The two candidates competing to be the next governor of New Mexico held one final debate last night and things got pretty heated.
Reps. Steve Pearce, a Republican, and Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, are the two candidates vying to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.
The two candidates took jabs at each other over immigration, crime, Medicaid and other significant topics. (RELATED: Border Wall Construction Progresses In New Mexico)
The debate got testy when Pearce accused his opponent of being weak on crime and supporting a proposal to end life-sentences, one supported by organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
“My opponent has supported a position by the ACLU that would turn convicted murderers loose at the thirty year point,” Pearce said.
While not denying her position, Lujan Grisham responded by claiming that she has a record of supporting police by securing additional funding for police officers.
“I’ve secured millions of dollars to put more cops on the streets,” she claimed.
Crime has become a major centerpiece of this campaign, with Albuquerque increasingly becoming one of the most dangerous cities in the United States.
On healthcare, Lujan-Grisham repeated her promise to expand access and accused her opponent of not wanting to protect pre-existing conditions, a common tactic among Democratic candidates in 2018.
As governor, I’ll rebuild our behavioral health system, protect and strengthen Medicaid, and expand access to affordable healthcare for all New Mexicans. https://t.co/KJudjAcsbq #nmpol #NMGovDebate pic.twitter.com/g2fka4E0Tq
— MichelleLujanGrisham (@Michelle4NM) October 25, 2018
Pearce meanwhile hit Lujan Grisham for her own personal healthcare record, accusing her of profiting off sick New Mexicans for personal gain.
Michelle Lujan Grisham’s corrupt Delta Consulting contract is disqualifying. Her company made millions overcharging sick New Mexicans while she cashed in. We must end this corruption if New Mexico is going to move forward. #nmpol
— Steve Pearce (@Pearce4NM) October 25, 2018
Lujan Grisham has received criticism for her Delta Consulting Group, which has given Republicans an opportunity to go on the offensive when it comes to healthcare.
The election will take place Nov. 6.
RealClearPolitics polling average currently shows Lujan Grisham with a 7.4 point lead and rates the race as “Lean D.”