Abortion, climate change and other questions for CD2 candidates

A lightening round at the end of the debate between the three candidates for the 2nd Congressional District forced candidates to answer plainly and simply how they feel about a series of issues, for the most part.

The first question was about abortion. “Under what circumstances, if any, do you support abortion?” moderator Gregg Lagerquist asked.

Emily Cain, a Democratic state senator from Orono, said she unequivocally supports a woman’s right to choose an abortion.

Bruce Poliquin, the former state treasurer and Republican candidate in this election, said he does not support abortion, except in the case of rape, incest or to save a life.

Independent candidate Blaine Richardson said a he does not support abortion under any circumstances.

For the second question, candidates were asked whether they would vote to raise the federal minimum wage.

Richardson said he would not.

Cain said she would.

Poliquin dodged the question.

In a rare moment, after a question about where they stand on the referendum to ban bear baiting, the candidates agreed. They all said they would vote no, they do not support the ban.

They were asked what app they use most on their phones. Cain said email and the other two said text.

They were then asked if climate change is real and whether humans are contributing to it.

Richardson said climate change is a natural phenomenon and humans’ contribution to it is “minuscule.”

Poliquin said “there is evidence that humans are affecting this change,” but “we need a balanced approach to this,” emphasizing that he would not do anything he thought would kill jobs.

Cain said, yes, climate change is real.

After the debate, all candidates said they enjoyed the process. Cain said Poliquin used every opportunity to attack her. Richardson seemed miffed that Poliquin “wants to pretend that I’m not a candidate.” Poliquin said there’s a clear choice in the election and referred to the voters as customers.

Nell Gluckman

About Nell Gluckman

Nell is the education reporter for the Bangor Daily News, but she will be helping out the political team by covering the 2nd Congressional District election this year. Before joining the Bangor Daily News in 2013, Nell worked for the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting. She is a graduate of George Washington and Columbia Universities. Originally from New York City, Nell now lives in Bangor.