California Senate Candidates: Where Do ey Stand on the Iues?

Thirty-four candidates have filed to fill California's U.S. Senate seat, which Democrat Barbara Boxer will soon vacate when she retires.

Five of the leading candidates squared off on May 10th in a debate sponsored by California Counts, a collaboration of public radio stations. The debate included candidates from both parties: California Attorney General Kamala Harris and U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez, both Democrats; George Duf Sundheim and Tom Del Beccaro, both former heads of the California Republican Party; and Republican entrepreneur Ron Unz.

Regardless of party affiliation, the top two vote-getters in California's June 7th primary will face off against each other in November's general election.

The debate revealed the candidates positions on various issues facing the State of California. Watch highlights from the debate below courtesy of KPBS.

Opening Statements

In their opening statements, the five leading candidates explain what it is about each of their life experiences that makes them the best person to represent California in the United States Senate.

Gun Control Legislation

Each of the five candidates are asked about their support of gun control legislation and how they would curtail escalating gun violence.

Immigration

With the subject dominating national headlines this election cycle, the five senatorial candidates are asked what, if anything, should be done to address immigration in this country.

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Job Creation and Higher Wages

Although unemployment is at a relatively low level, many Californians are still feeling hard-pressed to make ends meet. The candidates reveal how they would create higher paying jobs and how they feel about state legislation mandating a $15 per hour minimum wage.

The Environment

Climate change is an issue which has a direct impact on Californians - from air pollution to the state's years-long drought. How do each of the candidates feel about current environmental laws and what actions would they take to either strengthen or abolish them?

College Affordability

With education often coming at an increasingly higher cost that forces students to take on huge debt loads, how would each of the candidates try to make college more affordable for future students?

LINK:	https://www.kcet.org/ballot-brief/us-senate-candidate-debate...
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