work with president trump is that so happens. -- if not so happens. it is kind of scary, thinking

about that and looking at that and seeing how things are being treated. especially being a person of color, and how the people of color are treated in today's day and age, according to how politics is going. i'm able to work across the line. as the chairman of the public tribe, i was required to work with county, city, state, and federal governments alike. we have had many issues, sovereignty issues. you look at congress today and how things of happened, when president obama took his oath of office and then immediately after that, mitch mcconnell took office,oath of providing to the american people that he would make sure that this president was only a one term president. that is with the gridlock and partisanship started. yvonne: representative, you can have 30 seconds for a rebuttal, if you like. rep. mcmorris-rodgers: well, i think, yes, i'm willing to work with whoever is elected

president. i will respect the people's decision in that. but i think it is most important that the house and senate on behalf of the people is functioning effectively, that we are restoring the peoples' voice in the legislating process. that is where i have introduced legislation, like the usa act, unauthorized spending that is requiring the review and rethinking, eliminating of some programs on autopilot, and putting the people back in charge of this government. it allows us an opportunity to reimagine some of these programs in a way that meet today's needs. , you canr. pakootas respond. mr. pakootas: that is interesting to hear that. she is willing to work across party lines seeing how congress has been reacting the last few years. the reason they're having to approve a new bill as far as the usa act is because congress has not been doing their job in the past. there are many programs that affect eastern washington that are in that category.

the category of unauthorized. if this usa act goes into play, they will be diminished if congress does not reauthorize them. the affordable care act is part of that. the snap program is part of that also. yvonne: thank you. derek, you have the next question and mr. pakootas you will answer this first. >> the u.s. admitted 12,000 syrian refugees in 2016, and while many americans welcome these men, women, and children, others worry that u.s. is becoming a safe haven for those with terrorist ties. how do you think the u.s. should move forward with the refugees fleeing violence and terrorism? rep. mcmorris-rodgers: -- mr. pakootas: we have been a country of open arms. i support that. these people are running from very dangerous times in their lives. many of them are leaving because their families have been slaughtered. the united states has a vetting

process today. i understand it is about 18 months to two years, the complete vetting. but we have always been a country of open arms. i think we need to support those people that opportunity. the united states is the place where people can realize your dreams and freedom. that is what we are going to do, to make sure we allow them that opportunity. yvonne: thank you. and representative mcmorris rodgers. rep. mcmorris-rodgers: the situation in syria is really heartbreaking. when you look at nearly half the population of syria is either refugees, fleeing, or disrupted. i think it is important that we are helping, that we are helping provide assistance to those that are fleeing. i do believe that it is important, as we make these decisions, that we keep the safety and security of this country first and foremost.

that is our number one responsibility within the federal government. i was at a security briefing with the joint house senate security briefing where the fbi director told us that he could not verify that the syrian refugees would meet security requirements. that we did not have a vetting process in place that he could ensure that. i have supported legislation that would call for a halt to the syrian refugee program, bringing them to america, until we can ensure that they are vetted in a way that will protect this country. yvonne: mr. pakootas. mr. pakootas: that is great, but we do have a vetting process that is in place and has been in place. some of the rhetoric going on today, as far as refusing certain individuals because of their race, religion, or gender sometimes in the united states is something we need to correct. syrian refugees, many of them are going to be women and children.

as i said, we do have a vetting process in place. some of the candidates do not believe that. they want to instill this fear in the american people. yvonne: representative? rep. mcmorris-rodgers: as it relates to the syrian refugees, the fbi director himself said it would not be possible to vet this refugees at this time, that we do not have a system in place and that is why i supported the legislation. i'm supporting temporary facilities so that the women and children in need, i recognize they are fleeing from terrible conditions. it is heartbreaking to see what has happened. but i think we can do it in a way that also ensures that we as a country are making the smart decisions that will ensure our safety. yvonne: and is from kip. question is from kids and representative mcmorris

rodgers, he will answer this one first. >> to potential gun control legislation. in a recent debate, donald trump said he would be open to the idea of restricting gun sales to people who are on terrorist watch lists. that is something hillary clinton supports. if that type of legislation comes up in congress, do you support it? thinkcmorris-rodgers: i it is very important as we think through smart policies that we ensure their constitutional rights. the terrorism watchlist, i think there is not, the constitutional rights of the individual also need to be respected that end up on that list. right now, it is very unclear as to why you end up on that list. it is unclear as to how you get off of that list. so, the constitutional right, to take somebody's constitutional right away without protecting their constitutional -- to take

