The Congressional District 4 Debate in Colorado featured six Republican candidates vying for the nomination, including Rep. Lauren Boebert. The candidates mostly agreed on topics such as former President Donald Trump, immigration, climate change, and federal spending, but differed on foreign policy. Boebert was the only candidate who opposed providing U.S. military aid to Ukraine, citing concerns about the lack of accountability in how the funds were being used. The debate was hosted by CBS Colorado and moderated by Political Specialist Shaun Boyd.
Each candidate had the opportunity to discuss their platform and views on various issues during the debate. Boebert highlighted her experience in Congress and her endorsement from Trump. State Rep. Richard Holtorf described himself as a “no-nonsense conservative” with combat experience. State Rep. Michael Lynch focused on immigration and fentanyl issues, while Deborah Flora criticized Boebert for abandoning her current district and missing key votes. Former state Senator Jerry Sonnenberg emphasized his leadership skills and deep roots in Colorado, while Peter Yu talked about restoring trust in Congress.
During the debate, the candidates discussed foreign policy topics such as deploying troops to defend Taiwan, support for aid to Ukraine, and aid for Israel. While most candidates supported these efforts, Boebert faced criticism for her two votes against aid to Israel, with concerns raised about humanitarian aid being included in the funding. The candidates also discussed unity among the GOP candidates and the need to focus on policy issues rather than internal conflicts. There was generally broad agreement on issues such as immigration, climate change, and federal spending.
The candidates shared their views on various policy proposals, including mass deportations, border security measures, and a merit-based visa policy. Boebert called for deporting all undocumented immigrants and building a wall along the border. Sonnenberg and Yu discussed the need to streamline the process for legal immigrants to enter and work in the U.S. The candidates also downplayed the significance of human activity in contributing to climate change, with Boebert referencing the changing seasons and Holtorf highlighting environmental factors beyond human control.
Colorado’s Congressional District 4 is located in eastern Colorado and includes parts of the Denver metro area. Boebert, who currently represents the state’s 3rd Congressional District, has raised significantly more campaign funds than her Republican rivals. The primary election is set to take place on June 25, with ballots being sent out to voters next week. Overall, the debate provided a platform for the candidates to showcase their views on various issues and highlight their priorities and stances on important policy matters.
