JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - The Latest on the Alaska U.S. House race (all times local):
8:30 p.m.
Republican U.S. Rep. Don Young likened the caravan of Central American migrants moving toward the U.S. border to an invasion during a debate in Alaska’s U.S. House race.
Immigration was one of the hot-button issues in Friday night’s debate with independent Alyse Galvin, along with climate change and charged political rhetoric.
Young said he’s not sure what will happen if the migrants reach the border. He says when they arrive it will be the “big, big enchilada.”
Young, who has a history of off-the-cuff or off-color comments, said his use of the term wasn’t intentional. He says it’s another way of saying the “big one.”
But Galvin used the moment to bring up Young’s use of a slur, years ago, in referring to migrant workers for which Young previously apologized.
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4:55 p.m.
Republican U.S. Rep. Don Young and independent Alyse Galvin are scheduled to face off in a debate in Alaska’s U.S. House race.
Friday evening’s “Debate for the State” is sponsored by Anchorage TV station KTUU and Alaska Public Media. It is being carried across the state.
Young has held Alaska’s lone House seat since 1973. He is the longest-serving current member of the House.
He has touted his seniority and effectiveness. But Galvin says Alaskans are ready for a change.
Galvin is an education advocate who won the Democratic party primary to challenge Young. If she is successful in the Nov. 6 election, she would be the first woman to represent Alaska in the House.
The latest Federal Election Commission reports show Galvin has raised more money than Young.
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