it away without them having their day in court i think would be wrong. so, we are looking at how to ensure that the list is maintained in a way, really making sure they are a terrorist before we take any action. mr. pakootas: i would support that. i'm a gun owner myself. my -- sixght each of of my seven grandchildren on how to operate, maintain safety, and how to hunt. i support the second amendment because i am a gun owner. i am not going to be taking anyone's guns away. the issue here is not only about constitutional rights. many of these people have lost their own constitutional rights. we are not taking away their guns. they have lost them themselves. no-fly people the who cannot fly in the united states and the felons. they have taken away their own constitutional rights. congress isn't.

i am not going to be doing that. i support reinstituting the ban on the sale of weapons, especially to people who are not authorized to fly in the united states. ted: you talk about a ban, are you in favor of an assault weapons ban? rep. mcmorris-rodgers: -- mr. pakootas: i would be in favor of bringing that assault weapons ban back. that was instituted in george bush's times. the sunset had diminished on that recently. i would be in favor of reinstituting that. yvonne: representative, you can have a rebuttal. rep. mcmorris-rodgers: i also am a gun owner. i am a strong believer in the second amendment. when it comes to a terror watch list, i think it is important to recognize that a fundamental constitutional right is to ensure your day in court also. we need to make sure we are protecting all of the constitutional rights. mr. pakootas: i agree with that.

what as i said, we are not the ones taking their constitutional rights away from them. they have taken them away from themselves. yvonne: and let's go to whitney for the next question. and mr. pakootas, you will take this one first. >> what do you think is the federal government's role in trying to ease the racial tension. we have seen so many police shootings. do you think it is a call for more de-escalation training? and what do you think is the role of the federal government? a. pakootas: i think o little less rhetoric about what is going on today. and denying access to the united states by certain religious groups. i think stopping that is a good place to start. some of the problems we have, and people are pushing them out nowadays. you see more and more of them on

the streets. one of our presidential candidate is talking about that, but congress is not saying that is not ok. they are basically being silent about it. so, the american people are feeling a little bit more secure about talking about the racist attitudes, and looking at deporting millions of undocumented hispanics and that . so, congress does have a place in there. i think that would be a great place to start, working with the communities in certain areas. i think some cultural sensitivity would be helpful for a lot of them also. i think a person of color could bring that to congress. the want to maybe re-ask question. when we are talking about the federal government's role, do you think there is a need for more oversight or training when it comes to police shootings of other people of other races? mr. pakootas: certainly. i think they do. and looking at the regulations, the states have requirements for

doing that as well. i do support the police officers. they have a tough job in the united states in protecting and serving the people. but there are a few that take it to the extreme. i think you are seeing more and more of that as we are going through the days and the amount of slaughters, the amount of mass shootings going on and some of the police officers that are killing innocent americans, unarmed americans. congress does have a role in that. i think congress, just in their attitude, would display a lot of that. >> representative mcmorris rodgers. rep. mcmorris-rodgers: when it comes to racial tensions in the country and how it impacts local law enforcement, i think it is very important -- we cherish as americans, no matter where you come from, you have equal protection under the law, equal application of the law. i have a spoken with local

sheriffs and local law enforcement. what they tell me is they do need more training and a belief in community policing. from a federal perspective, i have supported us taking a look at a federally as well and seeing if there is action we should be taking. we've a task force in the house that is led by john lewis, one of the civil right leaders of our time. he is a congressman out of georgia. and other members, like congressman reichert, right here from washington state, the former sheriff from king county. they are meeting regularly, even right now, and going around the country to look at, what is an appropriate federal response too, so we are providing the support we should? , you can have 30 seconds. mr. pakootas: i think part of the training would be having a police force that resembles more of the community, allowing more people of color on the police force and working in the

communities they are in. and some cultural training would be helpful as well. understanding the people they are sworn to protect. and knowing the differences between them. living on a reservation, you are treated completely different when you come off the reservation. that is prevalent in the united states, not only with indian people, but with people of color. >> representative? rep. mcmorris-rodgers: i think it is also important to highlight the recognition that the city of spokane has received in this regard. invited toven the white house recently to participate in this discussion and the leadership that the city of spokane has shown as a community, bringing people together, having a conversation and taking action locally. i think those approaches need to be repeated across the country. yvonne: the next question is from derek and representative mcmorris rodgers, he will answer

