NJ 11: 5 Takeaways From The First Sherrill/Becchi Debate

NORTH JERSEY - In their first debate for the 11th Congressional District in New Jersey U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill and challenger Rosemary Becchi talked pandemic, police, policy and partisan politics Sunday.

The event was hosted by the New Jersey Globe. Here are five takeaways from the 90-minute exchange:

Pandemic Problems

• Becchi: The tax attorney said she doesn't want to keep families on lockdown, noting that she wants to find ways to open up safely.
• Sherrill: The former federal prosecutor and Navy helicopter pilot said a move back to normalcy can't happen until the global health crisis is under control.
• Common Ground: Both candidates agreed that following the health guidelines from the Center for Disease Control was important.

Partisan Pot Shots

• Becchi: Multiple times throughout the debate Becchi invoked the name of Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. She said, like Pelosi, Sherrill wants to take away guns from citizens and defund the police.
• Sherrill: Sherrill said that the pandemic not being under control is due to a failure of President Donald Trump. She also said his chaotic foreign policy has damaged our relationship with allies.
• Common Ground: Congress needs more female voices.

Reproductive Rights

• Becchi: The challenger confirmed she was pro-life.
• Sherrill: The incumbent said she was pro-choice and believes Planned Parenthood needs to be fully funded.
• Common Ground: None.

Police Position

• Becchi: The challenger said that her opponent seeks to defund the police and end qualified immunity for police officers.
• Sherrill: The Representative said she does not support defunding the police, but that ending qualified immunity would help identify and hold problem officers accountable.
• Common Ground: Both agree there are "bad apples" that need to be addressed.

Record Roundup

• Becchi: According to Becchi, Sherrill exhibits a very partisan approach and went back on her campaign promise to walk a moderate path.
• Sherrill: The Congresswoman noted that her opponent lobbied in favor a the 2017 tax bill that capped the State and Local Property Tax (SALT) deduction at $10,000 which hurt New Jersey families and helped Exxon Mobile work around environmental regulations.
• Common Ground: None.

The candidates are set for another virtual debate at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night. It will be another virtual meeting, hosted by NJInsider. You can view their first debate in its entirety below.

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