The only debate before the November 16th election was a spirited one on Wednesday night. Right out of the gate, there was a heated discussion between Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and GOP challenger Eddie Rispone on Medicaid expansion. Rispone previously proposed freezing enrollment in an effort to tackle some of the program’s issues.
“We’ve wasted $85 million dollars on people who did not qualify. We’ve also spent $16 million on illegal immigrants with welfare benefits. Again, we’re wasting dollars and cents,” said Rispone.
Governor Edwards says a freeze to enrollment would result in 300,000 people losing healthcare.
“You don’t have a plan and you don’t have a plan because you don’t care. If you cared about Louisianans and their healthcare coverage, you would never propose a Medicaid freeze, which you know to be an actual repeal,” said Edwards.
The night also saw the two argue over criminal justice reform, job creation, infrastructure, and taxes. Edwards attacked Rispone’s lack of interest in holding any other debates.
“You don’t have time for the people of Louisiana, you don’t really want to share your vision because you don’t have any…” said Edwards.
“…I have a vision, you know that. Its job creation. Make us number one in the south when it comes to jobs,” said Rispone.
Edwards specifically targeted Ripsone’s no-showing of the Baton Rouge Press Club this week, but Ripsone says he had bigger guests in town later that afternoon.
“The Vice President of the United States came down here to help me, so I’m going to a press conference instead of meet with the Vice President of the United States? That’s almost ridiculous to even think that,” said Rispone.
Early voting for the run-off begins Saturday. The run-off Election Day is November 16th.