this one first. >> it seems that obamacare and the affordable care act is here to stay and we know you have differing stances on this, but assuming it is tuesday, what are your plans to improve upon it in the future? rep. mcmorris-rodgers: well, i think it is important -- well, i think the debate over health care is going to continue. thatow do we ensure everyone in this country has access to quality and affordable health care? unfortunately, the promises that were made in the affordable care act are not being seen. people are not able to keep the plan of their choice. you are seeing premiums go up. in washington state, double digit premium increases. so, what i would like to see is, i would like to see a repeal of the individual mandate, a repeal of the employer mandate, a repeal of the regulations on the state, and to open up states for a larger marketplace, so that individuals and families will have choices for more plans. they would meet their individual

needs, the needs of themselves and their families. right now, we can see less choice, less plans and they are costing more, higher premiums, more co-pays. when he the marketplace to be opened up and expanded. mr. pakootas: i support the affordable care act as it was written originally. and i also support it somewhat today. i think we need to reinstitute some of the options that work taken out and that would be the single payer option. and the ability to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for cheaper drug prices. you think about the promises that were made. those promises were taken out when president obama offered his bill to the republican congress early on, so he could gain their support for the bill, so he could have overwhelming support in front of congress. well, that did not last very long and congress' republicans had taken a shot at it, taken those

provisions out of the bill. i don't believe they would have voted for it otherwise. we have the bill that was watered down, and now they really oppose that bill. they have been voting over 60 times to repeal it. we have 20 million americans that are insured today and 29 million more that need insurance. we still have children that can stay on their parent's insurance until they are 26 years old, which is a great help for them. rep. mcmorris-rodgers: i support pre-existing condition language. able tot those up to 26 stay on their parent's plan. i see this as a top-down, government knows best approach that is limiting choices. one big issue i have been working on is making sure we have more providers right here in eastern washington. we need more doctors. i'm excited about the new medical school. whether it is providing doctors to go on to rural areas, to

the travel reservations. we need more doctors. mr. pakootas: as i said, there has been an effort to repeal this bill many times and it has cost the american taxpayers billions of dollars. there has been a promise to have a bill in place that will be just as good or better than the affordable care act and that has not happened yet. after the 60 some odd votes to repeal that, we were promised that from the republican party and that has not happened yet. the affordable care act is a lifesaver for many millions of american that live alone the -- that live below the poverty rate also. yvonne: thank you. kip, next question and mr. pakootas, he will take this one. >> let's talk about another question that hits people's pocketbooks. minimum wage. washington state has one of the highest minimum wages in the country. congress would have the authority to raise the federal minimum wage for the first time in several years.

does that need to happen? and by how much does it need to be raised? mr. pakootas: it certainly does need to happen. people working 40 hours a week should not be in poverty. in eastern washington, we had quite a few people working full-time that are living in poverty. the minimum wage of $15 per is still pretty low. i would be behind raising that. if you take a look at history and how raises or salaries have increased were certain individuals, ceo's salaries have increased hugely. if the minimum wage had kept up according to that and the cost of living, minimum wage would be around $22 per hour. if you take a look at that, for a family of two, husband twowife, to afford a bedroom apartment, they would have to be making about $14.87

per hour. if they have children, that number goes up quite a bit more. $15 will be right at that limit. >> to you think that businesses in spokane would be able to support a $22 an hour minimum-wage? mr. pakootas: not today, no. they would have to work up to that. there is word going around that it would kill those businesses. those people that are living below the minimum wage area, they did not go out in the their -- they did not go out and spend their money someplace else. they will spend their money locally. that would bring money back to these businesses. they might pay a little bit higher salary, but they will regain that with the business they are providing. yvonne: representative? rep. mcmorris-rodgers: when it comes to raising the federal minimum wage, i believe that is a decision best left at the local level and the state level.

