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WATCH: 15th Congressional District Candidates Debate At Ohio University

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ATHENS — The candidates running to represent Ohio’s 15th Congressional District discussed national and local issues during Tuesday’s debate at Ohio University.

Republican Representative Steve Stivers and Democratic Challenger Rick Neal responded to questions about how they would handle immigration, Ohio’s 2021 redistricting and how to bring jobs to southeast Ohio.

The candidates perhaps disagreed most when asked how they would approach healthcare, if elected.

Stivers responded he would continue to push for price transparency, quality transparency and for Ohioans to “get some skin in the game.”

“To make it like what we did for people with disabilities, called ‘Medicare Buy-In,’” he said. “As they make more, they pay a little more. But they don’t lose their Medicaid as they actually do better financially.”

Neal would like to improve upon the Affordable Care Act and expand other programs.

“It means working with states to guarantee Medicaid expansion, it means passing legislation that guarantees coverage of pre-existing conditions,” he said. “And yes, it does mean looking into Medicare and opening that up so people 55 and older can buy into it.”

Republican incumbent Rep. Steve Stivers debates Democratic challenger Rick Neal Tuesday night at Ohio University. [Austin Janning | WOUB]
Democratic challenger Rick Neal debates Steve Stivers as they vie for Ohio’s 15th Congressional District [Jordan Kelley | WOUB]
Rep. Steve Stivers during a debate at Ohio University [Austin Janning | WOUB]
A group of Rick Neal supporters cheer from the growd invited to watch the debate between Democratic challenger Neal and Republican Rep. Steve Stivers. [Austin Janning | WOUB]
Rick Neal and Steve Stivers shake hands during their press availability after a debate at Ohio University on October 30, 2018. (Jordan Kelley | WOUB)
Rick Neal speaks to the press after his debate with Rep. Steve Stivers Tuesday night at Ohio University [Austin Janning | WOUB]
Congressman Steve Stivers talks with constituents following a debate with Democratic challenger Rick Neal at Ohio University [Jordan Kelley | WOUB]
Rick Neal speaks with supporters after his debate with Rep. Steve Stivers at Ohio University [Austin Janning | WOUB]

Ohio University alumnus Joe Hallett moderated the debate. He is a retired reporter who worked at the Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Toledo Blade, and the Columbus Dispatch.

The debate was the final of two debates leading up to the November 6 midterm General Election.