Maine’s CD2 candidates say they will debate. But when?

U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (left) and his Republican challenger, Maine Rep. Austin Theriault. (Campaign photos)

With fewer than 100 days until the November election, the candidates for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District say they want to debate, but haven’t set a date. 

However, in a series of tense exchanges on social media, Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden and his Republican challenger, Austin Theriault, gave a preview of what those debates may entail. 

Throughout the campaign, Theriault — who just finished his first term as a freshman state legislator — has claimed Golden is hiding from voters and the press. More recently, he’s called Golden a “flip flopper,” saying that he has gone back and forth in regards to his stance on border security and the upcoming presidential election, among other issues. 

“Maybe you don’t think who the President is matters for Maine. When you flip on that too and reveal you’re voting for Kamala (since you’ve made it clear you’re not for Trump), don’t hide it — let us know!” Theriault wrote on X.

Referring to the congressman’s earlier statement on Vice President Kamala Harris as the likely nominee, his campaign said, “Golden has been clear in saying he won’t vote for Trump and, before committing to vote for Kamala Harris, he wants to better understand her plans for the future of America.”

In the social media exchange, Golden pivoted to asking Theriault about the issues that he believes are important to voters.

“Mainers deserve a CD2 race focused on the issues that matter most to them. My opponent only cares who you’re voting for president,” Golden wrote. 

Instead of who will be in the Oval Office, Golden said he wants to know why Theriault voted against safeguarding women’s ability to make their own reproductive decisions, among other votes.

As a state representative for Fort Kent, Theriault did not support LD 780, which ultimately failed but proposed a constitutional amendment to give everyone the right to reproductive autonomy.

Theriault did not respond to Golden’s questions. Instead, he listed his own questions about Golden’s record in regards to the Inflation Reduction Act, protections for the lobster industry and the U.S. southern border. 

Golden pushed back on Theriault’s claims by noting that the Inflation Reduction Act has lowered health care costs for Maine seniors. Golden also said he has supported more than $7 billion in border wall and related security measures. Just last week, he was among just six Democratic members of the U.S. House to join Republicans in passing a resolution condemning President Joe Biden and Harris for the administration’s border policies.

In 2022, Golden supported a bill that provided $14.8 billion in funding for the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

Debates?

In the posts, Golden offered to debate Theriault three times. But, he added, they will “have to wait on timing” because he has to prioritize his congressional responsibilities as the three-term incumbent.

“Don’t worry — I’ll let you know,” Golden wrote on X. 

Golden’s spokesperson said again on Tuesday afternoon that the congressman will agree to three debates. Details have not been negotiated, but Golden hopes to have one debate in each of Maine’s media markets “before Mainers begin voting.”

Voters can start requesting absentee ballots as soon as early August, which is just days away. 

Though she couldn’t confirm details, CBS13 News Director Amanda Post said both candidates were invited to a live debate with the channel and its partners at the Bangor Daily News. 

Theriault’s campaign has not responded to multiple requests for comment and interviews since before the June primary, including for this story.