when you look at the differences across this country, even across this state, as to the cost of living, i think that should be taken into consideration. we need to be focused on job creation, on providing opportunities for people to have more jobs and better paying jobs. you think about the important role a job is in your life, it is what gives you purpose and dignity. it is more than a paycheck. we need more jobs and policies that will encourage more jobs. >> what you think of the $22 an hour mark? rep. mcmorris-rodgers: i would have significant concerns about the impact that would have. that means to be a decision made at the local level. yvonne: we can do a 32nd rebuttal if you like -- we can do a 30 second rebuttal, if you like. mr. pakootas: we can slowly build up to that and make it affordable for the american people, especially in this congressional district, where we percent of high

people who live below the poverty rate. 21% of those our children. they cannot afford food on the table sometimes the cause of so, naturally we have to ask that they would have to increase the economy will local areas. >> the way he will create jobs and opportunity is not by more mandates and requirements. want more jobs, we need more training. as i travel around eastern washington in here from employers, family businesses, farmers -- the big issue is the workforce and the training we need for individuals so they can meet the workforce needs. idiot 5% of the jobs will need some post secondary and that is the way you get the workforce and create opportunities and better paying job.

-- it hast question to do with immigration very. donald trump has faded on multiple occasions that he intends to build a wall but how do you think the federal government needs to be handling the millions of undocumented immigrants who are already here from mexico or elsewhere? >> i think we need to fix a broken immigration system. i supported building a wall. the building of a fence and making sure as a country we are safe and secure. steps to taker and we need to make sure the border is secure. we also need a workable program.

have enough people coming to help with agriculture every year. undocumentedhere overstay their visas. for those that are currently here undocumented, i think we -- set of criteria by which i don't support a separate path to citizenship. aboutopponent talks immigration reform and it was a comprehensive reform bill in the senate and that was bipartisan. and the house but not allow it

it is scaring the heck at the american people. the solution is not to build a they were born here. they earned the citizenship at that time. to keeprump, in order them together, he will support those citizens also. that will have a devastating .ffect on those all people i understand the devastation that can happen to you. >> the solution does have to include border security and keeping, making sure the borders secure.

it is too important of an issue and it will take republicans and democrats working together on that. --m someone that is proven able to work across the aisle to find the common ground and someone who is focused on getting results on issue after issue. >> does that include deportation forces by many in the republican party? >> i have not supported the boarding -- deporting. >> that is something the candidate is touting heavily. there has been no reversal or talks against that as far as republicans behind him. comprehensive immigration bill that was put together by republicans and democrats. as my opponent said who has not

supported that, it is not allowing that on the table. >> moving to the next question. >> the largest employer in the area. the economic project to build another casino. with that moving forward, do you believe there needs to be additional protection, if so, why? >> the environmental impact statement and it was fully approved by people in fairchild and the united states department of defense. there were many letters from past generals, colonels that supported the project. no concerns going into it. i did support the project.

i do support economic development in the area. i support the people that have said the project will not be detrimental. , i don't want to get into personal options and stuff like that -- because of the fact we were sovereign nations, people and we were battling forever. thisis something that spokane tribe has a right to do. it should not be denied. said, the largest employer in beeston washington. the community as a partner in ensuring they states wrong is to really address the encroachment inches. the city donated in the property and and has been our commitment through the years that take action and planning decisions

that will protect current missions and future missions. i would not say there were no concerns. it is neutral. they have made a long list of mitigation requirements. my concern -- i support the spokane tribe effort and i applaud their effort to create mynomic opportunities concerns relates to this particular location. the tankers go right ever that proposed site. i believe that will have a longer-term impact. environmental impact

statement with all the concerns. it is past it. had written letters then there was no concern. some of the concerns out there are not viable. to say there is has not happened, it is in the record that it has happened. >> 30 seconds. we need tochild -- make sure we're making decisions that are going to protect both current and future missions. this figure location i believe it is of concern. i would have preferred to have a different site located. fairchild and the leadership of the military -- right now, it is tanker based. the mission changes through the years. i would hate to see the air force decide they will move the tanker someplace else or the

other mission they wanted to bring to fairchild will not give because of complaints. question.e the next i would like to ask a specific question to you, representative. and then i will move on. this have to do with veterans affairs. i wanted to ask you about your legislation. you said it will improve for veterans. low income veterans out of the v.a. system with no problems obtaining quality care -- how would you respond? >> i would say it is a draft bill that we are seeking input. my goal is to get the v.a. focus on the veterans. i get 20 to 30 calls every day in the congressional offense -- office that are getting trouble getting care.

