Rory Reid admitted Thursday the health care reform bill his father ushered through the Senate puts a burden on Nevada in the form of increased Medicaid costs.
During a televised debate with opponent Brian Sandoval, Reid said he does not support the legal challenges to Obamacare but does “not deny, however, that Nevada needs to be vigilant on this issue.”
Reid said there is “potential for [the law] to put significant pressure on states because Medicaid rates could go up significantly.”
Brian Sandoval said he supports the litigation against the health law, citing concerns with premium increases.
During the debate, the two candidates rolled out their resumes, touted strengths and claimed to be the leader Nevada needs. Sandoval said at both the beginning and end of the debate that the three differences between he and Reid are “experience, integrity, and fiscal responsibility.”
Rory Reid repeatedly mentioned the budget proposal on his website and criticized Brian Sandoval for not yet delivering his promised budget plan to voters, while Sandoval said Reid’s plan is a “fantasy” with “a billion dollar plus hole in it.”
Reid reiterated that he proposes to shave the state budget by cutting 26 departments down to 16, but Sandoval argued that Reid’s proposed budget is based on non-existent projected revenue and unproven modernization and efficiencies.
Both candidates repeatedly pledged not to raise taxes or lay off any teachers as they seek to make cuts to programs and salaries around the state.
Sandoval said Reid was not being honest about not raising taxes. He pointed out that Reid recently told a reporter he would not propose taxes but might sign a tax bill if presented with one by the state legislature. Reid pushed back and said Sandoval was presenting a “misrepresentation” of his position.
Both candidates said reform of the state employee retirement program was needed; both said the state needs to diversify the economy; and both called for immigration reform although neither supports an AZ-style law in Nevada.
This was the last debate between Reid and Sandoval before early voting begins on October 16. Two more debates are scheduled during the last week of October.
Many polls have shown Reid trailing by as many as 20 points, but many analysts have said they think the margin is closer to between 10 and 12 percent. Even so, tonight’s debate offered no bombshells or game changers–so the numbers are unlikely to swing Reid’s way by any greater margin than the one by which he presently trails.