2nd District candidates Craig, Kistner debate in person Thursday

MINNEAPOLIS -- With just 25 days until the midterm elections, the candidates in one of the most closely watched races in the country will go head to head.

Democratic Congresswoman Angie Craig and Republican Tyler Kistner debated at Dakota County Technical College Thursday morning.

They are running to represent Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District. The district stretches from parts of Woodbury and Eagan to Mankato and down through LeSeuer County.

This race is a rematch from 2018, where Craig won. But it's now considered a toss up, and is one of a handful of races nationwide that could help decide which party controls the U.S. House.

The debate began with the economy. Kistner blamed inflation on Craig's "yes" votes for President Biden's spending bills.

"I just have to ask you one simple question this entire debate: Can we survive another two years under the failed leadership of President Biden and Congresswoman Craig?" Kistner asked.

Craig countered with what she says the spending bills delivered.

"$1.7 billion went to save businesses in the 2nd District in the past two and a half years; 176,000 jobs were saved," she said.

The debate skidded into more barbed attacks, with Craig accusing Kistner, "You're pro-life, you're pro-Trump, and you're pro-guns ... You get up here and you pretend to be the boy next door, but you're too extreme for Minnesota's 2nd District."

Kistner countered that he has "not seen someone run a more dishonest campaign than you have in this election cycle ... It just shows how far you will lie to people to keep your political power."

When it came to abortion, Craig and Kistner had another heated exchange.

"One in three women have lost access to their reproductive rights since Roe was overturned. Nine states have banned abortions even in cases of rape, incest, and life of the mother," Craig said. 

"I'm pro-life expect in cases of rape, incest, and life of the mother. But this issue should be left to the states," Kistner said.

By the end the debate took on the tone of the non-stop barrage of TV ads in the race with spending, already topping $22 million.

Earlier this month, Paula Overby, the Legal Marijuana Party Now candidate in the 2nd District, died of heart complications. Secretary of State Steve Simon said the election will go on as scheduled in November.