they are heartbreaking stories. unfortunately, the v.a. too often is not focused on the veterans. even as simple as scheduling. i have proposed cell scheduling for veterans, like many people do. those things you do well, let's continue that, make that the center of excellence. but, veterans should have the option of taking care in the community, going to a local doctor, going to a local hospital when they can get it right here in spokane. better -- that is the

conversation i want to have. we are not going to have a rebuttal. another candidate specific question for you i. >> it is on veterans affairs. what do you have for veterans and what specific policy would you change?\ and do have family members thinking about the no going on now and what people do not realize is this is privatizing the veterans administration. veterans administration to meet the needs of our veterans which is not today. they have been concerned about the administration itself and some of the mismanagement, misallocation of funds. theyhas been happening is are giving services for the veterans in certain areas

because they cannot afford that. they are taking a look at the administration and fixing the administration. not complaining about it. not threatening the administration about privatizing and providing additional services for the veterans. that is not going to happen. it also shows the privatizing passed responsibilities the federal government and the taxpayers even more. collects a rebuttal? qwest a 32nd rebuttal. recordve supported a trending for the v.a. the veterans administration budget has more than doubled in the time i have been in congress. it is my funding issue. despite the additional dollars, billions of dollars, the v.a. is

not a system that is focused on the veterans. this something is self scheduling which they will not do. i had a veteran yesterday in my office but because of paperwork could not get in to see the v.a. and was having heart issues. these are heartbreaking stories. we should not be afraid of having a conversation of how we can deliver care. it is not privatizing the v.a. but we can protect them. it is allowing options for veterans that are desperately needed right here in eastern washington. >> part of my campaign has been put together. we meet once a month in my office here in spokane. we go over many of these concerns and lack of resources that are available to our veterans. you remember the day after the 2014 election, 24 hour emergency services at the veterans

administration hospital. you have to have emergencies between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.. and we have to be concerned afterwards. she talked about the appointments. i have a member that has been on the phone, trying to schedule an appointment for her husband for many days now. she gets on the phone and says hang on, we will get somebody to help you. couple minutes later, maintaining your place in line. that continues. if our veterans are actually the veterans wife. >> you are out of time. >> there is a rebuttal. >> ok. let's move on.

next question -- first. lost 2014, washington 20,000 acres to wildfires. in 2015, more than one million acres. experts say the land is not properly and at not necessary labor's. hundreds of people have been homeless. what is it going to take to do more in what can prevent these fires? >> this is a very big issue for eastern washington. they are devastating and have a huge impact. we -- in fighting of these

fires as well as the conditions of forests need to be addressed. right now on the energy conference committee, i introduced legislation that would address how it is prevented. it is not uncommon's committee. and it will address how we fund and fight. they would be outraged. imagine the clean and healthy trees. when a three acres of u.s. for service is diseased, bug infested, dying trees. we need to be taking action so we have health entries and that will prevent these forest fires. >> forest fire prevention has been something that we have been dealing with for many years.

that.ers the very first integrative plan in the nation and we have put that together over 15 years ago in managing our forests. and that has prevented much of the forest from being burned out. services started and it is usually a fire. it is down on the ground. the timbers manage properly. you will not have those abstaining fires. properly funding the for service and the wildfire situation, president obama has requested fighting wildfires and making sure we are fully equipped with emergencies. ee did notnsl receive any money at all. it did not happen for the

wildfire situation. es, congress did take action a year ago to fully fund the firefighting. that here inited eastern washington, the million acre forest, i initiated and we finally got approved which is allowing for longer-term contracts for the private sector to go one and help with the management to get in front of these fires and take action so we can grade this goal. >> the wildfire funding was not near that needs. the u.s. for service budget and once that amount is talking out, then they will dip into the rest of the budget.

it it diminishes the amount of management that u.s. for service can do on the property. properly funded, it will be in the future. funding did not happen before the wildfire season, it happened during the season. >> thank you. think -- you think about the economy in eastern washington. whether it is boy see or 49 then i believe we should be encouraging more of those types of models that allow for us to go in and take the appropriate action rather than waiting for the fire to come through. this first. remains in the

fifth district of many farmers in eastern washington are increasingly frustrated with new regulations on the fda. how do you maintain the livelihood of farmers? >> agriculture is the number one industry in eastern washington and we have kettle falls. i worked alongside my brother and parents picking cherries and cherries and i am thankful for the experience. we need to make sure we are protecting agriculture, family farms especially and we have great diverse crops in eastern washington. one of the biggest challenges we face are the top-down regulations coming out of washington, d.c., federal agencies. it is the number one issue.

