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Watch: Elaine Luria and Scott Taylor meet for second debate

Posted at 9:49 AM, Oct 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-22 17:48:34-04

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - For the second and final time, Congresswoman Scott Taylor and Elaine Luria debated on Thursday afternoon, with a focus this time on issues impacting the business community.

Luria said she supports repealing the state's right-to-work law, which says people won't have to pay union dues in order to work. Luria said unions have helped enable pro-worker measures.

"I support repealing the right to work. I support the PRO Act and I support workers right to organize," she said.

Taylor fired back, saying that would hurt businesses. "I find it disqualifying, period," he said."I find it insane that you would forcing someone to pay money to a union if you don't want to."

The Hampton Roads Chamber hosted the debate at the Marriott at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

The two met for their first debate on Tuesday evening at the News 3 studios.

On Thursday, Taylor also attacked Luria for an investment she has in a Chinese company. "I don't understand how a US Congressman, especially right now, could invest in Chinese manufacturing," he said. "I support this country over China."

Luria said the investment is in a commonly held stock that's publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

"If you want to talk about personal finances, if you want to talk about your bankruptcy - the millions of dollars in judgments against you - your failure to pay your taxes on time, we can do that," Luria said during the debate. Taylor responded that he did not have a bankruptcy.

The two also shared a pointed exchange on healthcare and Taylor's 2017 vote on a bill that would've gutted the Affordable Care Act. "All of this in a time of a global pandemic. How could you want to take people's healthcare away?" asked Luria.

"Well, I don't, Mrs. Luria," Taylor responded. "I never have. I know you've been getting a lot of mileage out that dumb talking point about pre-existing conditions."

A new poll in the race says Luria has a seven-point lead over Taylor, but many people have already voted early. Taylor isn't buying it. "I think it's a close race, and I that it's all going to come down to turn out," he said.

Luria believes the poll is a reflection of the work she's done. "We just worked hard. We've been everywhere. We've talked to people. Our doors are open. Our phones are on and we would really like the opportunity to continue to serve," she said.

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