Stutzman, Young go head to head in Senate debate

INDIANAPOLIS — The two Republicans in the primary race for Indiana’s open U.S. Senate seat tried to set themselves apart during a debate Monday night (April 18).

Republican Sen. Dan Coats will retire from Congress at the end of his term. Now U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, who currently represents Indiana's 3rd district, and U.S. Rep. Todd Young, who currently represents the state's 9th district, are vying for the seat.

Stutzman grew up on a farm and is a small business owner. Young joined the U.S. Marine Corps after his high school graduation. He said that’s where he learned the value of service before self and wanted to make a difference.

“We have too many Washington career politicians who put politics before people,” said Young. “It’s no wonder that our government is broken and so many Hoosiers are frustrated.”

While in the Marine Corps, he learned “that the world is a very dangerous place and only gets more dangerous if America turns their back on the world.”

“I’m running because Jenny and I want for our four young children what every Hoosier family wants for our children and grandchildren—a quality education that turns into a good paying job that ultimately leads into a meaningful career,” said Young.

Marlin Stutzman answers questions after the Republican debate for Indiana's open U.S. Senate seat. Photo by Megan Powell, TheStatehouseFile.com

Marlin Stutzman answers questions after the Republican debate for Indiana’s open U.S. Senate seat. Photo by Megan Powell, TheStatehouseFile.com

“I never expected to be in politics,” said Stutzman. “But then 9/11 happened and this is what prompted my wife and I and our family to decide to be actively engaged.”

Stutzman also talked about the national debt of $19 trillion which is “growing faster and larger and our children will have to know how to pay back at some point.” College debt is also on the Congress’s mind, according to Stutzman.

“Education is the key. It is the magical bullet to making sure that our economy that our country is strong,” said Stutzman after the debate. “But to see the federal government take over all student lending, I think it’s a bad model.”

When looking at both candidates, the two often have similar positions. Both are anti-abortion. Both criticize President Obama. Both oppose Obamacare. Both have A+ ratings with the National Rifle Association. They even both joined Congress at the same time in 2010. And both claim to be the true conservative in the race.

However, during the debate Monday, Stutzman said he supported building a wall between Mexico and the United States, a plan proposed by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Young did not give a direct answer to the question.

Todd Young answers questions after the Republican debate for Indiana's open U.S. Senate seat. Photo by Megan Powell, TheStatehouseFile.com

Todd Young answers questions after the Republican debate for Indiana’s open U.S. Senate seat. Photo by Megan Powell, TheStatehouseFile.com

Then when asked about their preferred presidential candidate, both avoided answering directly.

“I will support whoever they elect or decide,” said Stutzman.

“As a U.S. Marine, I understand what it means to give orders. And the orders I’ve heard from Hoosier conservatives around the state is to focus intently on this Unites States Senate race,” said Young.

The primary election on May 3 will decide which Republican will move on to the general election and face Democrat Baron Hill.

 

Article writer Megan Powell is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.