Lincoln, Neb. – With just 41 days left before the November 3 general election, voters in Nebraska’s 1st congressional district heard directly from incumbent Rep. Mike Flood and Democratic challenger Chris Backemeyer at the district’s first and only debate.
National security and Iran
Both candidates opened with the ongoing war in Iran, emphasizing the need for a strong American response. Flood warned that the United States must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating, “We’re in a situation now where we don’t want this country to get a nuclear weapon. I want it over as fast as everybody else, but I’m not willing to cut and run until the job is done.” Backemeyer pressed for clear objectives, asking, “What are we trying to accomplish? What are our objectives? How are we going to achieve those and then how are we going to get out?”
Immigration enforcement
Before moving to immigration, moderators cited a 329% rise in arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Nebraska during President Trump’s first term. Flood expressed solid support for the agency, while condemning recent fatalities involving ICE agents in Minnesota. “I support ICE and CBP doing their job. What we saw happen up in Minnesota was too much. And I think the rest of America felt a huge lump in our throat that that was not right,” he said.
Backemeyer criticized the timing of the condemnation, noting two American citizens were shot dead by ICE in Minneapolis. He added, “I don’t believe we need to abolish ICE, but we need to rein it in, and we need to bring it back to its mission post 9‑11.” He also highlighted that ICE’s budget now exceeds that of the U.S. Marine Corps, questioning the logic of such spending.
Rural health care
Rural health care was another focal point. Flood referenced the Rural Healthcare Transformation Act, noting that federal funding of a billion dollars is significant for a state of roughly two million people. He explained how the money has been allocated among several rural hospitals.
Backemeyer turned the discussion to work requirements tied to medical coverage, arguing that “they’re required to work more hours than Congress did this very session in the 104 days that they were in.” He framed the requirements as a test of personal responsibility.
Closing remarks
In their closing statements, both candidates stressed personal ties to the community. Flood said, “I’ve built my life here. I listen and I get results. It’s because I’m in touch with Lincoln City officials. One of us on this stage tonight has actually reached across the aisle and solved problems.” Backemeyer countered, “I am not a career politician because I devoted my career to public service. I am the one on this stage who has worked across the aisle. Ask yourselves, how do you feel? Are you happy with the direction of our country and of our state?”
The debate underscored the stark choices Nebraskans will face on national security, immigration enforcement, and rural health as they head to the polls on Nov. 3.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
