CD2 candidates offer contrasting approaches
Herrell, Torres Small face off in TV debate
SANTA FE — Democrat Xochitl Torres Small and Republican Yvette Herrell turned to familiar themes Wednesday as they confronted each other in the second televised debate of their combative campaign to represent the 2nd Congressional District.
Torres Small, who defeated Herrell by less than 2 percentage points in 2018 to win the traditionally Republican seat, repeatedly characterized herself in the KOB-4 debate as someone willing to work across party lines — even with President Trump — to help constituents and reach compromise.
Herrell highlighted her faith and conservative credentials while describing Torres Small as an ally of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, not ordinary New Mexicans.
The contrasting messages came through on a host of issues, including a question on whether Congress should pass another economic relief package addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asked to explain what should and shouldn’t be in the legislation, Herrell said she would support expanded unemployment benefits if they’re needed, but she also blasted Pelosi and House Democrats, arguing they had cluttered up the proposal with unrelated provisions on elections and other matters.
“I am all for helping Americans with a hand up, but not a hand out,” Herrell said.
Torres Small, meanwhile, touted her work in the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and listed loan forgiveness, health care funding and support for unemployed workers as priorities that both parties should work on.
“What I won’t accept for a COVID-19 package is a stalemate,” she said. “We have to get to an answer.”
Torres Small, a lawyer from Las Cruces, and Herrell, a Realtor and former state representative from Alamogordo, are competing in one of the most competitive races in the country.
A Journal Poll published in September showed the two in another tight race, with Torres Small leading by just 2 percentage points, well within the margin of error.
Before the 2018 election, Republicans had held the 2nd Congressional District for all but two years since 1981.
Wednesday’s 30-minute debate was moderated by Tessa Mentus and Chris Ramirez of KOB.
Torres Small is heading into the final weeks of the campaign with a financial edge, according to information released Wednesday by the candidates.
The Torres Small campaign said she will report having more than $1.7 million in cash on hand after raising about $2.4 million in the most recent quarter. Herrell’s campaign said she will report over $500,000 on hand after donations of more than $1 million during the quarter.
The filing deadline is Oct. 15 for activity through Sept. 30.