NY 18th Congressional candidate Ryan, Schmitt on abortion, inflation and more
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The redrawn 18th Congressional District is expected to be among the more competitive races in New York next week.
Democrat Pat Ryan won a special election this summer to represent the neighboring 19th District but is running in the redrawn 18th against Republican Colin Schmitt. Ryan has made abortion a focus after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, but concerns about inflation and the economy have dominated headlines and voters' concerns in recent weeks.
The USA TODAY Network New York asked both candidates' campaigns about these issues and others ahead of next week's election. Ryan did not initially respond but after this story published online Thursday, his campaign provided answers. Here are the unedited answers and some more detail about the candidates.
Colin Schmitt
Party: Republican
Residence: New Windsor
Age: 32
Q: Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures following the Bruen decision at the Supreme Court? If yes, what? If no, why not?
No, I do not support additional restrictions on the 2nd Amendment. I am focused on common sense legislation that increases mental health services and increases for law enforcement and school safety.
What, if any, restrictions should be put on abortion? Should abortion laws be left to states or federal government?Abortion laws should be left to the State government. I am pro-life. My opponent, Pat Ryan, is an extremist who supports legalizing late-term and partial-birth abortion up to the moment of birth, allowing non-doctors to perform abortions, banning parental notification, and decriminalizing assaults on expecting mothers. Pat's radical views are rejected by the vast majority of New Yorkers and, while he makes this campaign about his extreme politics, I will make it about common sense.
How specifically would you address inflation?
High gas prices and unprecedented government spending are fueling the highest inflation in 40 years. I will help bring checks and balances back to the federal government and put an end to Biden’s reckless spending and failed economic policies.
Should members of Congress and their family members be banned from stock trading? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Yes.
Will you accept the election results in November?
Yes.
Who won the 2020 presidential election?
Unfortunately, Joe Biden is our current president.
What is your top policy priority, how do you intend to achieve it and why do you think you deserve to be elected in November?
Restoring America's economy, getting our country back on the right track and ending reckless spending. I have a proven track record of being one the most bipartisan members of the state legislature and will take that track record with me as I fight in Congress to restore checks and balances in Washington and fight for our Hudson Valley values.
NY electionsHow Pat Ryan, Colin Schmitt differ on abortion, economy, crime in 18th Congressional clash
Pat Ryan
Party: Democratic
Residence: Gardiner
Age: 40
Q: Would you seek the adoption of any new gun control measures following the Bruen decision at the Supreme Court? If yes, what? If no, why not?
Parents should never have to worry that the same weapons I carried overseas in combat could show up at their child's daycare, or at the grocery store, or at a Fourth of July rally. I support protecting our children and our communities by bringing back the Bush-era assault weapons ban and implementing universal background checks and red flag laws.
What, if any, restrictions should be put on abortion? Should abortion laws be left to states or federal government?
For 50 years Roe v. Wade was the law of the land. Now, extremist Republicans like my opponent want to ban abortion in all situations–even in the cases of rape, incest, or threats to the health of the mother. There is nothing compassionate about that. I support codifying the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law to keep politicians out of decisions that should be between a woman and her doctor.
How specifically would you address inflation?
Delivering economic relief to families is a top priority. Earlier this year I cut Ulster County's gas tax in half, and I support doing the same at the federal level. Congress also needs to take action against corporate price gouging. Large corporations are raking in the profits from price hikes that are higher than necessary, and American families are paying for it. I took on Central Hudson's price gouging as Ulster County Executive, and I'll continue to take on corporate greed in Washington.
Should members of Congress and their family members be banned from stock trading? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Absolutely.
Will you accept the election results in November?
Yes. And we need to call out the fact that over half of Republican congressional candidates nationwide are election deniers, including my opponent who cheered on two busloads of insurrectionists on January 6th.
Who won the 2020 presidential election?
Joe Biden.
What is your top policy priority, how do you intend to achieve it and why do you think you deserve to be elected in November?
My top priorities are protecting our rights and delivering economic relief for families. As Ulster County Executive, I fought to put people over profits. Now that I'm in Congress, I'm continuing to stand up to corporate greed and support small businesses and workers. When I served overseas as an Army officer, I put my life on the line for American freedoms. And when those fundamental freedoms are under attack, I'll uphold my oath to protect those rights.
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: NY 18th Congressional District Colin Schmitt, Pat Ryan voters guide
