ULA says pump issue on gaseous nitrogen pipeline needs more work. No new launch date yet on Delta IV Heavy.

Debates: Brian Mast, Lauren Baer disagree in Florida's 18th congressional district race

Ali Schmitz
Treasure Coast Newspapers
Brian Mast and Lauren Baer

 

This story has been updated from its original version.

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast and Democratic challenger Lauren Baer agreed on few policy ideas during two debates this week in the Nov. 6 run for Congress.

The debates showed their division over the best solutions for the biggest problems facing the Treasure Coast and northern Palm Beach County, including health care and toxic red tide and blue-green algae blooms.

They traded jabs, with Mast saying Baer wouldn't focus enough on local issues and Baer saying Mast is a "single-issue congressman" who focuses only on algae.

Baer said: "We're electing a congressperson to represent all of our communities' issues, not just one." Mast said: "My opponent has given us no information on which committees she wishes to be on as a member of Congress," adding he serves on committees that directly affect the Treasure Coast. 

Here's a summary of what they said on the issues in Tuesday's debate, which will air at 7 p.m. Saturday on CBS12, and in Monday's debate, available on TCPalm.com. 

Environment and algae 

A toxic red tide algae bloom still plaguing East Coast beaches hit here Sept. 29, in the wake of toxic blue-green algae blooms that started June 4, four days after Lake Okeechobee discharges to the St. Lucie River began.

More: Brian Mast, Lauren Baer disagree on environmental solutions 

Mast: Touted his local environmental record, pointing out he's on several committees directly focused on water infrastructure and environmental issues, and has pushed for a review of the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule that governs discharges. 

Said he would urge the Environmental Protection Agency to push the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to strengthen the state's water quality standards both north and south of Lake Okeechobee. 

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Palm City, speaks at media event with BullSugar.org at Shepard Park on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 in Stuart.  CQ: Brian Mast

Baer: Supports hard limits on nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Criticized Mast for supporting climate-change deniers, especially in the EPA, and not questioning EPA cuts and changes made under the Trump administration. 

Said the planned EAA reservoir isn't enough of a solution, and promised to support full implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

Health care and Social Security

"Does being pro-life only apply to before you were born?" asked Bishop Joseph Kidwell, of Greater Grace & Deliverance Ministries in Fort Pierce, during a town hall discussion with U.S. Rep. Brian Mast and more than 400 constituents June 5, 2017 at the Kane Center in Stuart. Many asked about health care, tax reform and President Donald Trump, while others spoke up about Syrian refugees, women's reproductive rights, care for veterans, climate change and the Indian River Lagoon.

Baer has made Mast's support of repealing the Affordable Care Act, often called Obamacare, the central focus of her campaign. Mast has accused her of lying and cherry-picking facts to benefit her campaign. 

More: Obamacare repeal a key issue in U.S. House District 18 race

Baer: Supports allowing people to buy into Medicare and Medicaid, saying it creates a diversified market, causing a drop in prices and increase in people covered by insurance. Opposes Medicare for All because it's not fiscally responsible. 

Opposes raising the retirement age and cutting Medicare and Social Security. Said Congress should cut discretionary spending instead. 

Mast: Said more people shouldn't be added to government health care programs. Called it "dangerous," saying it could hurt seniors. Said people should be able to craft their plans to fit their needs, and not carry certain types of insurance, like mental health.

Supports raising the retirement age and opposes adding more people to Medicare. 

Brightline

Brightline trains continue service between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, seen on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 in Boynton Beach.

During the Aug. 28 primary elections, both were more vocal opponents of Brightline's planned expansion of high-speed trains from Miami to Orlando. 

More: Stuart, Fort Pierce battle for Brightline station

Mast: Still opposes it. Said he's pushed for a Coast Guard study of rail traffic on railroad bridges, through his work as chair of the Coast Guard and Maritime subcommittee.

Baer: Said public opinion has evolved since Stuart and Fort Pierce lobbied for stops in their cities, but will only support the project if it's safe and benefits the Treasure Coast. She said she would work with cities and federal officials to make sure it was safe. 

Supports increased federal funding for rail safety to make sure there will be fewer safety concerns for communities affected by the expansion. 

Taxes and wages

Mast:Supports the Republican-led tax plan passed late last year, saying it's a boon for the economy because of low unemployment levels.

Opposes an increase in the federal minimum wage, saying workers are paid based on their education and productivity levels. Said employers should reward their hardest workers by promoting them or increasing their wages. 

Baer: Said the tax plan benefits the wealthiest, not middle-class, workers, since industry leaders aren't sharing the wealth they're expected to receive from the tax cuts.

Supports an increase in the federal minimum wage, saying low-income workers work hard and deserve to be compensated fairly. 

College affordability 

Martin County teens expressed their interest in political issues Saturday, June 23, 2018, during a meeting with congressional candidate Lauren Baer at Ground Floor Farm in Stuart.

Baer: Supports using the “power of the federal government” to help eliminate some student loan debt and give two-year grants for community college. Supports expanding opportunities for people to attend vocational schools.

Mast: Said if people wanted free and affordable college, they should enlist in the armed services so they can receive the G.I. Bill.

Impeaching Trump 

Some Democrats want to impeach President Donald Trump and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Mast and Baer agree that neither should be.

More: Rep. Brian Mast calls Kavanaugh issue disgusting to watch, stain on history

Baer: Opposes impeachment unless there's documented evidence that proves wrongdoing and only after the special counsel investigation is completed. 

Lamented the "limited" investigation into sexual harassment and assault accusations against Kavanaugh.

Mast: Claimed Democrats would push for impeachment if they take over the House. Praised Trump during the debates multiple times.

Invoking his own children and how he'd want his daughter and sons treated, said due process is owed to both victims and accusers in sexual assault allegations.