By Andrea Picou, Staff Writer

Published in print Nov.5, 2014

On Wednesday, the Democratic and Republican candidates for North Carolina’s sixth district seat in the House of Representatives debated.

Neil McNeil moderated the debate, and newscasters from WGHP Fox 8 and journalists from the News and Record asked questions.

Allen Johnson of the News and Record asked for the candidates opinions on the recent decision made by legislative leaders of the North Carolina General Assembly to fight the recent court ruling that same sex marriage is legal.

Laura Fjeld said, “I favor marriage equality.” Mark Walker expressed concern over an appointed judge “overriding” the state’s constitution.

Bob Buckley from Fox 8 asked about the candidates’ main economic priorities. Mark Walker said, “I don’t go as far as saying it’s the government’s responsibility to create jobs.” He spoke about workforce development.

Fjeld emphasized helping small businesses by allowing for easier access to capital, and cutting back on red tape and went on to attack Walker.

Fjeld said that his idea to impose “a whopping sales tax” is  “a jobs killer, not a jobs grower.”

The News and Record’s Joe Killian asked about solutions to the immigration problem. Fjeld said, “We need to secure our borders,” and she went on to list the four main United States borders.

Fjeld said, “I oppose amnesty, I don’t think we should reward people for breaking our laws.”

Fjeld does support allowing a path for those brought here as children. Walker spoke about the drug and human trafficking problem that is tied up in the problem of illegal immigration.

To follow up, the candidates were asked to “Define amnesty and how it pertains to your views.” Walker said, “I believe amnesty is the unilateral waving of the magic wand that grants people who came here illegally, citizenship.”

Fjeld restated her previous answer, and added that “gridlock in Washington” continues to be a barrier to immigration reform. Merriam-Webster defines amnesty as, “the act of an authority (as a government) by which pardon is granted to a large group of individuals.”

When asked about income inequality Walker’s answer was about the pay gap between men and women.

Fjeld responded, “This is about prioritizing our tax dollars.” She spoke about better education and resources, along with closing tax loopholes.

The candidates attacked each other on past statements. Mark Walker vocally kept track of how many times he was confronted directly. Both candidates did try to create a clear difference from the other.