it should be voted on by the tocted representatives years be debated by their elected representatives. the regulations are put in place to protect the people she is talking about. speaking of some of the farmers and some of my travels, some of the smaller farmers are being been out by the larger farmers and the corporations. the regulations are developed across -- against them to develop against the farmers. and they lost about 50% during

the month of july, it will be $4.15 it, ithey have harvested is to ours $.15. there is a lot of concern. protecte some ways to those individuals. >> falling numbers and the insurance to make some changes. it is not negatively impacted. who back to the fundamental is deciding what the policy will be? and for a country that rule of law --

these decision should be made by the elected representatives rather than the regulations and we see coming out of a administration. this is not just democrats. republicans and democrats regulations have been making these decisions by rule. >> that is interesting. the government functions have been growing. it was growing during that time. and it don't have a voice sometimes in that area.

>> this is the last question and we will limit your answer to 30 .econds >> it has been a great help. my volunteers helping with campaign. 800y, a little over volunteers in the whole district. it is basically what a lot of people have been asking to vote for. it has been coming from the reservation, living in poverty. it is a name nobody knows. today, people are knowing. my issues not the important thing that i can bring to those individuals. >> thank you. >> i think this political climate has been there for different this year.

the anger and frustration i hear as i am having a conversation with town halls throughout is to washington, and really impressing upon them that i sure that. i share that frustration and i am turning that into ways to be a problem solver and to get results and making sure -- i believe i am smarter today about how to get that done. that is part of the reason i am running for reelection. >> all right. that is our last question and time now for closing statement. we flipped a coin and mr. rogers, you are in first. >> thanks again and thank you to joe and everybody being a part of this and this discussion we have had, it is my honor to represent this district in congress. forward goal is a move to continue to serve the people of eastern washington, be your

,oice and the people's house and to restore the people's voice in our government. >> that is what i believe is most important right now in our country. it is why i introduced the usa act. on very grateful for those who have served in our military, the veterans i have the honor of representing. i have spent a lot of time with our veterans whether it is traveling around the roundtable, republicans in spoken. i don't think there was anything more important than those who have served our country that they get the care they need. i am committed to giving -- making sure they have the funding, but a structure in a culture that is committed to the veterans and i asked your support. >> thank you for the spirited debate and for hosting us. i celebrate your involvement in our democracy.

something that has been lacking for the last two decades -- a leader. i promise you given the opportunity to lead, i will lead and represent your interests and d.c. -- not corporate interests, but your interests. my opponent's contrast. i am nota choice wealthy but i have 30 years of experience in business and understand how government works also. i value cooperation and collaboration. i come from a culture that believes we have a responsibility and a duty to lead this into a better state. it has been too long. you, deserve better. god willing, that is exactly what will happen november 8. i asked for your vote to represent you and be your voice

and washington, d.c.. >> that will do it for tonight's debate coverage. thank you for our representatives. the panel of journalists. the general election is november 8. balance can be dropped off at public libraries ok and the residual thought box in spoken. in addition, balance can be deposited at the election office anytime at 1033 west gardiner but will not be accepted after 8 p.m. on election day. thank you for watching. good night. collects our look at state races continue at 7 p.m. eastern. -- bill cori faces roy coal and jim justice debates on

the state's governor's race. on c-span3, first in congressman inocrat faces don bacon nebraska's second district race. state raise debates live at 7 p.m. eastern on c-span networks. coming up on c-span, arizona senator john mccain faces congresswoman ann kirkpatrick. arizona's first congressional district. after that, the candidates and the vermont governor's race. >> watch c-span's live coverage of the third day between hillary clinton and donald trump on wednesday, october 13. the live debate preview from las vegas starts at 7:30 p.m. eastern at 8:30 p.m.is eastern and the 90 minute debate is at 9 p.m. eastern

stay with us for a viewer reaction, including calls, tweets and facebook comments. watch the debate live or on-demand using your desktop, phone or tablet on c-span.org listen to live coverage on your our c-span campaign bus is traveling through virginia asking voters what is the most important issue in the election and why? >> my name is john david allen, i am a veteran. -- i'm a freshman. the immigration crisis/refugee crisis and also the economy. our country has not been doing so well economically. i feel like the immigration crisis with illegal immigrants coming in it is a very big problem.

