GREEN BAY, WI – (WGBW & WISS) -The Republican candidates in the 8th Congressional District race participated in a debate sponsored by the Wisconsin Manufacturer’s & Commerce (WMC). The WMC is the combined state chamber and manufacturer’s association.

The debate featured Wisconsin State Senator Andre’ Jacque, former State Senator Roger Roth, and former convenience store owner Tony Wied. They spoke on their platforms and why each should be the Republican candidate for the 8th Congressional District.

Republican candidates for the 8th Congressional District debated in Green Bay on Thursday. Lisa Hale reports.

Regarding inflation and interest rates, Jacque said he wants to cut the federal budget and end the Federal Reserve.

“We have to actually hold the federal government, like we do at the state level, to a budget. And we need to end the federal reserve because, frankly, it’s been encouraging risky (spending) and, basically, bailing out Leftist social engineering,” said Jacque.

Roth touted his experience as a former state senator and a small business owner. He said cutting taxes is the key to helping businesses grow.

“My entire career has been cutting taxes. I worked with Governor Walker to cut taxes by 8.5 billion dollars. Also worked with WMC, incidentally, to author the first elimination of the state income tax in Wisconsin,” said Roth.

Weid leaned heavily on being the candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump. He also leaned on his experience as a business owner. Weid said healthcare in the United States needs more competition and decentralization.

“We need more competitiveness. We need fair markets. And that will drive prices down,” said Weid. “Right now what we have with the Biden Administration is – I mean, they’re looking to have Medicare and healthcare for all. You know, socialized medicine. And we just cannot afford that.”

8th congressional district

The 8th Congressional District covers Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagaimie, Shawano, Waupaca, and parts of Calumet and Winnebago Counties.

Jacque, Roth, and Wied will appear on Republican ballots for the primary election on August 13th. The winner of which will face Democrat candidate, Dr. Kristin Lyerly in the general election on November 5th.

The primary and general elections will have two separate elections for the 8th Congressional District. The first will finish the term vacated by Mike Gallagher in April. The second will be for the new term which begins in January 2025.

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