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Takeaways from the Larkin-Schrier debate for the 8th Congressional District race

caption: Republican Matt Larkin is challenging Democrat incumbent Kim Schrier in the Congressional race for Washington's 8th District.
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Republican Matt Larkin is challenging Democrat incumbent Kim Schrier in the Congressional race for Washington's 8th District.

Congressmember Kim Schrier and Republican challenger Matt Larkin are back campaigning after their one and only debate. Their race for the 8th Congressional District is a close one. It could determine future control of the U.S. House.

In their debate over the weekend, the two candidates were often evasive.

Larkin called for big cuts to federal spending, for example, but declined to answer a question about what he would actually cut.

"I think there's a whole bunch of things that we need to take a good hard look at," Larkin said.

Larkin also did not answer a question about his view on recent gun safety laws. Or another about whether former President Trump bears any responsibility for Americans believing false information about the 2020 election, and in some cases turning to violence.

"Everyone who who is screaming right now, and mad, and upset on both sides of the aisle can be blamed for this," Larkin said.

For her part, Schrier did not answer a question about the time Georgia Democrat Stacy Abrams called her own election stolen.

"I can't comment on what another politician has said," Schrier said.

On abortion, Larkin has said he's against it, even in cases of rape and incest, but in the debate, he would not say what exceptions or limits he’d want to see in any federal abortion ban.

"That's not in my topic playbook, Larkin said. "I've got other things to worry about."

Schrier would not say what limits she would want to see in any federal law protecting abortion rights.

The video below of the entire debate was streamed by KING5.

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