>> my name is a violent, i go to longwood university. the most important issue is social issues, specifically abortion. also our immigration system. attend hampton city college -- hampden sydney college. i think our most important issue is national security. we have problems with borders. that is important this cycle. >> hi, i go to hampden sydney college. the most important issue in the 2016 election is the economy. >> hampden sydney college, class of -- the most important issue would be constitutional rights. and preserving

those pencils. .- preserving those principles >> voices from the road on c-span. >> now, live from arizona, a debate between five term senator and armed services chair john mccain and democratic challenger, representative ann kirkpatrick. arizona pbs and the "arizona republic" host this debate. ♪ >> good evening and welcome to this special u.s. senate 2016 election debate between john mccain and ann kirkpatrick. this is a joint effort brought to you by arizona pbs and the arizona republic. i am ted simons and joining me to moderate this debate is yvonne wingett sanchez.

we are broadcasting to you live in the downtown arizona campus. we are also joined by radio listeners. and tonight's debate is also being broadcast in southern arizona on a to z central and on facebook live at cronkite news. viewers across the country they are watching too on c-span. you can also join the conversation on twitter. tonight, we will hear from candidates competing to represent arizona in the u.s. senate. this debate is an open exchange of ideas, an opportunity for give and take. as moderators, we will try to make sure that all sides get a fair shake, but there are a few ground rules. once we ask the candidate a question, they will have 90 seconds to answer without

interruption. the other candidate then gets 45 seconds for a rebuttal without interruption. then, we will have up to an additional two minutes on that topic. at the end of the debate, each candidate will have one minute for closing statements. topics were chosen by journalists, which include azcentral.com. we will also include questions from you, the public, via social media and the public insight network. let's now meet the candidates. john mccain was elected to the u.s. senate in 1986 and is seeking to his sixth term. he was elected to congress in 1982. he was a republican party nominee for president in 2008. democrat ann kirkpatrick has represented the district since 2013. she also held the same seat from

2009 to 2011. she previously served in the arizona house of representatives from 2005 to 2007. earlier, we drew numbers to see who gets the first question and that honor goes to senator mccain. >> senator mccain, you have complained about congressional gridlock. congress has failed to consistently pass a budget in recent years and more than 75% of americans disapprove of the job congress is doing. you have been part of this congress for many years. why do you want to return? sen. mccain: i want to return because there is so much to do, whether it be unlocking this gridlock and congress, as we have in the armed services committee. i am the chairman. we almost unanimously put out a bill to protect the men and women serving in the military. and it is almost always unanimous. we need to do a lot more of that. we also need to reach across the aisle more often. we know sequestration is harming

the men and women serving this country. most of all, i am running on my record and my service to the state of arizona and america. i have led in taking care of the problems and issues that confront the state of arizona, whether it be a fish hashery or the crossing down in yuma, or whether it is keeping the air force base. i have contributed and it is not an accident that i am reviewed as one of the foremost leaders in congress.

not only on national security, but for the good of the state of arizona. i am proud of my record. i will continue to be known as the maverick and i will continue to be fighting my own party when necessary and also, through tried to form the coalitions i have done as the chairman of the armed services committee, and on many other issues i have been involved in. i have a long history of a college men's and i am running accomplishments. yvonne: thank you, senator. congresswoman? -- rep.patrick: kirkpatrick: i think we should have three two year terms and two six year terms in the senate. that is a total of 12 years. if you do those back to back, that is a total of 18 years in washington. that is enough. we need to clear the way for new so thatew relationships we can bust through that gridlock. ourou think about technology, what we were using 12 years ago is obsolete. what we use now is going to be obsolete in two years. -- in 10 years. let's have a term limit.

tim: thank you, congresswoman. senator, this question is from erica in tuscon. how will you work across the aisle to make sure policy is passed and we stay out of stalemates? first, the issue on term limits. the voters determine term limits. at one time, i think they term limited congresswoman kirkpatrick and she came back and many people are glad she did. but the most important thing is, you have to have the knowledge and the background to make things happen. i have the years of experience in the military. i have years of experience in traveling all over this state, from yuma, tff