COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—The two Democrats running for the U.S. Senate continued to squabble over who’s the outsider, but Sen. Michael Bennet and former state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff agreed on virtually every other topic in their second debate on Friday.
On immigration, energy, gay rights and other topics, the two Democrats took nearly identical stances before about 200 Democrats who watched their second debate.
Romanoff started his remarks by chiding Bennet for accepting campaign donations from big companies and political action committees. The challenger said that Bennet’s fundraising prowess only makes him timid about taking on powerful industries such as health insurers.
“When push comes to shove, you don’t push, and you don’t shove,” Romanoff said.
Bennet reminded the crowd that Romanoff was in politics while Bennet was running Denver schools and working in the private sector.
“I have spent my life outside of politics,” said Bennet, who has never run for office before. He was superintendent of Denver Public Schools before being appointed to the seat last year when former Sen. Ken Salazar became Interior Secretary.
In policy areas, though, Romanoff and Bennet overwhelmingly agreed.
Both wanted to end the military’s ban on gay servicemembers and the federal prohibition on same-sex marriage. Both supported increased labeling of genetically modified foods. Both opposed the Army’s plan to expand a training site in southeast Colorado over the objections of neighboring ranchers.
Asked directly how the two differed, Bennet replied, “I honestly don’t there are significant policy distinctions between the two of us.”
Romanoff said he’d be more willing to stand up to Democratic leaders in the White House and in Congress.
The Democrats have no more scheduled debates before a May 22 statewide Democratic assembly at which party members will decide who goes first on the ballot. The eventual Democratic nominee won’t be chosen until an Aug. 10 primary.
On the Republican side, former Lt. Gov. Jane Norton and Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck are among several seeking the GOP nod. Republican candidates have already appeared at several forum-style debates before conservative groups.
