Election 2024: Bacon, Vargas ‘blue dot’ debate on abortion, immigration, economy

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Don Bacon and Tony Vargas squared off in the same room Friday for the first time this election season, giving the candidates a chance to cut through the TV and internet commercials.

While some Nebraska incumbents have avoided debates, that’s not the case for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District.

In another contentious Congressional race to represent Nebraska’s “blue dot” district, incumbent Republican Rep. Don Bacon again faces State Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha.

It was a sequel from 2022, when Bacon won by two points. Out of 219,000 thousand votes, around 6,000 separated the two. In a presidential election year — when more people typically vote — energizing voters is usually the key.

Moderated by 6 News Political Reporter Brian Mastre, the debate was livestreamed at noon Friday on WOWT.com, and on the 6 News Facebook and YouTube pages. It airs at 7 p.m. Friday on Cozi Channel 6.2 (Channel 120 for Cox customers). The League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha and the Omaha Press Club helped organize the debate and come up with the questions and the rules for the debate, hosted by 6 News and the League of Women Voters.

Bacon has held the seat for four election cycles —since he defeated Brad Ashford in 2016, the same year Vargas was elected to the Nebraska Legislature. The two shook hands at the start of Friday’s debate then traded jabs for the next hour.

Vargas and Bacon have agreed to three debates.

During Friday’s debate, each explained why they are the best candidate for the job, sharing their views on a range of topics: from student loan forgiveness to foreign ownership of land; from abortion ballot initiatives to immigration and the border; from the economy to gun control.

While Bacon has won re-election in this purple district multiple times, experts consider this year’s race a toss-up.

Bacon said it concerns him that the Kamala Harris campaign is pumping millions into the district to secure a “blue dot” — with very few dollars spent by Donald Trump’s team.

ON ABORTION

One of the biggest issues this year has been abortion. In Nebraska, voters will be presented with two opposite ballot measures: one that enshrines the right to abortion in the state’s constitution and one that would do the same with the 12-week ban.

WATCH THE FULL DEBATE

—

Digital Director Gina Dvorak contributed to this story.

—

Get the latest breaking news delivered to your inbox. Sign up for 6 News email alerts.

Copyright 2024 WOWT. All rights reserved.