Casey and McCormick agree on the need for an “all-of-the above” energy policy. However, they differed in their views of gun control, filibustering, and abortion rights.

The second and final debate in Pennsylvania’s highly-watched U.S. Senate race felt a lot like the first, fiery showdown between Democratic incumbent Bob Casey (left) and his Republican challenger Dave McCormick (right), with both candidates using every opportunity to advance the attack lines they favor against each other.

Casey repeatedly criticised McCormick’s years of living in Connecticut, and his work as an executive at Bridgewater Associates, which is a hedge-fund that has made large investments in China. McCormick, on the other hand, described Casey as “a weak career politician” and “a status quo candidate”.

The candidates were also asked questions about a variety of policy issues during the debate on Tuesday, hosted by 6ABC in Philadelphia. Here is where Casey, McCormick and other candidates stand on the most important issues that they would face if elected.

Puerto Rico is now a state

Many residents in Philadelphia follow the political developments of the island.

When asked whether Puerto Rico’s residents should vote for statehood, the candidates had opposing views.

Casey: “I think we should entertain that decision if the people of Puerto Rico do so.”

McCormick stated, “I wouldn’t vote for it to be the 51st State.”

Eliminating filibuster

Here’s another clear division.

McCormick wants to keep the filibuster, the rule that prevents legislation from being passed if 60 out of 100 senators do not support it. This is to stop the “extremists” from either party driving Washington’s agenda.

McCormick stated, “I think that filibustering is a good way to check either the majority or minority of any party.” “Sen. Casey wants that to be eliminated. “It’s going change the balance of powers forever.”

Casey wants to eliminate the rule, because it prevents important legislation from being passed.

He said, “If we changed that rule, [gun sales] background check bill could be passed.” If we change this rule, we can pass the Women’s Health Protection Act.

Climate Change and Energy

Both candidates support a “all-of-the above” energy policy that includes boosting Pennsylvania’s gas industry.

McCormick said that despite natural gas being fossil fuels that contribute to global warming, the U.S. must increase exports in order to combat climate change. He suggested that it emits less carbon dioxide into the air than coal-fired plants, which are the backbones of China’s and India’s power sectors.

He said that it was crucial to the growth of the economy, national security and climate change.

McCormick also criticised Casey for his support of President Joe Biden’s infrastructure law. This included subsidies for renewable energies like wind and solar, McCormick said. The Republican claimed that this made the U.S. reliant more on Chinese technology to develop these projects.

Casey pointed out that these subsidies, as well as other aspects of infrastructure law, are creating jobs in Pennsylvania. He also attacked McCormick over Bridgewater’s investments into Chinese and Saudi Arabian companies.

Abortion Rights

The issue of abortion rights has been a hotly contested one in the Senate race. This is partly because the candidates’ positions have changed over the years. They reiterated their current 2024 versions on Tuesday.

McCormick wants to let the states decide on how to regulate abortions, as has been the practice since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

McCormick’s first run for the Senate was in 2022. He appeared to support an abortion ban in all situations except where the life of the woman is threatened. He says that he now supports three exceptions. These include cases of rape and incest.

Casey, who was known for years as one of Washington’s most prominent “pro life Democrats”, endorsed the Women’s Health Protection Act in 2022, which guaranteed abortion rights throughout the United States. He reiterated on Tuesday that the decision of the high court was responsible for his change.

He said, “We had to make a choice then. We could either be a senator or a citizen.” “Do you wish to have these rights restored? “That was the choice that the country had to make, and I voted at that time for the restoration of those rights.”

Gun control

Casey ran for Senate in the first place as a fierce opponent of any new gun control measures. After the Sandy Hook massacre in 2012, Casey said that he was for reforms that were “common sense”, including an assault-rifle ban and a background check system.

Casey stated Tuesday that the gun lobby had a stranglehold over one political party. “I don’t believe that the old false choice between protecting people and having common sense laws on guns is very convincing.”

McCormick stated that he is in favor of increased investments in mental health issues, which are a factor in mass shootings. He also supports enhancing security in synagogues and schools. He did not support any stronger gun control regulations.

McCormick stated that restricting the legal ownership of guns would not solve your problem.